ITINERARY:

(B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch. (D) Dinner.

Day 1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND
Arrive Auckland International Airport where you will be met and transferred to the hotel with a central city orientation tour en-route.

Regularly named as one of the best life-style cities in the world, Auckland is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, with a busy nightlife, world-class restaurants, and diverse neighbourhoods to explore. Auckland has a plethora of great museums and galleries, and is a melting pot of cultures, with a large Polynesian and Asian population. Base Accommodation: Copthorne Auckland City – 1 night
Upgrade Accommodation: Grand Millennium Auckland -1 night

Day 2: AUCKLAND / BAY OF ISLANDS (B)
Departing Auckland, travel north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge to first visit the Parry Kauri Park. Here you will view some fine examples of Giant Kauri Trees which have been so important to the Northland region. Continuing you will visit the Matakohe Kauri Museum, at Otamatea. Gain an insight to the early New Zealand pioneer history, which helped form the New Zealand that you see today. Continuing our journey north, reaching Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, where you’ll take a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty House where New Zealand’s history began.
Base Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel Paihia Autolodge – 2 nights
Upgrade Accommodation: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands – 2 nights

Day 3: BAY OF ISLANDS (B)
Today is a day of leisure. The Bay of Islands has so many options for you to discover – perhaps a day trip to the light house at Cape Reinga the most northern tip of New Zealand, followed by a safari along 90 Mile Beach on the way home. Maybe take a cruise out to the Hole in the Rock or just take time out to relax within Paihia or Russell – New Zealand’s first capital.

Upgrade Sightseeing Package: Hole in the Rock Cruise Enjoy a scenic boat trip through the Bay of Islands cruising past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the Hole in the Rock, which conditions permitting, your skipper will skilfully navigate through as well as taking in the Grand Cathedral Cave. On the return to Paihia pass several remote islands, fringed with golden sand beaches. If you wish to spend some leisure time in the quaint township of Russell after the cruise, please advise staff that you wish to disembark here.

Day 4: BAY OF ISLANDS / ROTORUA (B)
Depart Paihia and travel south through undulating farmlands and the small settlements of Kawakawa and Hikurangi to the city of Whangarei. Continue south past the rural townships of Warkworth and Wellsford then pass the Hibiscus Coast before arriving in Auckland. Continue south through the dairy pastures of the lush Waikato Valley to the city of Hamilton which spans the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river. Enjoy a visit to the magnificent Hamilton Gardens set on the banks of the Waikato River. The unique theme of Hamilton Gardens is ‘the story of gardens’ which is explored through a series of five garden collections – Paradise, Fantasy, Productive, Cultivar and Landscape. The exceptional Paradise Garden Collection is a highlight of the gardens and features a Chinese Scholars Garden, English Flower Garden, Japanese Garden of Contemplation, American Modernist Garden, Italian Renaissance Garden and an Indian Char Bagh Garden.
From Hamilton climb into the bush-clad Mamaku Ranges before reaching the unique geothermal area of Rotorua. This popular tourist destination is renowned for its Maori cultural encounters and fascinating thermal reserves with boiling mud pools, geysers and steaming silica terraces.
Base Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Rotorua – 2 nights
Upgrade Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua – 2 nights

Day 5: ROTORUA (B)
This morning visit Te Puia for an exclusive guided tour which combines a premier Maori culture experience with an introduction to the magnificent geothermal activity in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Whilst in the valley see the boiling mud pools, steaming silica terraces, hot springs and geysers including the famous Pohutu Geyser which can erupt up to 30 metres high, depending on its mood. Visit the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where young Maori are learning the traditional carving and weaving skills of their ancestors. Further highlights of the tour include Rotowhio Marae and Te Aronui a Rua, the sacred meeting house of Rotowhio Marae. Also travel out to the Giant Redwood Forest, for a walk on the Redwood Memorial Grove track. On this popular track you can meander through the breath-taking Californian Redwoods which were planted in 1901. Then visit the beautiful Blue Lake (Tikitapu) and Lake Tarawera before returning to the hotel. Remainder of day at leisure.
Upgrade Sightseeing Package: • Skyline Aerial Gondola Ride Ride the aerial gondola up Mt Ngongotaha for panoramic views across the city of Rotorua and Lake Rotorua. • Tamaki Tours Maori Village Hangi & Cultural Experience Experience the warmth of the Maori people during an evening of ceremonial rituals, powerful cultural performance, storytelling and hangi feast! Enter the replica pre-European village, witness the earth being scraped carefully away from the hangi pit and enter the Meeting House to relax as the kapa haka group entertain you with a powerful cultural performance before dining on the hangi buffet dinner. Includes return transfers with other travellers on-board.

