Essence of Aotearoa

DAY 1: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin – "the Edinburgh of the South". This afternoon see some of the abundant wildlife on the Otago Peninsula. Overnight in Dunedin.

DAY 2: Dunedin -Te Anau
This morning tour some of the historic buildings of Dunedin. Continue across the rolling hill country of South Otago and Southland. After the farming community of Gore, head across the Waimea plains towards Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau.

DAY 3: Te Anau - Doubtful Sound - Queenstown
Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins with a cruise across the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri and then it is over Wilmot Pass stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland’s densest rain forest. From Te Anau turn north, following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Stay 2 nights in Queenstown.

DAY 4: At Queenstown
Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous Alpine resort – we have included the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic movie in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping

DAY 5: Queenstown - Glaciers
Travel to Cromwell and on through the Southern Lakes district to the Haast Pass. As you travel into the remote Westland region, you may like to take a jet boat ride. Travel north, through dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards the glaciers. Overnight at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.

DAY 6: At Fox or Franz Josef Glacier
Today you will take a guided walk to the awesome glacier face.
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DAY 7: Glaciers - Christchurch
Travel north along the narrow, bush clad, coastal plain past Hokitika, to Greymouth. Board the renowned TranzAlpine train and travel through the Otira Tunnel, over Arthur’s Pass and across the Canterbury Plains. Overnight in Christchurch.

DAY 8: Christchurch - Kaikoura
The TranzCoastal train passes through North Canterbury sheep country, then the track skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Conditions permitting, you may like to take a cruise to see the whales and other marine life which feeds in this area. Overnight in Kaikoura.

DAY 9: Kaikoura - Picton - Wellington
Rejoin the TranzCoastal train and turn inland, past vineyards built on rich alluvial plains, which produce world class wines, to Picton. Cross Cook Strait to the North Island. Overnight in Wellington.

DAY 10: Wellington - Napier
This morning we recommend a visit toTe Papa, our national Museum. This afternoon board your coach and travel via Palmerston North and the Manawatu Gorge to the vineyards of the Hawkes Bay. Stay 2 nights in Napier.

DAY 11: At Napier
Explore the history and architecture of art deco Napier this morning on a guided walk This afternoon you will be taken on a tour of the vineyards and the Napier district

DAY 12: Napier - Rotorua
Continue across the Rangitaiki Plains to Lake Taupo then north past the steam fields of Wairakei to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight you attend a Maori hangi (feast) and concert . Stay 2 nights in Rotorua

DAY 13: In Rotorua
This morning – see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon we recommend a tour to the Hobbiton Village site or a Thermal Mud treatment and traditional Maori massage at Wai Ora Spa

DAY 14: Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
Travel to Waitomo for a tour of the limestone caves. Cruise below a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue north via Hamilton, alongside the Waikato River to Auckland. You arrive at approximately 4.50pm.