New Zealand
Day 1
Arrive Auckland – The City of Sails. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation, on completion of check in formalities the remainder of the day is at leisure to explore what Auckland has to offer. (D)
Day 2
After Breakfast, you will travel past Victoria Park Market and Westhaven Marina then on to the volcanic crater of Mt. Eden where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city and harbor. Pass by the War Memorial Museum before passing through Parnell and onto Bastion Point amongst Auckland’s most expensive residences. The view of the Waitemata Harbour and beaches is unmatched, Sky Tower. Rest of the day free for Leisure. (B,D)
Day 3
After Breakfast, Travel north over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and along the Hibiscus Coast. View might Kauri Trees before arriving in Warkworth for a morning tea break (own expense). The journey continues, travelling through Whangarei before arriving in the beautiful Bay of Islands. The Bay of Islands is the finest Maritime Park in New Zealand with 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. Depart Paihia Wharf on “Hole in the Rock” cruise with Fullers Bay of Islands. The high speed vessel will whisk you on a comfortable journey out through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Next is Motukokako Island and the famous “Hole in the Rock”; the excitement grows as you make a passage through the Hole and on to the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave (condition permitting). (B,D) (B,D)
Day 4
Depart Bay of Island and travel through the East Coast of the North Island and through Auckland’s northern suburbs. Finally arrive in the “thermal city” of Rotorua. (B,D)
Day 5
Today visit Te Puia Geothermal Reserve to view the boiling mudpools and cascading Pohutu geyser, which make Rotorua famous as New Zealand’s “thermal city”. Here you can also enjoy a visit to the Today visit Te Puia Geothermal Reserve to view the boiling mudpools and cascading Pohutu geyser, which make Rotorua famous as New Zealand’s “thermal city”. Here you can also enjoy a visit to the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute to view local Maori carvers in action. Next travel on to Paradise Valley, to view the resident bird life, native flora and fauna, and see local brown, rainbow and tiger trout as they swim in the crystal clear spring waters. At the last, enjoy and entertaining show at the Agrodome featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry – the various breeds that have established New Zealand as one of the foremost farming nations in the world. On completion you will be dropped off at your hotel, rest of the day free for Leisure. (B,D)
Day 6
Today, depart Rotorua and travel over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach Waitomo. Upon arrival in Waitomo, enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves including an underground boat ride (weather permitting) on a subterranean river. Overhead thousands of tiny glowworms light up the cave walls and roof. (B,D) Fly to Queenstown, Upon arrival at Queenstown Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation Queenstown. (B,D)
Day 7
Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. The scenery changes dramatically from tussock covered grasslands to glacier hewn valleys as you enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breath taking man made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Report to Milford Sound Visitor Terminal and check in with Southern Discoveries, formally known Milford Red Boats at Milford Wharf and enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Cruise duration is 1 hour 40 minutes. (B,D)
Day 8
Today, enjoy some of Queenstown’s iconic activities. Shotover Jetboat Ride Enjoy a raw and exciting ride in the famous Hamilton jetboat on the Shotover River. The area is steeped in history of early relics from the gold mining days and spectacular views. Adrendaline hits the roof as you speed in mere centimeters of water along the famous gold beafing river and deep into the river canyons. Hold on tight and enjoy the thrill as the driver does the world famous full 360 degree spin. Take a cable car ride to the summit of Bob’s Peak. The best views in the region are found here spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It is truly magnificent and awe-inspiring! After tour transfer back to the hotel. (B,D)
Day 9
After Breakfast, Today is at leisure to relax or explore Queenstown. Optional activities available include bungy jumping, white water rafting, four wheel driving, cruising on Lake Wakatipu, riding a gondola to the summit of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views or simply enjoying the excellent shopping and dining available. (B,D)
Day 10
After Breakfast depart from Queenstown this morning, travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and awea to the Haast Pass, gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the lacier region of Franz Josef. (B,D)
Day 11
After Breakfast depart the Glacier region this morning and travel north further along the rugged West Coast to Greymouth. Your journey features some spectacular countryside with the rugged Tasman Sea to the west and the stunning Southern Alps to the east. The Tranz Alpine is described as “The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure” and is rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world. Ascend through lush beech forests past the beautiful Lake Brunner via the alpine village of Arthurs Pass situated 737 meters above sea level, before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. The Tranz Alpine then winds its way over massive viaducts, through spectacular river gorges and the stunning Waimakariri River valley before arriving in Christchurch. The adventurous spirit of Christchurch’s early English settlers has helped shape the personality and character of the city and province of Canterbury. Elegant Victorian buildings stand shoulder to shoulder with bustling European style cafes, bistros and bars; an architectural marvel of the Victorian time. Enjoy a walk through Hagley Park and the Botanical Gardens or maybe stroll around the Arts centre. Upon arrival at Christchurch Train Station, you will be transfer to the hotel. (B,D)
Day 12
After Breakfast Check Out Hotel & Transfer to the Airport for catch the flight for your Home Town. (B)