17 Day New Zealand Magic Tour Itinerary

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. In the evening meet with your travel director and fellow companions at a welcome reception.

Some suggested excursions if you have time

Easygoing Cycling Tour	Punting the Avon River	Lyttelton Harbour Wildlife Cruise
Māori Cultural Evening	French Akaroa Tour	Southern Alps Ballooning
Christchurch Gondola	Clearwater Golf	Arthur's Pass TranzAlpine Hike

Meals: Welcome Reception

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Ibis Hotel Christchurch

This inviting and modern brand new hotel features contemporary rooms, Restaurant & Bar. Nearby to the Cashel Street Re:START mall - this "pop up" shopping precinct is the new vibrant heart of the city, featuring many new designer shops and modern cafes. The Hotel is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access to local activities, outer lying attractions and the airport.

2

Arthurs Pass to Franz Josef

This morning you through the majestic Southern Alps to 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

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier will welcome you in true New Zealand style. The Hotel makes the most of its alpine location and is only moments from spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The highly regarded Hot Pools are within walking distance. Featuring patios or balconies, the simple, warmly decorated rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add living areas. (formerly known as the Scenic Circle Franz Josef Glacier Hotel) has quality rooms with balcony views and special access.

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

Accommodation:

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Experience tranquillity all year round. The Copthorne Resort Lakefront in Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Exploring panoramic views of the lake and nearby mountains, the Copthorne is the perfect venue to relax! The Copthorne Lakefront blends superior facilities and comfort with friendly service. The hotel Balconies and garden views are a feature of many rooms.

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
Wine Tasting Central Otago	Biking Skippers Canyon	Round at Millbrook Golf Resort
Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise	Dart River Jetboat Safari	Gibbston Valley Wine Trail

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

Accommodation:

Distinction Luxmore Hotel - Te Anau

Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable newly refurbished accommodation in one of New Zealand's most popular scenic areas - Te Anau. Within easy walking distance of the township, surrounded by all local services, this 4-star hotel welcomes guests with 2 restaurants, free self parking, a fitness centre and FREE unlimited WiFi. Luxmores management and staff take pride in providing a warm, friendly and efficient service to all guests.

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

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

This contemporary quality 4-star hotel accommodation is located the heart of Dunedin and is filled with modern local artwork. Located just blocks from the Octagon and walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions like the fabulous First Church of Otago, and handy to great restaurants and shopping centres. Amenities Include: Free WiFi, Restaurant & Cafe/Bar, Fitness Centre, Valet Car Parking, Conference Facilities.

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

Accommodation:

Heritage Gateway Hotel Omarama

Set amongst landscaped gardens with views of the surrounding mountains, the Heritage Gateway Hotel is a peaceful place to stay. Featuring 98 comfortably furnished guest rooms, restaurant & bar.The Heritage Gateway is located 4 hours south of Christchurch and is truly the gateway to the South Island. This hotel has a full restaurant and cocktail bar both offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps.

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. Later visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before 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

Accommodation:

Ibis Hotel Christchurch

This inviting and modern brand new hotel features contemporary rooms, Restaurant & Bar. Nearby to the Cashel Street Re:START mall - this "pop up" shopping precinct is the new vibrant heart of the city, featuring many new designer shops and modern cafes. The Hotel is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access to local activities, outer lying attractions and the airport.

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

Accommodation:

Beachcomber Inn Picton

A visit to lovely Picton is at its best with the brilliant harbour views of award-winning Beachcomber Inn hotel. Outstanding service and the scenic waterfront location distinguish this hotel from others. Ideally located a short walk from retail stores and less than a kilometer away from the Interislander ferry terminal. For other directions, Blenheim airport is less than half an hour away. Have a comfortable stay at this hotel and let it be part of your best memories of New Zealand.

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'. You will begin with a tour of the city before visiting the national museum Te Papa, where you'll gain insight into the country's fascinating nature, art, history and cultural heritage.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wellington - 1 Night

Accommodation:

Travelodge Wellington

Located in a modern tower 300m from the waterfront, the Travelodge is just a few minutes walk from the harbour and the centre of Wellington. Main attractions such as the famous Cable Car, Botanic Garden and Te Papa (the national museum) all are situated within walking distance so transportation in the city centre is unnecessary. From here it is easy to enjoy a city trip that includes everything you don't want to miss when visiting New Zealand's (culture) capital!

11

Wellington - Rotorua

Your special packed lunch today won’t only be wholesome, it will also feed a Kiwi child who may otherwise go without, through the charity ‘Eat My Lunch’. 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.

Tonight gain insight into traditional Māori culture followed by a delicious dinner at the Tamaki Family Marae (meeting grounds), the focal point of Māori communities.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Highlight Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Ibis Rotorua

Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Rotorua, this hotel offers tranquil surroundings with sensational views, near to many bars, restaurants and main attractions. The Ibis Rotorua offers great accommodation to travellers that want to make most out of their stay in New Zealand's geothermal area.

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

Accommodation:

VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites

Right on the main street of Auckland City's CBD, this brand new VR Hotel has proudly opened its doors to accommodate travellers who are exploring Auckland and surroundings. The location is on walking distance from the harbour, SkyCity, many shops and restaurants and the city's most popular attractions. Furthermore, public transport is easily accessible from this location. Many bars and restaurants are also available in nearby suburbs Mount Eden and Ponsonby.

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. Your guide, likely an ancestor of one of the original signatories, will explain the significance of the site, while pointing out the world’s largest ceremonial war canoe and a carved meeting house.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Bay of Islands - 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands

This four star hotel offers uninterrupted Bay views surrounded by 60 acres of subtropical gardens and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It features a spectacular, lagoon style swimming pool and rock pools of cascading water. The hotel’s 180 guest rooms have individual patios or balconies from which to enjoy the water or garden views. Taking inspiration from nature, rooms have been designed to blend into the natural environment whilst offering a serene escape.

Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

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

Historical Island Cruise	Diving Rainbow Warrior	4WD Adventure Cape Reinga
Sailing the Islands	Dolphin Swimming	Giant Kauri Forest Walk
Cultural Tour of Waitangi	Golf at Kauri Cliffs	Sea Kayaking the Bay

Meals: Breakfast

16

Bay of Islands - Auckland

This morning you will have leisure time, you can visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve, where New Zealand's founding document was signed or go to historic Russel, New Zealand's first capital. This afternoon enjoy the farmland scenery as you return to Auckland. This afternoon, you may want to head out and explore Auckland. Take a seat in the sunshine and enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner while watching the activity on Waitemata Harbour.

Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 Night

Accommodation:

VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites

Right on the main street of Auckland City's CBD, this brand new VR Hotel has proudly opened its doors to accommodate travellers who are exploring Auckland and surroundings. The location is on walking distance from the harbour, SkyCity, many shops and restaurants and the city's most popular attractions. Furthermore, public transport is easily accessible from this location. Many bars and restaurants are also available in nearby suburbs Mount Eden and Ponsonby.