Day 6: ROTORUA / TAUPO (B)
This morning travel south through Kaingaroa Forest plantation and the Wairakei Steamfield. Make a stop here to learn how this project was a world-first, generating electricity by tapping a natural steam field then channelling the steam to a nearby power generation plant. Nearby stop at Huka Falls and marvel as the mighty Waikato River thunders through the narrow canyon. Continue to the resort town of Taupo and on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake and world renowned trout fishery.

Base Accommodation: Suncourt Hotel Taupo – 1 night
Upgrade Accommodation: Millennium Hotel & Resort Manuels Taupo– 1 night

Upgrade Sightseeing Package: • Lake Taupo Scenic Cruise to Maori Rock Carvings Explore the largest Crater Lake in the world aboard Cruise Cat. Sit back and enjoy the picturesque northern bays of Lake Taupo and out to view the Maori Rock Carvings up close. A full commentary is given on the volcanic history and Maori mythology surrounding Lake Taupo and an informative DVD is shown. Take in the views of the spectacular snow-capped mountain peaks of the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. Being a large comfortable covered catamaran, this is a great cruise for most weathers.

Day 7: TAUPO / CHRISTCHURCH (B)
This morning travel north along State Highway 1 passing through vast pine forests – some of New Zealand’s largest. Your journey will pass through the small forestry and rural service towns of Tokoroa, Putaruru and Tirau then will skirt above the shores of Lake Karapiro, one of the eight hydro-dams situated along the Waikato River from its source at Lake Taupo through to Port Waikato where it meets the Tasman Sea. Continue through lush Waikato farmlands before ascending the Bombay Hills into Auckland.
Check in at Auckland Domestic Airport for your flight to Christchurch.
Arrive Christchurch Airport and transfer to your hotel. Remainder of day and evening at leisure.
Base Accommodation: Quality Hotel Elms Christchurch – 1 night
Upgrade Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch – 1 night

Day 8: CHRISTCHURCH / DUNEDIN (B)
Travel down the eastern coastline through the towns of Ashburton and Timaru. Continue on through Temuka, which is known for its pottery and Oamaru with its lovely white stone buildings then stop at the intriguing Moeraki Boulders to see these unusual giant marble-like boulders on the beach before arriving into Dunedin, a city proud of its Scottish Heritage. This afternoon make your way out to Taiaroa Heads, a region renowned for wildlife. Visit the Royal Albatross Colony which is the only mainland nesting site in the world for these magnificent birds. Your 45minute guided Classic Tour tells the story of the Northern Royal Albatross and includes a short movie by Natural History NZ then a visit to potential viewing areas on Taiaroa Head. Walk up a steep pathway at a leisurely pace to the Observatory to view the nesting sites. Afterwards return to the central city.
Base Accommodation: Victoria Hotel – 1 night
Upgrade Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Dunedin – 1 night

Day 9: DUNEDIN / TE ANAU (B)
This morning enjoy a guided tour of historic Olveston House which was completed in 1907 and was a masterpiece of modernity in the Edwardian era, featuring central heating, an in house telephone system and even heated towel rails. Olveston has been carefully preserved and now offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a privileged family in the early 1900’s and the rich historical heritage of Dunedin. Travel through the southern suburbs of Dunedin and on to the fertile Taieri Plains where sheep and dairying are the primary industries. Pass Lake Waihola and the fast flowing Clutha River at Balclutha before reaching the town of Gore (country music capital of New Zealand). Travel over tussock covered hills before approaching Te Anau where the mountains of Fiordland National Park are easily seen in the distance.

