A delightfully picturesque journey with spectacular Alpine scenery along the way. You'll visit the ever popular glaciers, travel through lush beech rain forest, spectacular gorges and river valleys before heading onto the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.
*This tour can be taken in a reverse direction, starting from Auckland and concluding in Christchurch.
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, the "Garden City".
Day 2: Christchurch/ Aoraki - Mount Cook/ Queenstown
(369 miles) (optional meal plans begin today) Travel across the Canterbury Plains to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. We suggest a scenic flight over spectacular alpine scenery. Continue to Queenstown.
Day 3: Milford Sound Day Excursion
Travel with Great Sights along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. Upon arrival in Milford, join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise for an unforgettable experience. Return to Queenstown.
Day 4: Queenstown
A free day to enjoy the many leisure pursuits on offer.
Day 5: Queenstown, Franz Josef
(251 miles) Enjoy rugged West Coast scenery as you travel through the Haast Pass and on to Franz Josef. We suggest an optional scenic glacier flight to enjoy the scenery.
Day 6: Franz Josef/ Tranzalpine Train/ Christchurch
(249 miles) Travel to Greymouth and board the scenic TranzAlpine train (Seat-in-Coach only). The journey is famous for its spectacular mountain scenery as it traverses the Southern Alps and across to Christchurch.
Day 7: Christchurch/ Rotorua (airfare not included)
Fly to Rotorua, New Zealand's thermal wonderland. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. We suggest an optional visit to the Polynesian Spa for a relaxing soak.
Day 8: Rotorua Sightseeing (dinner included)
Experience the many varied sights that Rotorua has to offer. Visit Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Learn about traditional Maori crafts at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, before traveling to Rainbow Springs and Rainbow Farm Show. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure. This evening enjoy a unique Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert.
Day 9: Rotorua, Waitomo, Auckland
(226 miles) (lunch included) Travel north to the fascinating Waitomo Caves, where you will enjoy lunch. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of the famous Glowworm Grotto. Continue on to downtown Auckland.
