On arrival in Auckland, The City of Sails, you 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. Overnight at your hotel.
After breakfast go on a Auckland morning city sights by private touring vehicle or self drive rental car. Highlights of the tour including Victoria Park Market, Westhaven Marina and the volcanic crater of Mt Eden for spectacular views of the city and harbour. This afternoon, cruise Aucklands magnificent Waitemata Harbour with Pride of Auckland coffee cruise. Just sit back and relax while taking in the scenery, or be as hands on as you would like. This 1.5 hour cruise is a great way to explore the Harbour and see why Auckland is known as the City of Sails. Overnight at your hotel.
After an early breakfast, travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the world- famous 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. Overnight at your hotel.
Enjoy breakfast and visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Rainbow Springs to see New Zealands 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. Remainder of the day is at your leisure. This evening enjoy authentic Maori Hangi Dinner and cultural performance at Tamaki Maori village. Overnight at your hotel.
Enjoy breakfast and transfer by a private vehicle or self drive rental car to Rotorua airport. Depart on your domestic flight from Rotorua to Christchurch (airfare is NOT included). Upon arrival, transfer by a private vehicle or self drive renal car to hotel. Overnight at your hotel.
After breakfast, travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing on to New Zealands highest mountain - Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki southbound through the historic Central Otago region to the Alpine Resort of Queenstown. Overnight at your hotel.
Have breakfast and follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breath taking man made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a scenic cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. After cruise return to Queenstown along the same route to further take in the beautiful scenery. Overnight at your hotel.
Today, enjoy a full day tour with Dart River Jet Safaris. The Wilderness Safari tour firstly takes you on a spectacular 1.5 hour jet boat journey through the Darts ever-changing braided river system, where youll be surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys and waterfalls. Then take an easy 30-40 minute guided walk through the Heritage Trail at Paradise. Lastly journey by 4WD coach via a scenic back-road route, while hearing stories about the surrounding countryside and stopping to view scenery that has formed the epic backdrop for many international films, including The Lord of the Rings. Overnight at your hotel.
Today is a free day to explore the endless optional attractions available, such as jet boating, bungy jumping, white water rafting, wine tasting, cruising on Lake Wakatipu, etc. Optional activities not included in the tour price . Overnight at your hotel.
Depart Queenstown and travel via Lake Wanaka and through the historic Haast Pass - gateway to the World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue travel up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Franz Josef. Overnight at your hotel.
Travel north along the west coach to Greymouth then turn inland. Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthurs Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Travel over Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Overnight at your hotel.
Christchurch morning city sights by private touring vehicle or self drive rental car. Highlights of tour include the Anglican Cathedral, Town Hall, the Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, the University, Botanic Gardens and the Avon River. Remainder of the day is at leisure. Overnight at your hotel.
Your arrangements conclude today with a private departure transfer or the return of your rental car at Christchurch Airport.