New Zealand Highlighter from $2,204

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Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival at the hotel the remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Auckland. Perhaps visit the Sky Tower for spectacular views of the harbour and surrounding volcanic hills. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director followed by dinner.
Stay: Auckland, Mercure Hotel

Day 2: Auckland – Waitomo Caves
This morning journey to the crest of Mt Eden, to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Leaving the “City of Sails” we go south to Waitomo Caves for a tour of the underground limestone caverns, including the magnificent ‘Cathedral Cave”. We then continue to Rotorua for a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance of song and dance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Hotel Ibis

Day 3: Rotorua
Today experience the attractions of Rotorua when you choose an activity. Perhaps enjoy a half-day tour visiting Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, or enjoy an entertaining sheep show at the Agrodome and walk amongst native flora and fauna at Rainbow Springs.

Day 4: Rotorua – Wellington
En route to Wellington we’ll view the Huka Falls, visit Taupo and drive along the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. Discover the alpine scenery of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the dairy farms of Manawatu. Travel along the Kapiti Coast into the capital city Wellington, for a city tour with views from Mt Victoria.
Stay: Wellington, Mercure Willis Street

Day 5: Wellington – Picton
Day 5 – Wellington – Picton
A morning of ‘Free Time’ in Wellington, followed by a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. A photo opportunity at Parliament House, then this afternoon we join the inter-island cruise across Cook Strait and into the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, before arriving at the pretty fishing village of Picton on the South Island for an orientation tour.
Stay: Picton, Beachcomber Inn

Day 6: Picton – Christchurch
En route to 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), travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast and across the Canterbury Plains. A city tour of Christchurch, the ‘most English city’ outside of England, then it’s ‘Free Time’.
For a scenic feast journey on the TranzCoastal train between Picton & Christchurch, with the Kaikoura Mountain Range on one side and the rugged Pacific Ocean on the other. Additional cost $NZ 136 per person.
Stay: Christchurch, Hotel Ibis

Day 7: Mt. Cook
Start the day your way – shop, ride the Christchurch Tram or just relax. Later travel over the colourful, patchwork plains of Canterbury. Visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue past Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand’s highest mountain. Time to take an optional scenic flight over this mighty mountain (weather permitting).
Stay: Omarama, Heritage Gateway Hotel

Day 8: Dunedin
Follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore. From the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam, we travel through Oamaru – which is famous for its white stone buildings made of limestone, to Dunedin for a city tour. The afternoon is yours to explore Dunedin as you wish – – take a wildlife cruise, visit the cadbury chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge railway.
Stay: Dunedin, Kingsgate Hotel

Day 9: Dunedin – Te Anau
After a morning of time to yourself and the opportunity to visit historic Larnach Castle we’ll cross rich fertile sheepfilled farming land to the South Island’s biggest lake – Lake Te Anau and the town of Te Anau. Optional Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour tonight.
Stay: Te Anau, Kingsgate Hotel

Day 10: Milford Sound
You’ll be awe-struck by great sights from Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Along the way to Queenstown, we’ll see Mirror Lakes, Cleddau valley, The Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. At Queenstown we’ll have an orientation tour on arrival and enjoy an Alpine dinner with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Mercure Queenstown Resort

Day 11: Queenstown
Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many scenic delights of Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. From wine and garden tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting, Queenstown will keep you occupied and exhilarated. For dinner you have the option to dine at the Skyline Restaurant on Bob’s Peak. Access is via the steepest Gondola in the Southern Hemisphere. Dinner options include the Kiwi Haka Maori Show.

Day 12: Franz Josef
Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colourful township steeped in local history. Next is Cromwell and its sensational stone fruit. Then it’s a trio of lakes – Lake Dunstan, Lake Hawea & Lake Wanaka. Travel through Haast Pass which winds its way through Mount Aspiring National Park and dramatic mountain and forest scenery. View Thunder Creek Falls and take a rainforest walk. Continue north along the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier – a rare, still advancing glacier. (optional Fox Glacier scenic flight).
Stay: Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel

Day 13: Christchurch
Visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade), for a factory visit and jewelry demonstration. Travel through Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, before heading back to Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch, Ibis Christchurch

Day 14: Depart Christchurch
Today is yours, take your time exploring Christchurch – the Garden city – famous for its gardens and being the most english city outside of England. See Hagley Park and the Canterbury Museum – just make the most of it – it’s your last chance to experience New Zealand before we transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.