NEW ZEALAND HIGHLIGHTS
10 DAYS | UT215

 

DAY 1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND

On arrival at Auckland Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. (Self-drive passengers collect your rental car for your exclusive use until the end of the tour package).

 

 

DAY 2: AUCKLAND - WAITOMO CAVES - ROTORUA (370 KMS) (D)

This coach tour travels over the rugged volcanic terrain of the Mamaku Ranges and through the picturesque Fitzgerald Glade. The highlight is the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and the visit is climaxed by drifting silently in a boat on the underground river under the milky way of millions of glow worms on the cavern roof above you. This evening enjoy a night of truly authentic, traditional culture and entertainment. Join in a time of sharing and feasting to a selection of foods cooked the traditional Maori way on hot stones in an authentic earthen oven.

DAY 3: ROTORUA (FARMSTAY) (D)

Todays tour includes Te Puia - Thremal Reserve to see roaring geysers and mud pools. Following this, you will travel to Rainbow Springs to view trout and other wildlife and the famous Agrodome Sheep Show. Seat in coach passengers will then be met by your farmhost and taken to the farm. (Self-drive passengers will drive to the farm). In the farm you have the opportunity to experience the working life of a New Zealand farmer. Later tonight you will be hosted to a typical New Zealand dinner.

DAY 4: ROTORUA / CHRISTCHURCH (BY AIR) (B)

After breakfast seat in coach passengers will be dropped off at the coach terminal to be taken to the airport for your fl ight to Christchurch. (Airfare from Rotorua to Christchurch excluded). Upon arrival at Christchurch you will be met and taken to the hotel. Rest of the day is free. (Self-drive passengers, after breakfast, will drive to the airport where you will drop off the north island car at the Rotorua airport and fl y to Christchurch, where upon arrival, you will pick up the south island car to drive to the hotel).

DAY 5: CHRISTCHURCH - DUNEDIN (365 KMS)

Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through Timaru and Oamaru to reach Dunedin early afternoon. Rest of the afternoon is free for optional activities, such as wildlife cruises and the Taieri Gorge Train ride. (Self-drivepassengers may wish to explore other parts of the city in the afternoon).

DAY 6: DUNEDIN - TE ANAU (290 KMS)

You have the morning free for more optional activities such as visiting Larnach Castle or the Royal Albatross Colony. We head for Te Anau in the afternoon, gateway to Fiordland National Park.

DAY 7: TE ANAU - MILFORD SOUND - QUEENSTOWN (420 KMS)

Today we pass forest and lakes to reach Milford Sound. The cruise travels the full length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. Enjoy the waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. You will pass Mitre Peak, the highest mountain in the world to rise vertically from the sea. View the Stirling and Bowen Falls as you cruise out to the Tasman Sea. Return to the pier where you reboard your coach for your return journey to Queenstown. (Self-drive passengers will be provided with the same cruise).

DAY 8: QUEENSTOWN

This is completely free day for you to pursue your own activities. Queenstown offers a jet boating, lake cruised, bungy jumping, rafting, hose riding, gondola rides and may be a visit to the Sky Alpine Casion. (Your sightsaver discount booklet is full of exciting and interesting sightseeing options).

DAY 9: QUEENSTOWN - MT COOK - CHRISTCHURCH (600 KMS))

This morning we travel over the Lindis Pass to reach Mt Cook around lunch time, A rare opportunity to take an optional scenic flight to view Mt Cooks snow fi elds and glaciers. We continue through to Lake Tekapo and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

DAY 10: DEPART CHRISTCHURCH)

Early this morning a tour on the Hot Air Balloon is suggested if time permits.Transfer to the airport is included for your departure flight. (Self-drive passengers return your car directly at the airport).