Essential New Zealand:

Places Covered:

Discover Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Christchurch, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and lunch, Milford Sound with buffet lunch.

9 Nights / 10 Days

Detailed Itinerary:    

Day 01: Auckland

On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, seat in coach passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel. Self drive passengers will collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel.

Day 02: Auckland

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Auckland city including a visit to Kelly Tarltons Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter. The remainder of the day is free. (B)

Day 03: Auckland-Waitomo-Rotorua

Travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the famous Glowworm Caves including an underground boat ride followed by lunch. Continue to Rotorua this afternoon. (B,L)

Day 04: Rotorua

Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife before continuing to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert. (B,D)

Day 05: Rotorua-Queenstown

Depart on your domestic flight from Rotorua to Queenstown (airfare is NOT included). (B)

Day 06: Milford Sound

Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breath taking man made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Buffet lunch is also included on board today. Return to Queenstown. (B,L)

Day 07: Queenstown

A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B) (B)

Day 08: Queenstown-Mt Cook-Christchurch

Travel through the Central Otago region and onto the small town of Twizel. Continue north following the shores of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. Visit the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ at Lake Tekapo before travelling across the Canterbury Plains to arrive in the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. (B)

Day 09: Christchurch

Highlights of this mornings tour include the Anglican Cathedral, Town Hall, the Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, the University, Botanic Gardens and the Avon River. (B)

Day 10: Departure Day

Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car.