DAY 1: Arrive Auckland (Wed, Fri, Sun, Tue only)
On arrival you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here. Overnight: Auckland
DAY 2: Auckland - Hobbiton - Rotorua
Today's coach tour takes you through lush farmland, to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, one of New Zealand’s ‘must-see’ destinations. See where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed as your tour guide shares behind-the-scenes tales. You’ll see sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch at The Green Dragon Inn before continuing on to Rotorua. Duration: 7hrs, 45mins. Overnight: Rotorua
OPTIONAL ACTIVITES
DAY 3: Rotorua
Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends.
You will be transported to Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland for a two hour visit today. Wai-O-Tapu is considered to be New Zealand’s most colourful and diverse geothermal sightseeing attraction. This evening you’ll be transported to Te Puia for an Indigenous Evening Experience including a buffet dinner and cultural performance. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser terrace. Overnight: Rotorua
DAY 4: Rotorua - Christchurch
Depart on your domestic flight to Christchurch. (Airfare is NOT included).
Flight Time Rotorua to Christchurch is approx. 2 hours
Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Overnight: Christchurch
DAY 5: Christchurch - Greymouth
You will be transported to the Christchurch Railway Station for the Tranz Alpine train crossing the vast expanses of the Canterbury Plains, through the dramatic gorge of the Waimakariri River to Arthur’s Pass National Park. On arrival in Greymouth, you will be met and transferred to the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for a short self-guided walk to view the fascinating pancake-shaped rock formations before being delivered to your accommodation. Overnight: Greymouth
DAY 6: Greymouth - Franz Josef (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun only)
This morning, you’ll be transferred to Shantytown Heritage Park for a sense of what it was like to live in New Zealand during the gold rush before returning to Greymouth for your transfer to Glacier Country. The temperate climate at a low altitude makes Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers among the most convenient to visit in the world. Steep valleys bear scars from where glaciers have retreated and advanced over millennia and here, the ice age is still underway. Overnight: Franz Josef
DAY 7: Franz Josef - Queenstown (Tue, Thu, Sat, Mon only)
Today you will be collected from your accommodation for your transfer through wilderness towns, waterfalls and river scenery on the journey to Queenstown. Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.
DAY 8: Queenstown
Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.
Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. Overnight: Queenstown
DAY 9: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today's stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea. Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your coach return to downtown Queenstown. Lunch is included. Overnight: Queenstown
DAY 10: Queenstown - Mt Cook/Tekapo - Christchurch
Departing Queenstown, your passionate driver guide will bring todays journey to life, sharing stories and rich background knowledge. Pass through the stunning Kawarau Gorge, fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell, following beautiful Lake Dunstan and through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district alongside magnificent turquoise blue lake framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time. Leaving Mt Cook it’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby. Your driver guide will point them out on the journey to Lake Tekapo where you will make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing on through the amazing countryside to Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch
DAY 11: Depart Christchurch
Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.
Accommodation
- AUCKLAND: Auckland City Hotel OR Similar
- ROTORUA: IBIS Rotorua Hotel OR Similar
- FRANZ JOSEF: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier OR Similar
- GREYMOUTH: Rainforest Retreat OR Similar
- CHRISTCHURCH: Quality Hotel Elms OR Similar
- QUEENSTOWN: Copthorne Hotel and Apartments Lakeview OR Similar
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
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