Itinerary Details

Day 1

(MD, Motel) Fly from Australia to Auckland, where on arrival we are met by our coach and travel north to Whangarei. Settling into our motel to relax and rest after the flight.

Day 2

(CB, MD, Motel) We head to the Bay of Islands for a boat cruise, take in the stunning views as we glide out through the islands and along the Rakaumangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over the ‘Hole in the Rock’. The Bay of Islands was the first piece of New Zealand to be settled by Europeans, Russell was the first Capital and where the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Later down to Auckland for two nights. Note: Boat Cruise included.

Day 3

(CB, Motel) Known as the city of sails, Auckland is built on a narrow strip of land surrounded by two harbours, dotted with 50 picturesque islands. We take the day to tour Auckland and view its Volcanic cones, forest parks and stunning beaches. We visit Devonport on the North Shore, travelling over by ferry, the city centre and Mt Eden. Afternoon free time to wander at will. Note: Ferry trip included.

Day 4

(CB, MD, Motel) We travel to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves for an exciting Cave Tour. Known as one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions, take a boat ride through the glowworm grotto, marvel at thousands of magical glowworms and become part of over 130 years of cultural and natural history. On to Roturua for two nights. Note: Cave Tour included.

Day 5

(CB, RD, Motel) Rotorua is part of the Taupō Volcanic Zone and has an array of spectacular geothermal features. From hissing fumaroles and colourful sinter terraces to bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers. In the morning we head to Middle-earth to tour Hobbiton Movie Set from Lord of the Rings. In the afternoon we visit the Mitai Maori Cultural Experience, tour the village and enjoy a full buffet Hangi Dinner. Note: Hobbiton and ‘Maori Experience’ included.

Day 6

(CB, MD, Motel) Delightful drive along the eastern shore of Lake Taupo then a scenic drive past the imposing Mount Ruapehu to reach the southern end of the northern island and Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.

Day 7

(CB, Motel) We have a full tour of Wellington and time to explore the city including the Te Papa Museum on the Harbour as well as the best view in Wellington from the Cable Car. We then cross Cook Strait to the South Island by ferry, landing at Picton in the evening and spending the night in Blenheim. Note: Ferry trip included.

Day 8

(CB, MD, Motel) From Blenheim we take a beautiful scenic coastal drive between the sea and the Kaikoura Range to Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. The central city is filled with cutting-edge architecture alongside some of the oldest buildings in New Zealand. The Avon River intersects the city, bringing a natural landscape to the urban environment.

Day 9

(CB, MD, Motel) Leaving Christchurch, we travel through the rich Canterbury Plain farming area to Lake Tekapo with spectacular views across to the Southern Alps and Mount. Cook. We visit the famous “Church of the Good Shepherd” and are able to take a delightful walk along the lake. Optional flight over Mount Cook available. Note: Mount Cook Flight not included. Cost approx $430.

Day 10

(CB, MD, Motel) Leaving Lake Tekapo we follow the highland roads past the beautiful mountain lakes of the central South Island and on through the Takitimu Mountains passing Lake Wakatipu and pleasant farmlands to Te Anau on the edge of Fiordland National Park.

Day 11

(CB, MD, Motel) On to one of the Eight Natural Wonders of the World – Milford Sound. You’ll travel beneath the majestic Mitre Peak towards the Tasman Sea and nudge up close to some of New Zealand’s most incredible waterfalls. Hear stories of its rich history and spot the unique wildlife that call Fiordland home. In the afternoon to Queenstown. Note: Boat cruise included.

Day 12

(CB, MD, Motel) The area around Queenstown is breathtakingly picturesque. Relive the elegance of turn of the century travel with a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship. Watch the stokers fuel the fireboxes, feel the heat from the boilers and hear the steam engines working as “the Lady of the Lake” takes you across beautiful Lake Whakatipu. Later you can take a chair lift ride for a spectacular view of Queenstown. Note: Boat cruise included.

Day 13

(CB, MD, Motel) Continuing north along the scenic mountain roads past Lake Hawea into the Mount Aspiring National Park hitting the West Coast at Haast before winding up to the slow-moving river of ice, Fox Glacier and the Franz Josef Glacier. Overnight at Hokitika on the Tasman Coast.

Day 14

(CB, MD, Motel) Our final spectacular drive across the Island via Arthur’s Pass, the highest of only three roads crossing the Southern Alps. Arriving back on the East Coast for our final night in Christchurch. This evening enjoy a dinner and drinks with your new friends at the farewell dinner.

Day 15

(CB) An early departure to the airport and our flight home after a great New Zealand Experience.