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)

Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass and past a trio of lakes. Stop at Cromwell and enjoy the tastes of its delicious stone fruit. Next you’ll visit the historic gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. An orientation tour
of Queenstown completes your day.

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

Explore exciting Queenstown your way today. This evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner at The Colonel’s Homestead. (B, D)

Travel the iconic stretch of highway known as the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of serene Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. On your way to cruise on Milford Sound you’ll be awestruck by the towering native rainforests and rugged mountains. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and see the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls.

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

Journey through lush green sheep-grazing country on your way to Dunedin. After a city tour the afternoon is yours.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, Dunedin (B)

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)

Journey through the awe-inspiring Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park (an optional scenic is available) See majestic Lake Pukaki and Tekapo, and stop to view the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, traverse the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Stay: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch (B, D)

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)

Your special packed lunch today won’t only be wholesome, it will also feed a Kiwi child who may otherwise go without, through the charity ‘Eat My Lunch’. Travel along the scenic Kapiti Coast today through lush dairy farming country to Tongariro National Park and snow-capped Mt. Ruapehu. Panoramic views of Lake Taupo will unfold around every corner. View mighty Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station.

This evening, a very entertaining cultural experience awaits you at the Tamaki Māori Village. Experience a powerful Haka challenge, witness a concert showcasing Māori culture, and dine at a traditional Māori Hangi feast
Highlight Dinner.

Stay: Hotel Ibis Rotorua (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Relax or explore Rotorua at your own pace. (B)

Travel through lush Waikato farmland to the fabulous Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glowworm Grotto by boat, and walk through limestone caverns. Later you’ll follow the noble Waikato River into Auckland.

Stay: VR Queen Street, Auckland (B)

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)

Enjoy a leisurely morning before travelling through lush farmland as you return to Auckland. Take an orientation tour of the city before joining your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner

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

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