See all the highlights of New Zealand on this comprehensive and stylish vacation. Absorb the majestic sights of the Bay of Islands, experience Maori culture and amazing thermal activity in Rotorua, discover the rugged beauty of the West Coast, cruise the length of spectacular Milford Sound and explore the magnificent alpine resort of Queenstown. Enjoy our Exclusive Experiences in Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Queenstown and Dunedin, where you choose the activity and we will include it at no extra cost. In the Bay of Islands perhaps enjoy the ultimate marine adventure and get up close to dolphins with the option of taking a swim with them. In Rotorua you may choose to soak in a thermal mineral pool and enjoy a luxurious spa treatment at the Polynesian Pools and Spa. Queenstown offers a range of activities to suit your interests. Take a winery or garden tour, jump on a double-decker bus tour around Queenstown and Arrowtown or be more adventurous with a jetboat ride or a guided 4WD Safari of the Scenes. The Great New Zealand Experience has it all.
Day 1: Arrive Auckland, Exclusive Experiences
Be met and transferred to your hotel, then choose your day's activity from a range of Exclusive Experiences.
Accommodation: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Day 2: Auckland, Bay of Islands (BD)
Visit Matakohe Museum, home to the world's largest kauri gum collection. See Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve, then journey to the subtropical Bay of Islands and tour the historical Waitangi Treaty House.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay - Paihia, Copthorne Waitangi Resort.
Day 3: Bay of Islands, Exclusive Experiences (BD)
The Bay of Islands is renowned as an aquatic playground. With our Exclusive Experiences, perhaps take a day trip to the top of New Zealand, a tour of New Zealand's first capital or sail on a tall ship.
Day 4: Bay of Islands, Auckland (BD)
Watch for dolphins as we cruise to Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Meander through inner islands and relax on a secluded bay before we travel to Auckland. 17 Day (NAN17) passengers arrive in Auckland. Exclusive Experiences are available to 17 Day passengers.
Accommodation: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Day 5: Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua Theme Dinner (BD)
Travel to Waikato Province. At Waitomo Caves, tour the limestone caverns before we reach the geothermal region of Rotorua. Tonight immerse yourself in Maori culture with a Hangi (feast) and cultural performance.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay - Rotorua, Millennium Rotorua.
Day 6: Rotorua, Exclusive Experiences (BD)
Enjoy Rotorua's therapeutic waters, marvel at its geothermal activity and explore its Maori culture today when you choose your activity from our wide range of Exlusive Experiences.
Accommodation: Choose to stay in a Country Homestay tonight!
Day 7: Lake Taupo, Wellington (BD)
View Wairakei Steam Valley, see Huka Falls and Lake Taupo then cross the volcanic plateau of World Heritage Tongariro National Park to Wellington.
Accommodation: Wellington, Hotel InterContinental.
Day 8: Wellington, Nelson Dining Options (BD)
Join the Interislander and cruise across Cook Strait to the South Island, traveling through Queen Charlotte Sound before arriving in Picton. Later journey through the vineyard region of Marlborough to Nelson. Tonight enjoy a choice of two restaurants.
Accommodation: Nelson, The Rutherford Hotel.
Day 9: Nelson, Franz Josef, West Coast Specialties Theme Dinner (BD)
Follow the Heritage Highway through Buller Gorge to the rugged West Coast. At Punakaiki view the fascinating Pancake rock formations. Continue along the coast, viewing glaciers and rivers of ice. This evening dine on West Coast specialities.
Accommodation: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.
Day 10: Franz Josef, Wanaka (BD)
View incredible scenery as we travel through Haast Pass, over the Southern Alps and on to Wanaka, surrounded by Mt Aspiring National Park.
Accommodation: Wanaka, Edgewater Resort.
Day 11: Wanaka, Queenstown Dining Options (BD)
Journey to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Queenstown, where tonight you’ll choose from 15 restaurants.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay - Queenstown, Sofitel Hotel.
Day 12: Queenstown, Exclusive Experiences (BD)
Today in Queenstown, select from a wide range of activities.
Day 13: Milford Sound, Te Anau (BD)
Travel to Milford Sound and cruise the length of this beautiful fiord. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing drive through the Eglington Valley as we return to Te Anau.
Accommodation: Te Anau, Te Anau Hotel and Villas.
Day 14: Te Anau, Dunedin, Exclusive Experiences (BD)
Today travel through the farming communities of the Southland region to Dunedin. This afternoon you choose the activity.
Accommodation: Dunedin, Southern Cross Hotel.
Day 15: Dunedin, Mt Cook Dining Option (BD)
View the unique Moeraki Beach boulders then head to World Heritage-listed Mt Cook National Park. This evening choose from three restaurants located within The Hermitage hotel.
Accommodation: Mt Cook, The Hermitage.
Day 16: Mt Cook, Christchurch Dining Options (BD)
This morning visit glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, view the Church of the Good Shepherd then travel through Burkes Pass to the plains of Canterbury. On our way to Christchurch, you may choose to take the scenic TranzAlpine Train from Arthurs Pass, traveling through stunning gorges and river valleys. Or continue by coach to Christchurch. Tonight choose from three restaurants.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Day 17: Christchurch, Wellington (BD)
Travel between the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura Ranges. Cruise the Cook Strait to Wellington.
Accommodation: Wellington, Hotel InterContinental.
Day 18: Wellington, Napier, Taupo (BD)
Travel to Napier and wander around the town's Art Deco buildings before we continue to Taupo.
Accommodation: Taupo, Wairakei Resort.
Day 19: Taupo, Auckland (BD)
Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and witness the famous Lady Knox Geyser before we tour through the orchards on Kiwi Karts. Arrive in Auckland.
Accommodation: .Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Day 20: Depart Auckland (B)
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
