Arrive Auckland (Tuesday and Wednesday only)

On arrival you will be met and privately transferred to the accommodation.  

Kia Ora! Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here.

Optional Attraction: Auckland Sky Tower without Transfers 

(Flight should be Arrive before 1400 HRS)

View Auckland City from 328 metres high above street level in the iconic Sky Tower. This is a great introduction to the city as it provides panoramic 360 degree views up to 80km in every direction 

Optional Attraction: Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise // Admission without Transfers 

Immerse yourself in Auckland Harbour setting and unwind with a three-course meal on the water. Set sail and take in Auckland spectacular scenery as the sun lowers in the sky.Enjoy canapés and a welcome drink as you set sail onto the Waitemata Harbour. For the main course choose between dining in the downstairs cabin or on deck to take in the iconic sights of the Auckland Harbour. To finish the evening off, savour your dessert course as we leisurely sail back to Auckland vibrant Viaduct Harbour. Includes: 2.5 hour sailing experience on Auckland Waitemata Harbour Welcome drink of your choice served on arrival Enjoy a three-course meal on board served by our crew Informative commentary from our knowledgeable crew about the harbour and its history Fully licensed bar is available on board for additional drinks Children must be 5 years and older for this cruise 

Duration: 2.5 hours. Includes a welcome drink and a three course meal.

Overnight: Auckland

Meals: NA

Auckland - Hobbiton - Rotorua

Today's coach tour takes you through the rolling green hills to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set.  See where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed as your tour guide shares behind-the-scenes tales. You'll see sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth.  After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch in the Party Marquee before continuing to Rotorua.

Optional Attraction: Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa

Situated on the foreshore of Lake Rotorua this five step sensory wellness journey includes karakia (prayer) shower mist cleansing, saunas for stimulation and revitalisation, geothermal bathing and self-applied mud with restorative powers on heated stone beds. Geothermal bathing includes five pools, two mineral pools , one herbal pool, a cold plunge pool and a hydrotherapy pool with massaging jets. Includes locker, towel, robe and duffel bag. Allow: 2 hours.

Overnight: Rotorua

Meals: Breakfast

Rotorua |Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience |

Morning post breakfast, day is free for leisure or relaxing activities.

This evening you'll be transported to Te Puia for an Indigenous Evening! 

Highlights: Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience

Just seven minutes from central Rotorua lies the geothermal valley of Wakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Pohutu geyser. Take a 90 minute guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the geothermal valley and geyser. Enjoy a mouth-watering buffet designed with local sourced cuisine and an authentic Maori twist overlooking the valley's geothermal vista with sweeping views of the geyser, followed by a 40 minute cultural performance in the beautifully carved meeting house with traditional welcome (powhiri), song (waiata), poi and haka. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding surrounded by steam and the geyser terrace bathed in coloured light. Duration: 4.5 hours.

Complimentary transfers are provided from central Rotorua accommodation. 

Overnight: Rotorua

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner with Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience

Rotorua - Christchurch (Domestic Flight Not Included)

Depart on your domestic flight to Christchurch.  (Internal Flights to be booked on own).

Flight Time Rotorua to Christchurch is approx. 2 hours

Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River.

Optional Attraction: Christchurch Tram Dinner

The Tramway Restaurant offers you a unique way to experience Christchurch. Dine in style in an air-conditioned vintage tram and be treated to fine service, cuisine and beverages. Incorporate some fabulous dining with the central city sights of Christchurch's passing right by your window. The Tramway Restaurant offers a great experience of inner city vibrancy and heritage ideal for celebrating special occasions, romantic date nights or simply to see Christchurch from a different perspective.

Overnight: Christchurch

Meals: Breakfast 

Christchurch - Greymouth

Christchurch - Greymouth

You will be transported to the Christchurch Railway Station for the Tranz Alpine train crossing the vast expanses of the Canterbury Plains, through the dramatic gorge of the Waimakariri River to Arthur's Pass National Park. On arrival in Greymouth, you will be met and transferred to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for a short self-guided walk to view the fascinating pancake-shaped rock formations before being delivered to your accommodation.  

Highlights: Tranz Alpine Scenic Train Journey

One of the world's most spectacular train journeys crosses from coast to coast in New Zealand's South Island.  The Tranz Alpine Scenic Rail Journey delivers spectacular scenery you simply can't see from the road.  Along this journey you'll see epic vistas and the striking beauty of the mighty Southern Alps, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River and see miles of unique native beech forests.  An outdoor viewing carriage is also provided giving you the opportunity to soak in the fresh alpine air.

Overnight: Greymouth

Meals: Breakfast

Greymouth - Franz Josef (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun only)

This morning, you'll be transferred to Shantytown Heritage Park for a sense of what it was like to live in New Zealand during the gold rush before returning to Greymouth for your transfer to Glacier Country.  The temperate climate at a low altitude makes Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world.  Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway. 

Overnight: Franz Josef

Meals: Breakfast

Franz Josef - Queenstown (Tue, Thu, Sat, Mon only)

This morning you will be collected from the accommodation for your transfer through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on the journey to Queenstown. Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.

Optional Attraction: Skyline Gondola Ride

The Skyline Gondola base is situated a short five minute walk from central Queenstown. Take in the stunning views as you ride the Skyline Gondola cable car high above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu to the top of Bob's Peak. The best views in the region are found here, spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breath taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peak.

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast

Queenstown

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World

Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. 

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Fiordland is one of the world's last great wildernesses.  Today's stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea.  Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore.  After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on the coach as you return to downtown.

Fiordland is one of the world's last great wildernesses.  Today's stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea.  Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore.  After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on the coach as you return to downtown.

Highlights: Milford Sound Cruise

Milford Sound is an awesome sight with sheer granite cliffs towing into the sky.   Take in the native wildlife and breath-taking scenery from the comfort of a modern vessel fully equipped with spacious decks, relaxing lounges and enjoy lunch onboard.

Overnight: Queenstown

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Queenstown - Mt Cook/Tekapo - Christchurch

Departing Queenstown, the driver guide will bring today's journey to life, sharing stories and rich background knowledge. Pass through the stunning Kawarau Gorge, fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell, following beautiful Lake Dunstan and through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district alongside magnificent turquoise blue lake framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time. 

Leaving Mt Cook it's not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby. The driver guide will point them out on the journey to Lake Tekapo where you will make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing on through the amazing countryside to Christchurch

Overnight: Christchurch 

Meals: Breakfast

Depart Christchurch

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport

Meals: Breakfast (Depending on the onward flight)

Do spare a few minutes to share your feedback with our representative or via email - as your valued suggestions will be most appreciated. Arrive home with pleasant memories of your overseas tour, which we are sure you will treasure for a lifetime.