DAYS 1 - 2:
Join the overnight flight to Auckland, via Los Angeles.
DAY 3: Christchurch.
Morning arrival in Auckland where we will change aircraft for the short flight to Christchurch and a two night stay. Known as the ‘Gateway to the Southern Alps’, this very English city was planned around the Gothic Canterbury Cathedral, whose 65 metre spire dominates the city. Many of the streets are named after English cathedral cities and it is well known for beautiful gardens and parks. For a unique experience, take a ride on a restored tram.
DAY 4: Christchurch.
A day at leisure in Christchurch, or you might like to join our exciting optional excursion to the French coastal settlement of Akaroa, with a cruise on the beautiful harbour.
DAY 5: Queenstown.
This morning we depart Christchurch and travel to Mount Cook Village where there will be time for lunch as you admire New Zealand’s highest peak. We will also stop en route at the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo, before continuing to Queenstown, nestling in Queenstown Bay along the eastern shores of Lake Wakatipu. Still largely rural, Queenstown offers a stunning array of scenery, including striking mountain peaks, and is a delight to photographers and painters. You will stay here for two nights.
DAY 6: Queenstown.
At leisure to explore Queenstown, but we are sure you will want to join our optional tour to Milford Sound where you will enjoy a cruise on the spectacular fjord. There is also the option of joining a fantastic scenic flight for panoramic views of the fjord and its waterfalls.
DAY 7: Franz Josef.
This morning we depart Queenstown and travel through the rugged Kawerau Gorge, past the impressive lakes of Wanaka and Hawea. We then continue across the Haast Pass to arrive on the West Coast, and travel north to reach Franz Josef, famed for its breathtaking glaciers, for a two night stay.
DAY 8: Franz Josef.
At leisure, or perhaps join our unmissable Glacier Walk and Twin Glacier Helicopter Ride optional excursions.
DAY 9: Nelson.
Leave Franz Josef and travel north along the rugged West Coast, passing through Greymouth and stopping to see the Pancake Rock formations. We then arrive in Nelson with idyllic coves, award-winning wineries and gourmet food. You will stay in Nelson for one night.
DAY 10: Wellington.
We continue our journey north and travel over the winding Whangamoa and Rai saddles to Picton. From here, we will join an inter-island ferry to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. With a magnificent harbour on one side and rugged green hills on the other, Wellington is simply one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
DAY 11: Rotorua.
Today we travel along the shores of Lake Taupo, set in a volcanic crater, to Rotorua, the centre of the intense thermal activity in New Zealand. Geysers, pools of boiling mud, crystal springs and richly coloured craters make this city one of the world’s great tourist attractions and you will stay here for two nights.
DAY 12: Rotorua.
This morning we include a tour of Rotorua. We will take you to the Agrodome Farm show where you are free to participate in the displays, and Paradise Valley Springs where you can see native birds and animals. We will also visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, famous for its geysers, and a Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. This evening enjoy a taste of authentic New Zealand culture with our optional Hangi & Maori Concert.
DAY 13: Auckland.
Today we travel to Auckland, via Waitomo where you can walk through and marvel at the amazing cave decorations before venturing on a boat tour to view the thousands of glow-worms in Glow-worm Grotto. You will spend your last night in New Zealand in Auckland, known as the ‘City of Sails’. Take a trip downtown for excellent shopping and perhaps reflect on your breathtaking tour at one of the relaxing cafés or restaurants in the harbour area.
DAY 14: Auckland.
This morning we include a sightseeing tour of Auckland, taking in famous sights such as Mount Eden, Parnell Village, Victoria Park, Auckland Domain and War Memorial Museum (admission included). This afternoon we transfer you to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
DAY 15:
Arrival at the airport from where you will make your own way home.
Four night stopovers in Sydney or Fiji From £229
We are also pleased to offer you the opportunity to enjoy a stopover in Sydney, Fiji or Hawaii in addition to your New Zealand itinerary. All stopovers include flights, four nights’ centrally located hotel accommodation based on two sharing a twin/double room and all taxes (except New Zealand departure tax). Return airport transfers are included on all stopovers. Please ring our Reservations Dept on 0870 770 4046 to book.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
We have carefully selected good quality hotels in excellent locations along the route. All hotels have a bar and restaurant and rooms offer en suite facilities, telephone, colour TV, tea/coffee making facilities and air conditioning. What’s more, we’ve also arranged an excellent value Breakfast Package - enjoy 11 breakfasts during your stay for just £109 per person.
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