Ultimate New Zealand

Day 1. Arrive Auckland.
You will be met and transferred by private transport to the Hyatt Regency.
Three Night Stay: Auckland, Hyatt Regency (Residence Apartments).

Day 2. Waiheke Island Day Excursion. BL
This morning we take an exhilarating journey by helicopter to Waiheke Island. Today includes a visit to a unique winery and also some of the interesting art and craft galleries that Waiheke is known for. Enjoy a superb lunch at a local winery. Return to Auckland this afternoon.

Day 3. Auckland at Leisure.
This is your opportunity to explore Auckland City; a vibrant melting pot of cultures offering a myriad of experiences for the visitor. B

Day 4. Auckland, Rotorua.
After breakfast this morning we travel by coach to Rotorua. Experience an extraordinary journey of Maori Culture and mythology, The Realm of Tane before continuing to Treetops Estate and Lodge, a carefully managed game and wildlife habitat, which offers discerning travellers both a haven of relaxation and tranquillity.
Two Night Stay: Treetops Estate and Lodge. BD

Day 5. Rotorua at Leisure.
Enjoy your breakfast at leisure in this spectacular thermal region. Perhaps enjoy a soak in the therapeutic thermal waters of a natural mineral pool or witness the power of nature viewing boiling mud pools and soaring geysers.

Day 6. Rotorua, Queenstown.
This morning we depart for Rotorua Airport for a flight to Queenstown in the South Island (own arrangements). Your home for the next three nights is at Millbrook Resort, renowned for luxury, comfort and service. Tonight explore Queenstown with our Dine Around Dinner.
Three Night Stay: Queenstown, Millbrook Resort (Villa Suites). BD

Day 7. Queenstown, 4WD
A unique adventure awaits you today as we journey by comfortable 4WD safari vehicle into unspoilt and secluded back country on an exciting 'Lord of the Rings' tour. This special adventure is tailored to include some of the locations used for scenes in the film version of 'Lord of The Rings'. B

Day 8. Queenstown at Leisure.
Today make your selection from an exciting array of possible activities. Your Platinum Tour Host will assist from the many seasonal options, depending on your personal interests and enjoyment. B

Day 9. Queenstown, Tasman Glacier Experience, Mt Cook.
After breakfast we join our coach and appreciate the spectacular scenery as we journey between Queenstown and Mt Cook. After lunch we undertake a special activity. Take a guided walking trek and boat journey to the spectacular Tasman Glacier ice-face amongst breaking and melting ice formations.
Stay: Mt Cook, The Hermitage (Aoraki Wing). BLD

Day 10. Mt Cook, Christchurch.
Board our coach and leave the High Country behind as we travel through Burkes Pass to the patchwork plains of Canterbury. Continue to the charming 'Garden City' of Christchurch.
Two Night Stay: Christchurch, The George Hotel. B

Day 11. Christchurch at Leisure, Special Farewell Dinner.
Today is yours to explore the city and the surrounding areas. Tonight is our special Farewell Dinner at Pescatore located within the hotel and one of the top 10 restaurants in New Zealand. BD

Day 12. Depart Christchurch.
After breakfast this morning your Essence of New Zealand tour concludes. A private transfer between Christchurch City and the airport is included. B