Your Holiday Itinerary

• Flight Option

21-Day Break

• Day 1-2 –  Door-to-Door†† transfer to Heathrow for the flight to Auckland.
• Day 3 –  Auckland, New Zealand – Tour Begins Your tour begins in Auckland, the ‘City of Sails,’ consistently rated one of the best places in the world to live. Auckland has the highest Polynesian
  population in the world, imbuing the vibrant cultures from many Pacific islands into its chic atmosphere. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. D
• Day 4 –  Auckland Get to know the best of Auckland during an included panoramic city tour featuring America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and spectacular views from the top of Mt. Eden, one of 53 dormant volcanoes throughout the area. The rest of the day is at leisure. B
• Day 5 – Auckland - Bay of Islands Travel north to the Bay of Islands, your home for the next two nights. This Maritime region boasts more than 144 islands, warm bays, a colorful history and abundant marine life. Visit the Waitangi National Trust & Treaty House where Maori and British leaders signed the 1844 treaty establishing New Zealand’s nationhood. B,D
• Day 6 – Bay of Islands Begin your day with a cruise through the bay’s famous Hole in the Rock and view the Cape Brett Lighthouse which stands nearly 500 feet above sea level at the edge of the Cape Brett Peninsula. The rest of the day is yours to explore Paihia – the quaint town known as ‘the jewel of the Bay of Islands’. B
• Day 7 –  Bay of Islands - Rotorua Today we head to the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. Onethird of Rotorua’s population has Maori roots, making this a thriving cultural city. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for dinner and a home stay**! This is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you make new friends, learn about the customs of the ‘Kiwi’s’ and enjoy a home-cooked meal. B,D
• Day 8 –  Rotorua This morning we visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! The National Carving School and National Weaving School are also located here, where age old customs are passed on. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of traditional weaving methods, view the Kiwi bird and learn what New Zealanders are doing to try to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Then, meet with skilled carvers who work with pounamu, a New Zealand jade, at a local jade factory. Next, visit the Agrodome where you will see a fun and interactive sheep-shearing demonstration. Tonight we visit a recreated traditional Maori village to learn about Maori life before Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand) was colonized. Enjoy an immersive experience before a Hangi meal and authentic Maori entertainment, such as the famous Haka dance. B,D
• Day 9 – Rotorua - Wellington Journey south to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. B,D
• Day 10 –  Wellington During our included panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington, view the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, historic St. Paul’s Church, and the government building - the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Afterwards we visit the Te Papa Tongawera Museum, a fascinating center dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture. B
• Day 11 –  Wellington - Picton - Christchurch Climb aboard a ferry and sail across Cook Strait to experience what some call ‘the most beautiful ferry ride in the world.’ Arrive Picton, on the South Island. Discover why the Marlborough region is one of the world’s best wine regions when you tour a local winery. Later, arrive in Christchurch, situated on the Avon River and considered ‘the most English city outside of England.’ B,
• Day 12 – Christchurch - Franz Josef Glacier Region All aboard! The Tranz Alpine train whisks you away on a journey past farmlands, through the deep gorges of the Waimakariri River valley and into the rugged snowcapped mountains of the Southern Alps, as you wind your way into the subtropical rainforest region of New Zealand’s spectacular west coast. Before arrival in Franz Josef, visit the new West Coast Wildlife Centre where you will learn about wildlife native to the region. Arrive for your overnight in the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier Region. B,D
• Day 13 –  Franz Josef - Queenstown Enjoy a picture stop for the famous Franz Josef Glacier before leaving the South Island’s lush west coast. Take in the stunning scenery as we pass through rainforest surrounded by the Southern Alps. You’ll enjoy beautiful ocean vistas as you travel the twisting coastline. This picturesque route comprises one lane bridges, green glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls and dramatic landscape changes. After crossing the Haast Pass, arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, and one of New Zealand’s most gorgeous spots. Enjoy a memorable dinner at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu. B,D
• Day 14 – Queenstown This morning we travel to historic Arrowtown, a gold rush town set on the picturesque Arrow River. More than 60 restored buildings date back to the 19th century. Stroll along Main Street where you’ll discover a wealth of New Zealand handcrafts. This afternoon, venture into New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave for a tasting at an award-winning wine producer in the Central Otago region followed by lunch at the winery’s fabulous restaurant. Later, return to Queenstown with time at leisure. B,L
• Day 15 – Queenstown Free day to discover Queenstown at your leisure. Set amidst spectacular scenery, it offers excellent shopping and dining. Perhaps you’ll opt to take off for ‘Middle Earth’ and experience the ‘Safari of the Rings’ adventure, exploring the scenery where Tolkien’s beloved stories were brought to life in the film trilogy. B
• Day 16 – Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau Our ride to Milford Sound is lined with unforgettable beauty, taking you through beech forest into Hollyford Valley’s rugged grandeur and through the Homer Tunnel. Arriving at mesmerizing Milford Sound, sail away on a leisurely cruise that brings you through the deep fjord, surrounded by sheer mountains rising almost six thousand feet from the water’s surface. Enjoy an overnight on the southern shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island. B,L
• Day 17 –  Te Anau - Mt. Cook Region The Maori word for Mt. Cook is Aoraki, which means ‘cloud piercer.’ Journey through New Zealand’s unspoiled wilderness and arrive at Mt. Cook National Park, where permanent ice fields and glaciers blanket the ragged peaks. This is where New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary honed his mountaineering skills before attempting Everest. Explore the park up-close during a nature walk. Maybe you’ll choose to partake in an optional flightseeing tour (weather permitting) to witness breathtaking aerial views of Mt. Cook and the glaciers. B,D
• Day 18 –  Mt. Cook - Christchurch Travel back to Christchurch this morning and visit a family farm in Canterbury learning firsthand how this New Zealand family farm operates. An included sightseeing tour of the city features the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, the downtown park district and stunning Victorian-style buildings. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this quaint city. B
• Day 19 –  Christchurch Morning at leisure then enjoy a sightseeing tour of the famous Christchurch botanical gardens and learn why Christchurch is known as the Garden City of the South Pacific. Tonight, you will dine in a restored mansion - once the homestead of the first family to settle in Christchurch. B,D
• Day 20 – Christchurch - Tour Ends Depart for home with countless fond memories to share with friends and family.
• Day 21 –  Arrive U.K. Door-to-Door†† return home. B

Included Meals: B=Breakfast L=Lunch D=Dinner

Extend Your Holiday... Why not extend your tour to include a two-night pre-tour visit to HONG KONG and a two-night post tour visit to FIJI – please call for details.

Door-to-Door UK transfers included††