New Zealand – North South Combo – 8N/9D

Itinerary:

Day 1- Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, seat in coach passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel. Self drive passengers will collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel.

Day 2 – Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the worldfamous Waitomo Glowworm Caves including an underground boat ride viewing the millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. On completion continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert. (B,D)

Day 3 – Rotorua
This morning visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife before continuing to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry. This afternoon or this evening enjoy a relaxing soak in the tranquil setting of the Lake Spa Retreat at the Polynesian Spa. (B)

Day 4 – Rotorua – Christchurch
Depart on your domestic flight from Rotorua to Christchurch (airfare is NOT included). This evening enjoy a romantic 5 course dinner aboard the historic Christchurch tram. (B,D)

Day 5 – Christchurch – Mt Cook – Queenstown
Travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ before continuing on to New Zealand’s highest mountain – Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown. (B)

Day 6 – Queenstown
A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)

Day 7 – Queenstown – Glacier Region
Departing Queenstown this morning, travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. (B)

Day 8 – Glacier Region – Christchurch
Travel north to Greymouth today and board the Tranz Alpine train (seat in coach passengers only). Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Travel beside the Waimakariri River to Christchurch. (B)

Day 9 – Departure Day
Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. (B)

Itinerary:

Day 1- Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, seat in coach passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel. Self drive passengers will collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel.

Day 2 – Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua
Travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the worldfamous Waitomo Glowworm Caves including an underground boat ride viewing the millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. On completion continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert. (B,D)

Day 3 – Rotorua
This morning visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife before continuing to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry. This afternoon or this evening enjoy a relaxing soak in the tranquil setting of the Lake Spa Retreat at the Polynesian Spa. (B)

Day 4 – Rotorua – Christchurch
Depart on your domestic flight from Rotorua to Christchurch (airfare is NOT included). This evening enjoy a romantic 5 course dinner aboard the historic Christchurch tram. (B,D)

Day 5 – Christchurch – Mt Cook – Queenstown
Travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ before continuing on to New Zealand’s highest mountain – Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown. (B)

Day 6 – Queenstown
A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)

Day 7 – Queenstown – Glacier Region
Departing Queenstown this morning, travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. (B)

Day 8 – Glacier Region – Christchurch
Travel north to Greymouth today and board the Tranz Alpine train (seat in coach passengers only). Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Travel beside the Waimakariri River to Christchurch. (B)

Day 9 – Departure Day
Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. (B)