Scenic South

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

DAY 2: At Rotorua
The half day sightseeing tour is included - you will see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout 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 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. Then we drop down to the fertile Manawatu plains, coastal horticultural farms and rocky seascapes to Wellington. Stay 2 nights in Wellington

DAY 4: At Wellington
This morning a half day tour of the city will take in the Parliament Buildings and 'Beehive', Old St Paul's Cathedral, panoramic views of the harbour and city from Mt Victoria and a ride on the cable car. This afternoon is free, perhaps to visit Te Papa Museum or the Museum of City and Sea.

DAY 5: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Catch the ferry across Cook Strait and through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island. Board the TranzCoastal train to edge down a narrow coastal strip where the surf pounds the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. Cross the dry North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch where you will overnight. As you will arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day to explore our most 'English' city.

DAY 6: Christchurch - Glaciers
Leaving the city on the TranzAlpine we cross the Canterbury Plains and travel into the mountains. Arthurs Pass and Otira Tunnel lead to the West Coast. Then by coach along the narrow coastal strip of forest with spectacular mountain backdrops takes us south to glacier country for 2 nights stay. Overnight Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers.

DAY 7: At Fox (or Franz Josef) Glacier
A whole day is available for optional excursions on the glacier, for bush walks or simply soak up the beauty of snow-capped mountains contrasting with the deep greens of the native bush. Overnight Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers.

DAY 8: Glaciers - Wanaka
Dense rain forest contrast with rugged coastal vistas as we plunge deeper into South Westland. As Haast River guides you inland through the Haast Pass, you may like to travel part of the way by jetboat. Cross the past to reach Lake Wanaka in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Wanaka.

Day 9: Wanaka - Queenstown
A free morning in this peaceful and popular resort. In the early afternoon rejoin the coach through the rugged Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown for two nights stay.

DAY 10: At Queenstown
Today is free 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 from thrilling jetboat ride to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping. Overnight Queenstown.

DAY 11: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
An early start takes you alongside the lake to Kingston, then to Mossburn and Lake Te Anau. Soon you plunge into the beech forests of the beautiful Eglinton Valley then it's on through the Homer Tunnel to the awesome Cleddau Canyon and the steep descent to Milford Sound. A cruise on the Sound to Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak is included. Later today your powerful coach climb back over the divide and returns you to Te Anau. Overnight in TeAnau.

DAY 12: Te Anau - Dunedin
Cross the fertile southland plains through Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin. Arrive early afternoon. Overnight Dunedin

DAY 13: Dunedin - Christchurch
Leave Dunedin follow the coast to the whitestone buildings of Oamaru and Timaru. Cross the manicured patchwork of the Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch at approximately 6.40pm. This tour operates in reverse from Christchurch.