15 DAY NZ HIGHLIGHTS TOUR ITINERARY

DAY 1: EXPLORE AUCKLAND

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails! Auckland is known for its multicultural hub of food, music, arts, and culture. Your tour officially begins this evening, as you join your fellow travellers and Tour Director this evening for a welcome reception which includes a complimentary drink on arrival.

Accommodation: 3.5 – 4 Star Hotel

Meals: None

Activities: Welcome Reception

DAY 2: AUCKLAND TO OHAKUNE

Today, you will marvel at rural New Zealand’s lush landscapes from the comfort of your seat onboard the Northern Explorer scenic train journey. From the green pastures of the Waikato to the icy mountain streams of Ruapehu, you won’t want to miss a moment.

Accommodation: 3.5 – 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Activities: Northern Explorer Train

DAY 3: OHAKUNE - VOLCANIC PLATEAU

Today is free for you to discover one of the region’s many exciting excursions. Choose from the optional activities on offer such as a horse trekking experience or an exciting rail cart journey. If you’re after an active day, why not explore Ohakune’s historical cycle trail? Rent e-bikes and discover old viaducts, tunnels, old settlers’ camps and reclaimed native forests along the Old Coach Road! Or simply choose to explore the region at your own leisure.

Accommodation: 3.5 – 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Activities: Optional Tours

DAY 4: OHAKUNE TO WELLINGTON

After breakfast, we begin our day by travelling from National Park to Mt Ruapehu. You won’t want to leave this mini excursion to Middle Earth without a panoramic photo in hand! Arriving at Wellington Railway Station, you are just a stone’s throw from downtown, the Beehive, and Parliament Buildings.

Accommodation: 3.5 – 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Afternoon tea on Train

Activities: Northern Explorer Train & Mini excursion to Middle Earth

DAY 5: EXPLORE WELLINGTON

Today is free for you to experience vibrant Wellington as you please. Start by joining our Wellington City introduction tour and then head off to explore Wellington at your own pace from coffee, culture and historic buildings to botanic gardens and eco-sanctuaries.

Accommodation: 3.5 – 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Activities: City Tour & Optional Tours

DAY 6: WELLINGTON TO BLENHEIM

This morning you will sail to the South Island, crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry. Around midday, you will be spoiled with captivating harbour views as you enter the Queen Charlotte Sound. Admire the beauty of this coastal paradise as you arrive at the gateway of the South Island, Picton. Upon arrival, you will experience a tasty Marlborough Wine Tour as you are transported to the wine region by private coach.

Accommodation: 3.5 – 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Activities: Cook Strait Ferry Crossing & Marlborough Wine Tour

DAY 7: BLENHEIM TO KAIKOURA

After enjoying a delightful breakfast, the morning is yours to explore at leisure. Step aboard the Coastal Pacific scenic train journey as you travel along the rugged coastline for a timeless voyage of breathtaking beauty. Upon arrival in Kaikoura, the evening is yours to visit local restaurants and try their famous seafood.

Accommodation: 3.5 – 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

Activities: Coastal Pacific Train & Free evening time to explore Kaikoura

DAY 8: KAIKOURA TO CHRISTCHURCH

Choose from a range of optional tours such as the iconic whale watching cruise or experience an aerial flight to capture the true grandeur of it all. In the afternoon, you will step aboard the Coastal Pacific enroute for Christchurch, often referred to as The Garden City.

Accommodation: 3.5 – 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner on train

Activities: Coastal Pacific Train

DAY 9: EXPLORE CHRISTCHURCH

Enjoy your free time to explore Christchurch which can be best discovered by jumping on the historic Tram. Learn the tales and culture of Christchurch. If you are in the mood for something different, set off for Akaroa, an ‘incroyable’ French coastal settlement just an hour and half from the city centre. Dinner awaits as you join your fellow travellers this evening for a group dinner to discover the places you have discovered.

Accommodation: 3.5 – 4 Star Hotel

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Activities: Christchurch Tram City Tour