19 DAY NEW ZEALAND TEMPTATION

DAY 1. ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH
On arrival be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy some time at leisure.
Christchurch, Holiday Inn on Avon.

DAY 2. MT COOK, LAKE OHAU
Leaving Christchurch today journey to Lake Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd which was constructed by settlers in the area from locally gathered stone and oak. Continue on to Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage-listed area and home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt Cook. There may be an opportunity for an optional scenic flight over this amazing alpine region (own expense, weather permitting). Continue to Lake Ohau Lodge on the shores of picturesque Lake Ohau.
Lake Ohau, Lake Ohau Lodge.
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DAY 3. LAKE OHAU, DUNEDIN
We head to the east coast, journeying past hydroelectric schemes and glacier-fed lakes. Visit the historic town of Oamaru, renowned for its limestone architecture. Continuing south we visit Moeraki Beach, viewing the Moeraki boulders which lie strewn across the beach. According to Maori legend, the boulders are gourds and calabashes washed from a great voyaging canoe when it wrecked upon landfall in New Zealand. This afternoon arrive in Dunedin, which was settled by the Scottish and is known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. Enjoy a city tour including a visit to historic Olveston House, a Jacobean Manor with a collection of antiques and paintings. Tonight enjoy a Scottish evening and dinner, complete with bagpipes, kilts and haggis.
Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel or Leisure Lodge.
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DAY 4. DUNEDIN, TE ANAU
Tour historic Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Built by William Larnach for his first wife, the castle took 200 workmen five years to build. View the restored rooms filled with New Zealand antiques. Departing Dunedin travel through rich countryside as we cross the South Island. Continue to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau, gateway to the magnificent Fiordland National Park.
Te Anau, Luxmore Hotel.
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DAY 5. TE ANAU, MILFORD SOUND, QUEENSTOWN
Today we follow Milford Road, renowned as one of the world's finest alpine drives. Wind through the Eglington and Hollyford valleys, then pass through the Homer Tunnel. At Milford Sound be met by the stunning sight of Mitre Peak rising from the glassy waters. Cruise this World Heritage-listed fiord, past cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, towering mountains and dense rainforest. Keep a look out for the dolphins, seals and enguins that call Milford Sound home. This afternoon drive to Queenstown.
Queenstown, Gold Ridge Hotel, 2 nights.
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DAY 6. QUEENSTOWN AT LEISURE
Today enjoy the many activities this alpine resort has to offer. Perhaps join a vineyard tour and sample some of New Zealand’s famous wines, take an exciting river rafting journey or a scenic helicopter flight (all activities at own expense). This evening cruise to Walter Peak Station and enjoy dinner at the Colonel’s homestead.
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DAY 7. QUEENSTOWN, HAAST
Travelling towards the west coast, pass the shores of lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Journey over the Southern Alps and through spectacular Haast Pass which was once the route used by Maori to carry greenstone from the west coast to the Makarora River in Otago. Arrive in the village of Haast and stop in at the Haast Visitor Centre to learn more about this World Heritage-listed area.
Haast, Haast World Heritage Hotel.
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DAY 8. HAAST, GREYMOUTH
Enjoy the incredible scenery of mountains, glaciers, limestone landscapes, lakes and rivers as we travel along the west coast. En route view unique plant life and keep an eye out for rare birds. Journey the dramatic coastline through dense rainforest to World Heritage-listed Westland National Park. Here take a scenic flight over the region’s glaciers (own expense, weather permitting). Continue on to Hokitika to see greenstone (jade) being carved into jewellery and other artefacts.
Greymouth, Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth.
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DAY 9. GREYMOUTH, TRANZALPINE TRAIN, CHRISTCHURCH
This morning we journey north along the dramatic coastline to Punakaiki to view the fascinating pancake rock formations and blowholes. Returning to Greymouth we visit Shantytown, a recreated 1900s pioneer town of the west coast gold rushes of the 1860s. We then board the award-winning TranzAlpine train. This journey has been voted one of the top train journeys in the world and is renowned as New Zealand’s ‘Great Rail Adventure’. Enjoy the stunning scenery as we journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the country’s greatest mountain range, the magnificent Southern Alps. Climb up into the Main Divide before crossing the vast patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch.
Christchurch, Holiday Inn on Avon.
