New Zealand : Ultimate Explorer Tour

Day 1 arrive Christchurch (D) upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Huntley Lodge, Christchurch

Day 2 Christchurch - Twizel (B,D) board the luxurious coach, depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit The Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak and enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Twizel. Overnight MacKenzie Country Inn

Day 3 Twizel - Dunedin (B,SD) - depart Twizel and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin, a well preserved Victorian city. Take a city sights tour including a visit to historic Olveston House. Enjoy a Scottish themed evening complete with bagpipes, great food, and a haggis ceremony. Overnight Scenic Hotel Southern Cross

Day 4 Dunedin - Te Anau (B,D) travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle for a guided tour. Visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and view the superb collection of flowers, followed by a delightful morning tea. Farewell Dunedin and head to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and visit the glow worm caves – incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls (optional). Overnight Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas

Day 5 Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown (B,L) drive to Milford Sound where you board a launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights in this resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. The evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. Two nights Millennium Hotel Queenstown

Day 6 Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD) enjoy a full day at leisure. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your coach captain and tour escort will be happy to help. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax as you are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Day 7 Queenstown - Fox Glacier - Franz Josef (B,D) travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers. Overnight Distinction Fox Glacier

Day 8 Franz Josef - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch (B,D) drive to Hokitika, famous for its greenstone. Then continue to Greymouth and board The TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel through lush beech forest, skirt lakes and follow rivers before the train climbs through the Otira Tunnel to Arthur’s Pass in the centre of the Southern Alps. Descend through spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey at Christchurch. Overnight Huntley Lodge, Christchurch

Day 9 Christchurch - Picton - Wellington (B,D) travel along the east coast to the fishing village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. Two nights James Cook Grand Chancellor

Day 10 Wellington (B) an extensive city sights tour this morning will highlight Wellington’s tremendous history and culture. Enjoy a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s fabulous National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Enjoy some leisure time in the afternoon. The evening is free to choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Day 11 Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua (B,D) depart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Two nights Millennium Hotel Rotorua.

Day 12 Rotorua (B,SD) begin with a Gondola ride to Skyrides Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome to see a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Next visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling out to see the boiling mud pools and the awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

Day 13 Rotorua - Auckland - Bay of Islands (B,D) depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a kauri tree. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. Two nights Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands

Day 14 Bay of Islands (B,D) this morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Look out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning via Russell to Paihia for an afternoon at leisure. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront.

Day 15 Bay of Islands - Auckland (B,SD) depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening you will be treated to a special farewell dinner including wine with your new found friends. Overnight Hyatt Regency Auckland

Day 16 Auckland transfer to the airport.