Romantic New Zealand:

Places Covered:

Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch-Glaciers, Queenstown, Dunedin.

11 Nights / 12 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

Travel south to arrive at Waitomo Caves for a guided tour. 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 at Tamaki Maori Vilage. 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, steaming rivers and boiling mud pools. Following this, you will travel to Rainbow Springs to view trout and other wildlife and the famous Agrodome Sheep Show. A ride on the Gondola up to Mt Ngongataha for a buffet lunch and for the more courageous ones a ride on the "Luge (Self-drive passengers have the flexibility to explore the many other interesting activities in and around Rotorua).

Day 04: Rotorua - Wellington

Departing Rotorua we head south via Lake Taupo and the Tongariro National Park to Levin and onto Wellington, New Zealand's capital.

Day 05: Wellington - Picton - Kaikoura

This morning we board the Interislander Ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton to connect with The Coastal Pacific train to Kaikoura. (Self-drive passengers return their vehicle prior to boarding the Interislander Ferry. On arrival at Picton you collect your South Island vehicle and resume your exciting journey).

Day 06: Kaikoura / Christchurch

Morning is free for optional Whale Watching tour by boat. In the afternoon, travel south through Cheviot to Christchurch.

Day 07: Christchurch – Greymouth – West Coast Glaciers

One of the world's best scenic train journeys - The Tranz Alpine winds across spectacular gorges and river valleys, over the massive Southern Alps in Arthur's Pass National Park and through lush beech forest to Greymouth on the West Coast. Continue southwards by coach along the coast to reach Westland National Park and the glacier region. (Self-drive passengers travel over the Canterbury Plains over to Arthur's Pass and then en route to Westland National Park).

Day 08: West Coast Glaciers - Queenstown

Travel through the South Westland Heritage Park and across the rugged Haast Pass, follow the shoes of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka to Queenstown.

Day 09: 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. (Our Sightsaver discount booklet is full of exciting and interesting sightseeing options).

Day 10: Queenstown - Dunedin

Coaching to Pukerangi where you will join spectacular Taieri Gorge Train to Dunedin. (self drive passenger are free to participate in more optional activities before driving to Queenstown).

Day 11: Dunedin – Christchurch

We depart in the morning towards Oamaru and Timaru before crossing the Canterbury Plains to arrive back in Christchurch.

Day 12: Depart Christchurch

Transfer to the airport is included for your departure flight. (Self-drive passengers return your car directly at the airport).