Overview

See New Zealand in its entirety on this comprehensive 17 day tour. Beginning in Auckland, travel to the sunny Bay of Islands before making your way through geothermal Rotorua to the picturesque Marlborough Sounds and the South Island. Here, spend ten days exploring natural wonders such as Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound and Mt Cook National Park, before eventually concluding your tour in Christchurch.

Day 1. Arrive Auckland, Exclusive Experiences

On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally-located hotel. Today you can select the activity that interests you from the range of Freedom of Choice Touring. Choose from a city sightseeing tour, a cruise aboard the Pride of Auckland on Waitemata Harbour, a massage at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, or a visit to Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. Or perhaps climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge, wander through the displays at the Auckland Museum, explore Waitakere Rainforest on a wilderness adventure or visit the fascinating New Zealand National Maritime Museum.

Accommodation: Auckland, Skycity Hotel (Includes Dinner)

Day 2. Auckland, Bay of Islands

Cross Auckland’s busy Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast to the Matakohe Kauri Museum. Continue via the Waipoua Forest Reserve to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands. (Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Bay of Islands, Paihia Pacific Resort, 2 nights.

Day 3. Bay of Islands, Exclusive Experiences

Choose from our Freedom of Choice Touring options. You could take a day tour to Cape Reinga, enjoy a round of golf at Waitangi, cruise to Russell, enjoy a Night Show combining drama, dance and music, or join the Kerikeri Art and Crafts tour. Alternatively take to the waters on a dolphin-spotting adventure or tall ship sailing adventure.

(Includes breakfast)

Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise Option available tonight (Surcharge applicable)

Day 4. Bay of Islands, Auckland

This morning explore the Bay of Islands on a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Your catamaran weaves its way between the inner islands, out over the game fishing waters and through the hole. Returning to Paihia, your coach will head back to Auckland. Tonight, enjoy a special meal with panoramic views overlooking the city at The Observatory Restaurant atop the Sky Tower.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Auckland, Skycity Hotel.

Day 5. Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua

Leaving Auckland, travel to the Waitomo Caves and enjoy a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns. Continue to Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture and known for it’s geothermal activity. Tonight immerse yourself in Maori hospitality and culture. Head to Mitai Maori Village and indulge in a traditional Maori Hangi feast and a performance of song and dance.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Rotorua, Heritage Hotel for 2 nights

Day 6. Rotorua, Exclusive Experiences

Today, you can choose from many tours and experiences with Freedom of Choice Touring. Perhaps see native kiwis up close on a Kiwi Encounter, visit the icons of Rotorua on a sightseeing tour, learn about local art and history at the museum, or relax with an indulgent massage. You could get active with a round of golf, see the geothermal activity of geysers and hot springs, or go off-road on a 4WD tour.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Country Homestay option available tonight.

Day 7. Rotorua, Wellington

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island. View Wairakei Steam Valley, see the thundering Huka Falls and the tranquil Lake Taupo before travelling south across the vast volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park. End your travels today in Wellington, the national capital.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Wellington, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Day 8. Wellington, Blenheim

Enjoy a brief city tour then visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Later, cruise across Cook Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound to the pretty port town of Picton, on the South Island. Rejoin the coach here and continue to Blenheim.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Blenheim, Heartland Hotel Marlborough.

Day 9. Blenheim, Kaikoura, Christchurch

Journey through the renowned wine and orchard region of Marlborough. Visit Kaikoura on the east coast, famous for its whale and dolphin-watching. Later, arrive in Christchurch, the Garden City.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel.

Day 10. TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef

Board the TranzAlpine train and take in the stunning scenery as you travel through gorges, past river valleys and across the Southern Alps. Disembark the train at Arthurs Pass and continue to Hokitika by coach. Here see Pounamu (jade) being carved and visit a glass-blowing factory. Then continue to the glacial region of Franz Josef for your overnight stay.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Franz Josef, Scenic Hotel Franz.

Day 11. Franz Josef, Queenstown Dine Around

Today travel along the Haast River by safari boat, capturing views of the glacier-formed Haast River Valley, its towering peaks, waterfalls and rainforest. Rejoin the coach and continue to Queenstown. This evening enjoy a selection of four different eateries for your Dine Around Dinner.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Queenstown, Novotel Gardens Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 12. Queenstown, Exclusive Experiences

Today you have a selection of activities to choose from. Perhaps experience the thrill of the Shotover Jetboat ride, take a leap on the Secrets of Bungy tour, or go off-road on a 4WD adventure in Skippers Canyon. If something a bit more leisurely is your style, perhaps sample some wines during a tour and tasting at a local winery, stroll along the shores of Lake Wakatipu on a guided walk, head to Arrowtown, a quaint goldmining town, enjoy a delightful garden tour and more.

(Includes breakfast)

Day 13. Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau

Journey along the Milford Road, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Here, take a memorable cruise along the full length of the sound. Later, drive to Te Anau.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Te Anau, Village Inn.

Day 14. Te Anau, Dunedin, Exclusive Experiences

Today journey to the east coast city of Dunedin. This afternoon, choose your activity from options including a trip to the Otago Peninsula to see penguins or the albatross colony, or a journey into rugged countryside aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway. Perhaps tour Larnach Castle or Olveston house, or sample local beers at Speight’s Brewery.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Dunedin, Scenic Hotel Dunedin City.

Day 15. Dunedin, Mt Cook, Exclusive Experiences

Travel along the coast to the Moeraki Boulders then pass the lakes of Pukaki, Aviemore and Benmore on the way to Mt Cook National Park. Your Freedom of Choice Touring options here include a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, an escorted nature walk or stargazing with an astronomer guide.

(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Mt Cook, The Hermitage.

Day 16. Mt Cook, Christchurch

Leaving the snow-capped mountains of Mt Cook National Park behind, travel by coach to picturesque Lake Tekapo. Here, you’ll pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of locally gathered stone and oak and erected as tribute to the early pioneers of the region. Travel through Burkes Pass to Christchurch.(Includes breakfast and dinner)

Accommodation: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel

Day 17. Depart Christchurch, Exclusive Experiences

Choose from our range of touring activities in Christchurch. Perhaps take a Garden Tour, go punting on the Avon, take a Bike Tour around the city, visit the International Antarctic Centre or visit Christchurch’s Must See Four (a tour of four major city highlights). After your activity, the tour ends. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon.(Includes breakfast)

Price from £2535 per person

Price was £3075, now £2535 saving £540 per person, including all meals, based on departures on 13th, 17th February and 10th, 20th and 27th March 2010.