Upon arrival in Auckland, you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands. Overnight: Auckland. Optional Activities: Sky Tower, Weta Workshop Unleashed, All Blacks New Zealand Experience, Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise
Depart Auckland through the stunning Waikato countryside to Waitomo Caves for a guided to of the many different cave formations. Descend further underground for a cruise on the grotto river with thousands of glowworms glittering above your head. At Hobbiton Movie Set you’ll see sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill and the Green Dragon Inn on your guided walking tour. Continue to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua for a magical, illuminated forest walk on the elevated boardwalks amongst the giant redwood trees. Overnight: Rotorua. Included Activities: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour, Hobbiton Movie Set Tour Optional Activities: Polynesian Spa, Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa
Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pools. Visit Wai-O-Tapu for a self-guided walk through the region’s most colourful park followed by a tour of Rotorua highlights. This might include Lake Rotorua, and Government Gardens watching the white-water rafting at Okere Falls. This afternoon, visit Te Puia for a guided tour of the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Kiwi Conservation Centre, geothermal valley and geyser. End the day with an Evening Cultural Performance with traditional songs, haka and Buffet Dinner. Overnight: Rotorua. Included Activities: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Rotorua Sightseeing, Te Ra Day Experience, Te Po Indigenous Evening Cultural Performance and Buffet Dinner Optional Activities: Redwoods Nightlights
Transfer for to Rotorua Airport. On arrival in Christchurch, collect your rental vehicle or be transferred to your accommodation. 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: Christchurch. Optional Activities: Christchurch Tram Dinner, International Antarctic Centre
Travel from civilisation and cultivation on the East Coast to the raw untouched wilderness of the West Coast. Wander among the striking limestone rock formations at Castle Hill and witness the majestic Southern Alps up close. At Arthur’s Pass Village you can chose to hike the Devil’s Punchbowl track to view the spectacular waterfall. Discover the breathtaking Hokitika Gorge, a hidden gem renowned for its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Overnight: Glacier Region. Included Activities: Arthur’s Pass Sightseeing Optional Activities: Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Journey to Arthurs Pass (Seat in Coach travelers only)
Make a visit to picture perfect Lake Matheson where a snow-capped Mt Cook is elegantly reflected across the mirror lake on a calm day. Discover the best of the West Coast where thick native rainforest meets the expansive ocean. Take a short walk to the spectacular Thunder Creek Falls and the Blue Pools (when open). View stunning Lake Hawea and picturesque Wanaka with #ThatWanakaTree before arriving in Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown. Included Activities: West Coast & Mt Aspiring National Park Sightseeing
Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town. Soak up the scenic sights and visit Queenstown’s “must see” locations with a birds eye view over Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables and Lord of the Rings locations. Visit Kawarau Bridge and discover the thrill of bungy as you watch intrepid jumpers from the viewing deck. Stop in the Gibbston Wine Region and explore the gold rush history and picturesque colonial architecture in Arrowtown. Overnight: Queenstown. Included Activities: Queenstown Sightseeing
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 and Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown. Included Activities: Milford Sound Tour with Cruise & Lunch
Depart Queenstown Wharf on a historic steamship for a picturesque cruise across the lake to Walter Peak High Country Farm. At the elegant homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet barbeque buffet meal in a stunning lakeside setting. Watch the skilful farm dogs in action with a sheep-herding demonstration and meet the other farm animals before the return cruise to Queenstown. Remainder of the day is free to add optional experiences (additional cost applies). Overnight: Queenstown. Included Activities: TSS Earnslaw Lake Wakatipu Cruise, Walter Peak BBQ Lunch Optional Activities: Onsen Hot Pools
Pass through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. Stop at Jacksons Orchard to try or buy some delicious local fruit or real fruit ice cream (self-drive or private touring only). Follow beautiful Lake Dunstan and be dwarfed by the vast and dramatic Lindis Pass on the journey past lakes too blue to be true to a rugged and magnificent land of rock and ice. Overnight Mt Cook Region. Optional Activities: Hooker Valley Walk, Ultimate Alpine Experience Ski Plane/Helicopter Combo
Traverse the vast plains of the Mackenzie district alongside the magnificent turquoise blue lake framed by Aoraki Mt Cook. Make a stop at the popular Church of the Good Shepherd before the green patchwork farms that signal your return into Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch.
Arrangements conclude today with the return of your rental car or departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.
