ITINERARY:

​

DAY 1: Arrival - Auckland
On arrival, transfer to your hotel in Auckland. Auckland is nestled in a bay on the North Island; the city faces the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other. Enjoy the waterfront, seafood restaurants and bars, as well as a dazzling skyline. The Sky Tower is unmissable.

​

DAY 2: Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves, including an underground boat ride viewing the millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. On completion, continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach Rotorua. (B)

 

DAY 3: Rotorua
Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Agrodome Farm Show, and Rainbow Springs to view trout and wildlife. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. You may visit the Huka Falls, one of the most popular natural attractions in New Zealand. In the evening, enjoy the Hangi and Concert: an authentic Mauri experience at Whakarewarewa, one of the Living Mauri villages. (B) 

 

DAY 4: Rotorua – Napier
This morning is at leisure. Depart for Napier this afternoon and travel south over rugged mountain ranges and well-cultivated farmland to arrive in the Art Deco city of Napier. (B) 

 

DAY 5: Napier
This morning is at leisure. In the afternoon, enjoy a wine tour including tastings at local wineries. (B)

 

DAY 6: Napier – Wellington
Travel through the Manawatu Gorge and Takapau Plains to Palmerston North, famous for its agricultural university. Continue south to arrive in Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Guests can plan their day to visit Te Papa Museum. Transfers at own arrangements, entry is free. (B) 

 

DAY 7: Wellington – Christchurch
Enjoy a Wellington city tour this morning (seat in coach guests only). Travel to Christchurch on your domestic flight (airfare is NOT included). (B)

 

DAY 8: Christchurch – Dunedin
Travel south across the Canterbury Plains to reach Dunedin, renowned for the local wildlife. (B) 

 

DAY 9: Dunedin – Queenstown
This morning is free for optional activities. Departing Dunedin this afternoon, travel inland through the Central Otago towns of Lawrence and Clyde before arriving in Cromwell. Continue through the Kawarau Gorge to arrive in Queenstown in the early evening. (B) 

 

DAY 10: Queenstown
A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities are not included in the tour price. (B) 

 

DAY 11: Queenstown – Glacier Region
Depart Queenstown and travel via Lake Wanaka through the historic Haast Pass, gateway to the World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region. (B)

 

DAY 12: Glacier Region – Greymouth – Christchurch
Travel north to Greymouth and board the world-famous Tranz Alpine train. Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Travel over Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B) 

 

DAY 13: Christchurch
Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. We trust you enjoyed your vacation with us.