Day 1
Auckland
Upon arrival in Auckland you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Here you will meet your travel companions over a complimentary pre dinner drink
Grand Millennium Auckland- Dinner included
Day 2
Bay of Islands
Today you will depart Auckland and journey via Whangarei to Paihia, a gorgeous town nestled in the Bay of Islands. Here you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds – where the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British took place.
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands - Breakfast & Dinner included.
Day 3
Bay of Islands
The whole day is free for you to explore the Bay of Islands at your own pace. There are plenty of optional activities you could enjoy, including the Coach Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach, or a laidback dinner cruise.
Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands - Breakfast included.
Day 4
Auckland
In the morning you will hop on a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett, to see the impressive Hole in the Rock. After your cruise, you will venture south returning to Auckland.
Grand Millennium Auckland - Breakfast included.
Day 5
Rotorua
Your day will begin with a city tour around Auckland, before heading off to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a 15km trip back in time on a charming, restored vintage steam train. Explore the restoration workshop before returning to Glenbrook Station for a morning tea.
Once you’ve departed Glenbrook, you will journey through spectacular countryside to Rotorua, where you’ll discover the beautiful Paradise Valley Springs – a pretty wildlife park where you’ll get to hand feed rainbow trout.
Pullman Rotorua - Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 6
Rotorua
Begin the day with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua, even making time for a fun luge ride.
The start of the afternoon is free for you to explore, and then you will journey to Te Puia to see the impressive boiling mud pools and geysers. In the evening, you and your fellow travellers will be treated to an entertaining Maori Hangi and concert.
Pullman Rotorua - Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 7
Wellington
Today you will venture along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the wonderful Huka Falls, before continuing on to Lake Taupo for a bit of free time in this picturesque seaside town. After a few hours of exploring and relaxing, you’ll travel via Tongariro National Park and then continue south to Wellington.
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor - Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 8
Wellington
A highlight this morning will be the opportunity to explore the Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting-edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour. This afternoon, take the Wellington Cable Car to Kelburn Station, where you can visit the Cable Car Museum or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Botanic Gardens. The evening is free to explore Wellington’s vibrant food scene.
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor - Breakfast included.
Day 9
Wellington - Christchurch
This morning, board the Interislander Ferry and take in the stunning scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Then, embark on the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that winds along a narrow strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Meet your coach in the fishing village of Kaikoura for the journey to the garden city of Christchurch.
Distinction Christchurch - Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 10
Christchurch
Today you will explore the International Antarctic Centre for an informative account of the life of Antartica, followed by an fascinating introductory city tour of Christchurch. The rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy your journey on board the Christchurch Tram.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel - Breakfast included.
Day 11
Arthur’s Pass and Franz Josef
Day 11 will be spent on the TranzAlpine, one of the world’s best train journeys. Travelling over magnificent viaducts, over sweeping river valleys and over scenic gorges, there’ll be plenty of photo opportunities on your trip. Once you’ve discovered the stunning Arthur’s Pass, you’ll board your coach again and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone. The last port of call is Franz Josef, where you’ll have time for an optional scenic flight over the breath-taking glacier.
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier - Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 12
Queenstown
Today you will travel to Queenstown via the Haast Pass, and check in to your hotel overlooking Lake Wakatipu. The evening is free for you to explore the delicious restaurants Queenstown has to over.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown - Breakfast included.
Day 13
Queenstown
The whole day is free for you to explore Queenstown. In the evening you’ll board the TTS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, and sail across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Here you’ll tuck in to a sumptuous gourmet BBQ dinner, watching as the chef cooks up a feast at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner you’ll have a short farm tour before reboarding the TSS Earnslaw for a sing-along by the piano.
Millennium Hotel Queenstown - Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 14
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
This morning travel to Arrowtown visiting the Lakes District Museum, continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound, boarding the Milford Mariner for an astounding overnight cruise. As you cruise through the pristine beauty of Milford Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife, gorgeous waterfalls, rainforest and mountains - you're bound to encounter seals and if you're lucky maybe even dolphins and penguins. When evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef.
Milford Mariner - Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 15
Te Anau
Begin the day with a tasty breakfast, before travelling back out to see more of the fiord. You’ll then return back to the wharf to meet your coach and embark on a picturesque drive to Te Anau. A cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the Glow Worm Caves is a great way to spend the afternoon today.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau - Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 16
Dunedin
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, renowned for its stunning Edwardian and Victorian architecture dating back to the 1800s gold rush. Enjoy a city tour of New Zealand’s oldest university city.
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City - Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 17
Dunedin
Travel along the scenic Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour, you will hear the tragic and scandalous stories that form part of the castle’s history. Enjoy time to explore this Garden of International Significance, followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Return to Dunedin for some free time. Optional activities include a wildlife excursion to observe animals in their natural habitat or a guided tour of Olveston Historic Home, which houses a wealth of treasures from a bygone era.
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City - Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 18
Christchurch
Head to Oamaru to see its famous limestone. Your last evening will be spent at a farewell dinner with your fellow travel friends.
Distinction Christchurch Hotel - Breakfast and dinner included.
Day 19
Christchurch
Today marks the end of your tour. You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast included
