New Zealand Magic: Christchurch-Auckland Tour

Day 1 Welcome to Christchurch

Meet your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and dinner.

Included Meals: Dinner

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, your destination for today.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Franz Josef – Queenstown

Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass this morning, passing Thunder Creek Falls and serene Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Stop at the town of 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, which sits on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic mountain ranges, completes your day.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Queenstown

Explore exciting Queenstown your way today. 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 Highlight Dinner at The Colonel’s Homestead. BD

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 of Fiordland National Park. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and see the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. BD

Day 6 Te Anau – Dunedin

Journey through sheepgrazing country on your way to Dunedin. After a city tour the afternoon is yours. BD

Day 7 Dunedin – Omar

Visit the stately home known as Larnach Castle before historic Oamaru. Later, pass the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam on your way to Omarama. BD

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 Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. B

Day 9 Christchurch – Picton

Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast this morning to Kaikoura. Pass the pink-tinged crystallisation ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, then travel to the pretty seaside village of Picton. BD

Day 10 Picton – Wellington

Cruise tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, 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, where you’ll explore fascinating exhibits revealing great insights into New Zealand’s art, history, cultural and natural heritage. BD

Day 11 Wellington – Rotorua

Travel along the scenic Kapiti Coast today to Tongariro National Park, views of snow-capped Mt. Ruapehu & Lake Taupo, the largest lake in Australasia. View mighty Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. B

Day 12 Rotorua

This morning, experience the Agrodome Farm Show. Later relax or explore Rotorua at your own pace.Gain an insight into traditional Māori culture followed by a delicious Hangi Highlight Dinner at the Tamaki Māori Village. BD

Day 13 Rotorua – Auckland

Travel 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. Take an orientation tour before dinner. BD

Day 14 Auckland – Bay of Islands

Depart Auckland via its impressive Harbour Bridge, travelling to Orewa and on to the scenic Hibiscus Coast, then it’s off to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Cruise to Cape Brett, and the natural arch known as the ‘Hole in the Rock'. BD

Day 15 Bay of Islands Free Time

Experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands in your own way. B

Day 16 Bay of Islands – Auckland

Travel through lush farmland as you return to Auckland. B

Day 17 Farewell from Auckland

Your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. B

For this special deal, choose from one of the following dates: 15 Oct 2018, 12 Nov 2018, 10 Dec 2018, 31 Dec 2018.Should you wish to travel outside of these dates, please ask your Travel Consultant for dates & pricing.

• Ibis Hotel Christchurch

• Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)

• Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown

• Distinction Luxmore Hotel

• Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

• Heritage Gateway Hotel

• Ibis Hotel Christchurch

• Picton Beachcomber Inn

• Travelodge Wellington

• Ibis Rotorua Hotel

• VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites

• Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms

• VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites