17 Day New Zealand Wonderland

On arrival into Auckland, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the original treaty between the British and Māori people was signed.

Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands where you will enjoy a visit to the Māori Meeting House and War Canoe at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Meander through the Bay of Islands and keep watch for marine life, then spend some time in a secluded bay.

Explore the Bay of Islands on a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps cruise on Waitemata Harbour; enjoy a unique All Blacks experience; visit Auckland Zoo to discover the native flora and fauna of New Zealand; or immerse yourself in a Make Believe Experience and journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop; or escape the bustle of the city on a tour to Auckland’s wild, black sand beaches and lush rainforest.

Travel to Auckland and take in the city sights before selecting from our Freedom of Choice activities. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy a delicious Pacific-themed dinner.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Immerse yourself in Māori culture as you enjoy a traditional Hāngī Feast and performance of song and dance.

Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous glow worm caves where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an eerie glow. Discover this natural wonder on a guided tour, before continuing to Rotorua.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps enjoy a sheep show at the Agrodome followed by a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Alternatively, choose to visit Wai-O-Tapu or experience Middle-earth during a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand’s North Island this morning. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, then visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before travelling across the plateau of Tongariro National Park to Wellington.

After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including the waterfront area and New Zealand’s national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to further explore this coastal city and perhaps dine at a local restaurant.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
This morning, step aboard the Interislander ferry to cruise across Cook Strait and through the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds to Picton.

Arrive on the South Island and travel to the quaint fishing town of Kaikoura before continuing along the central east coast all the way to Christchurch.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s greatest rail adventures.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Take in the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier.

Pass through epic river valleys and past awesome mountain ranges then disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Hokitika, where you will see pounamu (jade) being carved into pieces of jewellery. Continue to Franz Josef. Arrive later at your luxury eco-resort for a special four-course dinner.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Dining
On a Freedom of Choice Dining evening perhaps sample quality crafted beer at Canyon Food & Brew Co. Alternatively, take a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner with a view. You may prefer a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamboat, or dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Elements Restaurant.

Enjoy a day of breathtaking scenery as you travel to Queenstown.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps visit several local sites where The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Alternatively, set out on a Skippers Canyon adventure or a river safari along the beautiful Dart River. A tour of the country’s premier wine-producing region is a tempting option, or a leisurely cruise over the waters of Lake Wakatipu.

Enjoy the flexibility of how to spend your morning with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a cruise that explores the full length of the pristine fiord which is Milford Sound.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonight, enjoy a Taste of Fiordland Dinner, and savour local delights such as salmon and lamb.

Embark on one of the most scenic drives today as you journey along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then drive through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak, the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound. Continue to Milford Sound. Afterwards, enjoy a picturesque drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps visit Olveston Historic Home, or discover the history of Larnach Castle, nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula. Those who enjoy a beer may choose to visit Speight’s Brewery for a tasting.

Journey through Southland countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon, choose your Freedom of Choice activity.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Visit Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to see New Zealand’s highest mountain.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, or the planetarium for a stargazing session. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.

Drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Continue to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, where you choose your activity.

Travel to Lake Tekapo and pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner at your hotel.

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.