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 (50km) |
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 / 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 will be met and transferred to your hotel)
| Day 7 - Christchurch / Greymouth (250km) |
This morning transfer to the train station. All aboard the Tranz Alpine Express train through the rugged Southern Alps to Greymouth, a journey revealing the most breathtaking views. (Includes self-drive passengers) Visit the historic Shantytown and try panning for gold. (On arrival in Greymouth, self-drive passengers collect your rental for your exclusive use until the end of the tour package)
| Day 8 - Greymouth / West Coast Glaciers (205km) |
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 (420km) |
A memorable trip through some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand. Travel over the Haast Pass and through the silver beech forests of Mt Aspiring National Park, past Lake Wanaka and along the Kawarau Gorge 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. (For self-drive passengers we suggest a visit to nearby historical Arrowtown)
| Day 11 - Queenstown / Milford Sound / Te Anau (420km) |
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 Te Anau.
| Day 12 - Te Anau / Invercargill (160km) |
This morning depart for Invercargill, the southernmost city of New Zealand. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of Invercargill.
| Day 13 - Invercargill / Dunedin (220km) |
Continue on the Southern Scenic route through the spectacular area of the Catlins and on to reach the charming city of Dunedin. Edinburgh was first settled by the Scottish and renowned as the "Edinburgh of the South".
| Day 14 - Dunedin / Christchurch (365km) |
This morning is free for optional tours; perhaps visit Larnach Castle or Olveston House. Head north to Moeraki. Continue across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch via Oamaru and Timaru.
| Day 15 - 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).
