Essential New Zealand

DAY 1

Arrive Auckland

On arrival, depending on your preferred travel choice, you will either be met and privately transferred, or self drive to your accommodation. Overnight: Auckland

DAY 2

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here.Seat in coach guests will enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Auckland before a visit to Kelly Tarlton's SeaLife Aquarium (all guests).  Overnight: Auckland

DAY 3

Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua

Journey past rolling green hills to Waitomo for a tour of an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Then, continue along the Thermal Explorer Highway and through a green oasis lined with lush tree ferns to Rotorua, a destination you will find is like nowhere else!   Overnight: Rotorua

DAY 4

Rotorua

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends.

Today you'll visit New Zealand's most colourful geothermal attraction, Wai-O-Tapu, named as "one of the 20 most surreal places in the world". 

Tonight's entertainment includes a Maori concert performance and a Hangi (earth oven) meal, an essential part of a Rotorua visit.  Overnight: Rotorua

DAY 5

Rotorua - Christchurch (Flight Not Included)

Depart on your domestic flight to Christchurch.  (Airfare is NOT included).

Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps.  This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Overnight: Christchurch

Flight Time:  Rotorua to Christchurch is approx. 2 hours

DAY 6

Christchurch - Aoraki Mt Cook - Queenstown

Depart across the Canterbury Plains, a fertile patchwork made with every shade of green, to a scenic wonderland with golden tussocks, snow-capped mountains and turquoise lakes.  At Lake Tekapo the solitary ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ takes pride of place against the backdrop of a vivid blue glacier-fed lake. Continuing south, hug the shores of beautiful Lake Pukaki and through the historic Central Otago region to Queenstown.  Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 7

Queenstown

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.  Seat in coach travellers will enjoy a Queenstown Highlights Tour today. Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 8

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses.  Today's stunning journey takes you past mirror lakes, spectacular waterfalls and water-sculpted rocks. Venture into Milford Sound, a New Zealand treasure carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your return to Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown

Queenstown - Milford: 287km (approx 3hrs, 50mins) each way

DAY 9

Queenstown

Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most exciting destinations.  It is a hub of adventure surrounded by famous landscapes, renowned vineyards and goldmining history.  Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 10

Depart Queenstown

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or return of your rental car.