Upgrade Sightseeing Package: Te Anau Caves excursion Explore a mysterious underground world of rushing water, before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow-worms. The excursion commences with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side of the lake then experienced guides accompany you underground in small groups. As you explore by path and small boat observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding through silent darkness to the glow-worm grotto. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glow-worms is a magical sight. On conclusion, return to Te Anau by launch. Please note – a reasonable agility level is necessary (some bending is required due to low caves entrance and steps are involved). Not suitable for wheelchair passengers or heeled shoes.
Base Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Luxmore – 1 night
Upgrade Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Luxmore – 1 night

Day 10: TE ANAU / MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN (BL)
Depart Te Anau for a full day excursion travelling via Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. There are clear rushing streams and leaping waterfalls set in magnificent native rainforest. At Milford Sound board a comfortable vessel for a scenic cruise down the fiord past Mitre Peak to the open sea. Seals and dolphins are often seen in the clear waters of the fiord. Picnic lunch served aboard. At the conclusion of the cruise, return to Te Anau travelling via the Cleddau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley. From Te Anau travel through the quaint settlements of Mossburn, Athol and Garston then travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown.

Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the Queenstown region create the perfect backdrop for a holiday full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. As well as the proclaimed ‘adventure capital of NZ’, the resort town of Queenstown is sophisticated and fantastically scenic. Its lake and mountain landscape is suited to almost any kind of adventure; but Queenstown is just as well-known as a place for indulgence, for wine and cuisine and for gold-mining history.
Base Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Lakefront – 2 nights
Upgrade Accommodation: The Rees Queenstown – 2 nights includes 2-course dinner in hotel restaurant on Day 10

Day 11: QUEENSTOWN (B,D)
Day at leisure to enjoy the many activities and attractions available in the area. You may wish to experience a thrilling ride on a jetboat, take a guided bush walk, enjoy a scenic flight over the area, join a winery tour to some of the most southern vineyards in the world, ride the aerial gondola to Bob’s Peak for the panoramic view across the lake to the mountains, join a 4WD tour into the home of ‘Middle Earth’ where much of the filming was done for ‘Lord of the Rings’ or if you dare – try bungy-jumping (all at extra cost).
This evening enjoy a taste of rural life in New Zealand. Steeped in Queenstown’s pioneering history, our experience commences with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu in the 1912 vintage steamship, the TSS Earnslaw. Disembark at Walter Peak High Country Farm, one of the first farms set up in the region and still a working farm. In the ambience of the Colonel’s Homestead, enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you. After dinner enjoy an entertaining brief farm experience including a sheep shearing demonstration. On the magical night-time cruise home, enjoy the camaraderie of a sing-a-long with the ship’s pianist or breathe in the fresh night air on the moonlit decks as you watch the lights of Queenstown draw nearer.

Upgrade Sightseeing Package: • Scenic Helicopter Flight – 20 minute scenic flight Experience the thrill of a helicopter flight while Queenstown’s beauty comes alive as you soar above the Wakatipu Basin. Your alpine landing site will give you spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. This will be an unforgettable experience!

Day 12: QUEENSTOWN / CHRISTCHURCH (B)
Today’s journey to Christchurch travels north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past pretty Lake Dunstan and across the distinctive Central Otago countryside to the Lindis Pass. Pass the small towns of Omarama and Twizel then see the huge Waitaki hydro electricity generation scheme in the Waitaki Valley. On a clear day, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mt Cook can be seen from the head of Lake Pukaki. See the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo then cross the MacKenzie Country named after a 19th Century sheep stealer, pass through Burkes Pass and the small rural towns of Fairlie and Geraldine. Travel north across the alluvial Canterbury Plains, New Zealand’s chief cropping area and drive into Christchurch City.

Upgrade Sightseeing Package: • Christchurch Tramway Dinner This 2.5-hour excursion aboard a 36 seater air-conditioned, colonial style dining tram incorporates fabulous dining with a sightseeing tour showcasing Christchurch’s inner city vibrancy and heritage – truly a mix of the old and the new. Your meal includes a 4-course dinner with welcome drink plus tea/coffee included. If staying at Quality Elms Christchurch – own arrangements/cost for taxi/Uber transfers If staying at Distinction Hotel Christchurch, tram stop is only steps away from hotel
Base Accommodation: Quality Hotel Elms Christchurch – 1 night
Upgrade Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch – 1 night

Day 13: CHRISTCHURCH / DEPART (B)
Farewell from New Zealand. After breakfast you will be transferred from the hotel to Christchurch airport for your flights home to Australia.

Please note: The day by day descriptions published are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, road conditions, public holidays, travel restrictions and a multitude of other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that ultimately are for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible and open minded in this regard.