Scenic Splendour

DAY 1

Arrive Auckand

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

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. Overnight: Auckland

DAY 2

Auckland - Waitomo - Hobbiton - Rotorua

Journey past rolling green hills to Waitomo for a tour through an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Then, head to Matamata where a delightful slice of Middle Earth awaits you at Hobbiton. Finishing off a visually fulfilling day, continue along the Thermal Explorer Highway and through a green oasis lined with lush tree ferns to  Rotorua, a destination like nowhere else!  Overnight: Rotorua

DAY 3

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".  Overnight: Rotorua

DAY 4

Rotorua-Queenstown (Flight Not Included)

Depart on your domestic flight to Queenstown.  (Airfare is NOT included).  Overnight: Queenstown

Flight Time Rotorua to Queenstown is approx. 2 hours

DAY 5

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queesntown

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

DAY 6

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.

Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. Overnight: Queenstown

DAY 7

Queenstown - Glacier Region

Today's scenic journey takes you to the West Coast, a wild and untamed place known for its rivers, rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures.  Here, mighty rivers of solid white ice, relics of the world’s last ice-age, tumble down the rocky valleys.  Overnight: Glacier Region

Please note admission to the Glacier Hot Pools is included for self drive travellers only but may be added to your bucket list (additional cost will apply) if you are on a seat-in-coach tour.

DAY 8

Glacier Region - Christchurch

The coastal road north offers beautiful rivers, unique rail bridges and great views of the wild west coast. After travelling through the historic town of Hokitika, self drive travellers head eastwards, through the spectacular scenery of Arthurs Pass National Park, to Christchurch.  Seat-in-coach travellers continue to Greymouth, to take the journey across to Christchurch, by train.  

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

DAY 9

Depart Christchurch

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