16 day New Zealand Getaway

• Discover the natural wonder of the Waitomo Caves where thousands of tiny glow worms radiate their light through the darkness
• Immerse yourself in Maori culture and warm hospitality at a traditional Hangi feast and cultural performance in Rotorua
• Uncover the spectacular waterfalls and towering mountain peaks on a fascinating cruise on Milford Sound
• Journey into Mt Cook National Park to take in the stunning vistas of Aoraki (Mt Cook), Australasia’s tallest peak
• Experience the serenity of an overnight stay on the banks of Lake Tekapo in the heart of Mackenzie Country
• Optional upgrades are available including a local country homestay and a journey on the TranzAlpine train through the Southern Alps

Day 1: Arrive Auckland On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure in beautiful Auckland. Rydges Auckland

Day 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands Travel north to the Bay of Islands, the birthplace of modern day New Zealand. Enjoy a special Welcome Dinner this evening with your Tour Director and fellow travellers. (BD) Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia (2 nights)

Day 3: Bay of Islands The Bay of Islands is home to 144 islands — a playground for lovers of anything aquatic. Enjoy a full day at leisure; perhaps relax on the beach, or explore the wilderness areas on one of the many walking tracks. (B)

Day 4: Bay of Islands – Auckland Explore New Zealand’s finest national maritime park on a dolphin-watching cruise to Cape Brett and sail through the Hole in the Rock. In the afternoon, return to Auckland and relax before dinner. (BD) Rydges Auckland

Day 5: Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua Leaving Auckland, travel to the famous Waitomo Caves to experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns, lit by thousands of tiny glow worms. In the afternoon, arrive in geo-thermal Rotorua to visit Te Puia, New Zealand’s premier cultural centre which houses the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. Tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and witness the spectacular erupting geysers and bubbling mud pools before enjoying a Maori Hangi feast with traditional music and dance. (BD) Sudima Rotorua (2 nights)

Day 6: Rotorua In the morning, enjoy breakfast before visiting one of the region’s most famous attractions, the Agrodome, where a sheep-shearing demonstrations and dog trials will entertain you. Additional optional sightseeing options include a thrilling helicopter flight over White Island, New Zealand’s most active cone volcano (own expense). Note: Country homestay option is available tonight, ask for details. (B)

Day 7: Rotorua – Taupo – Wellington Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Lake Taupo and thundering Huka Falls. Continue on to Tongariro National Park to Wellington. Enjoy an evening at leisure in New Zealand’s cafe capital. (B); Travelodge Wellington

Day 8: Wellington – Picton – Blenheim After a city sights tour this morning, before cruising across the Cook Strait through the breathtaking Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds to Picton and on to Blenheim. (BD) Quality Hotel Marlborough, Blenheim

Day 9: Blenheim – Kaikoura – Christchurch This morning, head to Kaikoura where you will take an whale watching cruise (weather permitting). Then continue your journey down the coast to Christchurch where you’ll enjoy dinner upon arrival. (BD) Quality Elms Hotel, Christchurch

Day 10: Christchurch – Fox Glacier Sit back and enjoy the vistas as you travel through the Southern Alps to Westland Tai Poutini National Park. You may also choose to upgrade your journey to the scenic TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass. Overnight in Glacier Country. (BD) Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

Day 11: Fox Glacier – Queenstown Journey through spectacular Haast Pass which borders lakes Wanaka and Hawea before arriving into the alpine adventure capital of Queenstown. Renowned for its world-class food scene and nightlife, you may like to indulge in a meal at one of the many restaurants in the town centre during your evening at leisure. (B) Copthorne Hotel And Apartments Queenstown Lakeview (2 nights)

Day 12: Queenstown With an entire day to spend as you please, you have the freedom to relax or select from a large range of exciting optional experiences. Perhaps cruise Lake Wakatipu on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station, or take a scenic gondola ride to the summit of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains (all experiences at own expense). A tour to some of the award-winning gourmet wineries in Central Otago region is also highly recommended for those looking to indulge their palate. (B)

Day 13: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau Enter Fiordland National Park along the Milford Road before joining a cruise on the iconic Milford Sound with magnificent views of the cascading waterfalls, rainforest and surrounding mountains. Afterwards, continue on to your hotel in Te Anau to enjoy dinner. (BD) Kingsgate Hotel Te Anau

Day 14: Te Anau – Dunedin Travel through rolling countryside to Dunedin to visit Larnach Castle, where a guided tour will uncover the historical scandal and tragedy of New Zealand’s only castle. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure before dinner this evening. (BD) Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Day 15: Dunedin – Mt Cook – Lake Tekapo Visit the intriguing Moeraki Boulders en route to Mt Cook National Park for inspiring views of Aoraki (Mt Cook), New Zealand’s tallest peak. Later, at your hotel on the shores of Lake Tekapo, enjoy a memorable Farewell Dinner with your new friends. (BD) Peppers Bluewater Resort

Day 16: Lake Tekapo – Christchurch Stop off at the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd before travelling on to Christchurch where your tour ends on arrival. (B)