19 Day New Zealand Showcase Tour

Depart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a kauri tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between Māori and the British.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) (B, D)

Today is at leisure for you to explore an array of exciting activities available in the beautiful Bay of Islands (own expense). Perhaps you would enjoy a day tour to the very top of New Zealand, with a drive along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach before visiting the lighthouse at Cape Reinga. You may prefer an interesting tour of Russell to gain an insight into New Zealand’s early European history, or visit Kerikeri to browse fine arts and crafts. There are also many water activities. Swim with dolphins, sail on a tall ship, or try your hand at fishing. The choice is yours and your Coach Captain will be available to assist. This evening is also free and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). (B)

This morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning to Paihia. Travel south via Whangarei to Auckland. This afternoon includes a visit to the Sky Tower at your leisure, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions.

Stay: Skycity Hotel (B, D)

Today enjoy a city sights tour of Auckland. Continue through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. This is followed by a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Your guide will recount details of how this beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth.

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

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. 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. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Māori hāngī and concert. (B, SD)

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupō. Continue to Napier, known as the ‘Art Deco Capital’, where a city tour will showcase an impressive collection of Art Deco buildings. Enjoy some free time to explore the fascinating architecture before travelling through the Wairarapa, an emerging cool-climate wine region.

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Solway Park (B, D)

Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before travelling to Greytown, where you see the most complete example of original Victorian wooden architecture. Drive through the scenic Remutaka Mountain Range into Wellington, then enjoy a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here.

Stay: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (B, D)

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Māori and European views. This afternoon board the Interislander ferry, cross Cook Strait, and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton where you board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim.

Tour through Marlborough, famous for its food and wine, then travel to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Continue on to the garden city of Christchurch.

Stay: Distinction Hotel Christchurch (B, D)

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its pounamu (greenstone), before continuing to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

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

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty, before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

Stay: Mercure Queenstown Resort (Lakeview Rooms) (2 nights) (B)

Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain and Tour Guide are available to assist. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon, or get 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)

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village, and visiting the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. This evening you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Rooms) (2 nights) (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 return to Te Anau where some free time is available. (B, L, D)

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, and enjoy an informative city tour followed by some free time to explore at leisure. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (B, SD)

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Ōamaru, famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you continue to marvel at Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay.

Stay: MacKenzie Country Hotel (B, D)

Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the sheepdog memorial, before arriving into Christchurch for an informative city tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your newfound friends.

Stay: Sudima Christchurch (B, SD)

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