New Zealand 10 nights/ 11 days
Day 01: Arrive in Auckland – at Night
Transfer to Hotel. Check in. Overnight in Auckland.
Day 02 : Auckland City Tour
A Great Sights vehicle will pick you up from your Auckland central city accommodation for your transfer to the Sky City Coach Terminal, 102 Hobson Street, Auckland, the departure point of your tour. At 2:30pm join your coach to commence a half day tour introducing you to the sights of Auckland. Travel through the city centre, past iconic Karangahape Road and the stylish suburb of Ponsonby, and over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, enjoying views of the Hauraki Gulf and city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour, home to America’s Cup racing for many years, and the central city’s main road Queen Street, before continuing to the Auckland Domain. Developed around an extinct volcano, the Domain features 75 hectares of open spaces, tropical gardens, duck ponds and public art, and is home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. The tour continues to historic Parnell Village, where you can explore this boutique shopping area during an afternoon tea stop. Next, travel the stunning waterfront route of Tamaki Drive to Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, above Mission Bay. Named after one of New Zealand’s greatest and most popular Prime Ministers, the park, with its formal gardens and tranquil atmosphere, offers a panoramic outlook over the picturesque Eastern Bays, Auckland city and the Waitemata Harbour. Tour concludes at approximately 5:30pm, at which time accommodation drop offs will commence. Overnight at Auckland.
Day 03 : Auckland – Hobbiton – Te Puia
Join this tour by multi-award winning Tour Company to visit two of New Zealand’s most famous attractions, the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Te Puia Geothermal Wonderland, in one return day trip from Auckland (option by arrangement to be dropped off in Rotorua) Be fascinated as the magical world of Hobbiton comes to life, take photos in front of your favourite places like the 44 Hobbit Holes, the Shire and the Green Dragon Inn. Then journey to the World Famous Te Puia which is home to remarkable geothermal features, including the famous Pōhutu geyser as well as rich layers of Māori culture, including art works, people, stories, traditions and architecture. There are lush nature trails teeming with native bird life and you will even find New Zealand iconic native flightless bird, the Kiwi Marvel at the stunning scenery en route as we journey off the motorways into the real hinterland of New Zealand. Fully guided day with one of our tour guides widely regarded for their depth of knowledge. Overnight in Rotorua.
Day 04 : Rotorua – Geothermal Experience
Spend a few hours experiencing the wonders of Rotorua’s most unique geothermal reserve at Hell’s Gate. Take part in the guided or self-guided interactive geothermal walk, before trying your hand at Maori carving in the interactive carving house. Then indulge in our geothermal mud and sulphur waters, experiencing the healing properties local Maori have been using for centuries. It’s a Rotorua experience you’ll never forget.
Day 05: Rotorua – Christchurch
Transfer to airport for flight to Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 06: Christchurch – Antarctic Centre with City Tour
A Canterbury Leisure Tours vehicle will pick you up from your hotel for your transfer to the departure point of your tour. At 9.00am join your coach to commence a half day city sightseeing tour. The tour commences on the western side of the city and travels through the central city, the port and seaside suburbs of the city while taking in the following highlights: Canterbury University, Riccarton House and Riccarton Bush, Mona Vale, Hagley Park, the Antigua Boat Sheds, the Botanical Gardens, Upper Worcester Boulevard (around the Museum and Art Centres), Victoria Clock Tower, Lyttleton, Evans Pass, Sumner, Mount Pleasant and the Sign of the Takahe. Admission to the International Antarctic Centre is also included. The centre is full of informative displays showcasing modern day Antarctica. Most of the exhibits ensure visitors experience Antarctica in a fun and interactive way. Tour concludes at approximately 2.00pm, at which time hotel drop offs will commence.
Day 07: Christchurch – Kaikura Whale watching Day Tour
Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a Kaikoura whale-watching cruise. Look for impressive sperm whales along with migrating humpbacks and southern right whales, and search the waters for orcas and other dolphins as an experienced guide shares informative commentary. Visit a New Zealand fur seal colony on land, glimpse the snowy peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges and top off your full-day tour with a wine-tasting in North Canterbury. Includes optional lunch, with round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch to the picturesque town of Kaikoura.
Day 08: Christchurch – Mt. Cook – Queenstown
A full day tour to Queenstown via Mount Cook. This tour takes you from Christchurch, through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd and take in the sights of the spectacular Southern Alps mountain range. Your tour continues along the Tasman River before arriving at the location of New Zealand’s tallest mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook. Stop for lunch (at own expense) at Mt Cook Village, set within a National Park; take advantage of your time here to enjoy the majestic scenery. During the afternoon the tour continues south through the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country. En-route enjoy afternoon tea (at own expense) in the quaint village of Omarama and a visit to the Jones Family Orchard (time permitting) near Cromwell before an evening arrival in world famous Queenstown. Tour concludes at approximately 6:30pm, at which time accommodation drop offs will commence. Overnight at Queenstown.
Day 09: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown
An early start around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound Depart Mildford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening. Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 10: At Queenstown – Hightlights
No trip to Queenstown is complete without taking in some incredible views, visiting Arrowtown, sampling some tasty local wine and getting out on the water so the top local spots are handpicked and combined into an amazing half-day sightseeing experience.
The daily tour departs central Queenstown and the first stop is an observation point where you can take in one of the best panoramic views in Queenstown.
After capturing some incredible photos, enjoy a brief stop overlooking the Shotover River before free time in the charming township Arrowtown.
Travel to Gibbston and visit the world’s first commercial Bungy jump offering entertaining spectating opportunities.
The region is also home to some Middle-earth magic (Lord of the Rings film locations) and becoming increasingly famous for its world-class cold climate wine.
Enjoy wine tasting (non-alcoholic substitutes available) and a shared cheeseboard at a local winery with jaw-dropping views.
It’s not finished there – on the way back to Queenstown transfer from land to the lake with a picturesque thirty-minute scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu ending your tour at the wharf in the heart of town.. Overnight at Queenstown.
Day 11: Queenstown – Transfer to Airport for onward journey