20 Day Essence Of New Zealand

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonight, see the city sights of Christchurch on board a heritage tram while enjoying drinks and canapes as you step back in time to a grand era of transport.

On arrival, be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel where you have the afternoon to relax.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Discover Australasia’s highest peak in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
This afternoon, you may join a guided nature walk. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and discover icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. Perhaps visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, including a visit to the planetarium or a stargazing session with an astronomer.

Today you'll traverse the Canterbury plains to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo, before journeying into Aoraki Mt Cook National Park to view Australasia’s highest mountain, Aoraki (Mt Cook).

Set out along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Oamaru. Continue to Koekohe Beach to view the unusual spherical-shaped Moeraki Boulders. Arrive in Dunedin late afternoon and enjoy time at leisure before dinner.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps visit Olveston Historic Home, the historic home of a wealthy merchant family built in the early 1900s. Or discover the history of Larnach Castle, nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula. Alternatively, those who enjoy a beer may choose to visit Speight’s Brewery for a tasting.

Begin your day with your choice of sightseeing activity. Afterwards, absorb the breathtaking scenery as you travel to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps you may like to explore an underground network of limestone caves, magically lit by thousands of glow worms. Alternatively, you may prefer to set off on an inspiring wilderness cruise on Doubtful Sound. Or, take an exciting jet boat ride along the Upper Waiau River to get the heart pumping.

Waking in Te Anau this morning, decide how to spend your day thanks to our range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Cruise pristine Milford Sound.

This morning, wind down the Milford Road, through the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys. Continue to Milford Sound where you will cruise along the full length of this fiord deep within Fiordland National Park. After, Queenstown awaits.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Movie buffs may like to visit key The Lord of the Rings trilogy filming locations on a Safari of the Scenes tour. Alternatively, set out on a Skippers Canyon adventure following the Shotover River Valley on an exciting 4WD tour. Others may prefer a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu or a wine tour through the wineries of the Central Otago wine region. Later, select from a number of restaurants during a Freedom of Choice Dining evening where you can get a taste for New Zealand’s South Island’s cuisine.

Today you can discover Queenstown your own way with the included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activities available.

Immerse yourself in beautiful Queenstown with a full day at leisure. You may like to take a relaxing stroll along the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu, or take part in the thrill of a lifetime in this adventurous city.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Cross Haast Pass into Westland Tai Poutini National Park, then continue to Franz Josef, where you will take in the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier.

Skirt the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Arrive later at your luxury eco-resort for a special four-course dinner.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Seize the day and board New Zealand’s famous TranzAlpine train to experience one of the world’s greatest rail journeys. Enjoy stunning views from the open-air viewing platform as you pass by the striking patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, through deep gorges and river valleys.

Follow the Waimakariri River and travel across the Southern Alps all the way to Christchurch.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Indulge in the finest flavours as you savour a Highlights of Marlborough Dinner. An exciting experience, the unique fusion of quality produce and ethnic influences have helped shape New Zealand's food and wine culture as amongst one of the best in the world.

This morning, follow the east coast to Kaikoura, before traversing the Marlborough region to Blenheim. Tonight, local chefs will present each dish before you, showcasing superb local artisan produce, perfectly paired with wines from the region.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE - Sightseeing
Perhaps embark on a tour of the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre; enjoy the sheer beauty of Marlborough Sounds during a greenshell mussel cruise; or choose to visit some of the region’s best wineries for wine tastings and lunch in the countryside.

Enjoy your selected sightseeing activity.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
This morning, cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry. You’ll traverse the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds while taking in breathtaking surrounds.

This afternoon, take part in a fascinating city sights tour of Wellington.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
On arrival, discover the city of Napier on an Art Deco tour.

Today you'll drive through the Rimutaka Ranges en route to Napier.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Later, travel to Rotorua, where this evening you'll immerse yourself in Māori culture as you enjoy a traditional Hāngī Feast and performance.

Today, journey through Esk Valley and Te Pohue, stopping at the charming town of Taupo.

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

This morning, it's time to explore Rotorua on your selected sightseeing activity. The evening is yours at leisure to further explore.

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.

This morning, travel through Waikato's farmland to Auckland. Afterwards, enjoy your selected sightseeing activity.

Continue north to the Bay of Islands.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops on a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock.

Prepare to discover the Bay of Islands region.

After breakfast, travel to Auckland where your New Zealand adventure concludes. We say goodbye before we transfer you to the airport for your flight.