Itinerary

Day 1 – ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH

On arrival into the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch, meet your shuttle

transfer and check into your hotel in the city. Spend the rest of the

day recovering from your flight. There are plenty of gentle activities

to choose from this afternoon including a stroll through the

picturesque botanical gardens or browsing the art and craft stalls

at the Arts centre.

Overnight Accommodation: Standard – Quest Christchurch,

Superior – Chateau on the Park, Deluxe – The George.

Day 2 – CHRISTCHURCH / FOX GLACIER

An early start this morning as you board the Tranz Alpine train

which takes you from east to west coast. You will travel through

farm lands, through the mountain village of Arthurs Pass before

winding through steep gorges and the lush landscape of the west

coast. Pick up your rental car at Greymouth and head south passing

magnificent podocarp forests and dramatic windswept beaches.

Arrive at the glacier township of Fox Glacier in time to watch the

sun setting behind the twin glaciers.

Overnight Accommodation (2 nights): Standard & Superior – Sunset Motel,

Deluxe – The Westhaven.

(Approximate driving distance 200km, allow 2hrs 50mins)

Day 3 – FOX GLACIER

This morning take a heli-hike to the top of Fox Glacier, with a

snow landing your guide will show you the many ice-caves and

beautiful ice formations on display. This afternoon take a drive out

to the remote and stunning Lake Moeraki the ‘mirror lake’. An easy

walk around the shore line enables unhindered views of mountain

landscapes reflected in the glass like surface of the lake.

Day 4 – FOX GLACIER / WANAKA

Depart Fox Glacier after breakfast; en route to Wanaka you drive

the remainder of the west coast before reaching Haast Pass. Once

you have crossed the Haast River you head inland and arriving at

Wanaka an attractive lakeside settlement around lunchtime. This

afternoon is at leisure; enjoy the many activities of this stunning

lakeside township, maybe a thrilling jet boat ride, scenic lake cruise

and walk or relaxing walk along the lakefront the choice is yours.

Overnight Accommodation: Standard – Mt Aspiring Hotel,

Superior – Edgewater Resort, Deluxe – Lime Tree Lodge.

(Approximate driving distance 264km, allow 3hrs 45mins)

Day 5 – WANAKA / QUEENSTOWN

This morning we leave Wanaka the popular lake resort town for

Queenstown the adventure capital, with a drive that is a little over

two hours. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in shopping, taking in the

mountain scenery and trying out lakeside activities. Take the TSS

Earnslaw across the lake to Walter Peak Station for a farm tour or

BBQ lunch or enjoy a half day scenic adventure through the Dart

River valley with Dart River Safaris, with many different options

available.

Overnight Accommodation (2 nights): Standard – Blue Peaks Lodge,

Superior – Rydges Hotel, Deluxe – Queenstown House.

(Approximate driving distance 117km, allow 1hr 40mins)

Day 6 – QUEENSTOWN

Today why not take a wine tour in an area rapidly developing

its international reputation for producing world-class wines.

The gourmet tour takes in five top class wineries and a gourmet

lunch. Alternatively there are several one day guided walk options

including the Routeburn Track – again lunch is provided and

daypacks and jackets can be hired. Tonight take dinner at the

Skyline Gondola Restaurant and gaze out over the twinkling lights

of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.

Day 7 – QUEENSTOWN / MILFORD SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE

Head around the lakes to Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland

National Park. You will need to make your way to Milford Sound

for the 4pm check in for your overnight cruise aboard the Milford

Mariner. (Sep-May only). Your cruise will take you the length of

Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea before you anchor and enjoy the

solitude of Milford Sound.

Overnight Accommodation: Standard, Superior, Deluxe – Milford Mariner

Overnight Cruise (Jun – Aug no Mariner service operates so this night will be

substituted with: Standard – Fiordland National Park Lodge, Superior &

Deluxe – Fiordland Lodge and the 11am Milford Sound Scenic Cruise)

(Approximate driving distance 291km, allow 4hrs, 10mins)

Day 8 – MILFORD SOUND / DUNEDIN

This morning enjoy breakfast on board before returning to Milford

Wharf. Travel back on the Milford Road through Homer Tunnel,

cross rural farmlands to the southern shores of Lake Te Anau

and out to Dunedin – the Edinburgh of the South’ famous for its

Scottish heritage.

Overnight Accommodation (2 nights): Standard – 858 George St Motel,

Superior – Scenic Circle Dunedin City, Deluxe – St Clair Beach Resort.

(Approximate driving distance 411km, allow 5hrs 50mins)

Day 9 – DUNEDIN

Today you have a full day to explore Dunedin and the peninsula,

with a variety of tours and cruises showing the best of the Dunedin

region to choose from. Try a Natures Wonders guided tour of the

peninsula, visit the Royal Albatross Centre or go on a guided tour

of the Yellow Eyed Penguin reserve. Don’t miss Larnach Castle New

Zealand’s only castle, set in beautifully manicured gardens high

on the peninsula. End your day with a visit to the 125-year-old

Speight’s brewery, finishing with a tasting of their range of worldclass

beers and evening meal at the Ale House.

Day 10 – DUNEDIN / LAKE TEKAPO

Leaving Dunedin you head north along the coast, include a stop

at the huge cylindrical boulders scattered along Moeraki Beach.

Continuing along the coast you will go through the township of

Oamaru before turning inland through Omarama and past Lake

Pukaki and onto Lake Tekapo for the night.

Option: If you have time take the drive to Mt Cook and stop off at

 

If you have time take the drive to Mt Cook and stop off at

the Hermitage hotel for afternoon tea and admire the views.

Overnight Accommodation: Standard – Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort,

Superior – Garden Cottage, Deluxe – Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo.

