Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
After we meet and transfer you from
the airport, settle into your hotel, then
see Auckland your way. Perhaps you would like to visit Auckland Zoo, Kelly Tarltons or the Sky Tower? Tonight enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Stay: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. |
Day
2 |
Auckland – Bay of Islands
We cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge, then settle back and take in the amazing scenery of the Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the magnificent Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park. We have time to explore Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand then it’s off to Paihia and the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Reserve which has great historical importance as this is where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. You will have time to explore the Reserve and take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe and traditional meeting house. Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
3 |
Bay of Islands 'Free Time'
Today is free for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands at your own pace – perhaps take a coach trip to Cape Reinga, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach; dolphin watch, catch a ferry
to Russell, enjoy a guided sea-kayaking trip or a day of sailing. Tonight is at leisure – why not dine at a local restaurant? (B) |
Day
4 |
Bay of Islands - Auckland
This morning take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands – see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes out for marine life. This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland, the City of Sails. Stay: Stamford Plaza, Auckland (D) |
Day
5 |
Auckland – Rotorua
This morning we board The Overlander for our journey through the heart of the North Island. Enjoy stunning views of lush farmland and the Waikato River. We join our coach at the farming town of Otorohanga and travel to Waitomo Caves where we experience a guided tour of the Glow-worm Grotto. Then it’s on
to Rotorua. On our orientation tour you’ll
soak up views of Lake Rotorua. Tonight
experience The Realm of T–ane and a
traditional Maori Hangi feast and Concert. Stay: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua (2 nights) (B)(HD) |
Day
6 |
Rotorua
Sparkling wine and a breakfast cruise on Lake Rotorua onboard the historic Lakeland Queen starts our day followed by an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome’s Sheep Show. Visit Te Puia and be accompanied by a local Maori guide for a tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. This afternoon there is free time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour. (B) |
Day
7 |
Rotorua – Wellington
This morning visit Taupo and mightly Huka Falls. We board The Overlander at Taumarunui. This afternoon bound for Wellington. Enjoy lush forest, farmland and stunning alpine views as we cross the volcanic plateau of the central North Island. We traverse gorges and sprawling plains, before entering the world famous Raurimu Spiral. Enjoy dinner aboard The Overlander this evening, before arriving in Wellington this evening. Stay: Novotel Capital, Wellington (B)(HD) |
Day
8 |
Wellington - Blenheim
Explore Wellington for yourself this
morning before we visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, and explore the fascinating exhibits at your leisure. Later, join the Interislander Cruise across Cook Strait and tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. The seaside village of
Picton is next, then Blenheim and a city
orientation tour. We’ll enjoy a tour, dinner
and tasting at Montana Winery, one of
New Zealand’s best winemakers. Stay: Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim (B)(HD) |
Day
9 |
Blenheim – Christchurch
Enjoy some time at leisure in Blenheim. Later, board the TranzCoastal and journey down the East Coast of the South Island. Travel over 100 kilometres pinned between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. Travel over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Stay: Novotel, Christchurch. |
Day
10 |
Mt Cook
Discover the sights of Christchurch this morning on the Christchurch Tram. Then you’re free to
go shopping or relax. For departures after September 2010, visit Morelea Farm, a typical working sheep farm to discover an authentic taste of New Zealand Country life. You are welcomed into the home of your hosts Angie and Stan to enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch on their 300 hectare garden and gain an insight into the day to day operation of farm life. Continuing our
travels we see Lake Tekapo and Lake
Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good
Shepherd and soak up the spectacular
alpine scenery of Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain and you have the chance to take a spectacular optional scenic flight (weather permitting). Stay: MacKenzie Country Inn - Deluxe Rooms, Twizel (B/D) |
Day
11 |
Dunedin
En route to Dunedin we’ll see the
famous white limestone buildings of
Oamaru. Join the historic Taieri Gorge Railway for the journey through rugged,
spectacular scenery only accessible
by train. Cross stone work bridge, ride
through tunnels and over iron latticework
viaducts built in the 1880’s. Stay: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin (B/D) |
Day
12 |
Dunedin – Te Anau
This morning enjoy a guided tour of New Zealand’s only castle - Larnach Castle and its gardens. Then we head to Te Anau across
fertile farming land to the shores of Lake
Te Anau, the largest lake in the South
Island. Tonight, if you choose to, you can
see the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Stay: Distinction Hotel, Te Anau (B/D) |
Day
13 |
Milford Sound
Today is a feast for the senses. Be wowed
and awestruck by the beauty of the World
Heritage Fiordland National Park. Keep
your camera close by as we see Mirror
Lakes, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, The
Chasm, the hand-made Homer Tunnel,
Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and stunningly
photogenic Milford Sound. The Devils Stair
Case and Lake Wakatipu pass us by. We
arrive at Queenstown for an orientation
tour and group photo. The dinner option (own expense)
tonight is the Skyline Restaurant on Bob’s
Peak – sensational views over Queenstown
and a bonus Kiwi Haka Maori Show,
plus you’ll ride the steepest Gondola in the
Southern Hemisphere just to get there! Stay: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (2 nights) (B) |
Day
14 |
Queenstown
Explore Queenstown at your leisure today. You could take an exhilarating jet boat ride or go white water rafting. For the less adventurous there are wine
and garden tours. Tonight board the historic steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station where you experience an entertaining sheep shearing demonstration, some friendly Kiwi hospitality and a sumptuous carvery dinner. (B)(HD) |
Day
15 |
Queenstown - Franz Josef
Colourful Arrowtown is our first stop today to discover the rich gold mining history and browse through the delightful shops. See the Kawarau Gorge before stopping in Cromwell for the opportunity to taste fresh stone fruit. Later pass Lake Dunstan, New Zealand's largest man made lake before views Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Travel over the Haast Pass to the West Coast. View the mighty Thunder Creek falls and take a short bush walk. Enjoy the scenery of the towering mountains and the sparkling Tasman Sea along the coastal road to Franz Josef. Stay: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel or Te Waonui Forest Retreat (B/D) |
Day
16 |
Franz Josef – Punakaiki
Explore Franz Josef Glacier – take an optional flight (weather permitting) or a glacier hike! Then we depart for Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. It’s on to Punakaiki where we’ll view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. We overnight at our exclusive eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. Stay: Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki (B/D) |
Day
17 |
TranzAlpine - Christchurch
Enjoy time at leisure before travelling via Greymouth to Arthur's Pass where we climb aboard the TranzAlpine – one of the top 6 train journeys in the world – and travel through the picturesque Southern Alps to Christchurch. From our carriage we enjoy views of lush beech rainforest before descending over spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. We travel through sixteen tunnels and five viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing 73 metres. Stay: Novotel, Christchurch (B/D) |
Day
18 |
Depart Christchurch
Today is yours, take your time exploring Christchurch – the Garden City – famous for its gardens and being the most English city outside of England. See Hagley Park,
Canterbury Museum, whatever – just make the most of it – it’s your last chance to experience New Zealand before we transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B) |
 |
To view this tour in pdf format click here for all departures leaving before October 2010. For next seasons departures October 2010 to September 2011 click here. |
