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 / Queenstown |
Transfer to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Queenstown, where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Rest of the day free at leisure for optional activities. (Self-drive passengers will return their car at Rotorua airport and collect their South Island car on arrival at Queenstown airport)
| Day 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - 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
