CONTRASTS OF NEW ZEALAND

• 2 nights in a Grand room at Stamford Plaza Hotel Auckland
• 1 night in a Superior room at Millennium Hotel Rotorua
• 3 nights in a Superior room at Millennium Hotel Queenstown
• 1 night in a Hotel room at Peppers Bluewater Resort Lake Tekapo
• 2 nights in a Classic room at Distinction Christchurch Hotel

• 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners
• Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
• English speaking guide
• Transfers, sightseeing tours and cultural activities as specified in itinerary
• Hotel taxes and service charges

DAY 01

ARRIVE AUCKLAND (DW)

Welcome to the City of Sails. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel (flight to arrive before 4 pm). Take some time to relax or venture out and start exploring New Zealand’s largest city before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a welcome reception and dinner.

DAY 02

AUCKLAND (B)

Embark on a city sightseeing tour this morning to Mission Bay. Keep your camera ready to capture spectacular panoramic views of the skyline, sprawling North Shore, and Waitemata Harbour from Bastion Point and Michael Joseph Savage Memorial. Spend the afternoon as you wish.

DAY 03

AUCKLAND/ROTORUA (B/D)

Today, you’ll venture through the King Country region, which was at the center of the New Zealand Wars in the 1860s. On arrival in Rotorua, embark on an orientation of the area before visiting Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Discover native flora that grows around the crystal-clear mineral water springs, and you might even spot a kiwi or two! This evening, enjoy a traditional Hangi Highlight Dinner and cultural performance at the Tamaki Māori Village.

DAY 04

ROTORUA/QUEENSTOWN (B)

Your day starts with breakfast at Hobbiton. Experience the iconic rolling hills and green pastures of the Hobbiton Movie Set as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies before continuing to Auckland to board your flight to Queenstown. Tonight, speak with your Travel Director about dining recommendations in Queenstown.

DAY 05

MILFORD SOUND CRUISE (B/L)

Journey over the Devil’s Staircase and along the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and its lake, the largest in the South Island. Travel through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to the numerous photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley and the Chasm, Mitre Peak, and the Bowen Falls before reaching Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this wonder of nature. Return to Queenstown for the evening.

DAY 06

QUEENSTOWN FREE TIME (B/D)

Your final day in Queenstown could see you take an optional experience ride on the Shotover Jet boat or a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue lunch at the Colonel’s Homestead. This evening join your Travel Director for dinner at The Boatshed, set in the historic Railway Shipping Office built-in 1936. Restored and relocated to its lakefront setting, The Boatshed, with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable, is the perfect venue for your Highlight Dinner.

DAY 07

QUEENSTOWN/LAKE TEKAPO (B/DW)

Today you will leave the alpine wonderland of Queenstown behind, traveling through Central Otago to the Mackenzie region with time along the way to stop in Cromwell, situated next to the pristine Lake Dunstan, and taste delicious stone fruit at a local orchard. Continue over the dramatic Lindis Pass before reaching the Starlight Highway and Tekapo’s world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki McKenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. This afternoon enjoys the views of Mt Cook before heading to the iconic Church of the Good Shephard. This evening, see amazing constellations only in the southern hemisphere, including the Southern Cross, to the Magellanic Clouds and the Milky Way. Your local specialist expert astronomy guide will enhance your knowledge and understanding of our Southern Skies as you admire and ponder the possibilities through our powerful optical telescopes.

DAY 08

LAKE TEKAPO/CHRISTCHURCH (B)

Enjoy a relaxed start before heading north through South Canterbury. Visit the charming boutique village of Geraldine as you travel through to Christchurch.

DAY 09

CHRISTCHURCH (B/D)

This morning see how Christchurch is rebuilding after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, and pop into the Transitional Cathedral in Latimer Square, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral. It is the world’s only cathedral made substantially of cardboard! After a Christchurch city sights tour, you’re invited to a Be My Guest morning tea at the home of Tim and Isabelle Weston, owners of Britten Stables. Formerly horse stables for nearby Mona Vale Gardens and following that, the birthplace of the world record-setting Britten V1000 motorcycle designed and built in the garage by Isabelle’s late father, John Britten. The couple restored the original charm of The Britten Stables and transformed it into the exquisite home that it is today. This evening join your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.

DAY 10

FAREWELL FROM CHRISTCHURCH (B)

Your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: B= Breakfast   L= Lunch   D= Dinner   DW=Dinner with wine