17 Day New Zealand Magic

First up this morning you’ll board the TranzAlpine, one of the top scenic train journeys in the world. This spectacular trip takes you across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Later visit Hokitika, home of pounamu (jade), for a studio visit and jewellery demonstration. Next stop is Franz Josef Glacier – a rare, still advancing glacier (optional scenic flight available).

Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing) (B, D)

Travel through the Haast Pass, view Thunder Creek Falls, take a rainforest walk. Then it’s a trio of lakes – Wanaka, Hawea, and Dunstan. Next is Cromwell and its stone fruit and Arrowtown on the Arrow River. On arrival in Queenstown, the ‘adventure capital of New Zealand’, an orientation tour completes your day.

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Queenstown (2 nights) (B)

Explore exciting Queenstown your way – from wine and garden tours to jetboat rides and white water rafting. This evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station for a highlight dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. An entertaining after-dinner farm show provides a glimpse into high country farm life. Why not join in a sing-along on your cruise back to Queenstown. (B, D)

Travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. You’ll be awestruck by great sights from Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, one of the world’s most amazing places, where you’ll cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. En route you’ll drive through the handmade Homer Tunnel to the abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, The Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Then return to Te Anau. Tonight you have the option to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau (B, D)

We’ll cross sheep-filled farming land to Dunedin, founded by Scottish settlers, for a city tour. The afternoon is yours to explore Dunedin as you wish – take a wildlife cruise, visit Cadbury World, or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, Dunedin (B, D)

Enjoy a morning of time to yourself and the opportunity to visit historic Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only authentic castle, Travel through Ōamaru which is famous for its limestone buildings, then follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore, on to Ōmarama.

Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Ōmarama (B, D)

Soak up the alpine scenery of Aoraki Mount 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.

Stay: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch (B)

Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast to Kaikōura, famous for its whales (optional whale watching flight). We’ll get up close and personal with some New Zealand fur seals at Ōhau Point. Pass the Grassmere Salt Works then travel to the pretty seaside town of Picton.

Stay: Beachcomber Inn, Picton (B, D)

Cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington for a city tour with views from Mount Victoria. Enjoy free time and then we visit Te Papa Tongarewa, Museum of New Zealand. Tonight experience the local cuisine for yourself.

Stay: Travelodge, Wellington (B, D)

Travel along the Kapiti Coast, through the dairy farms of Manawatu, to Tongariro National Park and discover the alpine scenery of Mount Ruapehu. Visit Taupō and drive along the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. View Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei geothermal power station.

Stay: Hotel Ibis Rotorua (2 nights) (B)

This morning we visit the Agrodome Farm Show to enjoy an entertaining look at life on a New Zealand farm. The afternoon is at leisure for you to take in all the other activities Rotorua has on offer. Perhaps visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park, abundant with rainbow trout and native fauna including the kiwi, or Te Puia where you can join a tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley with a local guide (own expense). Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter and gain an insight into traditional Māori culture, followed by a delicious buffet dinner at the Tamaki Māori Village. (B, D)

This morning travel through lush Waikato farmland to Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glowworm Grotto by boat and walk through the limestone caves. Later you’ll follow the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, into Auckland. Enjoy picturesque views of the cityscape and of Auckland’s North Shore from Bastion Point. This evening celebrate your holiday at a dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Stay: VR Queen Street, Auckland (B, D)

Travel over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, through Orewa and the scenic Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park. There’s time to explore Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand, then it’s off to the beautiful Bay of Islands. 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 peeled for the marine life.

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort (Garden View) (2 nights) (B, D)

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, enjoy a guided sea-kayaking trip, or a day of sailing. Tonight is at leisure so why not dine at a local restaurant. (B)

You have the opportunity to visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed. You’ll have time on your own to take in highlights such as the magnificent Ceremonial War Canoe (waka) and carved meeting house (Te Whare Rūnanga). This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.

Stay: VR Queen Street, Auckland (B)

Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. (B)