Your itinerary

DAY 1 AUCKLAND

Make your own way to our first hotel where your Holiday Director will meet you for your welcome meeting this evening. (D)

GRAND MILLENNIUM, AUCKLAND (4 STAR)

DAY 2 AUCKLAND

The beautiful city of Auckland is the largest in New Zealand. We’ll admire its spectacular skyline on an included tour this morning, which takes us to all the must-see sights. Later, you will have time to explore the city further in the company of your fellow travelers. (B)

GRAND MILLENNIUM, AUCKLAND (4 STAR)

DAY 3 AUCKLAND - ROTORUA

The warm, emerald-green North Island was shaped by volcanic activity, and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua. En-route we will visit the world-famous Waitomo Caves - the amazing glow-worm grotto is a fascinating sight. You can also take an optional flight today, either by float-plane or helicopter, over Mount Tarawera Volcano. (B)

MILLENNIUM HOTEL ROTORUA, ROTORUA (4 STAR)

DAY 4 ROTORUA

Today you have the option to join a tour of Hobbiton, the location created for the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films. We'll explore the site, which includes hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, while our guide offers fascinating insight – a must for fans of the films.

Te Puia Thermal Reserve is home to the extraordinary boiling mud pools and spouting geysers that New Zealand is so famous for. We will call here this morning to see this spectacular sight for ourselves. Tonight, you'll have a chance to experience a Maori concert and sample an authentic Hangi meal on an optional tour. This is where your food is cooked by steam underground using a centuries-old method that harnesses the power of nature. (B)

MILLENNIUM HOTEL ROTORUA, ROTORUA (4 STAR)

DAY 5 ROTORUA - NAPIER

The route to Napier takes us through the Wairakei Valley, past the spectacular Huka Falls to beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. We will pause here to take in the mesmerizing views. Napier is home to one of the finest collections of Art Deco-style buildings in the world and has the ideal climate for growing grapes. Sampling some of the locally cultivated wines is certain to be a treat before we discover more about the town as we explore on foot in the company of your Holiday Director. We'll enjoy a group dinner this evening at a winery estate.

(B,D)

SCENIC HOTEL TE PANIA, NAPIER (4 STAR)

DAY 6 NAPIER - WELLINGTON

Wellington, New Zealand’s wonderful capital, enjoys a beautiful setting on the southern tip of the North Island. We’ll head here today with an orientation tour on arrival to highlight the city’s main sights. (B)

WEST PLAZA HOTEL, WELLINGTON

DAY 7 WELLINGTON - DAY AT LEISURE

We have left today free for you to explore the city with your traveling companions. Perhaps take the cable car to the Botanical Gardens or visit the Te Papa Museum, which offers a wealth of information about New Zealand and its history, along with a collection of art. (B)

WEST PLAZA HOTEL, WELLINGTON

DAY 8 WELLINGTON - CHRISTCHURCH

We set sail for the South Island today. Once back on land, we continue the drive to Christchurch, often referred to as the most English city outside of England. We’ll enjoy the stunning scenery of the Kaikoura coast along the way. (B)

QUALITY HOTEL ELMS, CHRISTCHURCH (4 STAR)

DAY 9 TRANZALPINE TRAIN

The TranzAlpine offers a spectacular journey into the Southern Alps. We’ll be on board the train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, the South Island’s highest railway station, passing through the contrasting scenery of the snow-capped Southern Alps and majestic gorges. At Arthur’s Pass we rejoin our coach and continue south to the magnificent scenery and glaciers of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions. Perhaps join a helicopter flight with a landing on the glacier for another view of this stunning landscape. (B)

SCENIC HOTEL, FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER (4 STAR)

DAY 10 FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER - QUEENSTOWN

The road through Westland National Park is one of the most scenic ever built, with tremendous ocean views to one side and spectacular forest views to the other. Experience it for yourself as we head to Queenstown, traveling south crossing the Haast River Bridge and passing Lake Hāwea and Lake Wanaka along the way. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, why not take an optional ride on the Kawarau Jet Boat. (B)

HOLIDAY INN FRANKTON ROAD, QUEENSTOWN (3 STAR)

DAY 11 MILFORD SOUND

Milford Sound is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand. Te Anau is the gateway to Fjordland National Park and our first port of call on today’s tour. We continue through the lush beech forests of the Eglinton Valley and the eroded glacial canyons of the Hollyford Valley, before arriving at Milford Sound itself. A cruise on the Sound, which we include (weather permitting), is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the area, and lunch is also included. (B,L)

HOLIDAY INN FRANKTON ROAD, QUEENSTOWN (3 STAR)

DAY 12 QUEENSTOWN - DAY AT LEISURE

Explore Queenstown at leisure or perhaps join an optional excursion. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a jet boat ride on the Dart River. You’ll also enjoy a walk through the bush and go on an exciting fourwheel drive. This evening, if you wish, you could enjoy a relaxing steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu and a gourmet barbecue dinner in the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak. (B)

HOLIDAY INN FRANKTON ROAD, QUEENSTOWN (3 STAR)

DAY 13 QUEENSTOWN - OMARAMA

Today we travel via the gold-mining town of Arrowtown. New Zealand’s spectacular scenery is never-ending and another stunning route delivers us to the Mount Cook region. If you wish you can take an optional scenic flight over some of New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers. Your pilot will provide interesting commentary as you admire them from the air. (B)

HERITAGE GATEWAY HOTEL, OMARAMA (3 STAR)

DAY 14 OMARAMA - CHRISTCHURCH

A lovely drive this morning takes us across Burkes

Pass and onwards to Lake Tekapo. We will travel over the Canterbury Plains and on to Christchurch, where an orientation tour introduces us to all the main sights. This evening we will gather with the group to enjoy a farewell drink. (B)

QUALITY HOTEL ELMS, CHRISTCHURCH (4 STAR)

DAY 15 CHRISTCHURCH

Today it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. (B)