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’. 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
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/WELLINGTON
This morning travel to the capital city of Wellington.
Day
5: WELLINGTON
Today is at leisure to explore the Capital City. Make time to
visit “Te Papa” the Museum of New Zealand and use your complimentary
voucher in one of their eating establishments.
Day 6: WELLINGTON/CHRISTCHURCH
This morning travel on the Interislander ferry across Cook strait,
through Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. From here, follow the
East to Christchurch. 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.
Day
7: CHRISTCHURCH
Today is at leisure, to enjoy the “Garden City”. We suggest that
you take the chance to enjoy an historic tram ride, go shopping
or visit the Botanical Gardens.
Day
8: CHRISTCHURCH/MOUNT COOK/QUEENSTOWN
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
9: 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
10: 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
11: 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 a guided tour
(own expense) to view the glacier more closely and enjoy the stunning
scenery this region has to offer.
Day
12: FRANZ JOSEF/CHRISTCHURCH
Today travel North, and then East across to Christchurch, on the
opposite side of the country.
