New Zealand Getaway

Day 1

Auckland

Upon arrival into Auckland, transfer to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day exploring this exciting and beautiful harbor city.

Overnight: Rydges Auckland Hotel

Day 2

Bay of Islands

Leave Auckland today and venture north to the Waipoura Kauri Forest Reserve which is one of the most famous kauri forests in the country and the largest of its kind on the North Island. Take a short walk from the roadside to the base of a giant kauri tree called Tane Mahuta or ‘Lord of the Forest’. This is the largest tree of its kind known standing today. From here, continue on to the Bay of Islands and check into your hotel which overlooks the Waitangi Treaty grounds. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers.

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel and Resort (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 3

Bay of Islands

Spend a day at leisure in one of the most beautiful regions on the North Island – the Bay of Islands comprises 144 islands and is a tropical paradise of beautifully clear waters and secluded beaches. You could simply relax on the beach and admire the views, take to one of the many walking tracks or make your way into the town and dine at one of the local restaurants.  

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel and Resort (Breakfast included)

Day 4

Bay of Islands/Auckland

Visit the finest maritime park in New Zealand today via a cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. The coastline here is brimming with birds and marine life, from dolphins and seals to penguins and whales, so be sure to keep a lookout for these astonishing creatures. Afterwards, return to Auckland by coach.

Overnight: Rydges Auckland Hotel (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 5

Rotorua

Leave Auckland after breakfast and travel to Waitomo which is famous for the glow worm caves, which you’ll have the opportunity to tour with a guide before continuing on to Rotorua. You’ll visit the cultural center of Te Puia and embark on a guided tour of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Afterwards, make your way to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley to see the natural spectacle of mud pools and erupting geysers. Later, at Te Puia, there will be the chance to dine on a traditional Hangi feast, followed by traditional performances of singing and dancing.

Overnight: Rydges Rotorua (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 6

Rotorua

Rotorua is renowned for being one of the most interesting and culturally-rich destinations in New Zealand, with its geothermal wonders and fascinating Maori heritage. Situated over the most volcanically-active region in the world, it’s no surprise that the geothermal activity is a highlight of visits here. For a unique start to the day, begin with a buffet breakfast aboard the Lakeland Queen as it cruises over Lake Rotorua. Continue on your sightseeing adventure with a visit to the Agrodome to watch an entertaining sheep-shearing demonstration and dog trials. There will be time later to take part in an optional helicopter flight over the White Island volcano (additional cost).

Overnight: Rydges Rotorua (Breakfast included)

Day 7

Wellington

Leave Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to visit Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, and Huka Falls. Afterwards, travel south across the volcanic plateau of the Tongariro National Park to Wellington.

Overnight: Ibis Wellington Hotel (Breakfast included)

Day 8

Ashburton

Take the Interislander Ferry across the Cook Strait this morning for one of the most scenic voyages in the world, marvelling at the beauty of the Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds along the way. Arrive into Picton and take a scenic drive to Kaikoura which is nestled at the base of rugged mountain scenery. Later, arrive into Ashburtion to settle in at your hotel before dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Ashburton (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 9

Fox Glacier

There are two options to arrive into your next destinations today. You may take one of the most famous and beautiful rail journeys in the world, the Tranz Alpine Train (additional cost) through the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass, or take the coach to ascend into the Main Divide. On either journey, enjoy the amazing scenery en-route to the twin glaciers of Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier. These natural wonders were formed over thousands of years and are as remarkable today as they were decades before.

Overnight: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 10-11

Queenstown

Journey across the Southern Alps today and through the awe-inspiring Haast Pass to the resort of Queenstown, on Lake Wakatipu. Spend the evening at leisure, admiring the views of your hotel which is backed by mountain scenery and looks out onto Lake Wakatipu before heading into the heart of Queenstown to dine at one of the many restaurants.

Day 11 is also at leisure, where you have the freedom to choose whichever activity you like. You may want to take a relaxing cruise on the oldest steamship in New Zealand, the TSS Earnshaw, or take a gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak for amazing panoramic views of the scenery below (both additional cost). If you’re looking to explore the culinary side to Queenstown, why not visit the Central Otago region independently? This area is one of the country’s leading wine-producing areas.

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel and Apartments (Breakfast included)

Day 12

Te Anau

Follow the Remarkables mountain range to Fiordland National Park, then journey along the Milford Road which is largely considered to be one of the best alpine drives in the world. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, take part in a cruise to see the astonishing scenery of cascading waterfalls, rainforests and mountains first-hand.

Overnight: Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 13

Dunedin

Depart from the Fiordland region and journey through the Southland countryside to arrive in Dunedin. Take part in a city tour to take in the significant landmarks and sights before heading to Larnach Castle – the only castle in the country. There will be some time at leisure before you return to have dinner with your group.

Overnight: Dunedin Leisure Lodge (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 14

Lake Tekapo

Traverse the east coast to visit the Moeraki Boulders – large, spherical stones which were formed over 60 million years ago. Make your way to Oamaru to witness some 19th century architecture then journey into Mt Cook National Park later on to witness the highest mountain in Australasia – Mt Cook or Aoraki. Your hotel is located on the shores of Lake Tekapo and is the location of your delicious farewell dinner this evening.

Overnight: Peppers Bluewater Resort (Breakfast and dinner included)

Day 15

Christchurch

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd today before your tour concludes at Christchurch Airport.

(Breakfast included)

What’s Included

• Internal travel: Coach; Cruise
• Hotels (14 nights)
• 14 breakfasts and 8 dinners
• Cruise to the Hole in the Rock; Visit the glow worm caves at Waitomo; Enjoy a traditional Hangi feast and Maori performances; Cruise across Lake Rotorua; Interislander Ferry ride across the Cook Strait; Cruise across Milford Sound; Visit to Mt Cook National Park; Visit to Bay of Islands and Franz Josef Glacier; Visit to the Church of the Good Shepherd
• Tour guide throughout