Best of New Zealand-Auckland to Christchurch

Your itinerary

Day 1 Sat: Arrive Auckland

On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm). Afternoon at leisure. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink . Accommodation: Mercure Hotel, Auckland.

Day 2 Sun: Auckland/Bay of Islands

Depart Auckland and travelnorth along the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands.

On arrival visit the Waitangi Treaty Reserve for a guided tour with a Maori guide. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore.

Accommodation: Hotel Paihia,Bay of Islands, 2 nights. (B)

Day 3 Mon: Bay of Islands

Enjoy a full day at leisure in the Bay of Islands today. (B)

Day 4 Tue: Bay of Islands/ Auckland

This morning join a catamaran cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett. Weather permitting, travel through the famous 'Hole in the Rock'.This afternoon return to Auckland, the 'City of Sails'.

Accommodation: Mercure Hotel, Auckland. (B)

Day 5 Wed: Waitomo Caves/Rotorua

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Auckland, then journey south through the Waikato district to Waitomo. At the Waitomo Caves experience a guided tour and boat ride of the incredible Glow-worm Grotto. This afternoon travel to Rotorua.

Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter and gain an insight into traditional Maori culture and entertainment, plus a delicious buffet dinner.

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

Day 6 Thu: Rotorua

Enjoy a guided tour accompanied by a local Maori guide and share the beauty and history of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Wander amidst pools of boiling mud and geysers of all sizes! Opportunity to visit Paradise Valley Springs and the Sheep Show at Agrodome to enjoy an entertaining look at life on the farm. Free time this afternoon. (B)

Day 7 Fri: Rotorua/ Wellington

This morning depart Rotorua, travelling south to Wairakei and on to Taupo, in the very heart of the North Island. Stop to view mighty Huka Falls before following the eastern shoreline of Lake Taupo. Continue through the rich dairy farming lands of Manawatu to the coast and into the capital city Wellington.

Accommodation: Hotel Ibis, Wellington. (B)

Day 8 Sat: Wellington/Picton

Enjoy a tour around Wellington.

Free time to visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum. This afternoon join the inter-island cruise across Cook Strait and into the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, before arriving at the pretty fishing village of Picton on the South Island.

Accommodation: Beachcomber, Picton. (B)

Day 9 Sun: Picton/ Christchurch

Travel along the rugged coast to Kaikoura, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional whale watching flight. This afternoon continue to the beautiful city Christchurch.

Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch. (B)

Day 10 Mon: Mt. Cook

Travel over the colourful, patchwork plains of Canterbury. Visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue past Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Time to take an optional scenic flight over this mighty mountain (weather permitting).

Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama. (B)

Day 11 Tue: Dunedin

Follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore. Travel through Oamaru which is famous for its white stone buildings made of limestone. Continue south to Dunedin, founded by Scottish settlers.

Accommodation: Bentley's Hotel, Dunedin. (B)

Day 12 Wed: Dunedin

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dunedin and the opportunity to visit historic Larnach Castle. Travel south through Balclutha and the farming town of Gore. Cross the rich fertile country of South Otago and continue to Te Anau.

Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau. (B)

Day 13 Thu: Milford Sound

Travel south towards Fiordland, and through the Homer Tunnel. Stop briefly at the Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the waters of this natural wonder, with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above you. Continue to Queenstown.

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

Day 14 Fri: Queenstown

Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many scenic delightsof Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. Your Tour Director will happily advise on the optional activities available. Tonight ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak for a delicious buffet dinner.

This evening you have the opportunity to experience Kiwi Haka. (B) (HD) •

Day 15 Sat: Queenstown/Fox Glacier

Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colourful township steeped in local history. Follow the course of the fast flowing Kawarau River through the Kawarau Gorge.Climb over the Haast Pass, which winds its way through Mount Aspiring National Park and dramatic mountain and forest scenery. Continue north alongthe coastal road to Fox Glacier.

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

Day 16 Sun: Punakaiki/ Christchurch

This morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). This afternoon continue north along the rugged coast to Punakaiki and see the Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Opportunity to journey on the TranzAlpine train over the Southern Alps (please request at time of booking).

Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch. (B)

Day 17 Mon: Depart Christchurch

You will be transferred to Christchurch 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.

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Airfares are not included in the Tour Price.

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