17-Day Splendours of New Zealand

Ask our expert Chris Hawkins about the 17-Day Splendours of New Zealand

Day 1: Arrive Auckland   
You will be met on arrival at Auckland airport (flight must arrive prior to 4pm) and transferred to your hotel.  This afternoon is free to explore Auckland your way. This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow passengers.
Stay: Mercure, Auckland   

Day 2: Bay of Islands   
Depart Auckland and travel along the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands – see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes peeled for the marine life.
Stay: 2 nights at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort (Garden View), Bay of Islands   

Day 3: Bay of Islands ‘Free Time’   
Explore the Bay of Islands. Dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, drive along the Ninety Mile Beach, sail or sea-kayak.

Day 4: Auckland   
This morning there is the opportunity to visit the Waitangi Treaty Reserve which is of great historical importance, as this is where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. You will have time to explore the Reserve and take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe and Meeting House (Marae). This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.
Stay: Mercure, Auckland   

Day 5: Waitomo Caves   
After an Auckland City Sights tour we trace the Waikato River to Waitomo Caves. We tour the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. Then arrive in Rotorua for an orientation tour.  Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast and concert at the Tamaki Family Marae.
Stay: 2 nights at the Ibis, Rotorua   

Day 6: Rotorua   
We visit the Agrodome Sheep Show then enjoy an afternoon of ‘Free Time’ – visit Rainbow Springs, abundant with rainbow trout and native fauna including the kiwi or Te Puia, where a local Maori will guide you through the Geothermal valley with its mud pools and geysers.

Tonight there is an opportunity to stay overnight at a local farm to experience New Zealand farm hospitality first hand.  This must be requested at the time of booking, an additional cost will apply and includes dinner.

Day 7: Rotorua – Wellington   
View the Huka Falls, visit Taupo and drive along shores of its lake. Discover the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the dairy farms of Manawatu. Travel along the Kapiti Coast into Wellington, for a city tour.
Stay: Travelodge, Wellington.   

Day 8: Wellington - Picton    
A morning of ‘Free Time’, followed by a visit to  Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Then we cruise Queen Charlotte Sound and later travel to the seaside village of Picton.
Stay: Beachcomber, Picton

Day 9: Picton – Christchurch   
We’ll get up close and personal with some New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point, watch whales at Kaikoura, (optional scenic Whale Watching flight available) and travel across the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Stay: Ibis, Christchurch   

Day 10: Mt. Cook   
Enjoy a leisurely start to the day in Christchurch. Later we’ll see Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the alpine scenery of Mt. Cook National Park (optional Mt. Cook scenic flight available, weather permitting).
Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama   

Day 11: Dunedin   
Our day starts along the Waitaki River with the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. We travel through Oamaru with its famous white limestone buildings to Dunedin, where we tour the city. Then you’ve got the afternoon to yourself – take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.
Stay: Scenic Hotel, Dunedin City   

Day 12: Dunedin – Te Anau   
After a free morning, we’ll cross sheep filled farming land to the South Island’s biggest lake and the town of Te Anau. Optional Glow Worm Caves tour tonight.
Stay: Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau   

Day 13: Milford Sound   
Journey from Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Witness Mirror Lake, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a Queenstown orientation tour on arrival, followed by dinner with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Stay: 2 nights at the Mercure Queenstown Resort, Queenstown   

Day 14: Queenstown ‘Free Time’   
Explore exciting Queenstown your way – from wine and garden tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS Earnshaw, to Walter Peak Station for a carvery Highlight Dinner at the Colonel's Homestead. An entertaining after dinner farm show provides a glimpse into high country farm life before our cruise back to Queenstown.

Day 15: Fox Glacier   
Our first stop is Arrowtown. Next is Cromwell and its sensational stone fruit. Then it’s a trio of lakes – Lake Dunstan, Hawea, Wanaka. Travel through Haast Pass, view Thunder Creek Falls, take a rainforest walk. Final stop is Franz Josef Glacier, a rare, still advancing glacier (optional scenic flight can be booked locally).
Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier, Franz Josef

Day 16: Christchurch   
Visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. Travel through Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, to Arthur's Pass to board the TranzAlpine, one of the top 6 train journeys in the world.  This spectacular journey takes you through the Southern Alps and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.  This evening celebrate your holiday at a farewell dinner with your Tour Director and new found friends.
Stay: Hotel Ibis, Christchurch   

Day 17: Depart Christchurch   
Your tour concludes after breakfast with your transfer to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.

Guaranteed Tour Dates, starting in Auckland:   
2013: Jun 8; Sep 14; Oct 5, 19; Nov 2, 16; Dec 14, 28.
2014: Jan 11, 25; Feb 8, 22; Mar 8, 29; Apr 26, Jun 7; Sep 13.

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

01342 310 581

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