New Zealand Highlighter Tour

14 days/13 nights - Auckland to Christchurch

Begin your journey at the top of Mt Eden, one of Auckland’s most famous landmarks. Continue through the Waikato Province to Waitomo Caves, where we join a silent boat ride and glide through a mystical glow-worm grotto. Experience Maori culture and amazing thermal activity in Rotorua; discover the rugged beauty of the West Coast and explore the magnificent ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown.

Perhaps the most unforgettable moment of your tour will be the Milford Sound cruise. Wind down the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys, then through Homer Tunnel. On arrival into Milford Sound you will be met by the sight of Mitre Peak rising sheer from the glassy waters. Board our cruise and journey the full length of this beautiful fiord, viewing cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, dense rainforest and towering mountains in this pristine World Heritage-listed area.

Day 1: Arrive Auckland, Exclusive Experiences
You will be met and transferred to your hotel. Choose an activity and we will include it!
Accommodation: Auckland, Sky City Hotel.

Day 2: Auckland, Rotorua Theme Dinner (BD)
This morning we journey to the crest of Mt Eden, to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city. Leaving the ‘City of Sails’ we travel south to Waitomo Caves to experience a guided tour of the underground lime-stone caverns, including the magnificent 'Cathedral Cave’. Emerge into daylight and continue to Rotorua where tonight you enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance of song and dance.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Park Heritage Hotel.

Day 3: Rotorua, Exclusive Experiences (BD)
Today experience the attractions of Rotorua when you choose an activity and we will include it in your itinerary. Perhaps enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour visiting Te Puia Thermal Reserve and taking a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Enjoy an entertaining sheep show at the Agrodome and walk amongst native flora and fauna at Rainbow Springs. Adventure Options are also available.
Accommodation: Choose to stay in a Country Homestay tonight!

Day 4: Rotorua, Wellington (BD)
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. See spectacular Huka Falls, and tranquil Lake Taupo, the water-filled crater of an ancient volcano. Travel south to Wellington.
Accommodation: Wellington, James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel.

Day 5: Wellington, Blenheim (BD)
This morning enjoy a brief city sightseeing tour, including Parliament Buildings, before we visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s ‘National Museum’. This afternoon we join our cruise for the journey across Cook Strait to the South Island and Picton. Here we rejoin our coach and travel through vineyards and wineries to Blenheim.
Accommodation: Blenheim, Blenheim Country Hotel.

Day 6: Blenheim, Christchurch (BD)
Today is a spectacular scenic journey between mountain and sea. Travel through the Marlborough region, an area with a growing international reputation for white wines. Arrive in the thriving seaside settlement of Kaikoura, an area offering unique whale and dolphin watching experiences. Journey between the Pacific Ocean and rugged Kaikoura Ranges to Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’. 
Accommodation: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel.

Day 7: Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef (BD)
This morning board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train. Cross the vast patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and enjoy stunning scenery as we journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the country’s greatest mountain range, the magnificent Southern Alps. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and continue to Hokitika by coach. Journey along the west coast and enter the World Heritage-listed area of South West New Zealand.
Accommodation: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.

Day 8: Franz Josef, Queenstown Dine About (BD)
View magnificent scenery today as we travel along the rugged west coast to Haast. Experience a unique river safari, capturing breathtaking views of the massive glacier formed Haast River Valley, flanked by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and dense temperate rainforest. Rejoin our coach and continue to Queenstown. Tonight enjoy a choice of four dining options.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Copthorne Lakefront Resort.

Day 9: Queenstown, Exclusive Experiences (B)
Queenstown is an exhilarating, year-round, ‘Alpine Resort’, perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. Today you choose the activity and we will include it!
Adventure Options are also available.

Day 10: Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau (BD)
Today we follow the Remarkables Mountain Range and trace the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Journey along the Milford Road, renowned as one of the world's finest alpine drives. We board our Red Boat Cruise and journey the full length of this beautiful fiord. This afternoon we have a relaxing drive to Te Anau.
Accommodation: Te Anau, Village Inn.

Day 11: Te Anau, Dunedin, Exclusive Experiences (BD)
Travel across the South Island to the East Coast and the city of Dunedin, renowned as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon you can choose from a range of activities that we will include in your tour. Perhaps journey to the Otago Peninsula to view Royal Albatross or Yellow-eyed Penguin.
Accommodation: Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel.

Day 12: Dunedin, Twizel (BD)
Journey north to view the unique Moeraki Beach boulders. We then turn inland and travel to MacKenzie Country.
Accommodation: Twizel, MacKenzie Country Inn.

Day 13: Mt Cook, Christchurch (BD)
Today we journey into New Zealand’s Highland and World Heritage-listed Mt Cook National Park. View Mt Cook, Australasia’s highest mountain. Perhaps take an optional scenic flight over this awe-inspiring alpine region. Continue to Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. Leaving the High Country we cross the Rakaia River and travel to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel.

Day 14: Depart Christchurch, Exclusive Experiences (B)
Today you choose the activity and we will include it!
Adventure Options are also available. Your tour concludes after your sightseeing experience and a departure transfer to the airport is included.