10 Days: Snow capped mountains, crystal clear lakes and World Heritage National Parks are some of the wonders to expect on this 10 day Premier Escorted Tour.

Take in the contrasts of two distinct islands. From Auckland’s sparkling harbour, to Rotorua’s geothermal wonderland, across to the rugged beauty of the West Coast and the untouched serenity of Milford Sound, another snapshot of New Zealand’s natural splendor reveals itself around every corner.

Tour departs from Auckland and returns to Christchurch

Itinerary is valid 1 April 2016 – 31 March 2017

Please Note: Itinerary, departure dates & prices may be subject to change.

Highlights

• Explore Auckland’s city sights
• Cruise on Auckland Harbour
• Tour the Waitomo Glowworm Grotto
• Experience Maori culture at Tamaki Family Marae
• Spot a kiwi bird in Rotorua
• See the Agrodome Sheep Show
• Journey over the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine Train
• Visit a jade factory
• Marvel at Franz Josef Glacier
• Discover spectacular Milford Sound on a scenic lunch cruise
• Explore the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown
• View the waters of Lake Tekapo
• Visit a working sheep farm
• Enjoy a Morelea Farm BBQ lunch

Guided Holiday Inclusions

Transportation

Tour by luxury air-conditioned coach with 2-door access, restroom, seatbelts,
reclining seats, panoramic windows

Professionally Escorted

Tour with an experienced, professional Tour Director and Driver Guide

Dining Inclusions

• Full buffet breakfasts (9)
• ‘You’re invited’ lunch (1)
• Lunch (1)
• Dinner with wine (1)
• ‘You’re invited’ dinner (1)
• Highlight dinners (2)
• Farewell dinner (1)

Accommodation

Twin share rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels

Plus

Experience Tour Director and Driver Guide

Quality accommodation

Travel by luxury coach

Included Choice experiences

Itinerary

Days 1-3 in Auckland

2 Nights, The Langham Hotel Auckland

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland

On arrival in Auckland, you are transferred to your hotel. This evening meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception at your hotel, followed by an included dining experience at Eight Restaurant. At eight, you can enjoy as many sumptuous courses as you like from the eight kitchens. Your cut of meat is cooked to your taste at the grill, your sushi and sashimi are made to order, and your choice of desserts can range from healthy fruit salads, to the decadent chocolate fountain or just have it all!

Dinner included

Day 2: Auckland 

A morning cruise on Waitemata Harbour is followed by a sightseeing tour including Bastion Point, the War Memorial and Viaduct Harbour. Spend some free time exploring on your own or relaxing at your hotel.

Breakfast Included

Day 3: Auckland – Rotorua

Travel into the Waikato region to visit the incredible Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto for a boat tour with a Local Guide. Then continue to Rotorua to visit  Te Puia Thermal Reserve where you’ll be accompanied by a Local Guide to view New Zealand’s biggest geyser, bubbling mud pools and thermal springs. This evening enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi dinner with local wine, and a concert at the Tamaki Family Marae.

Full Buffet Breakfast & “You’re Invited” Dinner included

Days 3 – 4 in Rotorua

1 Night, Millennium Hotel, Rotorua.

Day 4: Rotorua – Christchurch

This morning visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Later you’re off to the famous Agrodome Sheep Show, before flying to Christchurch (airfare is not included and must be booked by you or your travel agent). On arrival, board your coach for a tour to see how the city is slowly being rebuilt as a consequence of the devastating earthquake of February 2011. Later, continue to your hotel.

Breakfast included

Days 4-5 in Christchurch

1 Night, Novotel, Christchurch

Day 5: Christchurch – Franz Josef

Board the TranzAlpine train in Christchurch for your journey over the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. At Hokitika you’ll visit a New Zealand greenstone (jade) factory. Travel along the Coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier for a short walk to view the glacier and perhaps take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).

Breakfast and Dinner with wine included

Days 5-6 in Franz Josef

1 Night,Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef

Day 6: Franz Josef – Queenstown

Enjoy a coastal drive with views of the Tasman Sea. Climb over the Haast Pass winding through Mount Aspiring National Park. Then your journey takes you past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and heads along the Kawarau River through the Kawarau Gorge. Finally you will visit the historic village of Arrowtown on the Arrow River, previously one of the world’s richest rivers, before arriving in Queenstown.

Breakfast and Dinner included

Days 6 – 9

3 Nights,  Millennium Hotel, Queenstown

Day 7: Milford Sound

Journey over the Devil’s Staircase along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. You’ll drive through the Homer Tunnel before reaching Milford Sound. Enjoy lunch and a cruise with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above you. Later, return to Queenstown for the evening.

Full Buffet Breakfast & Lunch included

Day 8: Queenstown Included Choice

Today is a full day to explore Queenstown at your leisure. Choose from a range of optional experiences. You have the option to ride the Shotover Jet, join a wine tour, play 9 holes of golf or take a gondola to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner. Perhaps take a 4WD through Skippers Canyon, relax with a spa treatment at Millbrook Resort, or go horse riding.

Full Buffet Breakfast included

Day 9: Queenstown – Christchurch

You’ll be awestruck by the sensational alpine landscape of Mt. Cook National Park. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook (weather permitting). Later in the day continue on to see Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, where you stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. ‘You’re invited’ to Morelea Farm, where you are welcomed into the home of your hosts Angie and Stan to enjoy a barbecue lunch in their 240 hectare garden. Travel over the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Full Buffet Breakfast, “You’re Invited Lunch & Farewell Dinner included

Days 9 – 10 in Christchurch

1 Night, Novotel, Christchurch

Day 10: Farewell from Christchurch

Throughout today you will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.

Full Buffet Breakfast included