Day 1 ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH
On arrival at Christchurch Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: CHRISTCHURCH
After breakfast, day is free to explore the city. Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 3: CHRISTCHURCH – GREYMOUTH – WEST COAST GLACIERS (450 kms)
One of the world’s best scenic train journeys – The Tranz Alpine winds across spectacular gorges and river valleys, over the massive Southern Alps in Arthur’s Pass National Park and through lush beech forest to Greymouth on the West Coast. Continue southwards by coach along the coast to reach Westland National Park and the glacier region. (Self-drive passengers travel over the Canterbury Plains over to Arthur’s Pass and then en route to Westland National Park).
Day 4: WEST COAST GLACIERS (B)
A full day at leisure to enjoy the magnificent glaciers. Climb on to the slow moving river of ice or take a scenic flight (optional) for a bird’s eye view of this spectacular terrain.
Day 5: WEST COAST GLACIERS – QUEENSTOWN (420 kms) (B)
We depart this morning through the South Westland Heritage Park and across the rugged Haast Pass and Lake Wanaka. This afternoon’s travel is through the Kawarau Gorge to reach Queenstown.
Day 6: QUEENSTOWN
This is completely free day for you to pursue your own activities. Queenstown offers jet boating, lake cruise, bungy jumping, rafting, hose riding, gondola rides and may be a visit to the Sky Alpine Casino.
Day 7: MILFORD SOUND EXCURSION (600 kms)
An early starts as you follow Lake Wakatipu via Kingston arriving at Te Anau for morning tea break. From there you enter Fiordland National Park. Travel through beech forest, passing majestic mountains. On through the Homer Tunnel in time to board your catamaran for the Milford Sound cruise. You will pass Mitre Peak, the highest mountain in the world to rise vertically from the sea. View the Stirring and Bowen Falls as you cruise out to the Tasman Sea. Return to the pier where you re-board your coach for your return journey to Queenstown.
Day 8: QUEENSTOWN – ROTORUA (by air)
Today transfer to Queenstown airport for your flight to Rotorua (Airfare from Rotorua to Christchurch excluded). Upon arrival at Rotorua you will be met and taken to the hotel. Rest of the day is free. (Self-drive passengers drive to the airport where you will drop off the South island car at the Queenstown airport and fly to Rotorua where upon arrival, you will pick up the North island car to drive to the hotel).
Day 9: ROTORUA (D)
Today’s tour includes Te Puia – Thermal Reserve to see roaring geysers and mud pools. Following this, you will travel to Agrodome for famous Sheep Show then to Rainbow Springs to view trout and other wildlife. The afternoon is free for optional tours.
This evening enjoy a night of truly authentic, traditional culture and entertainment. Join in a time of sharing and feasting to a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way on hot stones in an authentic earthen oven.
Day 10: ROTORUA – WAITOMO CAVES – AUCKALND (370 kms)
This coach tour travels through the picturesque Fitzgerald Glade and over the rugged volcanic terrain of the Mamaku Ranges. At Waitomo, tour the subterranean caves by boat, see a grotto illuminated by countless tiny glowworms suspended from the caves ceiling. After tour continue travel and arrive in Auckland later afternoon.
Day 11: DEPART AUCKLAND
Transfer to the airport is included for your departure flight.