DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for New Zealand. Your flight includes meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Thursday - En Route
En route to New Zealand, lose a day traveling over the international dateline
DAY 3, Friday - Arrive in Auckland
On arrival to Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred by private coach to your hotel. En route, enjoy a four hour Auckland city tour including a visit to the Auckland Museum, New Zealand's first museum which tells the story of the country, its people and its place in the Pacific, and the Auckland Skytower, New Zealand's tallest man-made structure that offers breathtaking views of the city and beyond. Enjoy a welcome drink and orientation with the tour manager upon arrival to the hotel. Stay at the Heritage Auckland Hotel & Towers Hotel.
Optional: Pride of Auckland Dinner Cruise
DAY 4, Saturday - Flight to Queenstown
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Queenstown, New Zealand's scenic alpine adventure capital. Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Stay 4-nights at the Millenium Queenstown Hotel. (B)
DAY 5, Sunday - Milford Sound Cruise
En route to the Milford Sound view Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island, and pass through the glacier-hewn Eglinton Valley. Upon arrival, enjoy a cruise on the fjord, with scenic views of the temperate rainforest, the stunningly renowned Mitre Peak, and Bowen Falls, as well as an array of wildlife such as seals, birds, and occasionally dolphins and penguins. A picnic lunch is included on board. Later this afternoon, travel back to Queenstown. (B, L)
DAY 6, Monday - Full Day in Queenstown
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Queenstown. A resort city surrounded by majestic mountains including a range known as The Remarkables, Queenstown is set along placid and crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, both of which create a stunning backdrop. Enjoy a compact and sophisticated downtown area, with cafes and shopping. You may choose to ride the Skyline Gondola high above Queenstown for stunning panoramic views over the lake and mountain ranges . (B)
Optional: Safari of the Scenes – Wakatipu Basin 4WD
Optional: Walter Peak Evening Dinner Excursion
DAY 7, Tuesday - Full Day in Queenstown
Full day at leisure to explore Queenstown independently at your own pace. You may choose to explore Lake Wakatipu via the vintage TSS Earnslaw. Known as the “Lady of the Lake”, it is the only remaining passenger-carrying coal-fired steamship in the southern hemisphere. Ride the Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm, founded in 1860, this working sheep station runs approximately 18,000 Merino and Perendale sheep. Watch sheep weaving and shearing demonstrations, or enjoy a barbecue lunch and evening dining at the historic Colonel's Homestead. (B)
Optional: Half Day Wine Tour
DAY 8, Wednesday - Queenstown to Dunedin
Depart Queenstown and travel through the award winning Gibbston Valley wine region and into the rugged Kawarau Gorge. Continue past the picturesque and historic townships of Cromwell and Clyde and the huge Clyde Dam, to arrive in Alexandra. Continue your journey along the Clutha River and past the multiple orchards that define this area as New Zealand’s fruit bowl, before arriving in the outskirts of Dunedin – located on the east coast and the second largest city in the South island. Stay 2-nights at the Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel. (B)
DAY 9, Thursday - Dunedin
Enjoy a day at leisure in Dunedin, arguably New Zealand's most spectacular city in terms of contrasting landscapes, it is nestled in tree-clad hills at the head of a spectacular harbor. The city flourished during the great 19th century gold rush, and is now the main centre of, and the gateway to, the Otago region. You may choose to visit the Dunedin Railway Station, a highly photographed jewel in the country's architectural crown, Baldwin street, the steepest residential street in the world, or Otago University, the country's oldest university. Alternatively, take a tour of Olveston Historic Homestead, built between 1904 and 1906 this fine turn-of-the-century house has lavish furnishings and stunning art collection. (B)
DAY 10, Friday - Dunedin to Christchurch, Depart for the USA
This morning, depart Dunedin and follow the east coast of the South Island north through Oamaru, renowned for its limestone architecture, and the small rural communities of Timaru and Ashburton, before travelling over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch airport for your flight to the USA. (B)
OPTIONAL SIGHTSEEING EXCURSIONS:
Pride of Auckland Dinner Cruise: The Pride of Auckland operates its fleet of purpose-built sailboats on the sheltered inner waters of the sparkling Waitemata Harbour. Tie up at a sheltered anchorage within the largest yacht marina in the southern hemisphere where you will be invited to your table below decks and served your Seafood Dinner (alternative menus confirmed upon booking) along with an offering from the ships bar. After Dinner the sails are set and we pass under the Harbour Bridge to Chelsea sugar works, Devonport Naval Base and the City’s waterfront. Guests are welcome to participate in sailing the yacht or just sit back, relax and enjoy the sail. $89
Safari of the Scenes – Wakatipu Basin 4WD: This scenic tour offers goldpanning, 4WD river crossing in the Arrow Gorge and a great overview of the diverse scenery of the Queenstown / Arrowtown area. The tour covers scenic towns, to rolling farmland, rugged Skippers Canyon and mountains, to the famous Kawarau Gorge bungy bridge. The tour offers you a view of some of the Lord of the Rings film locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), the site of Isildur's fall and the Ford of Bruinen. You'll also overlook Deer Park Heights, where the Rohan refugees and the battle with the Wargs were filmed. A scenic adventure exploring film locations; no sets left, just the gorgeous scenery featured in the films. This is a nice, easy 4WD driving journey but those with acute back problems may consider other options. $165
Half Day Queenstown Garden Tour: A relaxed tour which visits 3 local private Queenstown gardens with lovely locations. Your hosts are local gardening enthusiasts and will be happy to share their knowledge and gardening tips. Nestled in the heart of the rural Wakatipu, each gardener draws their inspiration from the spectacular alpine landscape. A Devonshire morning tea is also included at the delightful Millbrook Golf and Country resort at Lake Hayes. $79
Walter Peak Evening Dinner Excursion: Begin your evening excursion with a scenic cruise from Queenstown to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the vintage steamship TSS Easnslaw. Disembark at Walter Peak and make your way through the gardens to the Colonel's Homestead. Dine at a carvery style buffet that features many New Zealand specialties. Following dinner, enjoy a brief farm show before returning to the ship for your return cruise to Queenstown, during which you will have the opportunity to participate in a sing-along around the piano, an old tradition on the Earnslaw. $89
Half Day Wine Tour from Queenstown: Enjoy a fun, informative, friendly wine tour with tasting at four local wineries including a platter style lunch. The Queenstown region has become one of New Zealand's most exciting wine regions winning regular awards throughout the world. The regions Pinot Noir in particular is regarded as world class. Discover the Kawarau Gorge and visit old Cromwell Town and AK Hackett bungy bridge.$139 |
