Depart Australia in the morning and arrive at Auckland in the evening. Upon arrival we are transferred to our hotel for an overnight stay. This evening we have an included welcome dinner.

We depart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. This evening we have an included dinner.

This morning we cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Return to Paihia and travel south via Whangarei to Auckland.

This morning we enjoy a city sightseeing tour including a visit to Sky Tower, one of New Zealand’s most spectacular attractions. We continue through the picturesque countryside to Hamilton, which is the largest inland city in New Zealand. You will explore the most charming places in the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends. And then continue to drive to Hobbiton. Following this we enjoy a guided tour of the movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. We will learn how this beautiful piece of farmland was transformed into ‘The Shire from Middle Earth’. Dinner this evening is included.

Our day begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. For those who wish, there is also time for a thrilling luge ride (not included). Our next stop is the Agrodome, where we enjoy farming, entertainment and education. We have some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

We say goodbye to Rotorua and transfer to the airport in Auckland for our flight to the South Island. Upon arrival we are met and commence an afternoon city tour of Christchurch. If time permits we will visit the Christchurch Botanical Gardens.

This morning, cross the Arthur’s Pass National Park to the scenic West Coast Region. Then take the bus to the largest town on the west coast, beautiful Greymouth, which used to be a gathering place for Maori.

After breakfast, drive to Pancake Rocks and the small town of Hokitika. Then go to the golden town, visit the old site of the gold mine, and experience the fun of gold rushing. Then head to the town of Fox Glacier and visit the nearby Fox Glacier after lunch (at your own expense). From the west side of the Southern Alps, look out over Mount Tasman and Mount Cook, and the banks of the glaciers which run down the Southern Alps like waterfalls. The most special feature of this New Zealand Glacier is that it is only a few kilometres away from the coastal road. Tourists can go directly to the ice tongue area of the glacier to see the most active areas. You will witness the wonders and mysteries of the majestic glaciers. You can also take a helicopter at your own expense to reach the top of the glacier and experience the view from the top.

After breakfast, drive to Lake Wanaka, the fourth largest lake in New Zealand. Surrounded by Lake Wanaka in the majestic Southern Alps, you will be immersed in this hidden paradise. Along the way pass through the fruit town of Cromwell, you can buy seasonal fresh fruit at your own expense. Arrive in Queenstown, which is hailed as a holiday honeymoon resort by the world. You will experience dreamlike romance and warmth on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. In the afternoon, take the cable car to Bob’s Peak to see Queenstown, and overlook the town of Glenorchy, located at the end of the lake.

Today is at leisure to explore Queenstown. This evening we will board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy an included dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as we cruise back to Queenstown.

We enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village. In Arrowtown we will visit the Lakes District Museum and then continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland.

Today we have a fascinating drive to Milford Sound and have an included cruise on the magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as we enjoy a picnic lunch onboard. This afternoon we return to Te Anau for some time at leisure, before our included dinner.

This morning we travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy an included city tour. Afterwards we travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle and hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. We have some time to wander around this Garden of International Significance. And then we are returning to Dunedin.

We farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru, which is famous for its limestone. Then we follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore. Weather permitting, we might be able to take in the views of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak, as we continue towards Twizel for an overnight stay. Dinner this evening is included.

This morning we depart Twizel for Christchurch. Enroute we see the brilliant turquoise water of Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. We then travel to Akaroa to visit The Giant’s House, which is a Garden of International Significance. The grounds are an extraordinary wonderland and include a fully integrated combination of art works and gardens. Afterwards we continue to Christchurch. This evening we enjoy an included farewell dinner.

We are transferred to Christchurch Airport for our flights home. End of tour.