Itinerary
Day 1. Auckland, Freedom of Choice Touring
On arrival in Auckland today be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, you have your choice of our exciting Freedom of Choice Touring options, including a climb up Auckland Harbour Bridge, sail on Waitemata Harbour, an informative trip to Auckland’s museum and more.
Stay: Auckland, Skycity Hotel
Day 2. Auckland, Overlander Train, Rotorua, Hangi Feast
This morning board the Overlander Train and journey to Otorohanga. Continue to the Waitomo caves by coach, where you will explore the impressive limestone caverns and enjoy a silent boat ride beneath millions of glow-worms. Continue the journey south to Rotorua, a centre for both geothermal activity and traditional Maori culture. Tonight, gain an insight into this culture as you enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and cultural performance of song and dance, including the fierce Haka.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Heritage Hotel
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Day 3. Rotorua, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today you have the opportunity to choose a Freedom of Choice Touring activity. Perhaps indulge in a leisurely soak at the Polynesian Spa, explore the Rotorua Museum or take a tour of the eco-thermal highlights of the region.
County Homestay option available tonight
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Day 4. Rotorua, The Overlander, Tongariro National Park
This morning travel to Te Kuiti by coach and join The Overlander train for a tour through the heart of the North Island. Travel over the world-renowned Raurimu Spiral. Spend this evening in the World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park.
Stay: Tongariro National Park, Chateau Tongariro
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Day 5. TranzMetro Train, Wellington
This morning you’ll head south through Taihape, known as the Gumboot Capital of New Zealand. Continue through the Manawatu Gorge and the Wairarapa region and onward to the small township of Featherston. Here, you’ll visit the Fell Locomotive Museum and board the TranzMetro train for our short but scenic journey to Wellington.
Two Night Stay: Wellington, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
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Day 6. Wellington
Today begins with a short stroll to the Wellington Cable Car. Ascend to the top of the Botanic Gardens and perhaps visit the Cable Car Museum, and take a relaxing walk around the Botanic Gardens. Continue to the Museum of New Zealand – Te Papa. The remainder of today is at leisure for you to explore Wellington.
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Day 7. Wellington, TranzCoastal Train, Christchurch
This morning board the Interislander for a cruise between the North and South islands. This cruise takes you across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On arrival join the TranzCoastal train for a scenic journey between mountains and sea. Pass Kaikoura and continue over the North Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the Garden City.
Stay: Christchurch, Holiday Inn City Centre
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Day 8. TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef
This morning step aboard the award-winning TranzAlpine train rail journey, voted one of the best in the world. Travel through the country’s greatest mountain range, the mighty Southern Alps in Arthurs Pass National Park. Disembark at Greymouth and continue to the impressive Franz Josef Glacier on the rugged West Coast.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
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Day 9. Franz Josef, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner
Enjoy incredible scenery this morning as you leave the Westland National Park. See spectacular mountain ranges, untouched native forests, lakes and glaciers. Journey along the shores of lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Continue to the alpine resort of Queenstown and tonight choose from four different dining experiences.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Novotel Lakeside Hotel
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Day 10. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today choose an activity from our Freedom of Choice options. Perhaps enjoy a garden tour or visit some local wineries. You may join an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Shotover River or choose to join a double-decker bus tour through the streets of Queenstown and to the small gold rush settlement of Arrowtown.
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Day 11. Milford Sound, Te Anau
Journey along the Milford Road into Fiordland National Park. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys and through the Homer Tunnel. On arrival at Milford Sound cruise the full length of this stunning fjord. Following your cruise, drive to the tranquil lakeside settlement of Te Anau.
Stay: Te Anau, Luxmore Hotel
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Day 12. Dunedin, Freedom of Choice Touring
On arrival in Dunedin choose your touring activity. Perhaps jump aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway Excursion, or view the magnificent Royal Albatross or Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies on the Otago Peninsula. You could even visit Speight’s Brewery, where one of New Zealand’s best-known beers is made.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
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Day 13. Dunedin, Seasider Train, Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning board the Seasider train at Dunedin and journey up the east coast to Palmerston. Continue through the High Country to Mt Cook National Park and chose your touring activity.
Stay: Mt Cook, the Hermitage Hotel
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Day 14. Mt Cook, Christchurch
Visit Lake Tekapo and the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, erected to honour the early settlers of this region. Leave the High Country and travel through Burkes Pass to Christchurch, where your tour concludes with a transfer to the airport.
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