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DAY 10. CHRISTCHURCH, PICTON
Making our way to Picton, we stop at the stunning seaside settlement of Kaikoura which is famous for its whale, dolphin and seal watching. Located on the rugged east coast and with mountains as its backdrop, Kaikoura is a picturesque seaside town. Travel between the Pacific Ocean and rugged Kaikoura Ranges on an unforgettable scenic journey between the mountains and the sea. Continue to Blenheim and visit Brancott Winery Estate. On a winery tour learn about New Zealand’s wine industry and perhaps sample some fine wines before continuing to the charming seaside port of Picton.
Picton, Picton Beachcomber Inn.
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DAY 11. PICTON, WELLINGTON
This morning we cruise across the Cook Strait to New Zealand’s stunning seaside capital of Wellington. Upon arrival in Wellington enjoy a sightseeing tour including the Parliament Buildings before visiting Te Papa – the Museum of New Zealand. Take your time to wander the stunning displays which include interactive exhibitions and activities. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
Wellington, Bay Plaza Wellington or West Plaza Hotel Wellington.
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DAY 12. WELLINGTON, NAPIER
Leaving Wellington this morning we cross the Rimutaka Ranges into the farming district of the Wairarapa. Continue through Hawke’s Bay, an area which is dominated by orchards and vineyards, to the coastal city of Napier. Completely destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, Napier was rebuilt and today has the world’s most significant collection of Art Deco architecture.
Napier, Tennyson Motor Inn.
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DAY 13. NAPIER, ROTORUA
This morning marvel at some of the city’s best Art Deco buildings on a walking tour. Then journey north and see the spectacular Huka Falls at the mouth of the mighty Waikato River. Visit the town of Taupo, built on the shores of tranquil Lake Taupo, the water filled crater of an ancient volcano. Continue to Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture and a geothermal wonderland. Tonight immerse yourself in Rotorua’s rich Maori culture enjoying a Hangi (feast) and Maori cultural performance of traditional dances accompanied by song.
Rotorua, Kingsgate Hotel, 2 nights.
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DAY 14. ROTORUA
This morning experience the attractions of Rotorua. Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, New Zealand’s major geyser field and home to more than 500 hot springs as well as boiling mud pools and geysers. Tour the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, hearing of the history and origins of the Maori. At the Agrodome enjoy an entertaining sheep and farm show and learn about New Zealand’s important sheep industry. The remainder of today is at your leisure. Country Homestay option available tonight.
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DAY 15. ROTORUA, AUCKLAND
Travelling north to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, we stop in at Waitomo Caves. Here take a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns, including Cathedral Cave. Join a silent boat ride and glide through a mystical grotto lit by thousands of tiny glowworms. This afternoon arrive in Auckland and journey to Mt Eden to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Auckland, Kingsgate Hotel Parnell.
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DAY 16. AUCKLAND, BAY OF ISLANDS
This morning we journey across Auckland Harbour Bridge, travelling through the farming communities of Warkworth and Wellsford. Visit the Matakohe Pioneer Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Kauri gum and learn about the pioneering history of the far north region. Continue to the majestic Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve where we view the giant Kauri tree ‘Tane Mahuta’ (meaning ‘lord of the forest’ in Maori). Journey to the Bay of Islands National Maritime Park, the birthplace of European settlement in New Zealand. On arrival enjoy a guided tour of historic Waitangi Reserve where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Tour the Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and the carved war canoe.
Paihia, Bay of Islands Hotel, 2 nights.
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DAY 17. BAY OF ISLANDS
Enjoy today at leisure in the Bay of Islands, discovering for yourself both the rich history and beauty of the area. Consisting of 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is a water sports paradise. Perhaps join an optional diving, sailing or big game fishing activity (own expense). Or just relax on the beach.
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DAY 18. BAY OF ISLANDS, AUCKLAND
Today we explore New Zealand’s finest national maritime park the best way possible – aboard a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. Cruise through game fishing waters to view the Cape Brett Lighthouse then pass through the ‘Hole in the Rock’ (sea conditions permitting). Keep a look out for the dolphins and schools of fish that call these waters home. Meandering through the inner islands take in the superb scenery of white sandy beaches, azure blue waters and rocky outcrops. Cruise into a secluded bay where there’s time to relax. This afternoon return to Auckland.
Auckland, Kingsgate Hotel Parnell.
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DAY 19. AUCKLAND
Enjoy this morning at leisure before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
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