Contrasts of New Zealand

On arrival in Auckland, you will be met and transferred to Cordis Hotel* for 2 nights. In the evening, join the rest of the group for a welcome dinner. (D)

*From 1st Oct 2018 to 30th Sep 2019, you will stay at the Stamford Plaza.

Morning tour of Auckland’s city sights before a cruise around Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, the best way to see the ‘City of Sails’. (B)

Be my guest dining experience You’re invited to a Be My Guest lunch at the home of Lance and Bridgette O’Sullivan, New Zealand horse racing royalty. Enjoy a sumptuous country-style lunch at the Red Barn on their beautiful Waikato farm. “Maori This evening enjoy a traditional Hangi Highlight Dinner and cultural performance at the Tamaki Family Marae. Stay overnight at the Millennium Hotel, Rotorua. (B, L, D)

Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park this morning where you may spot the kiwi bird. Visit Te Puia thermal reserve and see the stunning geysers. This afternoon, fly to Christchurch and stay 1 night at Novotel Hotel*. (B)

*From 1st Oct 2018 to 30th Sep 2019, you will stay at the Distinction Hotel.

Journey across the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass on the spectacular TranzAlpine train. Visit Hokitika, home to the native greenstone (jade) for a jewellery demonstration. Continue to Franz Josef glacier. Stay overnight at the Te Waonui Forest Retreat. (B, D)

Drive over the Haast Pass, passing lakes Wanaka and Hawea, the town of Cromwell and the historic mining village of Arrowtown. Continue to Queenstown for an orientation tour. This evening join your travel director for dinner at The Boatshed with spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Stay at the Millennium Hotel, Queenstown for 3 nights. (B, D)

Journey over the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and its lake, the largest in South Island. Travel through Fiordland National Park, a world heritage area of glaciers and mountain ranges. Continue to Milford Sound with photo opportunities at scenic sights en route. Join a lunch cruise on Milford Sound before returning to Queenstown this evening. (B, L)

Day at leisure to explore Queenstown: optional excursions include a ride on the exhilarating Shotover Jet, a 4x4 excursion through Skippers Canyon or a wine tour of Gibbston Valley Winery. (B)

Spend some time in the awe-inspiring Mount Cook National Park before continuing to lakes Pukaki and Tekapo where you will stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Barbecue lunch at Morelea Farm where you will gain an insight into farm life. Travel to Christchurch via the Canterbury Plains and stay at the Novotel, Christchurch for 1 night. Evening farewell dinner with your group and travel director. (B, L, D)

Morning at leisure before an afternoon transfer to Christchurch airport to fly home or continue your holiday. (B)