North and South Island New Zealand Scenic Tour

About the Program:
Length: 13 days
Tour type: Scenic, cultural, adventure

This spectacular tour combines the best of the North Island with spectacular South Island. New Zealand is perhaps best known for its thermal belt which contains active volcanoes and magnificent examples of geysers, boiling mud pools and hot springs, plus stunning National Parks, native forest, rivers and historic Maori sites. Experience it all, plus enjoy cultural capital of Wellington.

DAILY ITINERARY

Day 1, AUCKLAND - LONGLANDS HOMESTEAD - ROTORUA
Today begins with a journey to the top of Mt Eden, Auckland's highest extinct volcano. We continue southward today with our first stop at Goldfields Railway. This train will carry you through the upper reaches of the stunning Karangahake Gorge. Visit New Zealand's largest gold mine before we continue on to Longlands Farm. Enjoy a tour of this working dairy farm followed by a delicious Roast Lamb Luncheon. After lunch visit Whakarewarewa Forest for a relaxing stroll through the towering Redwoods before continuing to Rotorua. Tonight get a taste of Maori life at the 'Realm of Tane' cultural performance and Hangi feast.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua (L D)

Day 2, ROTORUA
This morning tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. FreeChoice Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from relaxing at the Polynesian Day Spa; or a visit to Agrodome; Rotorua Museum; an exhilarating 4WD Safari adventure; visit a buried village Te Wairoa; or enjoy a guided trout fishing expedition. (B)

Day 3, NAPIER - WINERY DINNER
Visit Huka Falls, Wairakei Steam Valley and Lake Taupo. Continue on to the coastal township of Napier. This afternoon we take a guided walk around this unique city renowned for its Art Deco architecture. Your walk finishes at the Hawkes Bay Museum where you will learn about the 1931 earthquake. Tonight enjoy wine tasting and dinner at Church Road Winery. Overnight Stay: Napier (B D)

Day 4, NAPIER - WELLINGTON
This morning we depart Napier and continue south to Wellington. Enjoy a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum.
Overnight Stay: Wellington (B D)

Day 5, WELLINGTON - MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS - CHRISTCHURCH
This morning board the InterIslander Ferry for a cruise through the breathtaking beauty of the Marlborough Sounds to New Zealand's south island. Continue southward along the spectacular east coast to Christchurch. Overnight Stay: Christchurch (B D)

Day 6, TRANZALPINE - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER
Today's touring takes us on an unforgettable journey through the magnificent Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine to Arthurs Pass. Continue on by coach to Hokitika and the Greenstone Jade Factory. Stop and view the awesome Franz Josef Glacier.
Overnight Stay: Franz Josef Glacier (B D)

Day 7, FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN
Enjoy a day of beautiful scenery as we travel to the charming lakeside town of Wanaka with time for lunch before we head into picturesque Queenstown. Scenic FreeChoice Dining - All inclusive: choose from cruise on TSS Earnslaw and dine at Walter Peak Station; or dine at Lombardis Restaurant; or choose the Skyline Restaurant with views over Queenstown and Lake Wakitipu.
Three Night Stay: Queenstown(B D)

Day 8, DART WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
This morning begins with a breathtaking drive to Glenorchy for your exclusive Stockman's breakfast. Then board your fully covered jet boat for an unforgettable trip up the Dart River. FreeChoice Inclusions - All inclusive: choose from a guided tour of Skippers Canyon; a Boutique Winery tour with lunch; a garden tour; an indulgence treatment choice of relaxing massage or foot revival; Lord of the Rings Safari; Shotover Jet Adventure; Mt Aspiring National Park & Routeburn Valley walk or a Bungy Jump. (B)

Day 9, QUEENSTOWN FREE DAY
Today is free to explore at your own pace. (B)

Day 10, QUEENSTOWN - MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU
Enjoy scenic splendour today as we travel through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park. Experience an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound. Overnight Stay: Te Anau (B D)

Day 11, TE ANAU - DUNEDIN
Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the Glowworm Caves. Continue on to Dunedin, New Zealand's oldest city.
Overnight Stay: Dunedin (B D)

Day 12, DUNEDIN - TWIZEL
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Larnach castle, before we leave Dunedin and head north, stopping at the famous Moeraki Boulders. We continue on to Twizel. Overnight Stay: Twizel (B D)

Day 13, MT COOK - LAKE TEKAPO - CHRISTCHURCH
This morning we travel to the beautiful Mt Cook National Park where we will stop and view Mt Cook (subject to weather). We continue to the picturesque glacier-fed lake of Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Arrive in Christchurch where tour concludes. (B)