Day 1
Christchurch
On arrival at Christchurch Airport you'll be driven by private car to your hotel. Welcome to Christchurch, join your travel director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.
Overnight: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch or similar
Day 2
Franz Josef
Hop on the TranzAlpine train today to traverse through the Canterbury plains with the gentle chug-chug taking you into epic scenery. Board the coach at Arthurs Pass and travel to Hokitika to meet a local artisan for a jewellery carving demonstration. For the next two nights, your accommodation will be at an eco-friendly retreat set in pristine wilderness. Perhaps relax in the Franz Josef’s geothermal hot pools.
Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat or similar (Breakfast and dinner with wine included)
Day 3
Franz Josef
This morning join a local guide to explore Franz Josef whilst they will explain the history behind the imposing glacier.
Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 4
Queenstown
Board a purpose built full enclosed river jet boat and journey down the Haast River. After a lunch stop in Makarora enjoy a visit to the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown. The adventure capital awaits, check into your hotel in Queenstown and begin exploring on an orientation tour.
Overnight: Hotel St Moritz or similar (Breakfast and dinner with wine included)
Day 5 - 6
Queenstown free time
Enjoy two full day to explore Queenstown, there is plenty to see and do, adventurers embrace the daring activities today for all those thrill seekers, time to make the most of the Adrenalin capital. Or perhaps a visit to the region’s vintages on a wine tour, view the Lord of the Rings film locations or enjoy the scenery of Queenstown and Glenorchy on a scenic tour. On your second night enjoy a local dining experience in one of Queenstown’s most exclusive restaurants.
Overnight: Hotel St Mortitz or similar (Two breakfast and one dinner included)
Day 7
Milford Sound
Today you’ll head toward Milford Sound Lodge – visiting Te Anau and then journeying deep within the Fiordland National Park. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and emerge into a photographer’s paradise where glaciers and peaks give way to the unexpected beauty of Mirror Lake. You’ll stop to explore the wonder of the Chasm Walk before arriving at your lodge for the next couple of evenings, with its exquisite views of the Cleddau Valley.
Overnight: Milford Sound Lodge or similar (Breakfast and dinner with wine included)
Day 8
Milford Sound
Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound. This morning, explore a section of the famous Milford Track on an easy going half day guided walk. This place is steeped in rich history and stories, the flora and fauna are unique and special. This afternoon aboard the Southern Discoveries vessel sit back and relax as a specialist nature guide introduces you to the natural wonders of Milford Sound often called the ‘eighth natural wonder of the world’.
Overnight: Milford Sound Lodge or similar (Breakfast, lunch and dinner with wine included)
Day 9
Dunedin
Embark on a journey this morning from the rainforests of Fiordland through Te Anau and the rolling the hill country of Southland to the hills of South Otago. A stop in the musical town of Gore at lunchtime before arriving in Dunedin, New Zealand’s southernmost city.
Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner with wine included)
Day 10
Dunedin Free Time
Enjoy a relaxed start this morning, before taking a guided tour oat Emerson’s Brewery, sample the tasty craft beer before an afternoon at leisure. Relax or continue exploring Dunedin as you wish. Perhaps ride the historic Tairei Gorge Railway or take a wildlife cruise of the Otago Pennisula.
Overnight: Distinction Dunedin Hotel or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 11
Christchurch
Travel up the east coast through Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings before arriving in Christchurch for an in-depth sightseeing tour.
Overnight: Hotel Montreal, Christchurch or similar (Breakfast and dinner with wine included)
Day 12
Wellington
Against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks, you’ll arrive in the whale-watching capital of Kaikoura. Consider a scenic whale watching flight (own expense). Continue to the picturesque seaside village of Picton, the launch pad for a serene sailing across the Cook Strait to Wellington followed by a visit to the enriching Te Papa Museum of New Zealand.
Overnight: QT Wellington or similar (Breakfast and dinner with wine included)
Day 13
Wellington free time
Spend your day delving into the coffee culture and gourmet delights of Wellington – consider a cable car ride for a bird’s-eye view of the city – today is yours to enjoy the city on your terms.
Overnight: QT Wellington or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 14
Hawke’s Bay
Travel through the dairy farm land of Manawatu to Napier in Hawke’s Bay. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon before joining your group for wine tasting and a local dining experience at one of their world-famous wineries.
Overnight: Porters Boutique Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 15
Hawke’s Bay -Napier - Hawke’s Bay
Enjoy a relaxed start before we venture out to explore the Hawkes Bay region. Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era with a luxurious vintage car tour. Your driver will provide a fascinating commentary as you are driven in style, through Art Deco Napier and surrounding areas. You’ll learn about the earthquake that destroyed the city, hear stories of the people that led the rebuild, and discover the Art Deco style. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Overnight: Porters Boutique Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner with wine included)
Day 16
Rotorua
Enjoy a leisurely start before continuing the journey to Rotorua. This afternoon visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley where you will connect with the beating heart of the world’s youngest geothermal valley, it’s unique history and legacy. Along the guided walk you’ll experience geothermal activity, hot springs, volcanic craters, nature and wildlife. Followed by a relaxing 45-minute cruise around the tranquil waters of Lake Rotomahana see stunning geothermal activity only accessible by boat as well as rare native birdlife. Immerse in the stories of the Mt Tarawera volcanic eruption and the resulting dramatic landscape changes that created this amazing part of the world.
Overnight: Pullman Rotorua or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 17
Rotorua
Ascending to the breathtaking Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated bird’s eye view of the 115-year-old redwood giants and the beautiful surrounds of the forest from a unique perspective. Next stop is Rainbow Springs Nature Park for a behind the scenes look at the National Kiwi Hatchery. Tonight, an evening of culture, history and scrumptious food awaits you at Tamaki Maori Village. Wander through the ancient forest village and learn about Maori art forms and traditions, followed by a cultural performance. Experience an authentic Maori Hangi meal, steamed underground in the traditional way..
Overnight: Pullman Rotorua or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 18
Auckland
Begin the day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glow-worm experience. Later, travel through dairy farming district of Waikato onto Auckland and enjoy a celebration dinner with your group tonight.
Overnight: QT Auckland or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 19
Auckland
Bid a fond farewell to your group as your epic New Zealand Inspiring Journey has come to an end.
(Breakfast)
