October 10-22, 2024
SOLD OUT

Day One & Two
This evening you will fly to New Zealand and cross the international dateline.

Day Three
Welcome to Auckland! Auckland is New Zealand’s largest and most diverse city, referred to as the ‘City of Sails’ due to the fact it is set around a picturesque harbour where there are often many sailboats cruising along. You will be met by your Coach Captain and transferred to the Airedale Boutique Suites for your first night stay in New Zealand. En route to the hotel you will be taken on a brief sightseeing tour of Auckland showcasing the magnificent Auckland Harbour, seaside communities, city parks and waterfront. (Dinner)

Day Four
This morning you leave Auckland, and travel through the Waikato and King Country regions, passing by flourishing farmland and picturesque countryside. Continuing to Waitomo, a land of contrasts, much of the area’s natural wonders can be found below the earth’s surface as rolling hills and unspoilt native bush gives way to subterranean limestone caverns. Millions of years in the making, Waitomo’s visually awe-inspiring cave network draws people looking for adventure and those looking for a sense of wonder. The name Waitomo comes from (wai meaning water and tomo meaning hole into the ground in Maori) Tour one of these caves, discovering an ancient world 30 million years in the making, seeing amazing cave formations, glittering glow worms and enjoy a short boat road gliding along an underground river. 

From Waitomo, pass through more rural farming communities on the way to Hobbiton Movie Set for a tour of this iconic attraction. After the Hobbiton visit continue on your journey through the pretty tree lined Fitzgerald Glade and cross the Mamaku Range to Lake Rotorua. (Breakfast)

Day Five
Experience Rotorua’s volcanic and thermal wonderlands, with fascinating features of steaming volcanic crater lakes and colourful volcanic, diverse geothermal activity and geysers. Rotorua offers authentic Maori culture from the Te Arawa people, who have shared their culture, and traditions including the haka, carving and weaving for centuries.

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This morning visit Te Puia, a Geothermal wonderland with boiling mudpools and steaming geysers. You will also have the opportunity to visit a nocturnal house to see New Zealands native bird – the Kiwi and there is time to visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre – the home of the national school of carving.

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After visiting Te Puia travel to the Skyline Gondola for the chance to take in spectacular views of the surrounding region. A buffet lunch will also be included. The rest of this afternoon is free for you to explore Rotorua at your leisure. This evening included is a cultural evening with a Maori cultural performance and traditional Hangi influenced meal.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

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Day Six

Shortly after leaving Rotorua visit Wai o Tapu Geothermal Park and explore the vivid colours of the steaming hot waters. Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland is a spectacular showcase of New Zealand’s most colourful and unique geothermal elements sculpted by thousands of years of geothermal activity.

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Continuing your journey, travel through vast planted pine forests until steam clouds rising in the distance will indicate your arrival at Wairakei where deep subterranean bores have been harnessed to provide electricity. A short distance further is the town of Taupo, situated at the northern end of New Zealand's largest lake.

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Continue south through to Turangi, then further via Taihape and through farmland and the small town of Levin before joining the motorway system into Wellington, our Capital City. Your Wellington Hotel is the Copthorne Hotel Wellington – Oriental Bay located across from the Wellington Harbour and just a short walk to the city centre. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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Day Seven

Wellington is famous for its arts, culture and cuisine, with more than 55 art galleries plus interactive national museum Te Papa and the national orchestra, ballet and opera. Wellington’s Oscar-winning film industry opens its doors to visitors to go behind the scenes and experience movie-making magic at Weta Studio Tours.

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This morning experience a sightseeing tour of Wellington which will include a journey up Mt Victoria offering stunning views of the Wellington region and harbor. You will also travel through downtown Wellington and passed the very unique Beehive building where our politicians are based. This afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure and explore this harbour city. (Breakfast)

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Day Eight

This morning you will fly from Wellington to Queenstown in southern New Zealand. After checking in to the hotel for the next 3 nights, transfer to the Waterfront and board the TSS Earnslaw Steam Ship for a crossing of Lake Wakatipu to the Walter Peak Farm Station. A BBQ dinner is included along with a farming demonstration including a farm dog working his sheep. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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Day Nine

An early start today as you board your coach for a journey to the jewel in New Zealand’s Crown – Milford Sound. Depart Queenstown and travel around Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the rugged Remarkables mountain range. Continue on to Te Anau, gateway of the Fiordland National Park then follow Lake Te Anau to the valley of the Eglinton River. Pass through magnificent beech forests before a gradual descent into the precipitous Hollyford Valley. Climb steadily to the gigantic Cirque and the Homer Tunnel. Pass through the tunnel and down to the Cleddau Canyon where you will catch your first glimpse of Mitre Peak before finally emerging into the open at Milford Sound. At Milford Sound board your overnight cruise on the Milford Mariner for a journey along the sound. View some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, get up and close to a thundering waterfall and if you are lucky you may see some wildlife such as dolphins or seals or penguins. Optional kayaking in one of the world's most beautiful places is available. (Breakfast, Dinner)

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Day Ten

This morning, you will disembark your cruise and will head back to Queenstown. Free time this afternoon. (Breakfast)

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Day Eleven

Embark on a picturesque journey from Queenstown to Franz Josef, driving through the breathtaking landscapes of the West Coast. Enjoy the scenic drive via Haast Pass, marveling at rainforests, waterfalls, and coastal vistas. Let the day's adventures and natural wonders prepare you for a peaceful night's rest in the heart of New Zealand's wilderness. (Breakfast)

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Day Twelve

Board the Tranz Alpine Train for the journey through the Canterbury Plains, the hills, and across braided rivers to Arthurs Pass. From Arthurs Pass, travel to Otira and across the Otira Viaduct to the West Coast, a region with some of New Zealand's best remaining stands of native forest and rare wildlife. Travel south to Hokitika, stopping to explore the local Jade and Gold factories, to Franz Josef. After your train ride, transfer to Christchurch (Breakfast)

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Day Thirteen

This morning, you will enjoy a brief tour of beautiful Christchurch. Next, you will fly from Christchurch back to Auckland for your departure back home. Cross the international dateline. Welcome Home! (Breakfast)

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