BEST OF NEW ZEALAND

Day 1. Arrive Auckland
You will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Auckland, Kingsgate Parnell

Day 2. Auckland, Bay of Islands
This morning we journey across the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Visit the Matakohe Pioneer Museum, home to the world's largest collection of Kauri gum. Continue to the majestic Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve where we view the giant Kauri tree Tane Mahuta ‘Lord of the Forest’. Travel across country to the Bay of Islands National Maritime Park. On arrival enjoy a guided visit of the historic Waitangi Reserve, including a tour of the Treaty House, Maori Meeting House and carved War Canoe.
Two Night Stay: Paihia, The Bay of Islands Hotel
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Day 3. Bay of Islands
Today is at leisure for you to explore an array of exciting activities available in the beautiful Bay of Islands, a National Maritime Park (own expense).
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Day 4. Bay of Islands, Auckland
What better way to explore New Zealand's finest National Maritime Park than on a catamaran cruise boat to Cape Brett and the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. Sail through game fishing waters to view the Cape Brett lighthouse then make passage through the 'Hole' (sea conditions permitting). Meander through the inner islands, viewing sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and visit a secluded bay with time for relaxation. Return this afternoon to the diverse cosmopolitan city of Auckland.
Accommodation: Auckland, Kingsgate Parnell
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Day 5. Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua Rotorua Theme Dinner
This morning we enjoy a brief city sights tour before journeying to the crest of Mt Eden, one of Auckland's extinct volcanoes, to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city and its beautiful harbours. Leaving the 'City of Sails' we travel south through the rich dairy land of the Waikato Province to Waitomo Caves. Here we experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns. This afternoon arrive in Rotorua. Tonight immerse yourself in culture as you enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance of traditional dances accompanied by song.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Kingsgate Rotorua.
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Day 6. Rotorua
Today experience the attractions of Rotorua. We visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, enjoy a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute then continue to the Agrodome to enjoy an entertaining sheep show. The remainder of today is at your leisure in Rotorua.
Country Homestay option available tonight.
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Day 7. Rotorua, Taupo, Napier
Depart Rotorua this morning and travel via Wairakei Park and the mighty Huka Falls then onto New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier and enjoy a city sights tour and wine-tasting at Church Road Winery before taking a guided ‘Art-Deco’ walk around Napier city.
Napier, Tennyson Napier
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Day 8. Napier, Wellington
Travel south via Hastings where we turn inland and travel across to the West Coast of the North Island. We follow the Kapiti Coast before arriving in Wellington. Enjoy a city tour on arrival, including parliament buildings.
Wellington, Bay Plaza or West Plaza Hotel
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Day 9. Wellington, Picton
This morning enjoy a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, offering visitors a unique and authentic experience of this country’s treasures and stories. Prepare to be engaged, stimulated, and surprised! Te Papa is a waharoa, a gateway, to an encounter with the essence of New Zealand’s land and people. This afternoon we join our cruise for the journey across Cook Strait to the South Island, renowned as one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail out of scenic Wellington Harbour, across Cook Strait and through the breathtaking natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. On our journey from North to South Island, dolphins and schools of fish are often our companions.
Picton, Beachcomber Hotel
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Day 10. Picton, Christchurch
Today is a spectacular scenic journey between mountain and sea. Travel through the Marlborough region and arrive in the thriving seaside settlement of Kaikoura, an area offering unique whale, seal and dolphin watching experiences. Journey between the Pacific Ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges, through North Canterbury to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island and renowned as the 'Garden City'. On arrival we enjoy a city sightseeing tour then the afternoon is at your leisure to explore.
Christchurch, Holiday Inn on Avon
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Day 11. TranzAlpine Train, Greymouth
This morning board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train. This journey has been voted one of the top train journeys in the world. Cross the vast patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before climbing up the Main Divide. Enjoy stunning scenery as we journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the country's greatest mountain range, the magnificent Southern Alps. On arrival in Greymouth rejoin your coach and travel north along the dramatic coastline to Punakaiki to view the fascinating ‘Pancake’ rock formations and blowholes.
Greymouth, Kingsgate Greymouth
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Day 12. Greymouth, Franz Josef, Haast
This morning journey to Hokitika, where you will have the opportunity to see Greenstone (Jade) being carved into jewellery and artefacts. Continue along dramatic coastline through dense rainforest to World Heritage-listed Westland National Park. There is the opportunity for an optional scenic flight over the spectacular glaciers of this region (own expense, weather permitting). Enjoy incredible scenery as we travel along the west coast, through a world of mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes, raging rivers and rare bird and plant life.
Haast, Haast Heritage Hotel
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Day 13. Haast, Queenstown
Cross the snow-capped Southern Alps and through Haast Pass, previously an ancient Maori greenstone trail. We trace the beautiful shorelines of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the action-packed ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown, renowned for it’s year-round activities.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Goldridge Hotel
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Day 14. Queenstown Theme Dinner
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps, Queenstown was named because "...it was fit for a Queen". Today is free for you to explore the endless scenic attractions available (own expense). You may like to journey to one of the outer settlements that surround Queenstown or you might want to sit back and relax with a coffee overlooking Lake Wakatipu. This evening, enjoy a leisurely cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Sheep Station to enjoy a candlelit traditional carvery dinner at the Colonel's Homestead.
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Day 15. Milford Sound Overnight, Milford Sound Theme Dinner
Today we follow the Remarkables Mountain Range and trace the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Journey along the Milford Road, and board the Milford Mariner and cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord. View the cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, dense rainforest and towering mountains of this World Heritage-listed area. After reaching the open sea return and anchor for the night in sheltered Harrison's Cove.
Milford Sound, Milford Mariner (Exclusive)
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Day 16. Milford Sound, Dunedin Theme Dinner
This morning awake to the unbelievable sights of Milford Sound. Enjoy breakfast surrounded by the silent majesty of this area. Departing Milford Sound we travel through the farming communities of Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin. The city is renowned as the 'Edinburgh of the South'. The Scottish heritage is still apparent today in the architecture of the many fine buildings. Tonight enjoy dinner at Larnach Castle along with a Scottish evening complete with bagpipes, kilts and haggis.
Two Night Stay: Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel
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Day 17. Explore Dunedin
Enjoy a city sightseeing tour of Dunedin and visit historic Olveston House. The remainder of today is at leisure in Dunedin.
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Day 18. Dunedin, Lake Ohau Lake Ohau Theme Dinner
Travel north along the coast to view the unique and fascinating Moeraki Beach boulders. Stop at Oamaru, a town renowned for its distinctive limestone architecture then continue to Lake Ohau.
Lake Ohau, Lake Ohau Lodge
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Day 19. Lake Ohau, Mt Cook, Christchurch
Today we journey into New Zealand's Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage-listed area. View Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Continue to beautiful Lake Tekapo, once an ancient glacier and visit the picturesque tiny stone Church of the Good Shepherd. Leaving the High Country we cross the braided Rakaia River and travel through the vast Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, the ’Garden City’.
Christchurch, Holiday Inn on Avon
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Day 20. Depart Christchurch
Today is at your leisure until it is time for your included transfer to the airport.
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