Day 1:
Arrive Auckland - Paihia
Upon arrival, collect your rental vehicle and self-drive OR you’ll be picked up from airport transfer to your accommodation in Paihia. Check in at the hotel and realx. Overnight in Piahia.
Day 2:
Paihia – 90 Miles Beach
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the Bay of Islands and Northland. You might like to book an optional Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach day tour or take time to explore historic Russell or Kerikeri. Return back to the hotel. Overnight in Paihia.
Day 3:
Paihia to Auckland Via Hole in The Rocks Cruise
After breakfast, check out from the hotel transfer to Auckland via Hole in the Rocks cruise (cruise time 8.30am or 1.30pm). Upon arrival check in at the hotel and relax. Overnight in 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. Overnight in Auckland.
Day 4:
Auckland – Sky Tower and City Tour
Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Auckland city including a visit to Kelly Tarltons Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter. Later proceed for Sky Tower, view Auckland City from 328 metres high above street level in the iconic Sky Tower. This is a great introduction to the city as it provides panoramic 360 degree views up to 80km in every direction. Return back to the hotel. Overnight in Auckland.
Day 5:
Auckland – Rotorua Via Waitomo Caves
Travel south to arrive at Waitomo for a guided tour of the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Continue over the Mamaku Ranges to reach the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua. (B)
Day 6:
Rotorua - Te Puia Thermal
Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dogdemonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to thestars of our sheep industry. Continue on to Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert.
Day 7:
Rotorua – Queenstown
Check out from the hotel and transfer to airport for your flight to Queenstown. upon arrival make your way to the hotel. Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 8:
Queenstown
A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in tour price. Overnight in Queenstown.
Day 9:
Queenstown – Mt. Cook – Stargaysing
After breakfast proceed for New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown. Later in the evening take a mesmerizing journey through the cosmos as you explore the wonders of the night sky; home to planets, stars and a whole other world we only dream about.
Our resident astronomy guides will take you on a 1 hour tour of the night sky through high powered telescopes. They share their knowledge about the night sky in an informative and approachable way, answering any questions you may have as they go. Available on a clear night, the tour takes place close to the Hermitage hotel. Guests are shuttled to the base and are treated to home made hot chocolate and sweet treats, before stepping outside to witness the darkness as it comes alive with the stars.
Day 10:
Queenstown – Late Te Anau – Milford Sound
Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breath taking man made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Return to Queenstown.
Day 11:
Queenstown – Franz Josef
Depart Queenstown this morning and travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges and native forests to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. For Self Drive clients, entry to the Glacier Hot Pools is included.
Day 12:
Franz Josef - Twin Glacier Franz and Fox, Snow Landing
Visit both the Franz Josef Glacier and the Fox Glacier on a single tour from Franz Josef on this flight tour that includes a snow landing. Get up close with the blue ice of these mammoth glaciers and snap unbelievable aerial photos from both the air and the ground level. Learn about the glaciology and environment of the area through your pilot's guided commentary.
Day 13:
Franz Josef - Christchurch
Check out from the hotel and transfer to Christchurch Hotel. Later proceed for Christchurch city tour. Overnight in Christchurch.
Day 14:
Christchurch - Full Day Kaikora Whale Watch Day Tour
Experience the natural treasures of New Zealand on a Kaikoura whale-watching cruise. Look for impressive sperm whales along with migrating humpbacks and southern right whales, and search the waters for orcas and other dolphins as an experienced guide shares informative commentary. Visit a New Zealand fur seal colony on land, glimpse the snowy peaks of the Kaikoura Ranges and top off your full-day tour with a wine-tasting in North Canterbury. Includes optional lunch, with round-trip hotel transport from Christchurch to the picturesque town of Kaikoura.
Day 15:
Depart
Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car.
