New Zealand Panorama

15 days/14 nights - Auckland to Christchurch by Coach or Car

From the tropical golden sand beaches of the Bay of Islands at the top of the North Island, to the plunging, deep waters of Milford Sound at the foot of the South Island, from the bubbling thermal pools of Rotorua to the ice-blue glaciers down south, this will be a vacation to remember.

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland. This afternoon we suggest a city sightseeing tour with Great Sights.

Day 2: Auckland, Bay of Islands
(149 miles) (optional meal plans begin today) Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and travel north via the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Arrive in Paihia and enjoy a guided visit to the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 3: Bay of Islands
A day to enjoy the many leisure activities available – perhaps an optional day excursion to Cape Reinga or a Swim with the Dolphins cruise.

Day 4: Bay of Islands, Auckland
(149 miles) Cruise to Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Return to Auckland.

Day 5: Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua
(226 miles) (lunch and dinner included) (optional meal plans begin today) Travel to the fascinating Waitomo Caves where you will enjoy lunch. Then you will experience a guided tour of the famous Glowworm Grotto and an underground boat ride. Continue on to Rotorua and enjoy an evening Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert.

Day 6: Rotorua Sightseeing
Today experience the many varied sights that Rotorua has to offer. Visit Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Learn about traditional Maori crafts at Te Puia, before travelling to Rainbow Springs and Rainbow Farm Show. This afternoon, visit the Buried Village, Rotorua Museum and the five lakes surrounding Rotorua.

Day 7: Rotorua, Christchurch
(flight not included) Afternoon at leisure to enjoy the ‘Garden City’.

Day 8: Christchurch, Franz Joseph Village
(249 miles) Board the scenic TranzAlpine train (Seat-in-Coach only) for a journey famous for its spectacular mountain scenery. From Greymouth, travel on to Franz Josef.

Day 9: Franz Joseph Village
Spend the day exploring the glacier at your leisure. We recommend an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight or a guided walk onto the glacier.

Day 10: Franz Joseph, Queenstown
(251 miles) Travel south today via the stunning West Coast scenery through the Haast Pass. Journey past Lakes Hawea and Wanaka, then continue on to Queenstown.

Day 11: Milford Sound Day Excursion
Travel by coach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Milford Sound via Te Anau. Join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord. Return to Queenstown.

Day 12: Queenstown
A free day to enjoy the many activities on offer.

Day 13: Queenstown, Mt. Cook
(163 miles) Travel through the Kawarau Gorge and the Lindis Pass through to the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park to reach Mount Cook Village. This afternoon, take the opportunity to discover the Tasman Glacier “up close” with a Glacier Explorer tour.

Day 14: Aoraki - Mt. Cook, Christchurch
(206 miles) If the weather is fine this morning, take the opportunity to take a Mount Cook Ski Plane flight over the Tasman Glacier – a must do experience in this region. Land on the glacier and have your photo taken with Aoraki/Mount Cook in the background. Travel north toward Christchurch, via Lake Tekapo and across the Canterbury Plains.

Day 15: Christchurch
Your tour arrangements conclude this morning.