1
Welcome to Christchurch
‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand!
Relax you are on holiday! Step back in time to a grand era of transport and relax as the Christchurch Tram takes you around the 'must-see' central attractions. The tram drivers provide a live commentary throughout the loop, identifying points of interest, historic architecture and the changes the city is under-going since the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.
Some suggested excursions if you have time
Meals: None
Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night
2
Arthurs Pass to Franz Josef
This morning you travel through the majestic Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass. Later, visit the beachside town of Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade). Experience the vibrant local arts, culture and heritage through a jewelry demonstration by a local carver. Next it's on to Franz Josef Glacier were you have the opportunity to take a scenic helicopter flight (optional).
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 Night
3
Glaciers / Cromwell / Arrowtown
Travel through the scenic Haast Pass and view the must see 96-metre Thunder Creek Falls. Continue past the trio of lakes - Lake Dunstan, Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka - before heading to scenic Cromwell, known for its breathtaking landscapes, where you'll get to try delicious stone fruit - peaches, plums, apricots, cherries - at a local orchard. From here visit to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown, located on the Arrow River, before arriving in Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 Nights
4
Queenstown at Leisure
Today explore the adventure capital of the world your way - take a jet boat ride or go white water rafting. If you would prefer to relax choose to play a round of golf on one of the country's best courses, unwind on a unique wine tasting tour or indulge in a luxurious spa treatment. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS-Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm, for a gourmet barbecue dinner. Afterwards experience an entertaining farm show where you'll get a glimpse into high-country farm life.
Recommended Queenstown Excursions:
| Routeburn Day Walk | Highest Bungey Jump | Explore Arrowtown |
| Biking Skippers Canyon | Round at Millbrook Golf Resort | |
| Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise | Dart River Jetboat Safari |
Meals: Breakfast, highlight dinner
5
Te Anau / Fiordland National Park
Today you travel to Te Anau. You'll be awestruck by the stunning sights of Fiordland National Park as you cruise Milford Sound, considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world. From here drive to Mirror Lake, famous for its reflective views of Mount Cook, and past Pop's Lookout where you'll see stunning peaks, valley's and falls.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Te Anau - 1 Night
6
Dunedin - Edinburgh of the South
Cross sheep-filled farming land on the way to Dunedin, known as the Edinburgh of the South because of its rich Scottish heritage. This afternoon you are free - choose to visit the Otago Peninsula to see unique native wildlife such as Albatross, Sea Lions, and rare Yellow-eyed Penguins. If you want to learn more about your surroundings, take a ride on the historic Taieri Gorge Railway which will take you into the spectacular Central Otago Hinterland and up the rugged coast.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 Night
7
Victorian Oamaru
This morning you are free to relax, perhaps visit Larnach Castle New Zealand's only castle. In the afternoon travel to Oamaru, a unique mix of Victorian – ornately decorated grand limestone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels and restaurants – and bohemian artisans, creative’s and antiquarians. From here it's on to Omarama which highlights New Zealand's best – mountain scenery, location and small-town hospitality.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Omarama - 1 Night
8
High Country Lakes & Mt Cook National Park
Travel along the shores of spectacular Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki into Aoraki Mount Cook National Park soaking up the sensational alpine landscape. Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in the Southern Hemisphere, helped Sir Edmund Hillary hone his climbing skills in preparation for his conquest of Everest. Continue northbound arriving in the garden city of Christchurch where you will enjoy a city sights tour and see how Christchurch is rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night
9
Christchurch - Picton
Today we travel over the Canterbury Plains and over the Lewis Pass, stopping at the small Alpine village of Murchison. Known as the ‘whitewater capital’ of the country due to the many rivers in the region. Later, we enjoy stunning scenery of the Buller Gorge before arriving to the Marlborough region, world-famous for its Sauvignon Blancs amongst other quality wines. This evening you will finish your adventure in the South Island in the pretty seaside fishing village of Picton.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Picton - 1 Night
10
Wellington - Our Cool Little Capital
Cruise the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington, recently named 'The Coolest Little Capital in the World'.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Wellington - 1 Night
11
Wellington - Rotorua
Travel along the Kapiti Coast to Tongariro National Park soaking up the stunning alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu. The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. The stunningly blue freshwater of Lake Taupo is home to some of the best trout fishing in the world. On arrival in Rotorua an orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua.
