Best of New Zealand

20/17 days - Auckland to Christchurch

An exciting journey awaits you as you arrive in Auckland to experience the Best of New Zealand. Travel to the beautiful Bay of Islands, a National Maritime Park located in the north. Continue southward and enjoy a wonderful silent boat ride through an underground lime-stone cavern lit by millions of tiny glow-worms, at the mystical Waitomo Caves, journey to geothermal Rotorua for two nights. Travel on to the ‘Art Deco’ capital of Napier for an overnight stay before traveling to Wellington, the capital city.

After crossing the magnificent Marlborough Sounds your South Island adventure begins. Spend a night on Milford Sound and enjoy the amazing sights of this beautiful fjord. Wake up to New Zealand native flora and fauna surrounding you while anchored in Harrison’s Cove. Your journey concludes in Christchurch, the pretty 'Garden City'.

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
You will be met & transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Auckland, Kingsgate Parnell.

Day 2: Auckland, Bay of Islands (BD)
This morning visit the Matakohe Pioneer Museum. Continue through majestic Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve. Travel across country to the Bay of Islands. On arrival a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Reserve.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Paihia, The Bay of Islands Hotel.

Day 3: Bay of Islands at Leisure (B)
Enjoy a day at leisure in the Bay of Islands. You may like to relax on a golden sandy beach or venture through the stores that Paihia has to offer.

Day 4: Bay of Islands, Auckland (BD)
Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. This afternoon return to Auckland. 17-day (NEC17) passengers arrive in Auckland and join your tour group tonight.
Accommodation: Auckland, Kingsgate Parnell.

Day 5: Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua Theme Dinner (BD)
Leaving the 'City of Sails' we travel south to Waitomo Caves. This afternoon arrive in Rotorua, a geothermal city. Tonight enjoy a Hangi (feast) and cultural performance.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Kingsgate Rotorua.

Day 6: Rotorua at Leisure (B)
Today experience the attractions of Rotorua. We visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and the Agrodome. The rest of today is at leisure for you to explore.
Accommodation: Choose to stay in a Country Homestay tonight!

Day 7: Rotorua, Taupo, Napier (BD)
Depart Rotorua this morning and travel via Wairakei Park and the mighty Huka Falls and onto New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier and enjoy a city sights tour before a guided ‘Art Deco’ walk.
Accommodation: Napier, Tennyson Napier.

Day 8: Napier, Wellington (BD)
Today depart Napier and travel south following the Kapiti Coast before arriving in Wellington, the capital city.
Accommodation: Wellington, Bay Plaza or West Plaza Hotel.

Day 9: Wellington, Picton (BD)
This morning enjoy a brief city sightseeing tour. Join our cruise for the trip across Cook Strait to the South Island.
Accommodation: Picton, Beachcomber Hotel.

Day 10: Picton, Christchurch (BD)
Journey between the Pacific Ocean and rugged Kaikoura Ranges, through North Canterbury to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Holiday Inn on Avon.

Day 11: TranzAlpine Train, Greymouth (BD)
This morning board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train. On arrival in Greymouth rejoin your coach and travel to Punakaiki to view the fascinating ‘Pancake’ rock formations.
Accommodation: Greymouth, Kingsgate Greymouth.

Day 12: Greymouth, Franz Josef, Haast (BD)
Enjoy the incredible scenery, stopping to view glaciers as we travel along the west coast to the township of Haast.
Accommodation: Haast, Haast Heritage Hotel.

Day 13: Haast, Queenstown (B)
Cross the snow capped Southern Alps and through Haast Pass. Bypass Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Goldridge Hotel.

Day 14: Queenstown Theme Dinner (BD)
Today is free for you to explore. This evening, take a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak to enjoy a candlelit dinner.

 Day 15: Queenstown, Milford Sound Theme Dinner (BD)
Journey to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner to cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord. Anchor in Harrison's Cove for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Milford Sound, Milford Mariner.

Day 16: Milford Sound, Dunedin Theme Dinner (BD)
Departing Milford Sound travel to Dunedin. Tonight enjoy dinner at your hotel along with a Scottish evening.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Dunedin, Dunedin Hotel.

Day 17: Dunedin at Leisure (B)
Enjoy today at leisure in this historical city.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Holiday Inn on Avon.

Day 18: Dunedin, Lake Ohau Theme Dinner (BD)
View the unique Moeraki Beach Boulders and pass glacier-fed lakes on our journey to Lake Ohau.
Accommodation: Lake Ohau, Lake Ohau Lodge.

Day 19: Lake Ohau, Mt Cook, Christchurch (BD)
Visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Cross the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Holiday Inn on Avon.

Day 20: Depart Christchurch (B)
Your tour concludes and a departure transfer to the airport is included.