Essential New Zealand

DAY 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
The Bombay Hills signal the end of sprawling city as the lush Waikato pasturelands take you past Hamilton and on to Waitomo caves for a subterranean boat ride under an eerie canopy of glow worm lights. On across the Waikato and Mamaku Hills to fiery Rotorua. We recommend you attend a fascinating Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight (optional). Stay 2 nights in Rotorua

DAY 2: At Rotorua
The half day grand sightseeing tour is included - see roaring geysers, boiling mud and steaming pools at the thermal area, tame trout and Kiwi at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon is free. There are many activities to attract you.

DAY 3: Rotorua -Wellington
Drive south through the exotic forests to Wairakei's permanent mantle of steam, then to Lake Taupo. The ominous peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu watch over our drive to Waiouru. Drop down through to the fertile Manawatu plains, past coastal horticultural farms, and rocky seascapes to Wellington. Overnight in Wellington

DAY 4: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Catch one of the famous ferries across Cook Strait then down the long, narrow and beautiful Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island.  Enjoy the sun decks, bars, cafes and lounges as you look out for dolphins and whales. From Picton, the TranzCoastal train takes you on an exhilarating ride down the narrow mountain skirt, with pounding surf on one side and the sheer Kaikoura ranges on the other. A brief mountain traverse brings you down to the broad Canterbury Plains and then the 'Garden City' - Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch

DAY 5: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel across the manicured Canterbury Plains to seaside Timaru, whitestone Oamaru and alongside the rugged coastline to Palmerston. Cross Mt Cargill to Dunedin - 'the Edinburgh of the South'. Arrive early afternoon. Overnight in Dunedin.

DAY 6: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free for optional tours. Now it's the rich farming country of South Otago and Southland as we travel to Balclutha and turn west to Gore. The countryside becomes drier as we reach Lumsden, Mossburn and the first glimpse of Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau.

DAY 7: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
The Fiordland National Park is the venue for today's thrilling experience - the beautiful Eglinton and Hollyford valleys - the beech forests - the Homer Tunnel and the awesome Cleddau Canyon. A cruise on Milford Sound to see the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls is included. Then you climb out of Milford Sound to Te Anau, to travel across country to Kingston where you drive alongside Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Three nights in Queenstown

DAYS 8 & 9: At Queenstown
Two full days for you to enjoy this fabulous resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic Movie in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well from thrilling jetboat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping. Overnight in Queenstown

DAY 10: Queenstown - Mt. Cook - Christchurch
Firstly you travel through the rocky and formidable Kawarau Gorge then past Cromwell to climb up and over the Lindis Pass. The plains of the Mackenzie Country lie before us and the Southern Alps to our left as we reach the central lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park. Optional lunch at the Hermitage Hotel, or perhaps a Ski plane flight. Across Burke Pass to Fairlie, Geraldine and the Canterbury plains to Christchurch, where your tour ends at 6.15 pm.