State: New Zealand
Operator: Adventure Express
Minimum Price: AUD $ 3,120

Best of New Zealand, see the north & south island including Bay of Islands, Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound & more

Highlights:

• Visit the beautiful Bay of Islands
• See the sights of Auckland
• Cruise through the famous 'Hole in the Rock'
• Tour the Glow-worm Grotto at the Waitomo Caves
• Enjoy a Hangi Feast and Concert
• Discover Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
• Visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum
• Stay in beautiful Christchurch
• See the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
• Enjoy sightseeing in Dunedin
• Cruise on Milford Sound
• Day at leisure in Queenstown
• Visit historic Arrowtown
• Stay in spectacular Fox Glacier
• See the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes
• Opportunity to journey on the TranzAlpine train

Itinerary:

Day 1 Sat: Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm). Afternoon at leisure. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink. Accommodation: Mercure Hotel, Auckland.

Day 2 Sun: Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland and travel north along the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands.
On arrival visit the Waitangi Treaty Reserve where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore.
Accommodation: Hotel Paihia, Bay of Islands, 2 nights. (B)

Day 3 Mon: Bay of Islands
Enjoy a full day at leisure in the Bay of Islands today. (B)

Day 4 Tue: Auckland
This morning join a catamaran cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett. Weather permitting, travel through the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. This afternoon return to Auckland, the 'City of Sails'.
Accommodation: Mercure Hotel, Auckland. (B)

Day 5 Wed: Waitomo Caves
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Auckland, then journey south through the Waikato district to Waitomo. At the Waitomo Caves join a guided tour and boat ride of the incredible Glow-worm Grotto. This afternoon travel to Rotorua.
Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter and gain an insight into traditional Maori culture and entertainment, plus a delicious buffet dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Ibis, Rotorua, 2 nights. (B) (HD)

Day 6 Thu: Rotorua
Enjoy a guided tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Opportunity to visit Paradise Valley Springs and the Sheep Show at the Agrodome.
Tonight you have the opportunity to experience a special evening of entertainment presenting The Realm of Tãne, an extraordinary journey through Maori culture, mythology and

Day 7 Fri: Wellington
This morning depart Rotorua, travelling south to Wairakei and on to Taupo, in the very heart of the North Island. Stop to view mighty Huka Falls before following the eastern shoreline of Lake Taupo. Continue through rich dairy farming lands into the capital city Wellington.
Accommodation: Mercure Willis Street, Wellington. (B)

Day 8 Sat: Picton
Enjoy a tour around Wellington.
Free time to visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum. This afternoon join the inter-island cruise across Cook Strait and into the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, before arriving at the pretty fishing village of Picton on the South Island.
Accommodation: Beachcomber, Picton. (B)

Day 9 Sun: Picton/Christchurch
Travel along the rugged coast to Kaikoura, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional whale watching flight. This afternoon continue to the beautiful city Christchurch.
Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch. (B)

Day 10 Mon: Mt. Cook
Travel over the colourful, patchwork plains of Canterbury. Visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue past Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Time to take an optional scenic flight over this mighty mountain (weather permitting).
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama. (B)

Day 11 Tue: Dunedin
Follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore. Travel through Oamaru which is famous for its white stone buildings made of limestone.Continue south to Dunedin, founded by Scottish settlers.
Accommodation: Saville International Hotel, Dunedin. (B)

Day 12 Wed: Dunedin
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Dunedin and the opportunity to visit Larnach Castle. Travel south through Balclutha and the farming town of Gore. Cross the rich fertile country of South Otago and continue to Te Anau.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau. (B)

Day 13 Thu: Milford Sound
Travel south towards Fiordland, and through the Homer Tunnel. Stop briefly at the Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on the waters of this natural wonder, with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above you. Continue to Queenstown.
Accommodation: Aspen Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights. (B)

Day 14 Fri: Queenstown
A day at leisure for you to enjoy the many scenic delights of New Zealand's adventure capital. Perhaps take an optional jet boat ride or go white water rafting. This evening you have the opportunity to ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak for a delicious buffet dinner.
Then later you may experience the Kiwi Haka. (B)

Day 15 Sat: Queenstown/Fox Glacier
Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colourful township steeped in local history. Follow the course of the fast flowing Kawarau River through the Kawarau Gorge. Travel over the Haast Pass, which winds its way through Mount Aspiring National Park. Continue north along the coastal road to Fox Glacier.
Accommodation: Fox Glacier Hotel, Fox Glacier. (B)

Day 16 Sun: Punakaiki/ Christchurch
This morning you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). This afternoon continue north along the rugged coast to Punakaiki and see the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Accommodation: The Elms Hotel, Christchurch. (B)

Day 17 Mon: Depart Christchurch
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to connect with your flight (flights to depart anytime). (B)

What's Included?

• Rooms with private facilities in quality hotels, on a twin share basis
• Tour by luxury coach, air-conditioned, restroom equipped, reclining seats and panoramic windows
• All purpose travel bag, wallet and touring map
• Airport transfers included
• Porterage at your tour hotels
• Experienced services of a professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
• Welcome Drink
• Full buffet breakfasts (16) (B)
• Exciting Highlight Dinner (1) (HD)
• Hotel Dinners (8) Your Choice
  

Notes:

Tour Code: HABC
Special Departure Dates: 05 May, 12 May, 16 Jun, 14 Jul, 11 Aug, 25 Aug, 08 Sep, 22 Sep ,29 Sep
Trip Duration: 17 days
Departs from: Auckland
Tour Ends: Christchurch
All Prices: $3120 per person. Savings available for Concession card holders, group bookings and children.