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CUSTOM ITINERARY:
(B) Breakfast. (L) Lunch. (D) Dinner. (SD) Specialty Dinner.

DAY 1: Arrive Auckland (D)
On arrival into Auckland you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel Grand Millennium Hotel

DAY 2: Auckland - Bay of Islands (B,D)
Enjoy a city tour of Auckland, dubbed the ‘City of Sails’, before travelling to Matakohe to enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands or similar (2 nights)

DAY 3: Bay of Islands (Free Day) (B)
Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional)

 

DAY 4: Bay of Islands - Auckland (B, D)
This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Return to Paihia and travel south via Whangarei, call into the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree before returning to Auckland.
Hotel Grand Millennium Hotel

DAY 5: Auckland - Rotorua (B,L,D)
This morning travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. Visit the restoration workshop and on return to Glenbrook Station, morning tea will be served. This is followed by a guided tour of the Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will recount details of how this beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle Earth.
Hotel Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (Superior Room. 2 nights)

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DAY 6: Rotorua (B,SD)
Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

DAY 7: Rotorua - Wellington (B,D)
Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park to the Wellington Tramway Museum to view a display of tramway history and enjoy a nostalgic trip on one of the original trams that served Wellington city.
Hotel James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (Lambton Rooms. 2 nights)

DAY 8: Wellington (B)
A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon and this evening is also free to explore Wellington’s lively food scene

 

 

DAY 9: Wellington - Blenheim (B,D)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On arrival into Picton travellers will enjoy some free time for lunch (own expense). This afternoon you will be treated to a unique wine and cheese tasting experience, set amongst the wine barrels at Cloudy Bay Estate. Established in 1985, Cloudy Bay was one of the original wine makers in the Marlborough region. Stroll through the manicured grounds scattered with towering gum trees and find a quiet spot to enjoy your favourite drop.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Maryborough

DAY 10: Blenheim - Christchurch (B)
This morning enjoy breakfast at leisure followed by free time and lunch (at own cost). After lunch join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the rugged scenic coastline on the other traveller through numerous tunnels and across several bridges. This evening is free to explore the local cuisine.
Hotel Distinction Christchurch

DAY 11: Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef (B,D)
This morning board the TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before arriving at the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)

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DAY 12: Franz Josef - Queenstown (B)
See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Hotel Copthorne Hotel and Resort Lakefront (2 nights)

DAY 13: Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown. Your Tour Guide and Coach Captain are available to assist with the many options available. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at 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 14: Queenstown - Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (B,D)
This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for your amazing overnight cruise. There is plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife - you’re bound to encounter seals and if you’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef.
Overnight Milford Mariner ship!

DAY 15: Milford Sound - Te Anau (B,D)
Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return back to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Hotel Distinction Luxmore (Deluxe Room)

 

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DAY 16: Te Anau - Dunedin (B,D)
Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Pukerangi to board The Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through spectacular scenery only accessible by rail. On arrival at Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station your coach will transfer you to the hotel.
Hotel Scenic Hotel Southern Cross (2 nights)

DAY 17: Dunedin (B,SD)
This morning travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Return to the city for an informative city tour followed by some free time. You might be interested in a tour of Speights Brewery (optional) or the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat (optional) Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift.

DAY 18: Dunedin - Christchurch (B,SD)
This morning visit Olveston, a prosperous merchants’ home from the turn of the century before travelling to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. On arrival into Christchurch enjoy an introductory city tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends.
Hotel Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport

DAY 19: Depart Christchurch (B)
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.