On arrival at Auckland Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. (Self-drive passengers collect your rental car for your exclusive use until the end of the tour package)
| Day 2 - Auckland / Waitomo Caves / Rotorua (370 km) |
This morning travel south over the Bombay Hills and through the lush Waikato pasturelands. At Waitomo, tour the subterranean caves by boat, see a grotto illuminated by countless tiny glowworms suspended from the caves ceiling. Travel across the Waikato River and the Mamaku Hills to the famous geothermal centre of Rotorua.
| Day 3 - In Rotorua (30 km) |
A full day Rotorua sightseeing tour including the following attractions and activities. A guided tour through Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools, Paradise Valley Springs where you will see New Zealand native bird and animal wildlife plus crystal clear pools teeming with trout. The Agrodome Leisure Park famous for its entertaining sheep show, a gondola cable car ride to the Skyline Skyride complex and the Polynesian Spa, which is New Zealand's leading thermal bathing complex. (Self-drive passengers have the flexibility to explore these and many other activities in and around Rotorua - a map and entrance vouchers for included sights is provided).
| Day 4 - Rotorua / Taupo / Napier (225km) |
Travel today is south via Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake and the World Heritage, Tongariro National Park, where the three volcanic mountains of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro dominate the scenery. Continue onto Napier, the fruit bowl of New Zealand. Afternoon at leisure for optional activities.
| Day 5 - Napier / Wellington (320km) |
Travel south through the Manawatu Gorge, coastal horticultural farms and the rocky seascapes to
Wellington. The balance of the day is at leisure.
| Day 6 - Day at leisure/ Wellington |
A free day in New Zealand's capital city. Make time to ride the cable car, visit the Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa) or the Parliament Buildings. Wellington is noted for its live theatre, art galleries, restaurants and cultural activites.
| Day 7 - Wellington / Picton / Christchurch (370km) |
This morning transfer to the Inter-island ferry to cruise the Cook Strait, down the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Connect with the Tranz Scenic's Coastal Pacific Express train which journeys via Kaikoura to Christchurch. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (Self-drive passengers return their car prior to joining the Inter-island cruise across the Cook Strait to Picton. On arrival in Christchurch, you are met and transferred to your hotel)
| Day 8 - Christchurch / Queenstown |
A transfer to the domestic airport is included. Enjoy a spectacular scenic flight over the majestic Southern Alps. On arrival in Queenstown, a transfer is provided to your hotel. (Self-dive passengers collect your rental car in Queenstown for your exclusive use until the end of the tour package)
| Day 9 - Milford Sound Excursion (600 km) |
An early start as you follow Lake Wakatipu via Kingston arriving in Te Anau for a morning tea break. Follow the shores of Lake Te Anau before entering the Eglington Valley. Pass the mirror lakes and travel through the avenue of the disappearing mountain. Our spectacular drive continues through the mountains, valley and forests of the Fiordland National Park, with a dramatic descent into Milford Sound. A fascinating launch cruise to Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak is included. Later today return by coach to Queenstown.
| Day 10 - Day at leisure / Queenstown |
A full day free to explore the many exciting optional excursions available in Queenstown. Take a scenic flight, gondola ride or perhaps cruise the lake on the vintage Earnslaw. Try a thrilling jet boat ride or the Dart River excursion, white water rafting or the world famous bungee jump.
| Day 11 - Queenstown / Mount Cook / Christchurch (620 km) |
This morning travel over the Lindis Pass to reach Mount Cook around lunchtime. Take a scenic flight (own
expense, weather permitting) for an overview of Mount Cook's icefalls, snowfields and glaciers. Continue your journey through Lake Tekapo and across the Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch.
| Day 12 - Depart Christchurch (30 km) |
A transfer to the airport is included for your departure flight (Self-drive passengers return their rental car
directly at the airport)
