WONDERLAND

Day 1. Arrive Auckland, Exclusive Experiences
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you may include an Exclusive Experience by selecting from a choice of options. Perhaps you would enjoy a trip to the top of the Sky Tower for panoramic views over the city. You might prefer to visit the Auckland Museum or the Maritime Museum. Perhaps take a cruise on Waitemata Harbour on the ‘Pride of Auckland’ or an exciting tour through the underwater world and antarctic centre of Kelly Tarltons. Alternatively, a walk in the Waitakere Rainforest or a relaxing reflexology massage may be your preference. Its your choice! There are also a range of Adventure Options to choose from including a sailing excursion on an America’s cup boat or a day trip to Waiheke Island.
Auckland, Sky City Hotel

Day 2. Auckland, Bay of Islands
Crossing Auckland’s Harbour Bridge we travel along the Hibiscus Coast and visit the Matakohe Pioneer Museum. Continue to the Waipoua Forest Reserve and see the majestic Kauri tree, Tane Mahuta, ‘Lord of the Forest’. On arrival in the Bay of Islands enjoy a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Reserve.
Two Night Stay: Paihia, Paihia Pacific Resort
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Day 3. Bay of Islands, Exclusive Experiences
Today you have the opportunity to choose the sightseeing activity that interests you from our extensive range of Exclusive Experiences or Adventure Options and we will include it. Perhaps you would enjoy a day tour to the very top of New Zealand including a drive along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach before visiting the lighthouse at Cape Reinga. You may prefer an interesting tour of Russell to gain an insight into New Zealand’s earliest European history, or visit the Kerikeri basin to browse through its fine arts and crafts. There are also many water activities. Swim with dolphins, sail on a Tall Ship, or try your hand at fishing. It’s your choice!
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Day 4. Bay of Islands, Auckland
This morning explore the Bay of Islands on a cruise to Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Returning to Paihia we rejoin our coach for our return journey to Auckland.
Auckland, Sky City Hotel
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Day 5. Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua Rotorua Theme Dinner
Leaving the ‘City of Sails’ we travel south to Waitomo Caves and experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns. Join a silent boat ride and glide through a mystical grotto lit by thousands of tiny glow-worms. Emerge into daylight and continue to Rotorua and tonight immerse yourself in culture as you enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance of song and dance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Park Heritage Hotel
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Day 6. Rotorua, Exclusive Experiences
Take the opportunity to choose an Exclusive Experience or an Adventure Option and we will include it. Perhaps visit Rotorua’s ‘Must See Three’ attractions including Te Puia Thermal Reserve, the Agrodome for an entertaining sheep show then walk amongst beautiful native flora at Rainbow Springs. You might prefer a relaxing spa treatment at the Polynesian Spa. There are many activities for your to enjoy. It’s your choice!
Country Homestay option available tonight
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Day 7. Rotorua, Wellington
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island and view Wairakei Steam Valley, where thermal energy is harnessed in the world’s second largest geothermal power plant. Visit the mighty Huka Falls and Lake Taupo before travelling south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park on our way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.
Wellington, James Cook Grand Chancellor
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Day 8. Wellington, Blenheim
Enjoy a brief city sightseeing tour this morning before visiting Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand. This afternoon board our Interislander cruise for a journey across Cook Strait to Picton. On arrival rejoin our coach and travel to Blenheim for our overnight stay.
Blenheim, Blenheim Country Inn
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Day 9. Blenheim, Christchurch
Enjoy spectacular scenery as we journey through the renowned vineyard and orchard region of Marlborough. Visit the fishing town of Kaikoura where there is time for you to enjoy an optional whale-watching excursion (own expense, weather permitting). This area is renowned for the wide variety of marine mammals able to be seen. This afternoon we continue to historic Christchurch, the beautiful ’Garden City’.
Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel
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Day 10. TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef
This morning board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train for a journey renowned as New Zealand’s ‘Great Rail Adventure’. Enjoy stunning scenery as we journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the magnificent Southern Alps. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and journey to Hokitika by coach. Continue along the dramatic West Coast and view magnificent Franz Josef Glacier.
Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel
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Day 11. Franz Josef, Haast River, Queenstown Dine About
Enjoy a day of incredible scenery as we travel along the Haast River by safari boat, capturing breathtaking views of the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley. See towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and dense rainforest. Rejoin our coach and continue to Queenstown. This evening, you have a choice of four dining experiences on your Dine About. Perhaps take a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu for a carvery dinner at the Colonels Homestead at Walter Peak Sheep Station or you may prefer to take a Skyline Gondola ride for dinner and stunning views over Queenstown. Alternatively, you may wish to dine at your hotel or at a chosen local restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Copthorne Lakefront Resort
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Day 12. Queenstown, Exclusive Experiences
Queenstown is an exhilarating, year-round, ‘Alpine Resort’, perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the Southern Alps the scenery is simply majestic. Today you have a selection of Exclusive Experiences to choose from and we will include it! Wineries in this area are gaining an international reputation, so you may like to choose from two different wine tours that will give you the opportunity to taste some local vintages. For pure fun, jump on board a Double-Decker bus and explore Queenstown and quaint Arrowtown. If you are a thrill-seeker then an exciting jetboat ride might be more your style. Do you enjoy walking? Enjoy a leisurely pace, as you stroll around the shores of Lake Wakatipu on a guided forest and bird walk. A journey into the hills behind Queenstown takes you on a fascinating exploration of the film locations that feature in the Lord of The Rings movies. All this and more. It’s your choice!
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Day 13. Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau
Follow the Remarkables Mountain Range and trace the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Journey along the Milford Road and wind down the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys, then through the Homer Tunnel into Milford Sound. We board our Red Boat and cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord and see Mitre Peak rising sheer from the glassy waters. View cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest and towering mountains in this pristine World Heritage-listed area. This afternoon we have a relaxing drive to the tranquil settlement of Te Anau.
Te Anau, Village Inn
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Day 14. Te Anau, Dunedin, Exclusive Experiences
Leaving the dramatic landscape of the Fiordland region, journey through rolling Southland countryside travelling via the towns of Lumsden and Gore to the East Coast and the city of Dunedin. This afternoon you choose an Exclusive Experience and we will include it. Explore the Otago Peninsula by visiting the Albatross Colony or Penguin Place. For an insight into the Scottish heritage of this region you have the choice of touring Olveston House or Larnach Castle. You may prefer to take a guided tour of the Speights Brewery Heritage Centre. It’s your choice!
Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel
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Day 15. Dunedin, Twizel
View the unique Moeraki Beach boulders and hear the Maori legend about these giant rocks that have been eroded by wave action and lie scattered on the beach. Travel past the beautiful man-made lakes of Pukaki, Aviemore and Benmore, all developed for hydro-electric power schemes, before arriving in Twizel.
Twizel, MacKenzie Country Inn
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Day 16. Twizel, Mt Cook, Christchurch
Be immersed in the majestic scenery of Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage-listed area and home to Mt Cook New Zealand’s highest mountain. Optional scenic flights are available in this incredible area (own expense, weather permitting). Take time to photograph picturesque Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel
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Day 17. Exclusive Experiences, Depart Christchurch
To explore Christchurch further choose from a range of exciting activities. After your Exclusive Experiences or Adventure Option a departure transfer to the airport is included.
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