Day 1: Arrive Auckland
After your airport transfer and hotel check-in, explore Auckland your way. Evening welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow passengers.
Hotel: Mercure, Auckland.

Day 2: Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland and travel along the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands - see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes peeled for the marine life.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort (Garden View), Bay of Islands, 2 nights. B D

Day 3: Bay of Islands 'Free Time'
Explore the Bay of Islands. Dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, drive along the Ninety Mile Beach, sail or sea-kayak. B

Day 4: Auckland
This morning visit the Waitangi Treaty Reserve which is of great historical importance, as this is where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. You will have time to explore the Reserve and take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe and Meeting House (Marae).This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.
Hotel: Mercure, Auckland. B D

Day 5: Waitomo Caves
After an Auckland City Sights tour we trace the Waikato River to Waitomo Caves. We tour the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. Then arrive in Rotorua for an orientation tour. Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast and concert.
Hotel: Ibis, Rotorua, 2 nights. B HD

Day 6: Rotorua
We visit the Agrodome Sheep Show then enjoy an afternoon of 'Free Time' - visit Rainbow Springs, abundant with Rainbow Trout and native fauna including the kiwi or Te Puia, where a local Maori will guide you through the Geothermal valley with its mud pools and geysers. B

Day 7: Rotorua - Wellington
View the Huka Falls, visit Taupo and drive along shores of its lake. Discover the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the dairy farms of Manawatu. Travel along the Kapiti Coast into Wellington, for a city tour.
Hotel: Mercure Wellington Willis Street, Wellington. B D

Day 8: Wellington - Picton
A morning of 'Free Time', followed by a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Then we cruise Queen Charlotte Sound and later travel to the seaside village of Picton.
Hotel: Beachcomber, Picton. B D

Day 9: Picton - Christchurch
We'll get up close and personal with some New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point, watch whales at Kaikoura, (optional scenic Whale Watching flight) and travel across the Canterbury Plains. A city tour of Christchurch, then it's 'Free Time'.
Hotel: Ibis, Christchurch. B

Day 10: Mt. Cook
Free time to shop, ride the Christchurch Tram or just relax. Later we'll see Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the alpine scenery of Mt. Cook National Park (optional Mt. Cook scenic flight).
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama. B D

Day 11: Dunedin
Our day starts along the Waitaki River with the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. We travel through Oamaru with its famous white limestone buildings to Dunedin, where we tour the city. Then you've got the afternoon to yourself - take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.
Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel, Dunedin. B D

Day 12: Dunedin - Te Anau
After a free morning, we'll cross sheep-filled farming land to the South Island's biggest lake and the town of Te Anau. Optional Glow Worm Caves tour tonight.
Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau. B D

Day 13: Milford Sound
From Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Witness Mirror Lakes, Claudu Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Travel along the Devil's Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a Queenstown orientation tour on arrival, followed by dinner with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
Hotel: Mercure Queenstown Resort, Queenstown, 2 nights. B D

Day 14: Queenstown 'Free Time'
Explore exciting Queenstown your way - from wine and garden tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting. For dinner you have the option to dine at the Skyline Restaurant on Bob's Peak. Access is via the steepest Gondola in the Southern Hemisphere. Dinner option includes the Kiwi Haka Maori Show. B

Day 15: Fox Glacier
Our first stop is Arrowtown. Next is Cromwell and its sensational stone fruit. Then it's a trio of lakes - Lake Dunstan, Hawea, Wanaka. Travel through Haast Pass, view Thunder Creek Falls, take a rainforest walk. Final stop is Fox Glacier, a rare, still advancing glacier (optional Fox Glacier scenic flight).
Hotel: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier. B D

Day 16: Christchurch
First we visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. We travel through coastal Greymouth then view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki before returning to Christchurch.
Hotel: Ibis, Christchurch. B D

Day 17: Depart Christchurch
Explore Christchurch at your leisure until your transfer to Christchurch Airport. B

TranzCoastal Train Option
For a scenic feast journey on the TranzCoastal between Picton & Christchurch. Additional cost AU$105 per person.

TranzAlpine Train Option
Experience one of the world's top 6 train trips aboard the TranzAlpine to Christchurch. Additional cost AU$143 per person from Greymouth or AU$103 per person from Arthur's Pass.