Day
1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND
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 you use any free time to explore the
‘City of Sails’ - perhaps take a scenic helicopter flight over
Auckland Harbour or visit the Hobson Maritime Museum
Day
2: AUCKLAND/WAITOMO/ROTORUA (L,D)
(Optional meal plans begin today)
Today travel south to Rotorua 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 Grotto featuring an underground boat ride. Continue on
via Lake Karapiro to arrive in Rotorua. In the evening enjoy a
unique Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert with Tamaki Tours.
Day
3: 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).
Day
4: ROTORUA/CHRISTCHURCH
(Airfare not included)
Fly to Christchurch and enjoy free time to explore the ‘Garden
City’. We suggest the Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens or the International
Antarctic Centre (own expense).
Day
5: CHRISTCHURCH/MOUNT COOK
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. This afternoon is free to enjoy some
of New Zealand’s finest alpine scenery. We suggest you consider
a scenic flight or walk in the area.
Day
6: MOUNT COOK/QUEENSTOWN
A free morning to enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Cook. Take
a walk or perhaps a Tasman Glacier flight (own expense). This
afternoon travel on to the Lindis Pass and through the Kawarau
Gorge to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.
Day
7: 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
8: QUEENSTOWN
A free day to enjoy the many leisure pursuits on offer. Staff
at “The Station” can assist with information and reservations
for the huge selection of things to see and do.
Day
9: QUEENSTOWN
Your tour arrangements conclude this morning.
