Days 1 & 2 - Depart USA
We fly over the international date line on our way to Christchurch, New Zealand.
Day 3 - Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch, you are transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is free. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner with our Tour Director and fellow traveling companions. TF. (Dinner) Hotel: Novotel Christchurch
Day 4 - TranzAlpine – Punakaiki
We start with the spectacular train journey on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass. Later, we’ll see the West Coast rainforest then experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on arrival in Punakaiki, where we’ll spend the night at our resort right on the waterfront. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Punakaiki Resort
Day 5 - Punakaiki – Franz Josef
We visit a New Zealand native greenstone (jade) factory at Hokitika. Later we arrive at Franz Josef Glacier. See it from the air on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) or take a glacier hike! (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Day 6 - Franz Josef – Queenstown (2 nights)
We climb over the Haast Pass winding through Mount Aspiring National Park, passing Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and through Kawarau Gorge. We visit the historic village of Arrowtown, before continuing to Queenstown. (Buffet breakfast)Hotel: Millennium Hotel
Day 7 - Queenstown at leisure
A full day at leisure. This evening, we join the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw andcruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Sheep Station. Here we enjoy some Kiwihospitality and a carvery Highlight Dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 8 - Queenstown – Te Anau – Milford Sound
We drive through the Homer Tunnel en route to Milford Sound. We cruise on this wonder of nature with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above. Later, we head to Te Anau for the night. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Distinction Hotel
Day 9 - Te Anau – Dunedin
We cross South Otago country through Gore and Balclutha on our way to the Scottish city of Dunedin. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross
Day 10 - Dunedin – Mount Cook
Enjoy a guided tour at Larnach Castle followed by a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Next on to Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings. Admire beautiful scenery as we follow the Waitaki River, past hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore to Twizel. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: MacKenzie Country Inn
Day 11 - Mount Cook – Christchurch
Travel past Mount Cook National Park. Perhaps take an optional scenic flight over Mount Cook. Later, we visit Lake Tekapo to view the Church of the Good Shepherd before arriving in Christchurch. Discover the sights of the city on the Christchurch Tram. (Buffet breakfast) Hotel: Novotel Christchurch
Day 12 - Christchurch – Blenheim
Travel along the rugged coast to Kaikoura where you have the opportunity to enjoy an optional whale watching flight. Then on to the Marlborough region to enjoy a Highlight Dinner and wine tastings at Allan Scott Wines. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner) Hotel: Chateau Marlborough
Day 13 - Blenheim – Cook Strait cruise – Wellington
We’re off to Picton to join our cruise across Cook Strait to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. We visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, with time to explore the many interactive displays depicting Maori and modern New Zealand culture. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) Hotel: Novotel Wellington
Day 14 - Wellington – Rotorua (2 nights)
Travel through the dairy farming lands of Manawatu to the volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park. We will follow the shores of Lake Taupo to mighty Huka Falls and continue to Rotorua. The Realm of Täne, and a Maori Hangi Highlight Dinner and concert is our cultural experience this evening. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)Hotel: Millennium Hotel
Day 15 - Rotorua sightseeing – Farm stay*
Start the day with sparkling wine and a breakfast cruise on Lake Rotorua. Visit the Agrodome Sheep Show and Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Tonight there’s a chance to stay with a local family on a nearby farm. (Buffet breakfast) *Farm Stay Enjoy some true New Zealand hospitality. Price per person $35.
Day 16 - Rotorua – Waitomo Caves – Auckland
We visit the Waitomo Caves for our guided boat tour of the Glow Worm Grotto. We continue through the Waikato district to Hamilton and on to Auckland, the City of Sails. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)Hotel: Stamford Plaza
Day 17 - Auckland – USA
We transfer you to Auckland Airport for your return flight home. Or why not take this opportunity to visit the Bay of Islands? (Buffet breakfast)
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