Auckland to Christchurch New Zealand Tour

About the Program:
Length: 16 days
Tour type: Scenic, adventure, discovery

Weaving through the North and South Islands, you'll experience more than usual tourist attractions. See natural wonders such as geothermal geysers and gigantic Kauri trees, and enjoy unique experiences like travelling to the shores of Lake Rotoiti to visit a Sacred Marae and be greeted with a Maori Powhiri and Haka. Experience New Zealand and its purest in carefree relaxed comfort and luxury.

DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1, AUCKLAND - BAY OF ISLANDS
Haere mai, welcome to New Zealand! Your tour departs at 8am from Auckland. This morning head north along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe. Visit the Kauri Pioneer Museum. Continue up the Northland peninsula through the breathtaking Waipoua Forest and on to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided tour.
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands (D)

Day 2, BAY OF ISLANDS
Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from swimming with the dolphins; or Cape Reinga Tour; half day snapper fishing within the Bay of Islands; golf at Waitangi Golf Club; Russell Mini Tour & Pompallier or a full day sail on 'On the Edge', New Zealand's fastest commercial sailing catamaran. (B)

Day 3, 'HOLE IN THE ROCK' CRUISE
This morning cruise through the scenic waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' (weather permitting). This afternoon return to Auckland.
Overnight Stay: Auckland (B, D)

Day 4, LONGLANDS HOMESTEAD - ROTORUA
Journey to the top of Mt Eden then continue southward to Goldfields Railway. Next tour a working dairy farm followed by a delicious Roast Lamb Luncheon. After lunch visit Whakarewarewa Forest for a relaxing stroll through the towering Redwoods before continuing to Rotorua. Tonight get a taste of Maori life at the 'Realm of Tane' cultural performance and Hangi feast.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua (B L D)

Day 5, ROTORUA
This morning tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. FreeChoice Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from relaxing at the Polynesian Day Spa; or a visit to Agrodome; Rotorua Museum; an exhilarating 4WD Safari adventure; visit a buried village Te Wairoa; or enjoy a guided trout fishing expedition. (B)

Day 6, NAPIER - WINERY DINNER
Visit Huka Falls, Wairakei Steam Valley and Lake Taupo. Continue on to the coastal township of Napier. This afternoon we take a guided walk around this unique city renowned for its Art Deco architecture. Your walk finishes at the Hawkes Bay Museum where you will learn about the 1931 earthquake. Tonight enjoy wine tasting and dinner at Church Road Winery. Overnight Stay: Napier (B D)

Day 7, NAPIER - WELLINGTON
This morning we depart Napier and continue south to Wellington. Enjoy a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum.
Overnight Stay: Wellington (B D)

Day 8, WELLINGTON - MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS - CHRISTCHURCH
This morning board the InterIslander Ferry for a cruise through the breathtaking beauty of the Marlborough Sounds to New Zealand's south island. Continue southward along the spectacular east coast to Christchurch. Overnight Stay: Christchurch (B D)

Day 9, TRANZALPINE - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
Today's touring takes us on an unforgettable journey through the magnificent Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine to Arthurs Pass. Continue on by coach to Hokitika and the Greenstone Jade Factory. Stop and view the awesome Franz Josef Glacier.
Overnight Stay: Franz Josef Glacier (B D)

Day 10, FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN
Enjoy a day of beautiful scenery as we travel to the charming lakeside town of Wanaka with time for lunch before we head into picturesque Queenstown. FreeChoice Dining - All inclusive: choose from cruise on TSS Earnslaw and dine at Walter Peak Station; or dine at Lombardis Restaurant; or choose the Skyline Restaurant with views over Queenstown and Lake Wakitipu.
Three Night Stay: Queenstown (B D)

Day 11, DART WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
This morning begins with a breathtaking drive to Glenorchy for your exclusive Stockman's breakfast. Then board your fully covered jet boat for an unforgettable trip up the Dart River. FreeChoice Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from a guided tour of Skippers Canyon; a Boutique Winery tour with lunch; a garden tour; an indulgence treatment choice of relaxing massage or foot revival; Lord of the Rings Safari; Shotover Jet Adventure; Mt Aspiring National Park & Routeburn Valley walk or a Bungy Jump. (B)

Day 12, QUEENSTOWN FREE DAY
Today is free to explore at your own pace. (B)

Day 13, MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU
Enjoy scenic splendour today as we travel through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park. Experience an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound. (B D)

Day 14, TE ANAU - DUNEDIN
Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the Glowworm Caves. Continue on to Dunedin, New Zealand's oldest city.
Overnight Stay: Dunedin (B D)

Day 15, DUNEDIN - TWIZEL
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Larnach castle, before we leave Dunedin and head north, stopping at the famous Moeraki Boulders. We continue on to Twizel. Overnight Stay: Twizel (B D)

Day 16, MT COOK - LAKE TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH
This morning we travel to the beautiful Mt Cook National Park where we will stop and view Mt Cook (subject to weather). We continue to the picturesque glacier-fed lake of Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Arrive in Christchurch where tour concludes. (B)