New Zealand Wonderland

New Zealand Wonderland

17 days - 16 nights

Auckland, Bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Dunedin, Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo

Nature, Ecology, Culture, Discovery

This program may be operated for individuals or for groups

This is a suggested itinerary

Day 1 – Auckland

On arrival into Auckland, be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Then, perhaps cruise on Waitemata Harbor; head off on a Waiheke Island wine tour; explore the Auckland Museum; get up close to marine life at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium; set off into the Waitakere Rainforest; or take a trip to the suburb of Devonport for some of the best views of the city. Dinner at the hotel. [D]

Day 2: Auckland, Bay of Islands

Cross Auckland’s Harbor Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the original treaty between the British and Maori people was signed. Here, you will also enjoy a visit to the Maori Meeting House and War Canoe. Continue to the Bay of Islands. [B/D]

Day 3: Bay of Islands

Today, discover this spectacular region with our range of activities. Perhaps take a day tour to Cape Reinga; experience life on the high seas; embark on a dolphin-watching adventure; take a mini-tour of Russell; or return to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided tour. [B]

Day 4: Bay of Islands, Auckland

Explore the Bay of Islands on a dolphin-watching cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the sandy beaches and keeping watch for dolphins, then spend some time in a secluded bay. Travel back to Auckland and tonight, enjoy a Pacific-themed feature dinner. [B/D]

Day 5: Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua

Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous glow worm caves where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an eerie glow. Discover this natural wonder on a guided tour, before continuing to Rotorua. For tonight’s feature dinner, immerse yourself in Maori culture as you enjoy a traditional Hangi Feast and performance of song and dance. B/D]

Day 6: Rotorua

This morning, enjoy a sheep show at the Agrodome followed by a kiwi encounter at Rainbow Springs Nature Park and a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Choose to visit Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua Museum; see some of the sets from the Lord of the Rings movies, or explore Redwood Treewalk with a Maori guide. The afternoon and evening are free for you to explore at leisure. [B]

Day 7: Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand’s North Island this morning. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, then visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before travelling across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park all the way to Wellington. This evening, after checking in to your hotel, discover a range of tantalising local flavours with a choice of three tempting restaurants for your feature dinner. [B/D]

Day 8: Wellington

After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour taking you to Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including the spectacular waterfront area and New Zealand’s national museum - Te Papa Tongarewa. Afterwards, ride the iconic Cable Car, gaining a fresh perspective and fantastic vistas of this coastal city. [B]

Day 9: Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch

Step aboard the Interislander ferry to cruise across Cook Strait and through the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds to Picton. From the port of Picton, drive to the quaint fishing town of Kaikoura. Continue travelling along the central east coast all the way to Christchurch. [B/D]

Day 10: Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef Glacier

Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world’s greatest rail adventures. Journey through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and across the Southern Alps. Disembark the train at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika. Here, you will see pounamu jade being skillfully carved into pieces of jewelry. Continue along the west coast to your luxury eco resort near Franz Josef Glacier. Here, enjoy a four-course degustation feature dinner. [B/D]

Day 11: Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown

Enjoy a day of truly breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Haast River on your way to Queenstown. Choose from four restaurants for your feature dinner. Perhaps sample the fresh South Island produce at waterside Finz seafood restaurant, or take a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant where you can enjoy your meal with stunning panoramic views of the city. You may prefer a dinner cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamboat, or dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Elements Restaurant. [B/D]

Day 12: Queenstown

Enjoy a full day in Queenstown. Perhaps embark on a Safari of the Scenes tour and visit several local sites where the Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Alternatively, thrillseekers may enjoy an exhilarating ride on the Shotover Jet Boat, a Skippers Canyon adventure, or a river safari along the beautiful Dart River. New Zealand is rightly famous for its fine wines, and a tour of the country’s premier wine-producing region is a tempting option. Other activities you may choose from include an exciting 4WD experience at Mt Nicholas, a bird walk through the surrounding Queenstown wilderness, or a leisurely cruise over the waters of Lake Wakatipu. [B]

Day 13: Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau

Embark on one of the most scenic drives today as you journey along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Keep your camera at the ready as you wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, then drive through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak, the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound. Cruise along the full length of beautiful fiord Milford Sound, located deep within Fiordland National Park. After your cruise, enjoy a picturesque drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. In Te Anau, enjoy a feature Taste of Fiordland Dinner, showcasing the fine local produce. [B/D]

Day 14: Te Anau, Dunedin

Journey through Southland countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the Edinburgh of the south. Tour Larnach Castle and visit Olveston House; head to Dunedin’s railway station and board the Taieri Gorge Railway; or tour Speight’s Brewery. Alternatively, choose to visit the Otago Peninsula where you can observe an albatross colony; watch for penguins; or take an off-road tour. [B/D]

