15 Day New Zealand Mosaic

Auckland to Christchurch

Overview

DAY 1: Arrive Auckland
“Haere Mai” (welcome) to New Zealand! You will be met upon arrival and transferred* to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city of sails or you may choose to pre-purchase one of the extra sightseeing activities to enhance your Auckland experience.
Overnight Stay:Auckland

DAY 2: Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tour – Rotorua (B,HL)
This morning journey to the top of Mt Eden for spectacular views of the city of Auckland. We then head south through some of New Zealand’s most fertile farmland to the township of Matamata, see the remnants of the original Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings movie, experience an authentic sheep and dairy farm, and indulge in a traditional kiwi barbeque lunch. Arrive in Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua

DAY 3: Gondola Ride – Rainbow Springs – Thermal Reserve (HB,HD)
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Skyrides Restaurant where we indulge in a champagne buffet breakfast whilst enjoying spectacular views of the lakes and countryside. Visit Rainbow Springs Wildlife Park, a native wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout, and Kiwi Encounter, dedicated to the conservation of the National Kiwi bird. Enjoy a guided tour of the Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. See the mud pools, thermal valley and the Pohutu Geyser which explodes from the ground shooting boiling water up to 30 metres into the air. This afternoon is at leisure giving you time to either soak in the thermal hot springs or explore more of Rotorua (a range of exclusive activities can be pre-purchased). Tonight we journey out to Tamaki Maori Village to experience the “Journey of Ages”. You will be welcomed by a Maori Warrior and then entertained with a traditional Maori cultural performance including the ‘Haka’, followed by a sumptuous Hangi feast.

DAY 4: Huka Falls – Wellington (B)
Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway before arriving at the geothermal power station at the Wairakei Steam Valley. Then it’s on to see spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo where some free time is available to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. This afternoon travel via the Tongariro National Park and see the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. Finally we arrive at our destination, Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. On arrival enjoy a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum. This evening is at leisure for you to explore Wellington.
Overnight Stay: Wellington

DAY 5: Marlborough Sounds – TranzCoastal Train (B,D)
Cruise through the picturesque Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds to the south island. On arrival in Picton board the TranzCoastal train for one of New Zealand’s most spectacular coastal journeys! Hugging the KaikouraCoast, the train passes scenic vineyards, salt mountains and river valleys – a visual feast.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch

DAY 6: TranzAlpine Rail – Franz Josef & Fox Glacier (B,D)
Today’s touring takes you for an unforgettable journey across spectacular river gorges and through the magnificent Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine, rated as one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. From your carriage see the fields and farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and follow the gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River into the Southern Alps. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and continue on to Hokitika to see skilled craftsmen carving Pounamo (Jade). It’s then on to view the awesome Franz Josef Glacier. Opportunity to experience a scenic helicopter flight with snow landing (own expense and weather permitting).
Overnight Stay: Fox Glacier

DAY 7: Arrowtown – Queenstown (B,D)
Travel to Haast Pass, view the spectacular Thunder Creek Falls and travel to the small mountain town of Wanaka. Visit popular Arrowtown, a quaint and historic gold mining town. Continue on to picturesque Queenstown and your hotel overlooking beautiful Lake Wakatipu.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown

DAY 8: Queenstown at leisure (B,HD)
Today is free to explore at your own pace. Your Tour Director will assist with suggestions arrangements (a range of exclusive activities can be pre-purchased). This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax, as you are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine and a wine tasting. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

DAY 9: Milford Sound Cruise – Te Anau (B,D)
Today travel through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will experience an unforgettable cruise. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak. Return to the lakeside town of Te Anau.
Overnight Stay: Te Anau

DAY 10: Glowworm Caves – Larnach Castle (B,D)
Cruise across spectacular Lake Te Anau for an excursion to the Glowworm Caves. Journey to Dunedin, a university city of Scottish heritage and New Zealand’s oldest city. On arrival enjoy an informative city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Tonight experience a Scottish evening with a special Haggis Ceremony including a souvenir keepsake.
Two Night Stay: Dunedin

DAY 11: Dunedin at Leisure (B)
Today is free to explore at your own pace. Your Tour Director will assist with suggestions arrangements (a range of exclusive activities can be pre-purchased).

DAY 12: Seasider Train – Moeraki Boulders (B,D)
This morning we will take a spectacular train journey from the historic Railway Station in Dunedin on the Seasider train. The Seasider travels high on the cliffs of coastal Otago giving you stunning views of the sea and is one of the “must do” train trips in New Zealand. Our coach meets us in Palmerston where we continue on to the intriguing Moeraki Boulders, before following the Waitaki River to Omarama.
Overnight Stay: Omarama

DAY 13: Mt Cook – Lake Tekapo – Christchurch (B)
Pass picturesque Lake Pukaki, then stop and view Mt Cook (weather permitting). Continue on to visit the picturesque glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, where you will see the Church of the Good Shepherd. This tiny church was built in 1935 from locally gathered stone and oack. Today’s touring ends in Christchurch with a brief sightseeing tour.
Two Night Stay: Christchurch

DAY 14: Christchurch at Leisure (B,HD)
Today is free to enjoy this beautiful city. Your Tour Director will assist with any arrangements (a range of exclusive activities can be pre-purchased). Tonight we journey out to Tamaki Heritage Village where you will be treated to a special farewell dinner with your Tour Director and new found friends.

DAY 15: Depart Christchurch (B)
After breakfast transfer* to the airport for your flight home (flight at own expense, please pre-book with Travel Agent). It’s “haere ra” (goodbye) to New Zealand.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.