(Approximate driving distance 287km, allow 3hrs 50mins)

Day 11 – LAKE TEKAPO / KAIKOURA

Today is a day for driving through dramatically changing landscapes.

Head past massive man-made hydro lakes through Lake Tekapo

and out towards Christchurch city. Kaikoura is an easy 3 hour drive

further up the Pacific coast.

Overnight Accommodation: Standard – Anchor Inn,

Superior – Lemon Tree Lodge, Deluxe – Hapuku Lodge.

(Approximate driving distance 514km, allow 7hrs 20mins)

Day 12 – KAIKOURA / WELLINGTON

This morning rise early and take a 7am whale watching trip before

you move on. The road from Kaikoura to Blenheim hugs the

coastline with the crashing Pacific to your right, and then passes

through the lowlands and highlands of the Kaikoura ranges before

flattening out to the vineyards of Marlborough. Arrive at the ferry

port of Picton where you leave your rental car and board the

Interislander for a cruise across the Cook Strait, upgrade to ‘Kaitaki

Plus’ and enjoy the restful lounge and a full food and beverage

service. On arrival in Wellington collect another rental car and make

your way to your hotel.

This evening go on a ‘Sanctuary by Night’ tour at Karori and

spot kiwi’s just minutes from downtown Wellington.

Overnight Accommodation: Standard – Bay Plaza,

Superior – Copthorne Oriental Bay, Deluxe – Ohtel.

(Approximate driving distance 157km, allow 2hrs 15mins)

Day 13 – WELLINGTON / TAUPO

Renowned for its relaxed cafe culture and the best coffee in

New Zealand there is plenty of choice for a hearty cafe breakfast.

Lambton Quay is the main shopping area and from here you

can take the cable car up the hill to the botanical gardens and

observatory. This afternoon head north to the centre of the north

island and to Lake Taupo; take in the many activities and sights of

the largest lake in New Zealand.

Overnight Accommodation: Standard – Karaka Tree Motel,

Superior – Millennium Hotel, Deluxe – Waimahana Luxury Apartments.

(Approximate driving distance 380km, allow 5hrs 25mins)

Day 14 – TAUPO / ROTORUA

From Taupo, continue onto the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua,

centre of New Zealand’s Maori Culture. Te Puia is one of the leading

centres for education and the preservation of Maori culture and

shouldn’t be missed. This evening take the Skyline Gondola to the

top for views and an extensive 5 course dinner.

Overnight Accommodation: Standard – Kingsgate Rotorua,

Superior – Heritage Rotorua, Deluxe – Nicara Lodge.

(Approximate driving distance 80km, allow 1hrs 10mins)

Day 15 – ROTORUA

A full day to continue exploring Rotorua’s many attractions such as

taking the Whirinaki Rainforest Walk or visiting Rainbow Springs for

the opportunity to spot Kiwi. This evening enjoy a traditional Maori

hangi and concert with the Mitai Maori family as they share their

history and tradition in their ancient village. Alternatively visit Kiwi

Encounter –a chance to spot the native Kiwi in their nighttime habitat.

Day 16 – ROTORUA / AUCKLAND

This morning depart for Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. The drive north

takes you through the Waikato region, famous for its horse stud

farms. An option on the way north is to travel via Waitomo for a

visit to the glow worm caves. On arrival in Auckland check into

your hotel and take a stroll down to the Viaduct Harbour, home of

an America’s Cup yacht. This evening take the lift to the top of the

Skytower for panoramic 360-degree views of the city and its twin

harbours and try dinner in the stunning Observatory Restaurant.

Overnight Accommodation: Standard – Scenic Hotel Auckland,

Superior – Skycity Hotel, Deluxe – Skycity Grand.

(Approximate driving distance 234km, allow 3hrs 20mins)

Day 17 – AUCKLAND / BAY OF ISLANDS

This morning travel over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and follow

the northern motorway through to the beachside suburbs. Turning

off to visit the Matakohe Kauri Museum for a break, you will

continue along the western Northland coast through the Kauri

forests. A must see is a stop at the largest Kauri tree “Tane

Mahuta” before traveling over to the East Coast to Paihia in the

Bay of Islands. Tonight hop on board Darryl’s Dinner Cruise for an

evening of fun and cruising on the Waitangi River with BBQ dinner

included.

Overnight Accommodation (2 nights): Standard – Paihia Pacific Resort Hotel,

Superior – Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, Deluxe – Edgewater Palms.

(Approximate driving distance 236km, allow 3hrs 20mins)

Day 18 – BAY OF ISLANDS

A full day to enjoy Paihia and the magnificent Bay of Islands choose

a Fullers cruise either the Cape Brett Hole in the Rock Cruise, the

Excitor Hole in the Rock Dolphin Adventure, where you may have

the opportunity to swim with these wonderful creatures. Or try a

full day tour to Cape Reinga, the top of New Zealand. This evening

visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for ‘The Story of New Zealand’ –a live cultural performance concert combined with drama, telling

the history of New Zealand through the generations.

Day 19 – BAY OF ISLANDS / AUCKLAND

Today head south once more along the East Coast, stopping at the

Quayside precinct of Whangarei for lunch. Follow the beaches back

until you reach the city of Auckland.

Overnight Accommodation: Standard – Scenic Hotel Auckland,

Superior – Skycity Hotel, Deluxe – Skycity Grand.

(Approximate driving distance 236km, allow 3hrs 20mins)

Day 20 – AUCKLAND

Today on your final day explore a little further afield before

returning your car to the airport. A visit to Waiheke Island is a great

way to finish your holiday in New Zealand. Head across the Hauraki

Gulf on one of Fullers ferry services and spend the day strolling on

Waiheke’s sheltered beaches or sitting in a vineyard cafe soaking

up the ambience.