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DAY 1, Sat Depart
the USA for New Zealand. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight
entertainment for your journey DAY 2,
Sun En route to New Zealand. Cross the
international dateline and lose one day
DAY 3, Mon Early
morning arrival in Auckland for your flight to Christchurch. Arrive and
transfer to your hotel in the "Garden City" of Christchurch. Upon arrival,
meet your New Zealand tour manager for a brief orientation and welcome
drink. The evening is free to shop and dine at leisure: CHRISTCHURCH
DAY 4, Tues Today
begins with a tour of the beautiful parks and formal gardens which give
Christchurch its moniker. View the 19th century Anglican Cathedral as well
as many other Gothic-style churches which reflect the influence of early
English settlers along the square. The balance of the day is free to explore
the Avon River, International Antarctic Centrem, and other significant sites
(B): CHRISTCHURCH
DAY 5, Wed This
morning, drive south across the Canterbury Plains to Dunedin, a town steeped
in old Scottish charm. Time is available on arrival to relax or perhaps
visit the nearby Otago Peninsula, home to the historic Larnoch Castle (B):
DUNEDIN
DAY 6, Thurs The
morning is free to relax or explore Dunedin on your own, before traveling
through the fertile Southland region to Lake Te Anau—gateway to the
Fiordland National Park. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Te Anau or enjoy an
optional evening tour of the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Cruise across Lake Te
Anau to the Cavern House, situated on the western shores. Upon arrival,
enjoy a brief lecture on the cave system, followed by a boat ride through
the limestone passages. Drift silently along the river and admire the
luminous shimmer of New Zealand glowworms above ($51) (B): TE ANAU
DAY 7, Fri Depart
Te Anau via Homer Tunnel, and pass through the glacier-hewn Eglinton Valley,
arriving at Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the fjord, with scenic views of
the temperate rainforest, the renowned Mitre Peak, and Bowen Falls. A picnic
lunch is included on board. Later this afternoon, continue to Queenstown,
New Zealand's alpine adventure capital (B, L): QUEENSTOWN
DAY 8, Sat This
morning's tour of Queenstown includes a visit to Arrowtown, the original
Gold Rush city of New Zealand. Interestingly, this picturesque area of
rivers and forests served as settings for the Lord of the Rings
trilogy. View the Shotover River which hosts jetboat rides through the
narrow canyon walls, and even choose an optional ride on a famous Shotover
Jet. This optional adventure includes a thrilling speedboat ride through the
Shotover Canyon as your driver skillfully whips past rocky outcrops, crags
and boulders. The highlight of the experience is the trademark Shotover Jet
360 degree spin, where the driver spins the boat around from bow to stern.
You'll stop briefly while your driver points out interesting landmarks and
similar points of interest ($94) (B): QUEENSTOWN
DAY 9, Sun Enjoy
a full day at leisure in Queenstown or join an optional Wine Trail Tour this
afternoon. Gain an in-depth understanding of Central Otago's wine growing
conditions and the wines offered from the region. Enjoy a relaxed pace and
beautiful views with tastings at 3 different vineyards ($103) (B):
QUEENSTOWN
DAY 10, Mon This
afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Auckland, known as the
"City of Sails." Arrive and transfer to your hotel (B): AUCKLAND
DAY 11, Tues
Today, a morning tour of Auckland features a visit to the Auckland War
Memorial Museum, including an onsite Maori concert at Waitemata Harbor.
Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure to explore the city on your own
(B): AUCKLAND
DAY 12, Wed
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the USA (B).
GT |
Travel Packages
GUIDES
