Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2: Christchurch - Omarama
After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel though the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit The Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama.
Day 3: Omarama - Dunedin
Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.
Day 4: Dunedin – Te Anau
This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiord land and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional)
Day 5: Te Anau – Milford Sound - Queenstown
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown over looking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort town which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Day 6: Queenstown (Free Day)
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your coach captain is available to assist with the many sightseeing options available whether it be the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or get up close to a Kiwi bird. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax as you are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then re-board the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Day 7: Queenstown – Arrowtown – Franz Josef
Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps a you travel to Fox Glacier. Continue to Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before continuing onto Franz Josef.
Day 8: Franz Josef – Arthurs Pass - Christchurch
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board The Tranz Alpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Viewv rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaductsand through the patchwork of farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Day 9: Christchurch – Picton – Wellington
Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.
Day 10: Wellington
A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. This is followed by an extensive city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand’s capital Wellington. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure this afternoon. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Day 11: Wellington – Taupo - Rotorua
Depart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.
Day 12: Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride and breakfast at the Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Visit Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. Enjoy some free time this afternoon. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert
Day 13: Rotorua - Auckland
This morning depart Rotorua and travel north to Auckland. This afternoon use your Auckland Explorer Bus Pass to see all of Auckland’s highlights. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.
Day 14: Depart Auckland
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday
