State: New Zealand
Operator: Adventure Express
Minimum Price: AUD $ 3,600

Experience New Zealand over 17 days in a group of 18 passengers staying in 3-4 star hotels, resorts and lodges. 

Day 1 - 2 Auckland - Hokianga Harbour
Visit the Kauri & Pioneer Museum on our journey north to Hokianga Harbour. After dinner enjoy a rainforest 'Twilight Encounter' and be blown away by the experience. You'll have free time to enjoy this pristine harbour region.
(B)(D) Copothorne Hokianga Harbour

Day 3 Hokianga Harbour to Auckland
Today we travel to another pristine coastal region - the first marine reserve at Okakari Point. Here we can enjoy some time at the beach or explore one of the many coastal walks. We then head on to Auckland for our overnight stay. Your hotel is situated in the CBD and close to the Viaduct Harbour precinct.
(B) Mecure Auckland 

Day 4 Auckland to Rotorua
Rotorua never fails to enthral and excite, a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud-pools, gushing geysers and captivating culture. On arrival in Rotorua time is available to explore this fascinating city or perhaps undertake one of the many diverse activities available. This afternoon we visit Te Puia, at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute learn about weaving and wood carving techniques, then take a guided tour around the ancient geothermal park.
(B) Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua 

Day 5 Rorotua Tongariro National Park
We view Wairakei Steam Valley, where thermal energy is harnessed in the world's second largest geothermal power plant. See the spectacular Huka Falls, mouth of the mighty Waikato River and tranquil Lake Taupo. Then south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park. The three mountains at the heart of the park, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu, have cultural and religious significance for the Maori people.
(B)(D) Skotel Alpine Resort 

Day 6 National Park to Wellington
This morning we continue south across the Kapiti Coast and onwards to the nation’s capital city of Wellington. On arrival enjoy a guided tour at the fascinating Te Papa, the ‘National Museum of New Zealand’. This evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure in this cosmopolitan and vibrant city.
(B) Bay Plaza Hotel 

Day 7 - 8 Wellington to Nelson
Journey across Cook Strait through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Take a leisurely scenic journey to Nelson. Here you have free time to explore one of the most beautiful regions of New Zealand.
(Bx2)(D) Trailways Hotel

Day 9 Nelson to Punakaiki
Our journey today takes us alongside the Nelson Lakes National Park where we will take the time to explore this spectacular area. We have the opportunity to visit Lake Rotoiti or Lake Rotoroa and enjoy short walks through this region. Tonight, our overnight stay is at Punakaiki, nestled into the foothills of the Paparoa National Park. It's a magnificent ocean-front location, with spectacular views of the wild West Coast beaches.
(B)(D) Punakaiki Rocks Hotel 

Days 10 -11 Punakaiki to Fox Glacier
Take time to explore Punakaiki further before heading to Fox Glacier village. Take a dawn walk alongside the sparkling Lake Matheson and enjoy sunrise in this tranquil environment. Tackle a hike on Fox Glacier and walk amongst crevasses and ice ridges.
(Bx2)(D) Fox Glacier Inn

Day 12 - 14 Fox Glacier to Queenstown
We continue past Lake Wanaka to the adrenalin capital, Queenstown. We have the next two days here to discover this incredible alpine resort - a town for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike.
(Bx3)(D) A Line Hotel

Day 15 Queenstown & Milford Sound to Te Anau
Travel through Fiordland National Park to magnificent Milford Sound for a cruise on the Milford Mariner. You may even see dolphins, seals and penguins in their natural habitat. We then make our way to Te Anau
(B) Kingsgate Hotel 

Day 16 Te Anau to Lake Ohau
This morninig we travel to magnificent Lake Ohau. This tranquil lakeside settlement lies on the outskirts of Mt Cook National Park. Our picturesque home for the night boasts awesome views!
(B)(D) Lake Ohau Lodge  

Day 17 Lake Ohau to Christchurch
Today we travel on to Lake Punakaki for some great photo opportunities as we gaze across the lake to Mt Cook. We then travel on to Lake Tekapo for a short walk before making our way on to our final destination, Christchurch.
(B) 

What's Included?

• Explore Waipoua Forest & the ancient kauri trees
• Overnight at the foot of massive Mt Ruapehu
• Guided tour of Te Papa
• Lean about traditional Maori arts & crafts
• Cruise the length of glorious Milford Sound
• 3 nights to explore Queenstown
• Lake Matheson Dawn Walk
• Trek Fox Glacier
• Meals as indicated
• Comfortable overnight twin share accommodation 

Notes:

Special Departure Dates: Once a month from September 2007 to March 2008
Trip Duration: 17 days
Departs from: Auckland
Tour Ends: Christchurch
All Prices: $3600pp Double
$3600pp Twin
$5035pp Single