New Zealand in Depth

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. Enjoy 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 - such as bathing in the thermal waters. For a small additional cost you could stay on a farm tonight. Overnight in Rotorua

DAY 3: Rotorua - Taupo
Drive south through exotic pine forests, past Wairakei's permanent cover of steam, to Lake Taupo. A guided tour will take you to the mighty Huka falls, the Aratiatia Rapids and the Craters of the Moon. Overnight in Taupo

DAY 4: Taupo - Napier
Across the Rangitaiki plains to the vineyards of Hawkes Bay. Overnight Napier…

DAY 5: Napier - Wellington
Explore the history and architecture  of art deco Napier this morning on a guided walk. Travel through the Manawatui Gorge to Plamerston North and then follow the Kapit Coast down to our capital. Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 6: In Wellington
This mornign a half day tour around 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 the City and Sea.

Day 7: Wellington - Picton - Blenheim
By ferry across Cook Strait and cruise through the Malborough Sounds. From Picton, a short coach trip takes you to Blenheim followed by a tour of the vineyards producing world class wine. Overnight in Blenheim

Day 8: Blenheim - Nelson
The morning is free to explore Blenheim. In the afternoon, travel by coach through the Havelock and over the Rai and Whangamoa Saddles to Nelson. Stay 2 nights.

Day 9: At Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park Tour
Your full day tour of this beautiful park includes pick up and drop off at your hotel. After a short coach journey, travel by launch (boat) from the golden sands of Kaiteriteri beach into the park. Cruise through the blue waters, next to lush native forests, marine life, and idyllic coves and inlets.You may chosse to reamin on board or take a walk through the park meeting the launch in the next bay…

Day 10: Nelson - Greymouth
Travel through the Buller Gorge to Westport, and down the Coast to the famous Punakaiki 'pancake' rocks, an unusual layer formation of sandstone pillars jutting out into the sea. On arrival you are met for your afternoon tour of the Paparoa National Park to enter a world of limestone landscape, a short guided walk through the raainforest and hear about the local environment. Overnight in Greymouth.

Day 11: Greymouth - Glaciers
Enjoy a guided tour from Greymouth to the Glaciers, visiting the Jade carvers on Hokitika, places of historical interst, a giant Matia tree and several picturesque lakes.  Take a shhort guided walk to the terminal face of the glacier bfore overnighting in either Fox or Franz Josef.

Day 12 Glaciers - Queenstown
Continue deeper into South Westland before the beautiful Haast River guides us inland, past towering mountains and up wild river valleys. Over the pass, cruise through the verdant forests of the Makarora valley to spectacular lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Lake Dunstan and the steep and rugged Kawarau Gorge goldmining area lead us into world famous Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown for a two night stay.

Day 13 At Queenstown
Today is free to enjoy this fabulous resort town - we have included the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic Move in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from bungy jumping, thrilling jetboat rides to leisurely lake cruises

Day 14: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Drive alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston, then west to the great forests, rivers and chasms of Fiordland National Park. Travel through the beautiful ice carved Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, the Homer Tunnel and the awesome Cleddau Canyon. A cruise on Milford Sound to see the majesty of Mitre Peak, rising nearly a kilometre straight up out of the sea, and Bowen Falls is included. Return to lovely Lake Te Anau for tonight's stay.

Day 15: Te Anau - Dunedin
High country tussock grass turns to green pastureland as you travel east through Otago farmland. Reaching the coast at Balclutha turn north to Dunedin - the Edinburgh of the South. The afternoon is free for optional city tours, or perhaps to see the albatross and other wildlife on the peninsula. Overnight Dunedin.

Day 16: Dunedin - Christchurch
The journey takes you out along the cliffs past Mt Cargill to the Palmerston coast.  Travel through whitestone Oamaru and seaside Timaru before the patchwork Canterbury plains, with its broad rivers and wide open spaces brings you to Christchurch at 6.40pm.