New Zealand highlights:

Places Covered:

Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Dunedin, Te Anau, Queenstown, Christchurch.

09 Nights / 10 Days

Detailed Itinerary:    

Day 01: Auckland

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 02: Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua

This coach tour travels over the rugged volcanic terrain of the Mamaku Ranges and through the picturesque Fitzgerald Glade. The highlight is the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and the visit is climaxed by drifting silently in a boat on the underground river under the milky way of millions of glow worms on the cavern roof above you. This evening enjoy a night of truly authentic, traditional culture and entertainment. Join in a time of sharing and feasting to a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way on hot stones in an authentic earthen oven.

Day 03: Rotorua

Today's tour includes Te Puia - Thermal Reserve to see roaring geysers and mud pools. Following this, you will travel to Agrodome for famous Sheep Show then to Rainbow Springs to view trout and other wildlife. Seat in coach passengers will then be met by your farmhost and taken to the farm. (Self-drive passengers will drive to the farm). In the farm you have the opportunity to experience the working life of a New Zealand farmer. Later tonight you will be hosted to a typical New Zealand dinner.

Day 04: Rotorua / Christchurch

After breakfast seat in coach passengers will be dropped off at the coach terminal to be taken to the airport for your flight to Christchurch. (Airfare from Rotorua to Christchurch excluded). Upon arrival at Christchurch you will be met and taken to the hotel. Rest of the day is free. (Self-drive passengers, after breakfast, will drive to the airport where you will drop off the north island car at the Rotorua airport and fly to Christchurch, where upon arrival; you will pick up the south island car to drive to the hotel).

Day 05: Christchurch - Dunedin

Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through Timaru and Oamaru to reach Dunedin early afternoon. Rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities, such as wildlife cruises and the Taieri Gorge Train ride. (Self-drive passengers may wish to explore other parts of the city in the afternoon).

Day 06: Dunedin - Te Anau

You have the morning free for more optional activities such as visiting Larnach Castle or the Royal Albatross Colony. We head for Te Anau in the afternoon, gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Day 07: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Today we pass forest and lakes to reach Milford Sound. The cruise travels the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Enjoy the waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. You will pass Mitre Peak, the highest mountain in the world to rise vertically from the sea. View the Stirling and Bowen Falls as you cruise out to the Tasman Sea. Return to the pier where you reboard your coach for your return journey to Queenstown. (Self-drive passengers will be provided with the same cruise).

Day 08: Queenstown

This is completely free day for you to pursue your own activities. Queenstown offers jet boating, lake cruised, bungy jumping, rafting, hose riding, gondola rides and may be a visit to the Sky Alpine Casino. (Your sightsaver discount booklet is full of exciting and interesting sightseeing options)

Day 09: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch

This morning we travel over the Lindis Pass to reach Mt Cook around lunch time, A rare opportunity to take an optional scenic flight to view Mt Cook's snow fields and glaciers. We continue through to Lake Tekapo and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Day 10: Depart Christchurch

Early this morning a tour on the “Hot Air Balloon” is suggested if time permits. Transfer to the airport is included for your departure flight. (Self-drive passengers return your car directly at the airport).