New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of 2 main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. Capital Wellington, on the North Island, is home to Te Papa Tongarewa, the expansive national museum. Wellington’s dramatic Mt. Victoria and the South Island’s Fiordland and Southern Lakes stood in for mythical Middle Earth in Peter Jackson’s "Lord of the Rings" films.
On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, seat in coach passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel. Self drive clients will collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Auckland.
Today after breakfast leave and travel towards south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves including an underground boat ride viewing the millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. On completion continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert.Overnight stay at a hotel in Rotorua.
This morning after breakfast visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife before continuing to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry. This afternoon or this evening enjoy a relaxing soak in the tranquil setting of the Lake Spa Retreat at the Polynesian Spa. Overnight stay at the hotel in Rotorua.
Today after breakfast, leave for the airport to depart on your domestic flight from Rotorua to Christchurch (airfare is NOT included). Upon arrival, reach the hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Tonight enjoy a romantic dinner on the iconic Christchurch Tram Restaurant. Overnight stay at a hotel in Christchurch.
Today after breakfast check out and travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ before continuing on to New Zealand’s highest mountain - Mt Cook. Depart from Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown. Upon reaching Queenstown, reach your hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Overnight stay at a hotel in Queenstown.
A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Overnight stay at a hotel in Queenstown.
Departing Queenstown this morning, travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. For self drive clients, entry to the Glacier Hot Pools is included. Overnight stay at the hotel in Franz Josef.
Today after breakfast leave and travel north to Greymouth and board the Tranz Alpine train (seat in coach passengers only). Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Travel beside the Waimakariri River to Christchurch. Upon arrival at Christchurch reach your hotel and check in. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Overnight stay at a hotel in Christchurch.
Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. We trust you enjoyed your Vacation!