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, 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 / Wellington (465 km) |
Travel today is south via Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Follow the lakeshore before passing
through the World Heritage Tongariro National Park, where the three volcanic mountains of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro dominate the scenery. Pass through the market garden regions of Levin and Otaki and onto Wellington.
| Day 5 - 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 activities.
| Day 6 - Wellington / Picton / Nelson (110 km) |
This morning transfer to the Inter-island ferry to cruise the Cook Strait, through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Continue by coach over the winding Rai and Whangamoa saddles to this evening's destination Nelson. (Self-drive passengers return their car prior to joining the Inter-island cruise across the Cook Strait to Picton. On arrival collect your South Island car and continue to Nelson.)
| Day 7 - Nelson / Greymouth (315 km) |
Travel down the rugged West Coast today visiting the amazing Pancake Rock formations at Punakaiki before arriving in Greymouth, nestled in the banks of the Grey River.
| Day 8 - Greymouth / West Coast Glaciers (205 km) |
A full day to continue southwards following the coast to reach Westland National Park and enjoy the magnificent glaciers. This afternoon enjoy a guided walk to the Glacier terminal. You may also like to take a scenic flight (optional) for a bird's eye view of this spectacular terrain.
| Day 9 - West Coast Glaciers / Queenstown (420 km) |
Depart this morning through the South Westland Heritage Park and across the rugged Haast Pass with breathtaking views of the glacial lakes of Wanaka and Hawea. Continue though the rugged Kawarau Gorge to reach 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. (For self-drive passengers we suggest a visit to nearby historical Arrowtown)
| 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 (10 km) |
A transfer to the airport is included for your departure flight. (Self-drive passengers return their car directly at the airport)
