Day
1: ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH
On arrival in Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’, you will be met
and transferred to your hotel, or if taking the Self-Drive option,
you can pick your car up from the airport depot. We suggest that
you take the chance to enjoy an historic tram ride, go shopping
or visit the Botanical Gardens.
Day
2: CHRISTCHURCH/MOUNT COOK/QUEENSTOWN
(Optional meal plans begin today)
Today travel south, across the Canterbury Plains, through the
Mackenzie country via Lake Tekapo where you can view the solitary
Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue alongside the Tasman River
to Mount Cook National Park. We suggest a scenic flight over some
of New Zealand’s finest alpine scenery. Continue on to the Lindis
Pass, and through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown, New Zealand’s
adventure capital.
Day
3: MILFORD SOUND DAY EXCURSION
(Subject to road and weather conditions)
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to
the Fiordland National Park. View the mirror lakes as you continue
through the Eglinton Valley. From the Homer Tunnel emerge into
the Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound Red Boat cruise, for
an unforgettable experience, and explore the wonder of this majestic
fiord. Journey to the mouth of the sound and see the seals and
dolphins, which inhabit this part of the world. Return to Queenstown.
Day
4: QUEENSTOWN
A free day to enjoy the many leisure pursuits on offer. Our local
staff at “The Station” can assist with information and reservations
for the huge selection of things to see and do.
Day
5: QUEENSTOWN/FRANZ JOSEF
Travel north today via Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Enjoy the rugged
West Coast scenery through the Haast Pass and continue on to Franz
Josef. We suggest a scenic helicopter flight or guided tour (own
expense) to view the glacier more closely and enjoy the stunning
scenery this region has to offer.
Day 6: FRANZ JOSEF/CHRISTCHURCH
Today travel to Greymouth and board the scenic Tranz Alpine Express
for a journey famous for its spectacular mountain scenery as it
traverses the Southern Alps which divide the East and West coasts
of the South Island. Travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Day
7: CHRISTCHURCH/ROTORUA
(Airfare not included)
Fly to Rotorua, New Zealand’s Thermal wonderland. On arrival you
will be met and transferred to your hotel, or if taking the Self-Drive
option, you can pick your car up from the airport depot. We suggest
a relaxing soak at the Polynesian Spa (own expense).
Day
8: ROTORUA SIGHTSEEING
Today you will experience the many varied sights that Rotorua
has to offer. Visit the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Maori
Arts & Crafts Institute, enjoy a guided tour and see Maori
carving and weaving demonstrations. Walk through the Thermal Reserve
to see boiling mud pools and shooting geysers. Next, Rainbow Springs
a unique showcase of New Zealand's flora and Fauna and featuring
some of New Zealand's endangered native species.
The Rainbow Farm Show is definitely a 'hands-on' experience that
will entertain and amuse giving an animated insight into New Zealand's
farming history, then enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take
a tour the Buried Village or enjoy a swim at the Polynesian Spa
(own expense). This evening enjoy a unique Maori Hangi (feast)
and concert.
Day
9: ROTORUA/WAITOMO/AUCKLAND
Travel north to Auckland via the rich pastoral province of Waikato.
Travel on to the fascinating Waitomo Caves where you will enjoy
lunch. Here experience a guided tour of the famous Glowworm Grott
featuring an underground boat ride. Continue onto Auckland where
your tour concludes.
