New Zealand Wonderland

Auckland

On arrival in Auckland, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, set off on your preferred Freedom of Choice activity. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy a delicious Pacific-themed Welcome dinner.

Bay of Islands

On day 2 cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience: Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Discover New Zealand’s most historic site, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which is often called the 'Birthplace of our Nation' by Kiwis. This is where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in 1840, an agreement between the British Crown and a significant number of Māori chiefs. See the world's largest war canoe, Ngātokimatawhaorua, and visit Te Whare Rūnanga, a Māori meeting house that reflects stories and carving styles from across the country.

On day 3 set sail on a memorable Signature Experience, discovering the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to further explore.

Signature Experience: Bay of Islands Cruise
Enjoy a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.

Auckland

After breakfast, travel from the beautiful Bay of Islands to Auckland, taking in the scenic landscapes of Northland along the way. Upon arrival in Auckland, check in to your hotel and unwind before joining your fellow travellers for dinner.

Hamilton and Rotorua

On day 5 travel south to Hamilton to explore some of New Zealand's most delightful nature displays during a Signature Experience. Later, continue to Rotorua, where you will enjoy another enriching Signature Experience. Signature Experience – Hamilton Gardens Visit Explore 4,000 years of gardening history across 18 enclosed gardens at this highly acclaimed botanic garden, ranked among the top things to do in New Zealand. Peruse traditional Māori, Egyptian, Tudor, and Italian Renaissance gardens, and dive into playful themed displays, including the Alice in Wonderland-inspired Surrealist Garden.

Signature Experience: Te Pā Tū
Enjoy a feast of Māori delicacies and performance of haka, song and storytelling at Te Pā Tū (Māori Village). Over a magical evening, you will be welcomed with a haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome) and then be treated to further captivating performances while enjoying seasonal canapés, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.

On day 6 spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.

Freedom of choice activities to choose from - Rotorua Icons, Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Eco-Thermal Tour, or Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.  

Taupo and Wellington

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand’s North Island this morning. Visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupō, before travelling across the plateau of Tongariro National Park to Wellington.

Wellington

After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including Mount Victoria and the waterfront area. For sweeping views across the entire city, take a return journey on the Wellington Cable Car from the centre of the city, over the hillside terraced houses of Kelburn, to a lofty lookout at the summit. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to continue exploring this coastal city. You may like to visit New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa. Tonight, you might like to dine at a local restaurant (own expense).

Christchurch

This morning, embark on a scenic ferry ride to the South Island during your Signature Experience. Afterwards, journey to the quaint fishing town of Kaikōura before continuing along the central east coast all the way to Christchurch.

Signature Experience: Interislander Ferry
Take the iconic Interislander ferry from Wellington on the North Island to Picton on the South Island. Travel through the serene waters of Wellington Harbour and across Cook Strait, then journey through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds.

TranzAlpine Train and Franz Josef/Waiau

After a special Signature Experience, disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika, famous for its stunning coastline and jade carving industry. Pounamu, or greenstone, is plentiful here and holds great cultural significance for the Māori people. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau, where you will enjoy another Signature Experience.

Signature Experience:TranzAlpine Train
Experience the romance of rail travel aboard the TranzAlpine train. Admire ever-changing landscapes and spectacular gorges as you journey through the famous Southern Alps and alongside the Waimakariri River on one of the world’s most scenic rail routes.

Signature Experience: Franz Josef/Waiau
Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Kā Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Tonight, you will stay at the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat, located on the edge of the Franz Josef/Waiau village. Relax and unwind amid the lush rainforest and breathtaking scenery before enjoying a four-course degustation fine dining experience.

Queenstown

On day 11 admire the magnificent landscape as you travel along the Haast River Valley to Queenstown. This evening, choose where to enjoy dinner with a range of Freedom of Choice Dining options available to you.

Freedom of Choice dining options: Walter Peak, Stratosfare Restaurant, Fergburger, Finz Restaurant or the restaurant at your hotel.

On day 12 choose how you’d like to spend today with a range of sightseeing activities on offer. 

Freedom of Choice activity options: The Lord of the Rings’ 4WD Safari, Wine Tour, Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour, Million Dollar Cruise of Lake Wakatipu, Dart River Wilderness Jet, or the Best of Queenstown Tour.

Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, Te Anau

Embark on a picturesque drive today as you journey along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, then pass through the Homer Tunnel, to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak, the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Continue to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where a Signature Experience awaits. Afterwards, take a scenic drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Enjoy another Signature Experience in the evening.

Signature Experience: Milford Sound/Piopiotahi Cruise
A cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi draws you into a magical world of snow-dusted mountains, breathtaking scenery and engaging wildlife. Edge close to tumbling waterfalls and colonies of seals and penguins, all beneath the ramparts of mighty peaks that rise sheer from the water as they stretch to the vast sky above.

Signature Experience: Taste of Fiordland Dinner
Delight in a delectable Taste of Fiordland dinner this evening at the exceptional MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar. With a menu that has been carefully crafted to showcase the South Island’s regional cuisine, you’ll savour mouth-watering local fare made from the finest artisan produce.

Dunedin

Journey through Southland’s rugged countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon, select your Freedom of Choice activity.

Freedom of Choice activities:

Olveston Historic Home
Wander through the historic home of a wealthy merchant family built in the early 1900s. Inside, admire fine art, furniture and artefacts, which have been collected from around the world.

Larnach Castle
Discover the history of Larnach Castle and its beautiful gardens on a guided tour. Nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula, it is New Zealand’s only castle and dates back to 1871.

Aoraki/Mount Cook

Drive north and stop at the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki on Koekohe Beach. A geological marvel, these gigantic calcite spheres were formed an estimated 65 million years ago. Continue to the town of Oamaru, home to beautifully preserved Victorian architecture. After time to explore the town centre, continue to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience as well as your preferred Freedom of Choice activity.

Signature Experience: Aoraki/Mount Cook
Journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a bewildering landscape of towering mountain peaks, alpine herb fields and epic glaciers. See New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and stay at the iconic Hermitage Hotel. Dine at the hotel’s Alpine Restaurant this evening, indulging in a delicious seasonal menu that incorporates the finest local ingredients.

Lake Tekapo/Takapō and Christchurch

Travel to Lake Tekapo/Takapō and take in the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps as well as the lake’s distinctive colours. Pay a visit to the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, which features in many photographs thanks to its beautiful backdrop and surrounds. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at your hotel.

Depart Christchurch