15-Day New Zealand Experience

Ask our expert Steph McLeish about the 15-Day New Zealand Experience

Day 1: Auckland
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Auckland.
Stay: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City

Day 2: Auckland, Bay of Islands
Our journey takes us north to the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve where you’ll view the giant Kauri tree Tane Mahuta, ‘Lord of the Forest’. Continue to the Bay of Islands, the birthplace of the nation.
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands, The Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel

Day 3: Bay of Islands, Day at Leisure
The Bay of Islands is home to 144 islands and is a playground for lovers of anything aquatic. Enjoy a full day at leisure or perhaps you may want to indulge in a relaxing overnight cruise (own expense). Imagine exploring the stunning coastal scenery aboard a small luxury ship as you weave among the islands watching out for whales and dolphins.

Day 4: Bay of Islands, Auckland
Explore New Zealand’s finest national maritime park on a dolphin watching cruise to Cape Brett. Cruise through the Hole in the Rock to the Cape Brett lighthouse, admiring the magnificent coastal scenery. Return this afternoon to Auckland.
Stay: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City

Day 5: Waitomo, Rotorua
The Waitomo region is home to the famous glow worm caves, where thousands of these tiny creatures radiate an unmistakable glow. We discover this natural wonder, including a cruise through the illuminated caverns, before continuing to Rotorua. Tonight immerse yourself in the colourful and energetic Maori culture as you enjoy a Maori hangi-style feast as well as a song and dance performance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Kingsgate Hotel

Day 6: Rotorua
Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers and rich Maori culture. Visit one of New Zealand’s most loved attractions, the Agrodome, and enjoy its entertaining sheep shearing demonstration. Later, continue to Te Puia Thermal Reserve where you’ll enjoy a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, as well as learn about the famous geysers. This is a truly engaging experience as you hear about the intriguing legends, history and culture of the Maori people. Later, you may like to enjoy some optional excursions such as a helicopter flight over the active White Island volcano (own expense) or experience life with a local family on a Country Homestay.

Day 7: Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington
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, before travelling south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park en-route to Wellington, the national capital.
Stay: Wellington, Bay Plaza

Day 8: Wellington, Cook Strait, Ashburton
Named after Captain James Cook, who became the first European to sail through the narrow body of water in 1770, Cook Strait separates the North and South islands. Here, you’ll embark on one of the most picturesque cruises in the world as the Interislander ferry takes you through Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Once in Picton, you’ll journey south and visit the fishing town of Kaikoura, famous for its whale watching. Later, arrive in Ashburton, a small village in the picturesque Canterbury Plains region.
Stay: Hotel Ashburton

Day 9: Ashburton, Greymouth
Today, you have an opportunity to journey part of the way on the TranzAlpine train from Darfield to Greymouth (own expense). Cross the vast patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before climbing up into the Main Divide. Stunning scenery awaits as you journey across the magnificent Southern Alps.
Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

Day 10: Fox Glacier, Queenstown
Cross the snow-capped Southern Alps and travel through Haast Pass. Travel along the shorelines of lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the alpine resort of Queenstown on the banks of Lake Wakatipu. Here, you’ll appreciate the incredible backdrop of mountain scenery as it’s juxtaposed against the crystal clear lake. Delicious food and a great night out are always on the menu in Queenstown - tonight enjoy one of the many choices (own expense).
Two Night Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Queenstown Lakeview

Day 11: Queenstown, Day at Leisure
Queenstown is perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike with endless attractions and activities on offer. You may wish to join the TSS Earnslaw for a cruise and tour of Walter Peak Station or perhaps take a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for an amazing view over Queenstown (own expense).

Day 12: Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, Te Anau
Today, follow the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Journey along Milford Road, renowned as one of the world’s best alpine drives, to Milford Sound. Step aboard a ship to cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord, viewing cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest and towering mountains that surround this World Heritage-listed area.
Stay: Te Anau, The Village Inn

Day 13: Te Anau, Dunedin
Leaving the Fiordland region, journey through rolling Southland countryside to Dunedin. New Zealand’s oldest city as the name suggests is of Scottish heritage and possesses a unique combination of cultural riches and fine architecture. Here, you’ll enjoy a city tour before visiting Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Tonight absorb the Scottish flavour and character of Dunedin and enjoy a Scottish-themed evening at your hotel, complete with a taste of haggis and its history.
Stay: Dunedin, Mercure Leisure Lodge

Day 14: Lake Ohau
Today, journey along the east coast to see the spectacular Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. These enormous spherical stones were formed over 60 million years ago and lie scattered along a stretch of the beach. A visit to picturesque Oamaru provides stunning natural beauty and some of New Zealand’s best 19th century architecture. This evening in Lake Ohau, you’ll enjoy a delicious High Country meal with your fellow guests.
Stay: Lake Ohau Lodge

Day 15: Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Depart Christchurch
En-route to Christchurch today you’ll stop to admire the snow-capped mountains of Mt Cook National Park, before travelling to picturesque Lake Tekapo. You’ll pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of locally gathered stone and oak and erected as a tribute to the early pioneers of the region. Our tour concludes on arrival at Christchurch airport.

Guaranteed Tour Dates, starting in Auckland:  
2013: Sep 7; Oct 8, 20; Nov 24; Dec 22.
2014: Jan 5; Feb 11.

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

01342 310 581

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