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 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.
Day
3: ROTORUA/CHRISTCHURCH
(Flight not included)
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. This afternoon fly from Rotorua over the majestic
Southern Alps to Christchurch, the “Garden City”. On arrival you
will be met and transferred to your hotel. We suggest a visit
to the Arts Centre or a walk on the Botanic Gardens.
Day
4: CHRISTCHURCH/DUNEDIN
Today enjoy your journey by coach to Dunedin. Your coach takes
you through the Canterbury Plains and onto Dunedin, which boasts
some of the most beautiful architecture in New Zealand.
Day 5: DUNEDIN
This morning board the double decker bus for a 1½ hour
tour of Dunedin’s historic sights. This afternoon you will be
taken on a tour of the Otago Peninsula including the renowned
Royal Albatross Colony (seasonal)
Day
6: DUNEDIN/QUEENSTOWN
Today travel from Dunedin to Queenstown- the adventure capital
of New Zealand.
Day
7: MILFORD SOUND DAY EXCURSION
(Subject to road and weather conditions)
Travel by coach 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 adventure activities 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/FRANZ JOSEF
Travel north 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
10: FRANZ JOSEF/CHRISTCHURCH
Today travel to Christchurch where your tour concludes.
