17 Day New Zealand Magic

First up this morning you’ll board the TranzAlpine, one of the top 6 train journeys in the world. This spectacular journey takes you across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Later, visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory 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), Franz Josef (B, D)

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

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

Explore exciting Queenstown your way – from wine and garden tours to jet boat 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 carvery 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-a-long 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 hand-made Homer Tunnel to the abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, 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 Glow Worm 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 the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.

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

After a morning of time to yourself and the opportunity to visit historic 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 Waitaki and Aviemore on to Omarama.

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

Soak up the alpine scenery of 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.

Stay: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch (B)

Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast to Kaikoura, famous for its whales (optional Whale Watching flight). We’ll get up close and personal with some New Zealand’s Fur Seals at Ohau Point. Pass the Grassmere Salt Works then travel to the pretty seaside town of Picton.

Stay: Beachcomber Inn, Picton (B, D)

We’ll cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington for a city tour with views from Mt Victoria. ‘Free Time’ then we visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. 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 Mt. Ruapehu. Visit Taupo 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 Sheep Show to enjoy an entertaining look at life on a New Zealand farm. The afternoon is ‘Free Time’ 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 the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve with a Local Guide (own expense). Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter and gain an insight into traditional Maori culture followed by a delicious buffet dinner, at the Tamaki Maori Village. (B, D)

This morning travel through lush Waikato farmland to Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glow Worm 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)

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 northern-most 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 & Resort (Garden View), Bay of Islands (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 Reserve, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed. You’ll have time on your own to take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe (Waka) and Marae (Meeting House). 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’ll be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. (B)