Warm welcome with folded hand by professional office representative at Auckland airport. On arrival meeting and assistance and transfer to hotel and take rest.
This afternoon set off for an overview of the city from the summit of Mount Eden – a dormant volcano that is the highest natural point in Auckland – before visiting Auckland Museum which is renowned for its displays on the Pacific peoples and volcanic activity.
Overnight stay at hotel at Auckland.
After leisure breakfast ,you will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Auckland, then journey south through the Waikato district to Waitomo. At the Waitomo Caves experience a guided tour and boat ride of the incredible Glow-worm Grotto. This afternoon travel to Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a Maori hangi feast and concert for an insight into Maori culture at the Tamaki Family Marae.
Overnight stay at Rotorua.
After leisure breakfast, you will visit the Agrodome Sheep Show to enjoy an entertaining look at life on a New Zealand farm. The afternoon is ‘Free Time’ for you to take in all the other activities Rotorua has on offer. Perhaps visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park, abundant with Rainbow Trout and native fauna including the kiwi, or Te Puia where you can join a tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve with a Local Guide (own expense).
Overnight stay at Rotorua.
After leisure breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Wellington . En route to Wellington we’ll view the Huka Falls, visit Taupo and drive along the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. Discover the alpine scenery of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the dairy farms of Manawatu.
Travel along the Kapiti Coast into the capital city Wellington, for a city tour with views from Mt Victoria.
Overnight stay at Wellington
After leisure breakfast , this morning of ‘Free Time’ in Wellington, followed by a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. A photo opportunity at Parliament House, then this afternoon we join the inter-island cruise across Cook Strait and into the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, before arriving at the pretty fishing village of Picton on the South Island for an orientation tour.
Overnight stay at Picton.
After leisure breakfast check out the hotel and drive to Christchurch. En route to Christchurch, we’ll get up close and personal with some New Zealand Fur Seals at Ohau Point, watch whales at Kaikoura, (optional scenic Whale Watching flight). Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast and across the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Overnight stay Christchurch.
After a morning at leisure travel over the patchwork countryside, where the spectacular sightseeing begins. Visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue past Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. Time to take an optional scenic flight over this mighty mountain (weather permitting).
Overnight stay at Omarama.
Follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore. From the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam, we travel through Oamaru – which is famous for its white stone buildings made of limestone, to Dunedin for a city tour. The afternoon is yours to explore Dunedin as you wish – – take a wildlife cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge railway.
Overnight stay at Dunedin.
After a morning of time to yourself and the opportunity to visit historic Larnach Castle we head off across South Otago’s fertile, sheep-filled farming land en route to Te Anau, on the shores of the largest lake in the South Island. Optional Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour tonight.
Overnight stay at Anau.
You’ll be awe-struck by great sights from Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Along the way to Queenstown, we’ll see Mirror Lakes, Cleddau valley, The Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
At Queenstown we’ll have an orientation tour on arrival.
Overnight stay at Milford Sound.
After leisure breakfast , you will explore exciting Queenstown your way, all day – from wine and garden tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station for a carvery dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead.
An entertaining after-dinner farm show provides a glimpse into highcountry farm life.
Overnight stay at Queenstown.
After leisure breakfast , you will process to Franz Josef . First stop Arrowtown, a colourful township steeped in local history. Next is Cromwell and its sensational stone fruit. Then it’s a trio of lakes – Lake Dunstan, Lake Hawea & Lake Wanaka. Travel through Haast Pass which winds its way through Mount Aspiring National Park and dramatic mountain and forest scenery.
View Thunder Creek Falls and take a rainforest walk. Continue north along the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier – a rare, still advancing glacier.
Overnight stay at Franz Josef.
After leisure breakfast, you will visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade), for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. Travel to Arthur’s Pass to board the TranzAlpine, one of the top 6 train journeys in the world. This spectacular journey takes you through the Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
This evening celebrate your holiday at a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director and new-found friends.
Overnight stay at Christchurch.
After leisure breakfast check out the hotel and drive to airport to connect flight for onward journey with sweet memories.