Day 15: Dunedin, Mt Cook

Drive north and stop to view the large spherical Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach. Then continue onwards to Mt Cook National Park. View Australasia’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook, and admire the sublime alpine scenery that abounds here. Perhaps visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, including a visit to the planetarium and a stargazing session with an astronomer. Alternatively, during the summer months, board a MAC boat and get up close to icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. [B/D]

Day 16: Mt Cook, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch

Travel to Lake Tekapo and pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. In Christchurch this evening, you will enjoy a feature Farewell Dinner at your hotel. [B/D]

Day 17: Depart Christchurch

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. [B]

[B] = Breakfast | [D] = Dinner | [B/D] = Breakfast and Dinner

Tour includes

Arrival and departure transfers
16 nights’ accommodation:
- Auckland – 2 nights
- Bay of Islands - 2 nights
- Rotorua - 2 nights
- Wellington - 2 nights
- Christchurch - 2 nights
- Franz Josef Glacier - 1 night
- Queenstown - 2 nights
- Te Anau - 1 night
- Dunedin -1 night
- Mt Cook - 1 night
Meals:
- Breakfast daily
- 12 dinners
Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Explore the Bay of Islands on a dolphin-watching cruise
Immerse yourself in Maori culture at a Hangi Feast in Rotorua
Cruise to the South Island aboard the Inter-islander ferry
Navigate the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds
Ride on the famous TranzAlpine train
Marvel at the impressive icy contours of Franz Josef Glacier
Enjoy a cruise that explores the length Milford Sound fjord
Discover Australasia’s highest peak at Mt. Cook National Park
All sightseeing, excursions and entrance fees as outlined
Dedicated Tour Director and professional driver
Additional services of expert local guides in select locations
Travel aboard a spacious, luxurious coach
After Hours Emergency Travel Assistance

Not included in tour

International or Domestic airfares
Any taxes and surcharges relating to airfares
Travel insurance
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
Other meals not mentioned in itinerary
Extras and gratuities
Early check-in, late check-out
Expenses of personal nature

Hotels

Category	Hotel Name	Tripadvisor
First Class
Auckland	Rydges Auckland	4
Bay of Islands	Breakwater Motel	4.5
Rotorua	VR Rotorua Lake Resort	4.5
Wellington	Doubletree By Hilton	4.5
Christchurch	Rydges Latimer	4.5
Franz Josef Glacier	Ribbonwood Retreat Bed and Breakfast	5
Queenstown	Novotel Queenstown Lakeside	4
Te Anau	Arran Motel	4.5
Dunedin	Scenic Hotel	4
Mt Cook	The Hermitage Hotel	4
Deluxe
Auckland	Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour	4.5
Bay of Islands	Paihia Beach Resort & Spa	4.5
Rotorua	Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel	4.5
Wellington	InterContinental Wellington	4.5
Christchurch	The Establishment Boutique	5
Franz Josef Glacier	Te Waonui Forest Retreat	4.5
Queenstown	Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa	4.5
Te Anau	Te Waka Lodge	4.5
Dunedin	The Birches Bed & Breakfast	5
Mt Cook	The Hermitage Hotel	4

Hotels will be confirmed at time of booking

Prices

Tour Prices:

These programs can be customized for individuals and groups.

Changes to this program may be requested by phone (1855-55-TOURS) or using the web FIT Quote Request

Airfare

We also be glad to add the necessary airfare from your gateway so you take advantage of our special discounted leisure fares

Program

You may add or remove;

- Trip days
- Cities and sites
- Meals
Other options
- The program was designed with private services, however, we may substitute shared sightseeing where available
- If you prefer deluxe services we may operate this program including private driver, private guide and concierge service.

Quotation

Once we have designed the program the way you want we'll give you a quote within 2 business days.

Tour Code: NZ06AKL20TE

Options

Lunches and dinners can be arranged for individuals, families and groups at top restaurants or any restaurant requested by you.
We can revise the itinerary to spend more time and provide more depth in those areas that you are interested on.
Any other changes to the itinerary will be accommodated depending on the facilities available in the area.

Group Quotations

If you wish to use these programs for your group or as the basis for a customized journey please either call us (1-855-55-TOURS or use the web Group Quote Request.
In either case our specialists will work with to refine all the details and they will get you a quote with 2 business days. Quotes may be obtained for the air and land portions of just for the lad journey.
Booking both air and land with us will represent savings for you because of our buying power and longtime relationship with the airlines.
We will also may have the choice between regular fares and special leisure fares not available to the public.

New Zealand Wonderland

New Zealand Wonderland

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