This evening, explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley, and learn about Māori history and culture on this guided experience, which includes a dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and a cultural performance in a finely carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It ends on a high at the Pohutu Geyser, where, armed with a hot chocolate you’ll view one of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderlands.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights
12
Rotorua - the Cultural and Geothermal Centre
Today is a free day to relax and explore at your own pace. Afterwards enjoy an afternoon at leisure - perhaps visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park, named after the abundance of Rainbow Trout, to see native fauna, including kiwi birds. Or choose to do a tour of Te Puia, where a local Maori guide will show you the mud pools and geysers of the geothermal valley.
Meals: Breakfast.
13
Glowworm Grotto’s / The ‘City of Sails'
Travel through the Waikato region to the Waitomo Caves where you will take a tour of the amazing Glowworm Grotto by boat and walk through the limestone caverns. As you make your way into the heart of New Zealand’s largest city, you will stop at Bastion Point and the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial, as you will get stunning shots of Auckland, the North Shore and the Waitemata Harbour.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night
14
Bay of Islands
Say goodbye to the ‘City of Sails’ as you journey north to New Zealand’s dramatic Bay of Islands – 140 droplets of land ringed by turquoise sea. It’s undeniably beautiful, but it also holds a special historical secret: this is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Captain William Hobson and Māori chiefs.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Bay of Islands - 2 Nights
15
Bay of Islands Leisure Time
Today you are free to experience the beautiful Bay of Islands as you wish. Made up of 144 islands it's paradise for water lovers and there is no shortage of things to do. Go on a dolphin cruise, take a coach trip to Cape Reinga via 90 mile beach, spend the day sailing on a tall ship or take a tour to historic Russel. Ask your Travel Director about optional experiences.
Excursions available in and around the Bay of Islands
Meals: Breakfast
16
Bay of Islands - Auckland
Today, New Zealand’s most northerly city is on your radar. Whangarei is a place where waterfalls meet beaches, galleries meet museums. Explore at your leisure before sinking back into your seat for the mesmerising commute back to Auckland.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night
17
Farewell Auckland
Haere rā and Bon Voyage!
Today we say farewell to newfound friends, leaving you with the magical memories of a truly exceptional New Zealand holiday.
Meals: Breakfast
Notes
Highlights
- Tour through Christchurch to witness the incredible rebuild of the city
- Visit a greenstone factory and watch the jade artists at work
- See awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier
- Visit serene crystal clear Lake Wanaka
- Sail across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak for a unique ‘highlight dinner’
- Let loose in the adventure capital Queenstown
- Cruise on breath-taking Milford Sound
- See spectacular Lake Tekapo and Lake Te Anau
- Marvel at Fur Seals at Ohau Point and Whales at Kaikoura
- Set sail on Queen Charlotte Sound
- Explore New Zealand’s capital Wellington
- Discover the arts and traditions of New Zealand’s Maori culture
- Feast on a Maori Hangi
- Tour of Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Inclusions
- Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
- Comfortable accommodation
- Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach
Dining
- 16 Full buffet breakfasts
- 7 Dinners
- 2 Highlight dinners
What Jess says about this tour: If you've come to get up close to New Zealand's spectacular landscapes and stunning vistas, you will thoroughly enjoy the 17 day New Zealand Magic tour. You begin in the South Island, then criss cross your way north in a luxury coach with a knowledgable on board Tour Director. The accommodation is all 4 star and the pace is relaxed.
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