Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
After we meet and transfer you from
the airport, settle into your hotel, then
see Auckland your way. Perhaps visit the Sky Tower for spectacular views of the harbour and surrounding volcanic hills. Tonight meet with your Tour Director followed by dinner. Stay: Mercure Hotel, Auckland (D) |
Day
2 |
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 a traditional Maori Hangi feast and concert. Stay: Hotel Ibis Rotorua (2 nights) (B/HD) |
Day
3 |
Rotorua
This morning you take time to visit farm life at the Agrodome’s Sheep Show. Then 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
4 |
Rotorua – Wellington
Travelling from the mountains to the sea, today you’ll see Lake Taupo, Huka Falls, the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu. Board the Overlander at Taumarunui. Take in the lush forest, farmland and stunning alpine views as you cross the volcanic plateau of the central North Island. Traverse gorges, sprawling plains then enter the worldfamous Raurimu Spiral.. Stay: Mercure Wellington, Wellington (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
5 |
Wellington
Enjoy a city tour of Wellington. Later visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, and explore the fascinating exhibits at your leisure. Later you’ll visit the Silverstream Railway in Upper Hutt to view some of the preserved New Zealand railways and industrial steam and diesel locomotives. Enjoy a short steam train ride and tour through their restoration factory. (B) |
Day
6 |
Wellington – Christchurch
This morning you’ll cruise the Cook Strait into tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. At Picton board the Coastal Pacific and journey down the East Coast of the South Island. Travel over 100 kilometres pinned between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. Next you head through the Canterbury Plains en route to Christchurch. Stay: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch. (B) |
Day
7 |
Mt Cook
Begin the day with a ride on the Christchurch Tram followed by a city tour on your coach, with views from the Sign of the Takahe. Later, see Lake Tekapo and 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 - Standard Rooms, Twizel (B/L/D) |
Day
8 |
Dunedin
En route to Dunedin we’ll see the
famous white limestone buildings of
Oamaru. Join the historic Seasider train at Palmerston for the journey through to Dunedin. This afternoon you’ll board your second train journey for the day, 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: Kingsgate Hotel, Dunedin (B/D) |
Day
9 |
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: The Village Inn, Te Anau (B/D) |
Day
10 |
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. Continue to Queenstown. Dinner option tonight is the sensational Skyline Restaurant on Bob’s Peak via the Southern Hemisphere’s steepest Gondola! (own expense). A bonus Kiwi Haka Maori Show makes for a top night! Stay: Heartland Hotel, Queenstown (2 nights) (B) |
Day
11 |
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 TSS 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
12 |
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 of Lakes Hawea and Lake 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: Heartland Hotel, Fox Glacier (B/D) |
Day
13 |
Punakaiki – Greymouth
Explore Franz Josef Glacier – take an optional flight (weather permitting) or a glacier hike! Depart for Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. Later you’ll view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Greymouth (B/D) |
Day
14 |
TranzAlpine - Christchurch
Visit the historic village of Shantytown for a ride on the vintage steam train. At Greymouth, the 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: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch (B/D) |
Day
15 |
Depart Christchurch
You are transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B) |
 |
Click on the icon to download the 15 Day Rail Spectacular tour in pdf format. |
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