14-Day New Zealand Premier Highlights

Ask our expert Steve Cooper about the 14-Day New Zealand Premier Highlights

Day 1: Auckland, Freedom of Choice touring
Discover the ‘City of Sails’ today. Perhaps climb Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, visit Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, cruise Waitemata Harbour or enjoy a relaxing massage. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.
Stay: Auckland, Rendezvous Grand Hotel

Day 2: Waitomo, Rotorua, Hangi feast
The Waitomo region is home to the world-renowned glowworm caves. We discover this natural wonder on a guided tour of the limestone caverns, before continuing to Rotorua. This evening, the Tamaki Maori Village welcomes us as we experience the dance, music and fascinating culture of the Maori people at a traditional Hangi feast.
Stay: Two Nights: Rotorua, Holiday Inn

Day 3: Rotorua, Freedom of Choice touring
Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment in the mud from Rotorua’s geothermal region or experience the icons of Rotorua at Te Puia Thermal Reserve. You may enjoy an entertaining and educational Agrodome Farm show, complete with sheep shearing, a live dog trial and the opportunity to feed the lambs or even milk a cow. Other options include a ‘Hobbiton Movie Set’ tour and a thrilling 4WD bush safari through beautiful native rainforest. Perhaps spend tonight on a Country Homestay (must be pre-booked).

Day 4: Wellington, Freedom of Choice touring
Departing Rotorua, we travel through a region abundant with geothermal activity, crystal clear lakes and streams, natural spas and rich Maori culture. Visit Lake Taupo and thundering Huka Falls with its striking blue water. Our journey then takes us across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park en route to Wellington, the national capital. Tonight, enjoy the choice of a great range of dining options.
Stay: Two Nights: Wellington, Amora Hotel

Day 5: Wellington, Freedom of Choice touring
Today choose from a selection of included sightseeing activities. Perhaps enjoy a Wellington city highlights tour, or an enthralling visit to Zealandia: Karori Eco Sanctuary. Take a ‘Lord of the Rings’ set tour or visit the Carter Observatory and Planetarium.

Day 6: Cook Strait, Kaikoura
Named after Captain James Cook, the first European to sail through the narrow body of water in 1770, Cook Strait separates the North and South islands. The Interislander ferry journey is one of the most picturesque cruises in the world, passing through Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Once in Picton, we travel to Kaikoura, famous for its whale watching, before arriving in Methven.
Stay: Methven Resort

Day 7: TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef
Today is sure to be a highlight of your New Zealand journey. Rated as one of the greatest scenic rail journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine Train takes us through river valleys and across the magnificent Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass. Re-boarding our coach, we drive down the breathtaking west coast where you’ll marvel at majestic Franz Josef Glacier.
Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel

Day 8: Franz Josef, Queenstown, Freedom of Choice touring
Enjoy a day of incredible scenery as you travel along the Haast River, capturing views of the towering peaks, waterfalls and rainforest in the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley. In Queenstown, choose from a delicious range of included dining options.
Stay: Two Nights: Queenstown, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Day 9: Queenstown, Freedom of Choice touring
Tailor your sightseeing today in Queenstown. Options include a thrilling Shotover Jet boat ride deep into river canyons, indulging in some of Central Otago’s finest wines, or enjoying a Safari of the Scenes tour taking in all the Queenstown locations from the famous ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy.

Day 10: Milford Sound, Te Anau
Journey along the Milford Road this morning, as it winds its way down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then through the Homer Tunnel. As we exit the tunnel we’ll be met by the sight of dramatic scenery. Cruise the full length of Milford Sound - a must on any visit to New Zealand. Then drive to Te Anau.
Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas

Day 11: Te Anau, Dunedin, Freedom of Choice touring
Today we travel across New Zealand’s south island to the east coast and Dunedin with its strong Scottish heritage. This afternoon, discover Dunedin, known as the Edinburgh of the south, with your chosen activity. Perhaps learn the art of brewing beer at Speight’s Brewery or take a ride aboard the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Day 12: Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice touring
We head north today, along New Zealand’s east coast. Stop to view the unusual spherical-shaped Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach, before continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Here, tailor your sightseeing and perhaps enjoy a visit to the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre, with its digital planetarium. Alternatively, join a guided nature walk through the wilderness of Mt Cook National Park, and discover the spectacular landscapes, wildlife, flora and fauna of this region on foot.
Stay: Mt Cook, The Hermitage

Day 13: Mt Cook, Christchurch
Leaving the snow-capped mountains of Mt Cook National Park behind, we travel by coach to Lake Tekapo. Here, we’ll visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of locally gathered stone and oak as a tribute to the regions early pioneers.
Stay: Christchurch, The Ashley Hotel

Day 14: Depart Christchurch
After breakfast, enjoy the morning at leisure in Christchurch before an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight.    

Guaranteed Tour Dates, starting in Auckland:   
2013: May 25; Jul 13; Sep 21.

For alternative departure dates, which will operate subject to minimum numbers, please call our travel specialists.

01342 310 581

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