12 Day New Zealand Discoverer

Travel to Waitomo and discover the magical natural spectacle of the Waitomo Caves, where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an unmistakable glow. Continue to the geothermal capital of Rotorua. Visit Te Puia, New Zealand’s premier cultural centre, to enjoy a guided tour of the Māori Arts and Crafts Institute and see Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori hāngī feast.

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

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Māori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to one of New Zealand’s best-loved attractions, the Agrodome, with its entertaining sheep shearing demonstration, dog trials and animal nursery. (B)

Departing Rotorua, travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway through a region abundant with geothermal activity, crystal-clear lakes, natural spas and rich Māori culture. Visit Lake Taupō and Huka Falls. Later, travel across Tongariro National Park to Wellington.

Stay: Travelodge Hotel Wellington (B)

Enjoy a scenic voyage as the Interislander ferry traverses the Cook Strait through the breathtaking Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Weave through unspoilt islands and admire coastlines defined by tiny coves on the way to Picton. Continue to Christchurch via Kaikōura.

Stay: Quality Elms Hotel, Christchurch (B, D)

Absorb the picturesque rural scenery from aboard your coach before beginning the ascent into the Main Divide. Then sit back and enjoy the vistas as you journey through the towering, captivating Southern Alps. Continue along the coast to Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier. Over thousands of years, these remarkable natural wonders have created immense glacial valleys.

Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (B, D)

Experience one of the world’s best scenic train journeys aboard the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass.

Additional Cost: $NZ 185 pp

Today you will travel across the stunning snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps through spectacular Haast Pass, skirting the tranquil shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea to the alpine resort of Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a picturesque two-night stay with the dramatic backdrop of towering mountains overlooking the lake.

Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview (2 nights) (B)

Ride the Skyline Gondola 450 metres above the city to the top of Bob’s Peak for a buffet lunch at the Stratosfare Restaurant. All of Queenstown spreads below you in its spectacular glory. The rest of the day is at
leisure, so perhaps try a Select Experience. (B, L)

Follow The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu to the still beauty of the Fiordland National Park, where Milford Sound awaits. Step aboard a ship to cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord, viewing cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest and the towering mountains that surround this World Heritage-listed area.

Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau (B, D)

Leaving the Fiordland region, journey through rolling Southland countryside before arriving in Dunedin. While here, enjoy a tour that reveals to you the city’s most significant landmarks and learn of its rich history. Known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, the symbolic architecture of this former gold mining town is still proudly on display. Later, head to the nearby hills to take an intriguing tour of New Zealand’s only castle, the impressive Larnach Castle. Afterwards, enjoy some time at leisure before dining with your fellow travellers this evening.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (B)

Journey along the east coast to see the Moeraki Boulders, formed over 60 million years ago. Continue to Ōamaru to see some of New Zealand’s finest 19th-century architecture. Later, en route to Lake Tekapo, journey into Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to view Australasia’s highest mountain – Aoraki Mount Cook. Arrive at your hotel on the shores of scenic Lake Tekapo. Tonight dine on fresh local produce at your hotel’s restaurant during a farewell dinner.

Stay: Peppers Bluewater Resort, Lake Tekapo (B, D)

Visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo, built as a tribute to the region’s early pioneers. Enjoy the pristine beauty and the azure waters the lake in the heart of the spectacular Mackenzie district. Later, journey to Christchurch. Your tour then concludes when you arrive at Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B)