11 DAY NEW ZEALAND SCENIC SIGHTS

Day 1. Christchurch, Twizel (D)
This morning we depart the Grand Chancellor Hotel at 8.30 a.m. and travel across the Canterbury Plains, heading for the High Country. Stop at the beautiful glacier-fed lake of Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 of locally gathered stone and oak. We then enter Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage-listed area and home to Australasia's highest mountain, Mt Cook at 3754 metres. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight over this awe-inspiring alpine region (weather permitting, own expense) and land on the mighty Tasman Glacier. Departing Mt Cook, we head to the heart of the MacKenzie Country and the township of Twizel for our overnight stay.
Twizel, Mackenzie Country Inn.

Day 2. Twizel, Dunedin, personalised sightseeing (BD)
Travel past the hydro-electric lakes of Lakes Benmore and Aviemore and through the Waitaki Valley before reaching Oamaru. Oamaru is renowned for its limestone buildings and was once the 7th largest town in New Zealand. Travelling south we stop to view the unusual Moeraki Beach with its 60 million-year-old-boulders. Arrive in Dunedin, a city influenced by the Scottish and renowned as the Edinburgh of the South. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it! Perhaps visit Olveston House or the Otago Peninsula to visit either the Royal Albatross centre or the Yellow-eyed penguin colony.
Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel.

Day 3. Dunedin, Milford Sound overnight (BD)
Departing Dunedin we travel through the townships of Balclutha and Gore before reaching Te Anau. Continue our drive through the stunning mountain scenery of World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Pass through the scenic Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel to emerge into magnificent Milford Sound. Cruise past spectacular sheer cliffs and the grandeur of mile-high Mitre Peak, viewing a multitude of waterfalls. Perhaps even see dolphins, seals and penguins in their natural habitat. Tonight we anchor in the sheltered waters of Harrison's cove. Perhaps do a little exploring of your own in the vessel's kayaks or you can simply relax on deck as the Southern twilight deepens.
Milford Sound, Milford Mariner.

Day 4. Milford Sound, Queenstown (BD)
This morning awake to the unbelievable sights of Milford Sound, and enjoy breakfast surrounded by the silent majesty of this area. Departing Milford Sound we travel back through the township of Te Anau before following the Remarkables Mountain Ranges to the action-packed Alpine Resort of Queenstown. Tonight enjoy your Dining Experience in Queenstown, where you get to choose from one of four restaurants and we will include it! Perhaps enjoy a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak to enjoy a carvery dinner or ride the Queenstown Gondola to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner and spectacular views over Queenstown or dine at your hotel or a local restaurant.
Queenstown, Aurum Hotel, 2 nights.

Day 5. At Leisure In Queenstown (B)
Queenstown is an exhilarating, year-round, Alpine Resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps, the town was named because "...it was fit for a Queen." Today is free for you to explore the endless scenic attractions available. Perhaps a tour through some of Queenstown's local Gardens, visit some of the local wineries, take a jetboat ride or join a Lord of the Rings Safari. Jump aboard a double-decker bus and travel to Arrowtown, the AJ Hackett Bungy site and the Gibbston Winery (own expense).

Day 6. Queenstown, Franz Josef (BD)
Our journey takes us along the picturesque shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka to Mt Aspiring National Park. Traverse Haast Pass before entering World Heritage-listed Westland National Park. See spectacular mountain ranges, untouched native forests, lakes, rivers and glaciers. There is time available for an optional scenic flight over the breathtaking glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef (own expense, weather permitting). The spectacular Franz Josef Glacier descends to just 250 metres above sea level amidst the greenery and lushness of a temperate rainforest. Of all the accessible temperate glaciers in New Zealand, the Franz Josef Glacier is the steepest and fastest moving.
Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.

Day 7. Franz Josef, Christchurch (BD)
Travel north along the west coast to Hokitika, where you will have the opportunity to see beautiful native Pounamu (jade) jewellery and artefacts. Drive through Arthurs Pass National Park, situated on a historical road between Canterbury on the East and the wild West Coast. Continue through the magnificent Southern Alps to return to the pretty 'Garden City' of Christchurch.
Christchurch, Grand Chancellor Hotel.

Day 7. Tranzalpine Option
Return to Christchurch from Greymouth aboard the world-renowned TranzAlpine Train. Must be advised at time of booking. NZ$115 pp

Day 8. Christchurch, Wellington (BD)
Today we board the TranzCoastal Train for a truly spectacular journey. Cross rolling farmlands of the North Canterbury Plains to the rugged Kaikoura Coastline. Journey between the mountains and Pacific Ocean viewing spectacular seascapes as we make our way to the picturesque seaside port of Picton. Here we board the Interislander Ferry for a cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds and into the Wellington Harbour. The cruise across Wellington Harbour offers a unique view of this exciting city. Nestled between surrounding hills and the glistening harbour, Wellington is a vibrant city which has retained the charm of its early colonial heritage and is alive with some of New Zealand's finest restaurants, shopping and theatre, including the spectacular Te Papa, National Museum of New Zealand.
Wellington, James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel.

Day 9. Wellington, Rotorua (BD)
Travel past the Ruahine Ranges and journey through tussock grasslands passing the dramatic landscape of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, home to three volcanic mountains. Stop to view Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Visit the mighty Huka falls then continue to Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture and a geothermal wonderland. Tonight immerse yourself in culture as you enjoy a hangi (feast) and Maori cultural performance of traditional dances accompanied by song.
Rotorua, Park Heritage Hotel, 2 nights.

Day 10. Rotorua, Personalised Sightseeing (BD)
Rotorua is New Zealand's oldest and best known resort, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its waters, marvelled at its fascinating geothermal activity and experienced the regions unique Maori culture. Today you choose the activity and we will include it! Perhaps visit Rotorua's 'Must See Three', Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, New Zealand's major geyser field. The area has over 500 hot springs and most forms of geothermal activity, including steaming ground, boiling mud pools, hot springs and impressive geysers. Continue to Rainbow Springs Nature Park and discover New Zealand's beautiful native flora and fauna. Walk along side crystal-clear streams teeming with thousands of impressive Rainbow, Brown and Brook trout. View New Zealand's 'living fossil', the Tuatara, and visit a specially designed nocturnal house to view the rare flightless Kiwi bird. Next learn about New Zealand farming with a sheep show and working dog display.
Country Homestay option available tonight.

Day 11. Waitomo, Auckland (B)
We travel north to the famous Waitomo Caves. Here we experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns, including the magnificent 'Cathedral' cave. Join a silent boat ride and glide through a mystical grotto, carved by an underground river over thousands of years and lit by an abundance of tiny glow-worms. Emerge into daylight and continue north across lush Waikato farmland to Auckland, the City of Sails. Your tour concludes on arrival and a departure transfer is included.