Southern Starter

12 days/11 nights - Queenstown to Auckland

We begin our journey in the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure and leisure-seekers town. Perhaps the most unforgettable moment of your tour will be the Milford Sound Cruise. Wind down Eglington and Hollyford valleys, then through the Homer Tunnel. On arrival into Milford Sound you will be met by the sight of Mitre Peak rising sheer from the glassy waters. We board the Milford Mariner and journey the full length of this beautiful fjord, viewing cascading waterfalls, sheer cliffs, dense rainforest and towering mountains.

Traveling further north, journey over Cook Strait aboard the Interislander. Cruise through the natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington. Experience Maori culture and amazing thermal activity in Rotorua. Journey into the lush farmlands of the Waikato Province and take a guided tour of Waitomo Caves, a glow-worm grotto.

Day 1: Arrive Queenstown
You will be met & transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of today at leisure in the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Goldridge Hotel.

Day 2: Queenstown (BD)
This morning join a Great Sights Milford Sound Excursion. Travel to Milford Sound and join a cruise on this magnificent fiord. View cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest and towering mountains. This afternoon return to the ‘Alpine Resort' of Queenstown.

Day 3: Queenstown, Haast (BD)
Depart this morning from Queenstown and journey up the rugged west coast and through Haast Pass to Haast.
Accommodation: Haast, Haast Heritage Hotel.

Day 4: Haast, Greymouth (BD)
Enjoy the incredible scenery as we travel along the west coast, through a world of mountains and glaciers, limestone landscapes, tranquil lakes, raging rivers and rare bird and plant life. Continue along dramatic coastline through dense rainforest to World Heritage-listed Westland National Park. There is the opportunity for an optional scenic flight over the spectacular glaciers of this region (own expense, weather permitting). Journey to Hokitika, where you will have the opportunity to see Greenstone (Jade) being carved into jewelry and other artifacts.
Accommodation: Greymouth, Kingsgate Greymouth.

Day 5: Greymouth, TranzAlpine, Christchurch (BD)
Journey by coach and travel north along the dramatic coastline to Punakaiki to view the fascinating ‘Pancake’ rock formations and blowholes. Return to Greymouth and 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 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. Arrive in the 'Garden City' of Christchurch, also South Island’s largest city.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Holiday Inn on Avon.

Day 6: Christchurch, Picton (BD)
Arrive in the thriving seaside settlement of Kaikoura. Journey between the Pacific Ocean and rugged Kaikoura Ranges through Christchurch to North Canterbury. Today is a spectacular scenic journey between mountain and sea. Travel to the Marlborough region, an area with a growing international reputation for white wines. Arrive in the seaside port of Picton for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Picton, Beachcomber Resort.

Day 7: Picton, Wellington (BD)
This morning we join our Interislander cruise across Cook Strait to the seaside capital city of Wellington. Upon arrival enjoy a city sightseeing tour including Parliament Buildings, before we visit Te Papa – the 'National Museum of New Zealand'. Displayed here is the past, present and future of New Zealand. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for you to explore.
Accommodation: Wellington, Bay Plaza or West Plaza Hotel.

Day 8: Wellington, Napier (BD)
Follow the Kapiti Coast to the East Coast of the North Island. Continue to Hastings and travel onto Napier.
Accommodation: Napier, Tennyson Napier.

Day 9: Napier, Rotorua Theme Dinner (BD)
This morning, enjoy a city sights tour and a guided ‘Art Deco’ walk. Travel to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, continue to geothermal Rotorua via mighty Huka falls and Wairakei Park. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance of song and dance.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Kingsgate Rotorua.

Day 10: Rotorua at Leisure (B)
This morning experience the attractions of Rotorua. We visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, New Zealand's major geyser field. Enjoy a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where our guide will explain the history and origins of the Maori. Continue to the Agrodome to enjoy an entertaining sheep show and learn about New Zealand's important sheep industry.
Accommodation: Choose to stay in a Country Homestay tonight!

Day 11: Rotorua, Auckland (BD)
This morning travel to Waitomo Caves. Here we experience a guided tour of the underground lime-stone caverns. This afternoon arrive in Auckland where we partake in a city sightseeing tour before continuing to the crest of Mt Eden to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city.
Accommodation: Auckland, Kingsgate Parnell.

Day 12: Depart Auckland (B)
Your tour concludes this morning, and a departure transfer to the airport is included.