| Day 1:
Arrive Auckland On arrival at the hotel your day is at
leisure to explore Auckland. Perhaps visit the Sky Tower for
spectacular views of the harbor and surrounding volcanic hills.
This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
Overnight: Auckland, Stamford Plaza (D) Day 2:
Auckland—Waitomo Caves—Rotorua
Today, experience a guided tour of the famous Waitomo Caves
and discover the incredible Glow Worm Grotto on a boat trip.
Enjoy a special cultural evening featuring a Maori concert and
Hangi (feast). You will be greeted with a traditional Maori
welcome ceremony, or “Powhiri,” before experiencing a night of
authentic traditional culture and entertainment, and a delicious
“Hangi” feast. Overnight: Rotorua, Millennium Hotel for 2 nights
(B,D)
Day 3: Rotorua Sightseeing
The day begins cruising aboard the Lakeland Queen on Lake
Rotorua for a sparkling wine breakfast. Enjoy an entertaining
look at farm life at the Agrodome’s Sheep Show. Later, tour Te
Puia Thermal Reserve, where a local Maori guide escorts us past
pools of boiling mud and geysers. This afternoon there is free
time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour (see
your Tour Director for details). (B)
Day 4: Rotorua—Wellington
Highlights today include charming Taupo, in the heart of the
North Island, a visit to the mighty Huka Falls and a picturesque
drive into the capital city of Wellington. Overnight:
Wellington, Novotel (B,D)
Day 5: Wellington—Blenheim
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington and take
in the panoramic views from Mt Victoria. Visit Te Papa, New
Zealand’s National Museum, and explore the fascinating exhibits
at your leisure. Later, join the inter-island cruise across Cook
Strait and tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. Tonight, enjoy a wine
tasting and dinner at the renowned Montana Winery. Overnight:
Blenheim, Chateau Marlborough (B,D)
Day 6: Blenheim—Christchurch
Today, experience the stunning scenery of the East Coast and
see New Zealand Fur Seals. Visit Kaikoura, where you can take an
optional whale watching flight (own expense), then continue on
to Christchurch through the Canterbury Plains. A city
orientation tour ensures you maximize your “free time.”
Overnight: Christchurch, The Heritage Hotel (B)
Day 7: Christchurch—Mt Cook—Twizel
Discover the sights of Christchurch this morning on the
Christchurch Tram. Enjoy views of the colorful patchwork plains,
then visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and see the Church of the Good
Shepherd. Take in the scenery of Mt Cook National Park, home of
New Zealand’s highest mountain, where you have the chance to
take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting, flight own
expense). Overnight: Twizel, MacKenzie Country Inn (B,D)
Day 8: Twizel—Dunedin
See the pretty Oamaru region today before journeying on to
Dunedin. This afternoon is free for you to explore this charming
town founded by Scottish settlers—perhaps you would like to
visit Cadbury World and sample the delectable chocolate.
Overnight: Dunedin, Southern Cross Hotel (B,D)
Day 9: Dunedin—Te Anau
This morning enjoy a guided tour and morning tea at Larnach
Castle, followed by the highlights of Dunedin on a sightseeing
tour. This evening stay in Te Anau, on the shores of glorious
Lake Te Anau. Overnight: Te Anau, Distinction Hotel (B,D)
Day 10: Te Anau—Milford Sound— Queenstown
Today, experience the magnificent alpine scenery of Fiordland.
See the picturesque Chasm on the drive through the mile long
hand-hewn Homer Tunnel. Later, discover the spectacular Milford
Sound on a memorable cruise. This evening is free in Queenstown.
Why not explore the city and sample local cuisine in one of the
great restaurants? Overnight: Queenstown, Millennium Hotel for 2
nights (B)
Day 11: Queenstown at Leisure
Explore Queenstown at your leisure today. Take an
exhilarating jet boat ride; go white-water rafting or enjoy a
Skyline Gondola ride. Tonight, board the historic steamship
T.S.S. Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak
Station, where you’ll experience friendly Kiwi hospitality and a
sumptuous carvery dinner. (B,D)
Day 12: Queenstown—Franz Josef
Colorful Arrowtown is the first stop today—discover the rich
history and browse through the delightful shops; then on to
Kawarau Gorge. Travel over Haast Pass as you take in the awesome
scenery of the towering mountains and the sparkling Tasman Sea
along the Coastal Road to Franz Josef. Overnight: Franz Josef,
Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (B,D)
Day 13: Franz Josef—TranzAlpine Train Discover the
magnificent Franz Josef Glacier today. Next, visit Hokitika
where you’ll see beautiful native greenstone (jade) jewelery and
artifacts, and view the fascinating Pancake Rocks and blowholes
at Punakaiki. At Arthur’s Pass board the TranzAlpine Train for a
spectacular journey over the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Overnight: Christchurch, The Heritage Hotel (B,D)
Day 14: Depart Christchurch
This morning is at leisure until you are transferred to the
Christchurch airport for your onward flight. (B) |
