8 Day North & South Highlights

With an early morning departure from Auckland you will be travelling southbound towards the Waitomo Caves via the city of Hamilton which sits on the banks of the Waikato River. Enjoy a guided tour of the caves with a silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto – a subterranean cavern lit up by the lights of thousands of tiny glowworms. Arrival at your Rotorua accommodation will be in the early afternoon. Tonight you will attend a hangi (feast) and concert, an authentic and intimate Maori experience. (D) (2 nights)

This morning you will experience Maori culture and the amazing thermal wonderland at Te Puia. Te Puia is also home to the Arts and Crafts Institute where the ancient teachings of Maori ancestors have been preserved and continue to thrive. Continue on to the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, an attraction like no other. Set in 22 acres of beautiful native trees and streams you will see a huge variety of New Zealand’s most precious inhabitants including the Kiwi Conservation Centre. New Zealand’s thriving agricultural industry is on show at the Agrodome, where you will witness a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials. The afternoon is at leisure.

This morning you will be transferred from your accommodation to the Rotorua airport for your southbound flight to Queenstown. Your flight is included in the tour price. Be sure not to miss the stunning scenery as you descend into Queenstown, it really will take your breath away. After arriving into Queenstown you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Your afternoon is at leisure. (3 nights)

It’s an early departure today as your coach follows the southern arm of Lake Wakitipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. The scenery changes dramatically from tussock covered grasslands to glacier hewn valleys as you enter the Eglington Valley and travel through the breath taking man-made Homer Tunnel before reaching Milford Sound. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your launch for a spectacular cruise where you will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier scarred rock walls that rise 1,200m vertically from the sea, and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the Sound far below. On completion of your cruise you will return to Queenstown by coach arriving in the evening. (L)

Return to Queenstown on a scenic flight taking in magnificent views of the alps, glaciers, lakes and forests of Fiordland National Park – a quick and convenient way to return to Queenstown. (Duration 35mins) The flight shaves off approximately 4 hours off a return by coach. It is however very weather dependent, so if the weather doesn’t play ball, then you will need to return by coach and we will refund the upgrade price.

Today is at your leisure to enjoy the many sights & activities in and around Queenstown. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shores of the pristine Lake Wakatipu, and in the evening experience a cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw (own expense); or if you’re planning a more active trip Downunder , then there are a myriad of activities you can take part in including jet boating, bungy jumping, skydiving, ziptreking, quad biking, snowshoeing, National Park walks and off-road 4WD tours!

Depart Queenstown this morning and travel north through the historic gold mining region of the Kawarau Gorge, pass through the dramatic Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country. Hug the shores of Lake Pukaki before arriving at the majestic Aoraki/Mt Cook Village. This region is breathtaking and full of opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. Enjoy an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight (own expense), explore the treasures of New Zealand’s mountaineering history at the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre or relax over a three course lunch at the famous Hermitage Hotel (not included). This afternoon you will continue north to the glacial fed, turquoise blue Lake Tekapo where you can take the opportunity to appreciate the majestic scenery of the Southern Alps and view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue your journey north through the vast patchwork of the Canterbury Plains before arriving at your final destination, Christchurch.

Sadly your trip has come to an end. We hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed your experiences in New Zealand. Today you will be met at your accommodation and transferred to the airport for your onward journey. Have a safe trip home.