Itinerary
Day 1. Auckland, Hokianga Harbour
Depart Auckland and travel to Matakohe to visit the Kauri and Pioneer Museum. Discover the history of the far north region before visiting the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve. View the towering Kauri tree, Tane Mahuta - ‘Lord of the Forest’, and walk to the Four Sisters and Te Matua Ngahere trees. Then head to Hokianga, where tonight after dinner you’ll get your first taste of the ‘Spirit of New Zealand’ with a four hour night Twilight Encounter.
Stay: Hokianga, Copthorne Hotel and Resort
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Day 2. Hokianga Harbour, Bay of Islands
This morning soak up the sights and sounds of this idyllic harbour at your own pace. After lunch, make the short journey to Paihia and the gorgeous Bay of Islands, a national maritime park that is home to 144 islands.
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands, Heartland Hotel Beachcomber
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Day 3. Bay of Islands
Today tailor your touring to suit your mood. Perhaps swim with dolphins, visit the oldest settlement in New Zealand or, if you’re feeling active, hike to the Hararu Falls (all at own expense). Tonight enjoy an early dinner, then either relax by the water or head out on a night-time activity.
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Day 4. Bay of Islands, Rotorua
Travel past Auckland on the way to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland with gushing geysers, bubbling mud-pools and captivating culture. Check-in to your hotel then enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore or relax.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
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Day 5. Rotorua
Today is at leisure in Rotorua, and your options are virtually endless. Perhaps go rafting on the Kaituna River, stand on active volcanoes or learn about weaving and wood carving techniques at Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (all at own expense).
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Day 6. Rotorua, Tongariro National Park
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through green countryside, native bush and alpine forests. Then visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. If the weather’s fine, there may be time for a swim in the clear waters. Continue south and cross the vast plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. This afternoon is at your leisure to explore one of the many fine walking tracks or simply relax in New Zealand’s first national park.
Stay: Tongariro National Park, Chateau Tongariro Hotel
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Day 7. Tongariro, Wellington
Travel to the nation’s capital, Wellington. Take a guided tour of Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, then enjoy free time to check out the restaurants, bars and cafés around your hotel.
Stay: Wellington, Travelodge Wellington Plimmer Towers
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Day 8. Wellington, Nelson
This morning after breakfast, board the Interislander and cruise to Picton. Then journey to Nelson, known for its wineries, breweries and local arts and crafts community.
Two Night Stay: Nelson, Trailways Motor Lodge
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Day 9. Nelson
Today you have the whole day to explore one of the most beautiful regions of New Zealand. Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and its world-famous coastal track.
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Day 10. Nelson, Punakaiki
Today’s journey today takes you alongside the Nelson Lakes National Park. You’ll have the opportunity to visit Lake Rotoiti or Lake Rotoroa and enjoy a short walk. Tonight, stay at Punakaiki, at the foothills of the Paparoa National Park with views of West Coast beaches.
Stay: Punakaiki Rocks Hotel
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Day 11. Punakaiki, Fox Glacier
Walk up to see Punakaiki’s famous pancake rocks. Then travel through Franz Josef to Fox Glacier village. This afternoon, tackle Fox Glacier. Your guide will lead you beside a riverbed to a track which zig-zags uphill through ferns and temperate rainforest. The route takes you onto the ice among crevasses and ice ridges and leads you into the middle of the glacier for views of the icefalls and lower glacier.
Stay: Fox Glacier, Heartland Hotel Glacier Country
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Day 12. Fox Glacier, Queenstown
Continue south today, through Haast Pass to Queenstown, an exhilarating town perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
Three Night Stay: Queenstown, Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown
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Day 13. Queenstown at Leisure
Enjoy a day to discover the highlights Queenstown. Tonight, step aboard the TSS Earnslaw and cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you’ll enjoy a carvery style buffet.
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Day 14. Queenstown at Leisure
Today provides another opportunity for you to further explore Queenstown and its surrounds.
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Day 15. Queenstown, Te Anau
Travel through Fiordland National Park, passing through the Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel to emerge at Milford Sound. Sail the full length of Milford Sound on board the Milford Mariner. You’ll then make your way to Te Anau.
Stay: Te Anau, Kingsgate Hotel
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Day 16. Te Anau, Lake Ohau
Journey along the Kawarau River to the Cromwell district, where you can sample the fresh and dried fruits grown in the region. Continue to Lake Ohau.
Stay: Lake Ohau Lodge
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Day 17. Lake Ohau, Christchurch
Travel to Lake Pukaki for scenic views. Then travel to Lake Tekapo, where you can take a flight back over the Southern Alps and glaciers (own expense). Continue to Christchurch where your tour concludes.
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