Day
1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND
On arrival at Auckland Airport, 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’. We recommend a visit to Kelly
Tarlton’s fascinating Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World,
shopping or perhaps take a walk around Auckland’s exciting marina
and waterfront.
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/CHRISTCHURCH
(Airfare not included)
This morning 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. This afternoon fly from Rotorua over the majestic
Southern Alps to Christchurch the Garden City. On arrival we will
transfer you to your hotel, or if taking the self-drive option,
you can pick your car up at the airport depot.
Day
4: CHRISTCHURCH/MOUNT COOK/QUEENSTOWN
Today travel south, across the Canterbury Plains and 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 5: 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
6: 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
7: QUEENSTOWN
Your tour arrangements conclude this morning.
