Day 1: Arrive Christchurch (D)
Transfer from airport to hotel, check-in, then see Christchurch your way. In the evening enjoy a Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Hotel: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 2: TranzAlpine - Franz Josef (BD)
We catch the TranzAlpine for a world class train journey from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass. We'll experience the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes and visit a New Zealand native jade factory for a jewellery demonstration at Hokitika, before heading to Franz Josef Glacier. See it from the air on an optional scenic flight! Hotel: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef.

Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown (B)
Today take in Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, a small rainforest bush walk, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, the stone fruit capital of Cromwell, historic Arrowtown and finally Queenstown, for an orientation tour and group photo. Your dinner option, Skyline Restaurant at Bob's Peak, is accessed via gondola. The Kiwi Haka Maori Show makes a top night - if you choose. Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights.

Day 4: Queenstown ‘Free Time' (BD)
Explore action-packed, adventure-capital, Queenstown, for yourself. Wine and garden tours, jet boat rides, white water rafting - it's up to you. Dinner and a sheep shearing demonstration are at Walter Peak. We'll cruise Lake Wakatipu, onboard the TSS Earnslaw, to get there and back.

Day 5: Milford Sound (BD)
Over the Devils Stair Case, along Lake Wakatipu's shores to Te Anau. World Heritage Fiordland National Park is next. We travel through rainforest, see glaciers and mountain ranges, pass through the hand built Homer Tunnel, to the abundant photo opportunities of the Mirror Lakes, Pop's Lookout, Claudu Valley, The Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and Milford Sound. Tonight's tour option - a visit to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. Hotel: Village Inn, Te Anau.

Day 6: Te Anau - Dunedin (BD)
Travel from Te Anau to Dunedin over farmland. A city tour, then Dunedin is yours to enjoy - take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Factory - it's your call! Hotel: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin.

Day 7: Dunedin (BD)
A guided tour of Larnach Castle starts the day. Then enjoy some free time before heading to Twizel via Oamaru, famous for Spectacular sightseeing experiences its limestone buildings, and the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam. Hotel: MacKenzie Country Inn - Deluxe Rooms, Twizel.

Day 8: Mt Cook - Christchurch (B)
Mt Cook National Park is today's highlight. Take a scenic flight over it, if you like. En route to Christchurch we'll see Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the patchwork Canterbury Plains. We'll have a Christchurch city tour, ride the Christchurch Tram then it's your time. Hotel: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 9: Kaikoura - Blenheim (BD)
Making our way along the rugged East Coast we reach Kaikoura for some whale watching. If you wish take an optional Scenic Whale Watching flight. We'll also see New Zealand Fur Seals up close at Ohau Point. Pass the Grassmere Salt Works and arrive at Blenheim for an orientation tour before a tour, tasting and dinner, at Montana Winery - one of New Zealand's best. Hotel: Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim.

Day 10: Wellington (BD)
A visit to Picton and a cruise of tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound get things going, before we head to Wellington. A view filled city sights tour then it's free time - until we visit the New Zealand national museum - Te Papa - for some Maori Culture. See Parliament, then the evening is yours to explore the local cuisine. Hotel: Novotel Capital, Wellington.

Day 11: Wellington - Rotorua (BD)
Traversing the coast and the dairy farming land of Manawatu en route to Tongariro National Park we'll sight Mt Ruapehu. Lake Taupo, Taupo, Huka Falls and Rotorua. An orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. The Realm of T-ane, Hangi and Concert is our evening cultural highlight. Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights.

Day 12: Rotorua (B)
Sparkling wine and a breakfast cruise on Lake Rotorua starts our day, followed by the Agrodome Sheep Show. Te Puia gives us an insight into Maori Culture. We take a guided tour of the Geothermal Reserve then the afternoon is yours.

Day 13: Rotorua - Auckland (BD)
We tour the Glow Worm Grotto and limestone caves at Waitomo Caves. Then trace the gorgeous Waikato River into Auckland for a tour of Mt Eden, Bastian Point, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Harbour Bridge and more. Hotel: Stamford Plaza, Auckland.

Day 14: Auckland - Bay of Islands (BD)
Over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, we travel up the Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park. We have time to explore Whangarei, the northern-most city in New Zealand then it's off to Paihia and the beautiful Bay of Islands. We visit the Waitangi Treaty Reserve before returing includes the Maori War Canoe (waka). Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands, 2 nights.

Day 15: Bay of Islands ‘Free Time' (B)
The Bay of Islands is yours to explore. Dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, walk the Ninety Mile Beach, whatever takes your fancy. Finish off with dinner in town - it's all your choice.

Day 16: Bay of Islands - Auckland (B)
We cruise to Cape Brett, through the Hole in the Rock and stop at Urupukapuka Island before returning to Auckland. Hotel: Stamford Plaza, Auckland.

Day 17: Depart Auckland (B)
Today we'll transfer you to Auckland Airport for your return flight.

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