New Zealand Experience-Christchurch to Auckland

Your itinerary

Day 1 Mon: Arrive Christchurch

On arrival in Christchurch youwill be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm). The remainder of the day is at leisure. This evening enjoy a welcome drink. Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 2 Tue: Fox Glacier

Opportunity to journey on the TranzAlpine train over the Southern Alps (please requestat time of booking). Depart Christchurch for the scenic drive to Punakaiki. View the Pancake Rocks and blowholes, before continuing south along the rugged coastal road to Fox Glacier. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight over Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier and Mt. Cook (weather permitting).

Accommodation: Fox Glacier Hotel, Fox Glacier. (B)

Day 3 Wed: Queenstown

Travel along the coastal road with the towering mountains on your left and the Tasman Sea on your right. Climb over the Haast Pass and travel through dramatic mountain and forest scenery. Follow the shores of Lake Wanaka and journey through the Kawarau Gorge. Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colourful township steeped in local history, before continuing to Queenstown.

Accommodation: Rydges Lakeland Resort, Queenstown, 2 nights. (B)

Day 4 Thu: Queenstown

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many scenic delights of Queenstown. Your Tour Director will happily advise on the optional activities available. Perhaps take an optional jet boat ride or go whitewater rafting. Tonight ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for a delicious buffet dinner and stunning views of Queenstown.

This evening you have the opportunity to experience Kiwi Haka. Ask your Tour Director for details. (B) (HD)

Day 5 Fri: Milford Sound

Travel south towards Fiordland, through some magnificent alpine country. Drive through the Homer Tunnel, a tunnel one mile long and completely hand hewn. Stop briefly at the Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound, where you cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. This afternoon continue to Te Anau. Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau. (B)

Day 6 Sat: Te Anau/ Dunedin Cross the rich fertile country of South Otago enjoying farmland scenery. Later, continue north to Dunedin, founded by Scottish settlers. Accommodation: Bentley's Hotel, Dunedin. (B)

Day 7 Sun: Dunedin/Mt. Cook

This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour around Dunedin. Opportunity to visit Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only authentic castle. Travel through Oamaru which is famous for its white stone buildings made of limestone. Follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro-electric dams at Waitakiand Aviemore to Omarama.

Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama. (B)

Day 8 Mon: Mt.Cook/ Christchurch

Travel past Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). This afternoon stop at Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd, then continue over the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch. (B)

Day 9 Tue: Christchurch/ Picton

Continue along the rugged coast and stop to view New Zealand fur seals. At Kaikoura you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional whale watching flight. This afternoon continue to the pretty fishing village of Picton.

Accommodation: Beachcomber, Picton. (B)

Day 10 Wed: Wellington

This morning join the inter-island cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington. Enjoy a sightseeing tour around Wellington.

Free time this afternoon in  Wellington to visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum.

Accommodation: Hotel Ibis, Wellington. (B)

Day 11 Thu: Wellington/ Rotorua

Travel through the rich dairy farming lands to the vast volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park. Follow the eastern shoreline of Lake Taupo to the township of Taupo. Stop to view mighty Huka Falls, then head north to Rotorua this afternoon.

Tonight enjoy a night of authentic, traditional culture and entertainment and share in a Hangi - a selection of foods cooked in the traditional way.

Accommodation: Hotel Ibis, Rotorua, 2 nights. (B) (HD)

Day 12 Fri: Rotorua

Enjoy a guided tour accompanied by a local Maori guide and share the beauty and history of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Watch Maori craftsmen perform the traditional art of whakario (wood carving), and visit a meeting house. Wander amidst pools of boiling mud and geysers of all sizes! Opportunity to visit Paradise Valley Springs and the Sheep Show at Agrodome for an entertaining look at life on the farm. Some free time this afternoon for an optional scenic flight over 'geyserland' or to go trout fishing. (B)

Day 13 Sat: Waitomo Caves

This morning travel to Waitomo Caves where you will experience a guided tour and boat ride of the incredible Glow-worm Grotto. Later, journey north through Hamilton, before continuing to Auckland. Enjoy an optional farewell dinner arranged by your Tour Director at the Observatory Restaurant located at the top of Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere.

Accommodation: Mercure Hotel, Auckland. (B)

Day 14 Sun: Depart Auckland

You will be transferred to Auckland Airport to connect with your flight (flights to depart anytime). (B)

Maori Cultural Experiences

Symbol denotes INCLUDED

Symbol denotes OPTIONAL

Farm Stay Option:

Spend the night with a local family tonight. Enjoy some trueNew Zealand hospitality. Additional cost, $50 per person.

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Airfares are not included in the Tour Price.

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