Contrasts of New Zealand

Day 1-2

Auckland

Arrive into Auckland (before 4pm) and be greeted with a transfer to your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring this harbour city at your leisure before the welcome reception and dinner with your group and tour guide at the hotel.

On your second day in New Zealand, begin with a sightseeing tour where you’ll visit Mission Bay, the sprawling North Shore and Waitemata Harbour from Bastion Point, the War Memorial and Michael Joseph Savage Memorial. Spend the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight: Stamford Plaza Auckland (Day 1: Dinner with wine. Day 2: Breakfast included)

Day 3

Rotorua

Journey through the King Country Region, which was at the centre of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s. Upon arrival embark on an orientation of the area with a visit to the Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you’ll explore with a local guide to discover the myriad ferns, trees and plants that grow around the springs.

In the evening, you will enjoy a traditional Hangi Highlight Dinner and cultural performance at the Tamaki Maori Village.

Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua (Breakfast and Highlight Dinner included)

Day 4

Rotorua/Queenstown

Enjoy a morning at leisure, perhaps consider a visit to the Glow Worm Grotto or Te Puia for a guided tour through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve by a local Maori guide who will highlight the many unique features, including the bubbling mud pools and geysers. Later in the afternoon you will fly to Queenstown, check into your hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure.

Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast included)

Day 5

Milford Sound

Make your way over the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to arrive at Te Anau, home to the largest lake on the South Island. You’ll venture through the rainforest of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park to witness the breath-taking mountain ranges and glaciers. Drive through Homer Tunnel and experience the inspiring scenery along the way, offering up countless photo opportunities including Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, Mitre Peak, Mirror Lake and Bowen Falls. Cruise the natural wonder of Milford Sound while enjoying a delicious lunch; make your way back to Queenstown for the evening.

Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast and lunch included)

Day 6

Queenstown

There is a choice of sightseeing activities to enjoy today. Opt between a ride on the Shotover Jet, joining a wine tour, playing a round of golf or taking a gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner. You could perhaps take a 4WD minibus through Skippers Canyon or relax at Millbrook Resort with a rejuvenating spa treatment. Alternatively, explore Queenstown on a Segway tour. Enjoy a highlight dinner at The Boatshed with your group and some spectacular views over the Lake and mountain range.

Overnight: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (Breakfast and Highlight dinner included)

Day 7

Queenstown /Lake Tekapo

Whether pinot noir grapes or cherries, things grow well in the fertile Central Otago region of the South Island. Get a taste for the area’s plump stone fruit at a local orchard, where the farmers will guide you around the estate. Mountain drama – including views of Aoraki/Mt. Cook – is your backdrop en route to Lake Tekapo, with water so turquoise it looks like a Renaissance painting.

Overnight: Peppers Bluewater Resort (Breakfast and dinner with wine included)

Day 8

Lake Tekapo/Christchurch

Begin your day with a visit to the drift-wood strewn beaches of Hokitika, where you visit a New Zealand greenstone (jade) factory and witness jewellery artists at work before you travel inland to the small settlement of Arthur’s Pass. Board the awe-inspiring train journey on the TranzAlpine train back to the East Coast and Christchurch. This spectacular train journey dates back to 1914 and is rated one of the world’s most scenic train journeys.

Overnight: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (Breakfast included)

Day 9

Christchurch

This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Christchurch followed by a Be My Guest morning tea at the home of Tim and Isabella Weston, owners of Britten Stables. Enjoy a Farewell dinner with your group and tour guide tonight.

Overnight: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (Breakfast, Be My Guest morning tea and Farewell dinner included)

Day 10

Departure day, say farewell to your fellow travellers and transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.

(Breakfast included)