Day 1 - Arrive Auckland, Exclusive Experiences
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Choose from several activities.
Stay: Auckland, Skycity Hotel.
Day 2 - Auckland, Rotorua Theme Dinner
This morning journey to the crest of Mt Eden, to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Leaving the "City of Sails" we go south to Waitomo Caves for a tour of the underground limestone caverns, including the magnificent 'Cathedral Cave". We then continue to Rotorua for a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance of song and dance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Park Heritage Hotel.
Day 3 - Rotorua, Exclusive Experiences
Today experience the attractions of Rotorua when you choose an activity. Perhaps enjoy a half-day tour visiting Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, or enjoy an entertaining sheep show at the Agrodome and walk amongst native flora and fauna at Rainbow Springs.
Choose to stay in a Country Homestay tonight!
Day 4 - Rotorua, Wellington
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island and view Wairakei Steam Valley, where thermal energy is harnessed in the world's second largest geothermal power plant. See Huka Falls, and tranquil Lake Taupo, the water-filled crater of an ancient volcano. Travel south to Wellington.
Stay: Wellington, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor.
Day 5 - Wellington, Blenheim
Enjoy a brief city sightseeing tour, including Parliament Buildings, before we visit Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand. Later join your cruise across Cook Strait to the South Island and Picton, then travel through vineyards to Blenheim.
Stay: Blenheim, Blenheim Country Hotel.
Day 6 - Blenheim, Christchurch
See the acclaimed wine region of Marlborough before arriving in Kaikoura, an area offering whale and dolphin watching. Journey between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges to Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel.
Day 7 - Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef
Board the award-winning TranzAlpine train. Cross the vast farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the country's greatest mountain range, the Southern Alps. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and continue to Hokitika by coach. Journey along the West Coast and enter the World Heritage-listed area of south-west New Zealand.
Stay: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.
Day 8 - Franz Josef, Queenstown Dining Options
View magnificent scenery today, traveling along the rugged West Coast to Haast. Experience a unique river safari, capturing breathtaking views of the massive glacier formed Haast River Valley, flanked by towering peaks, waterfalls and dense temperate rain forest. Continue to Queenstown, where tonight you'll enjoy a choice of four dining options.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Gardens Hotel.
Day 9 - Queenstown, Exclusive Experiences
The alpine resort of Queenstown is perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. Today you choose the activity.
Day 10 - Milford Sound, Te Anau
Today we follow the Remarkables Mountain Range along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Journey along the Milford Road, one of the world's fine alpine drives, then board the Red Boat Cruise taking you the full length of this beautiful fiord. This afternoon we drive to Te Anau.
Stay: Te Anau, Village Inn.
Day 11 - Te Anau, Dunedin, Exclusive Experiences
Today we reach the city of Dunedin, known as the "Edinburgh of the South". This afternoon choose from a range of activities, including a journey to the Otago Peninsula.
Day 12 - Dunedin, Mt Cook
Head north to view the Moeraki Beach boulders. We then turn inland and travel to MacKenzie Country and World Heritage-listed Mt Cook National Park, where an optional afternoon scenic flight is available (own expense, weather permitting).
Stay: Mt Cook, The Hermitage.
Day 13 - Mt Cook, Christchurch
Continue to Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, then leave the High Country, cross the Rakaia River and travel to Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel.
Day 14 - Depart Christchurch, Exclusive Experiences
Today choose your activity from our Exclusive Experiences. Your tour then concludes with an airport departure transfer.
