16 Day Highlights of New Zealand Tour

After an introductory city sights tour, depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, and view the sheepdog memorial. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Ōmarama.

Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel (B, D)

Depart Ōmarama and see Lake Benmore before following the Waitaki River to Ōamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising bagpipes, great food, a special Haggis Ceremony and gift.

Stay: Mercure Leisure Lodge (B, SD)

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland, your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Superior Rooms) (B, D)

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

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

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain is available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, whether it be the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon, or getting up close to a kiwi bird. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back, relax, and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then re-board the TSS Earnslaw for a singalong by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. (B, SD)

Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village, and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers.

Stay: Hearland Hotel Glacier Country (B, D)

Travel to Hokitika and visit a pounamu (greenstone/jade) studio. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Stay: Quality Hotel Elms (B, D)

Travel through the Lewis Pass and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you continue to the Marlborough region, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton where you board the Interislander ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.

Stay: Ibis Wellington (2 nights) (B, D)

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand. Re-board your coach for an extensive city tour that showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements. (B)

Depart Wellington and view the volcanic peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupō. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls, then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights) (B, D)

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua, where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a luge ride! Travel to the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Visit Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. Enjoy some free time this afternoon, then this evening you will experience an entertaining Māori hāngī and concert. (B, SD)

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy an introduction to this area, location of the signing of the treaty between the Māori and the British.

Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge (2 nights) (B, D)

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on-board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. (B)

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening you will be treated to a special farewell dinner with your new friends.

Stay: Rydges Auckland (B, SD)

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)