SOLO OFFER! Discover the Magic of New Zealand (17-day Tour from Christchurch to Auckland)

Day 1 Welcome to Christchurch

You’ll have time to relax before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Day 2 Christchurch – Franz Josef

Travel on the iconic TranzAlpine train, passing through magnificent landscapes on your way to Arthur’s Pass. At Hokitika, stop to learn about New Zealand greenstone (jade) before continuing to the town of Franz Josef.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Franz Josef – Queenstown

Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass and past a trio of lakes. Stop at Cromwell and enjoy the tastes of its delicious stone fruit. Next you’ll visit the historic gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. An orientation tour of Queenstown completes your day.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown, 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Queenstown Free Time

Explore exciting Queenstown your way today. This evening, cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner at The Colonel’s Homestead.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight dinner

Day 5 Queenstown – Te Anau

Travel the iconic stretch of highway known as the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of serene Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. On your way to cruise on Milford Sound you’ll be awestruck by the towering native rainforests and rugged mountains. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and see the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls.

Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Te Anau – Dunedin

Journey through lush green sheep-grazing country on your way to Dunedin. After a city tour the afternoon is yours.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Dunedin – Omarama

Set out for historic Oamaru, with its elegant tree-lined streets and celebrated white limestone buildings. Later, pass the monumental Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam on your way to Omarama.

Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Omarama – Christchurch

Journey through the awe-inspiring Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park. See majestic Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, and stop to view the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, traverse the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 Christchurch – Picton

Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast this morning to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore. Pass the pink-tinged crystallisation ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, then travel to the pretty seaside village of Picton.

Hotel: Picton Beachcomber Inn

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 Picton – Wellington

Cruise tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound this morning, then cross the Cook Strait to Wellington. Take a city tour before enjoying some free time, and later visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand.

Hotel: Travelodge Wellington

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 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 scenic Kapiti Coast today through lush dairyfarming country to Tongariro National Park and snow-capped Mt. Ruapehu. Panoramic views of Lake Taupo will unfold around every corner. View mighty Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. This evening, a very entertaining cultural experience awaits you at the Tamaki Māori Village. Experience a powerful Haka challenge, witness a concert showcasing Māori culture, and dine at a traditional Māori Hangi feast Highlight Dinner.

Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel, 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Highlight dinner

Day 12 Rotorua Free Time

Relax or explore Rotorua at your own pace.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 13 Rotorua – Auckland

Travel through lush Waikato farmland to the fabulous Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glowworm Grotto by boat, and walk through limestone caverns. Later you’ll follow the noble Waikato River into Auckland.

Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 14 Auckland – Bay of Islands

Depart Auckland via the scenic Hibiscus Coast, then it’s off to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Experience spectacular scenery as you cruise to Cape Brett, and the natural arch known as the ‘Hole in the Rock’.

Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms, 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 Bay of Islands Free Time

Experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands in your own way. Perhaps take a coach trip to Cape Reinga via idyllic 90 Mile Beach or enjoy a day of sailing on a tall ship.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 16 Bay of Islands – Auckland

Enjoy a leisurely morning before travelling through lush farmland as you return to Auckland. Take an orientation tour of the city before joining your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.

Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites

Included Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 17 Farewell from Auckland

Your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.

Dec 2019-Mar 2020 - WAS from $7290 / NOW from $6392.50

Apr 2020 - Sep 2020 - WAS from $6925 / NOW from $6060

Oct 2020 - Mar 2021 - WAS from $7435 / NOW from $6505

Twin share prices available on request.

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 to secure this offer.

Your Guided Holiday includes a range of quality accommodation for your comfort. The accommodation you will enjoy on this tour includes:

• Ibis Hotel Christchurch
• Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
• Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown
• Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau
• Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
• Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama
• Picton Beachcomber Inn
• Travelodge Wellington
• Ibis Rotorua Hotel
• VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites, Auckland
• Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands (Garden Room)
• VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites, Auckland

Flight Information:

• Day 1 - Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
• Day 17 - Flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport

What to Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and hat
• Water bottle
• Camera
• Jacket in cooler months

Fitness Requirements:

• Low level of fitness required