New Zealand Wonderland

Day 1  Auckland    
On arrival in Auckland, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.    

Day 2  Auckland to Bay of Islands    
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast. Stop at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe for an insight into the rich pioneering history of the Northland region. Continue to the Bay of Islands, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience.  

Day 3  Bay of Islands  
Set sail on a memorable Signature Experience, discovering the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Afterwards, the afternoon is free for you to further explore.  

Day 4  Bay of Islands to Auckland  
Travel to Auckland before setting off on your preferred Freedom of Choice activity. Back at your hotel this evening, enjoy a delicious Pacific-themed dinner.  

Day 5  Auckland to Rotorua    
Travel to Waitomo, home to the famous caves where thousands of tiny bioluminescent glowworms radiate a spellbinding light. Discover this natural wonder on a guided boat ride through a grotto illuminated by these majestic creatures. Later, continue to Rotorua, where you will enjoy an enriching Signature Experience.  

Day 6  Rotorua    
Spend this morning on your Freedom of Choice activity. Afterwards, the afternoon and evening are free for you to explore.    

Day 7  Rotorua to Wellington    
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand’s North Island this morning. Visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupô, before travelling across the plateau of Tongariro National Park to Wellington.

Day 8  Wellington    
After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including Mount Victoria and the waterfront area. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to continue exploring this coastal city. You may like to visit New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa. Tonight you might like to dine at a local restaurant (own expense).  

Day 9  Wellington to Christchurch      
This morning, embark on a scenic ferry ride to the South Island during your Signature Experience. Afterwards, journey to the quaint fishing town of Kaikôura before continuing along the central east coast all the way to Christchurch.  

Day 10  Christchurch to Franz Josef    
After a special Signature Experience, disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika, famous for its stunning coastline and jade carving industry. Pounamu, or greenstone, is plentiful here and holds great cultural significance for the Mâori people. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau, where you will enjoy another Signature Experience.  

Day 11  Franz Josef to Queenstown    
Today, admire the magnificent landscape as you travel along the Haast River Valley to Queenstown. This evening, choose where to enjoy dinner with a range of Freedom of Choice Dining options available to you.  

Day 12  Queenstown    
Choose how you’d like to spend today with a range of sightseeing activities on offer.  

Day 13  TranzAlpine Train    
Embark on a picturesque drive today as you journey along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, then pass through the Homer Tunnel, to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak – the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Continue to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where a Signature Experience awaits. Afterwards, take a scenic drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Enjoy another Signature Experience in the evening.    

Day 14  Te Anau to Dunedin    
Journey through Southland’s rugged countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon, select your Freedom of Choice activity.

Day 15  Dunedin to Mount Cook    
Drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki on Koekohe Beach. A geological marvel, these gigantic calcite spheres were formed an estimated 65 million years ago. Continue to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you will enjoy a Signature Experience as well as your preferred Freedom of Choice activity.    
       
Day 16  Mount Cook to Christchurch    
Travel to Lake Tekapo/Takapô and take in the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps as well as the lake’s distinctive colours. Pay a visit to the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, which features in many photographs thanks to its beautiful backdrop and surrounds. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at your hotel.    

Day 17  Christchurch      
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.