Breathtaking New Zealand

Day 3 Auckland

We'll arrive in Auckland today. There is time to rest after your flight before we gather as a group for dinner.

Day 4 Auckland

The beautiful city of Auckland is the largest in New Zealand, situated on the North Island in the Hauraki Gulf. We'll admire its spectacular skyline on an included tour this morning, which takes us to all the must-see sights. Later, you will have time to explore the city further in the company of your fellow travellers.

Day 5 Auckland - Rotorua

The warm, emerald-green North Island was shaped by volcanic activity, and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua. En-route we will journey through the dairy-rich Waikato farming region, home of the Maori kingdom, and visit the world-famous Waitomo Caves. The amazing glow-worm grotto is a fascinating sight and we will explore in the company of a Local Guide.

You can also take an optional flight today, either by float-plane or helicopter, over Mount Tarawera Volcano. You'll learn how the volcano's 1886 eruption - the largest in New Zealand's living memory - affected the landscape and, if you chose the helicopter flight, you will actually land at the site of the eruption. Those choosing the float-plane excursion will have the added excitement of taking off and landing on water at the Rotorua City Lakefront.

Day 6 Rotorua

Te Puia Thermal Reserve is home to the extraordinary boiling mud pools and spouting geysers that New Zealand is so famous for. We will call here this morning to see this spectacular sight for ourselves.
Later you have the option to join a tour of Hobbiton, the location created for the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films. We'll explore the site, which includes hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, while our guide offers fascinating insight – a must for fans of the films.
Tonight, you'll have a chance to experience a Maori concert and sample an authentic Hangi meal on an optional tour. This is where your food is cooked by steam underground using a centuries-old method that harnesses the power of nature.

Day 7 Rotorua - Napier

The route to Napier takes us through the Wairakei Valley, past the spectacular Huka Falls to beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. We will pause here to take in the mesmerising views. Napier is home to one of the finest collections of Art Deco-style buildings in the world and has the ideal climate for growing grapes. Sampling some of the locally cultivated wines is certain to be a treat before we discover more about the town as we explore on foot in the company of your Holiday Director. We'll enjoy a group dinner this evening at a winery estate.

Day 8 Napier - Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand's wonderful capital, enjoys a beautiful setting on the southern tip of the North Island. We'll head here today with an orientation tour on arrival to highlight the city's main sights.

Day 9 Wellington - at Leisure

We have left today free for you to explore the city with your travelling companions. Perhaps take the cable car to the Botanical Gardens or visit the Te Papa Museum, which offers a wealth of information about New Zealand and its history, along with a collection of art.

Day 10 Wellington - Christchurch

We set sail for the South Island today. Once back on land, we continue the drive to Christchurch, often referred to as the most English city outside of England. We'll enjoy the stunning scenery of the Kaikoura coast along the way.

Day 11 Christchurch - Omarama

Before departing Christchurch, we will take in an orientation tour of the city which introduces us to all the main sights.
Then it’s a lovely drive across the Canterbury Plains towards Burkes Pass and onwards to Lake Tekapo with a stunning route delivering us to the Mount Cook region today.

Day 12 Omarama - Queenstown

Before departing from the Mount Cook region, you may wish to take an optional scenic flight over some of New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers. Your pilot will provide interesting commentary as you admire them from the air.
Today we travel via the gold-mining town of Arrowtown and onwards to Queenstown, a popular resort in both summer and winter.

Day 13 Milford Sound

Milford Sound is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand. Te Anau is the gateway to Fjordland National Park and our first port of call on today's tour. We continue through the lush beech forests of the Eglinton Valley and the eroded glacial canyons of the Hollyford Valley, before arriving at Milford Sound itself. A cruise on the Sound, which we include weather permitting, is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the area, and lunch is also included.

Day 14 Queenstown - at Leisure

Explore Queenstown in the company of your fellow travellers or perhaps join us on an optional excursion.
If you're feeling adventurous, there's a fantastic opportunity to take an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Dart River.
This evening, if you wish, you could enjoy a relaxing steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu and a gourmet barbecue dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak.

Day 15 Queenstown - Franz Josef

Departing Queenstown, travelling north, passing Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka along the way to cross the Haast River Bridge. The road through Westland National Park is one of the most scenic ever built, with tremendous ocean views to one side and spectacular forest views to the other. Experience this as we travel to the magnificent scenery and glaciers of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions.

Day 16 TranzAlpine Train

This morning perhaps join a helicopter flight with a landing on the glacier for a stunning view of the landscape.

Late afternoon we join the TranzAlpine Express for a spectacular journey through the Southern Alps. We’ll board the train in Arthurs Pass, the South Island's highest railway station, passing through the contrasting scenery of the snow-capped Southern Alps and majestic gorges. Arriving in Christchurch this evening, where we get together for a farewell drink.

Day 17 Christchurch - UK

We'll transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

Day 18 UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.