Day 01
ARRIVE AUCKLAND
- On arrival you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation. Auckland is New Zealand's
largest city, set between two harbors with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild
surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald
islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here.
Overnight stay in Auckland.
Day 02
AUCKLAND – HOBBITON - ROTORUA
- After breakfast at the hotel, check – out and proceed towards Rotorua via Waitomo Caves. Self drive
passengers will drive whereas passengers in coach will be collected from your central city hotel. On
arrival enjoy a comprehensive cave tour, where you will have the opportunity to view thousands of
luminescent lights radiating from the unique Waitomo glowworms, as expert guides provide informative
commentary on the Caves historical and geological significance. Continue to Rotorua this afternoon via
Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour of this world class attraction.
Overnight at your hotel in Rotorua.
Day 03
ROTORUA
- Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting
geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a
region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends.
You will be transported to Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland for a two hour visit today. Wai-O-
Tapu is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction.
This evening you’ll be transported to Te Puia for an Indigenous Evening Experience including a buffet
dinner and cultural performance. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding on the
geyser terrace.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Rotorua.
Day 04
ROTORUA – CHRISTCHURCH
- Depart on your domestic flight to Christchurch. (Airfare is NOT included).
Flight Time Rotorua to Christchurch is approx. 2 hours
Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps.
This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the
meandering Avon River.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Christchurch.
Day 05
CHRISTCHURCH - GREYMOUTH
- Breakfast at the hotel.
You will be transported to the Christchurch Railway Station for the Tranz Alpine train crossing the vast
expanses of the Canterbury Plains, through the dramatic gorge of the Waimakariri River to Arthur’s
Pass National Park. On arrival in Greymouth, you will be met and transferred to the Punakaiki Pancake
Rocks and Blowholes for a short self-guided walk to view the fascinating pancake-shaped rock
formations before being delivered to your accommodation.
Overnight stay at your hotel in Greymouth.
Day 06
GREYMOUTH TO FRANZ JOSEF
- Breakfast at the hotel.
This morning, you’ll be transferred to Shantytown Heritage Park for a sense of what it was like to live in
New Zealand during the gold rush before returning to Greymouth for your transfer to Glacier Country.
The temperate climate at a low altitude makes Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers among the most convenient
to visit in the world. Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over
millennia and here, the ice age is still underway.
Overnight at your hotel in Franz Josef.
Day 07
FRANZ JOSEF TO QUEENSTOWN
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Today you will be collected from your accommodation for your transfer through wilderness towns,
waterfalls and river scenery on the journey to Queenstown. Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains
dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it
is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.
Overnight at your hotel in Queenstown.
Day 08
QUEENSTOWN
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an
expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the
Adventure Capital of the World.
Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer.
Overnight at your hotel in Queenstown.
Day 09
QUEENSTOWN – MILFORD SOUND - QUEENSTOWN
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today's stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes
and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth
wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering
mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea. Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close
to sheer rock faces before returning to shore. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on
your coach return to downtown Queenstown. Lunch is included.
Overnight at your hotel in Queenstown.
Day 10
QUEENSTOWN – MT COOK/ TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Today’s journey departs Queenstown through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and fruit and wine growing
region of Cromwell. The journey follows beautiful Lake Dunstan and meanders through the dramatic
Lindis Pass. Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district, alongside magnificent turquoise blue
lakes, framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have
some free time. Leaving Mt Cook it’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed
nearby. Make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd sitting in solitude on the banks
of Lake Tekapo before continuing through the amazing countryside to Christchurch.
Overnight at your hotel in Christchurch.
Day 11
DEPART CHRISTCHURH
- Breakfast at the hotel.
Proceed to Christchurch Airport for your return flight back to home.