The highlights of New Zealand are all covered in this Premium Escorted Group Tour of both the North and South Islands. Travel by luxury coach with your professional guide all the way to enjoy spectacular sightseeing experiences from natural wonders to cultural delights.
We recommend the farm stay option to meet locals and enjoy some good old "kiwi" hospitality or extend your stay to visit the Bay of Islands.
23 meals: 13 breakfasts (B), 10 dinners (D)Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 2009.
For tours departing before 1 Apr 2009, please refer to our 2008 brochure.
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival at the hotel your day is at leisure to explore Auckland. Perhaps visit the Sky Tower for spectacular views of the harbor and surrounding volcanic hills. This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director. Overnight: Auckland, Stamford Plaza (D)
Day 2: Auckland-Waitomo Caves-Rotorua
Today, experience a guided tour of the famous Waitomo Caves and discover the incredible Glow Worm Grotto on a boat trip. Enjoy a special cultural evening featuring a Maori concert and Hangi (feast). You will be greeted with a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, or "Powhiri," before experiencing a night of authentic traditional culture and entertainment, and a delicious "Hangi" feast. Overnight: Rotorua, Millennium Hotel for 2 nights (B,D)
Day 3: Rotorua Sightseeing
The day begins cruising aboard the Lakeland Queen on Lake Rotorua for a sparkling wine breakfast. Enjoy an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome's Sheep Show. Later, tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve, where a local Maori guide escorts us past pools of boiling mud and geysers. This afternoon there is free time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour (see your Tour Director for details). (B)
Day 4: Rotorua-Wellington
Highlights today include charming Taupo, in the heart of the North Island, a visit to the mighty Huka Falls and a picturesque drive into the capital city of Wellington. Overnight: Wellington, Novotel (B,D)
Day 5: Wellington-Blenheim
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington and take in the panoramic views from Mt Victoria. Visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, and explore the fascinating exhibits at your leisure. Later, join the inter-island cruise across Cook Strait and tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. Tonight, enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at the renowned Montana Winery. Overnight: Blenheim, Chateau Marlborough (B,D)
Day 6: Blenheim-Christchurch
Today, experience the stunning scenery of the East Coast and see New Zealand Fur Seals. Visit Kaikoura, where you can take an optional whale watching flight (own expense), then continue on to Christchurch through the Canterbury Plains. A city orientation tour ensures you maximize your "free time." Overnight: Christchurch, The Heritage Hotel (B)
Day 7: Christchurch-Mt Cook-Twizel
Discover the sights of Christchurch this morning on the Christchurch Tram. Enjoy views of the colorful patchwork plains, then visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and see the Church of the Good Shepherd. Take in the scenery of Mt Cook National Park, home of New Zealand's highest mountain, where you have the chance to take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting, flight own expense). Overnight: Twizel, MacKenzie Country Inn (B,D)
Day 8: Twizel-Dunedin
See the pretty Oamaru region today before journeying on to Dunedin. This afternoon is free for you to explore this charming town founded by Scottish settlers-perhaps you would like to visit Cadbury World and sample the delectable chocolate. Overnight: Dunedin, Southern Cross Hotel (B,D)
Day 9: Dunedin-Te Anau
This morning enjoy a guided tour and morning tea at Larnach Castle, followed by the highlights of Dunedin on a sightseeing tour. This evening stay in Te Anau, on the shores of glorious Lake Te Anau. Overnight: Te Anau, Distinction Hotel (B,D)
Day 10: Te Anau-Milford Sound- Queenstown
Today, experience the magnificent alpine scenery of Fiordland. See the picturesque Chasm on the drive through the mile long hand-hewn Homer Tunnel. Later, discover the spectacular Milford Sound on a memorable cruise. This evening is free in Queenstown. Why not explore the city and sample local cuisine in one of the great restaurants? Overnight: Queenstown, Millennium Hotel for 2 nights (B)
Day 11: Queenstown at Leisure
Explore Queenstown at your leisure today. Take an exhilarating jet boat ride; go white-water rafting or enjoy a Skyline Gondola ride. Tonight, board the historic steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station, where you'll experience friendly Kiwi hospitality and a sumptuous carvery dinner. (B,D)
Day 12: Queenstown-Franz Josef
Colorful Arrowtown is the first stop today-discover the rich history and browse through the delightful shops; then on to Kawarau Gorge. Travel over Haast Pass as you take in the awesome scenery of the towering mountains and the sparkling Tasman Sea along the Coastal Road to Franz Josef. Overnight: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (B,D)
Day 13: Franz Josef-TranzAlpine Train
Discover the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier today. Next, visit Hokitika where you'll see beautiful native greenstone (jade) jewelery and artifacts, and view the fascinating Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki. At Arthur's Pass board the TranzAlpine Train for a spectacular journey over the Southern Alps to Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch, The Heritage Hotel (B,D)
Day 14: Depart Christchurch
This morning is at leisure until you are transferred to the Christchurch airport for your onward flight. (B)
Departure Dates
2009: Apr 2, 20, 27; May 18, 25; Jun 29; Jul 27; Aug 24; Sep 7, 14, 21, 28; Oct 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov 2, 9, 16, 23; Dec 7, 14, 21
2010: Jan 4, 11, 25; Feb 1, 4, 8,11, 22, 25; Mar 1, 4, 8
