Our exclusive Scenic FreeChoice inclusions offer you the freedom to personalize your touring experiences to suit your individual taste. We understand that guests interests differ from one person to the next, so we give you the opportunity to individualize your vacation. Simply select the Scenic FreeChoice activity or dining experience that you would like, and we take care of the rest - it's all part of our fully inclusive touring, at no extra cost to you. You don't even have to decide everything all at once.
Your arrival destination activity must be chosen prior to travel, with all other destination choices decided on tour. You may choose one Scenic FreeChoice activity per city.
Scenic FreeChoice activities are offered when your itinerary includes Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Queenstown and Christchurch. 19 and 16 Day Grand New Zealand Rail tours (GZR/CZR) also offer Scenic FreeChoice in Dunedin and Stewart Island. 26 Day Ultimate New Zealand tours (ULI) also offer Scenic FreeChoice in Nelson.
 
Whether you want a thrilling adventure or a chance to relax, there is a Scenic FreeChoice just perfect for you. Here are some examples:
Adventure Seekers
New Zealand is a destination that offers a range of exciting activities for you to choose from.
- Why not start your adventure in the Bay of Islands with the thrill of sailing the aquamarine waters of the bay 'On the Edge' - a high performance catamaran.
- In Queenstown, experience zipping past rocky outcrops on an exhilarating jet boat ride through the Shotover Canyon.
Go Exploring
Get off the beaten track with inclusions that offer a great mix of activity and relaxation.
- Explore all the way to New Zealand's most northerly point and travel along the 90 Mile Beach on a specially equipped 4WD coach.
- Enjoy a unique sightseeing adventure by both land and water aboard an amphibious landing craft in Rotorua.
- A trip to Skippers Canyon in Queenstown offers some of the most spectacular mountain scenery anywhere in the world.
Fascinating Insights
Kick back and relax with our leisurely paced selections.
- See New Zealand's largest city from a different perspective on a morning coffee cruise of the Auckland Harbor.
- Take advantage of the unique geothermal area and unwind in a hot mineral spa overlooking Lake Rotorua.
- Be transported to a tranquil oasis on a beautifully upholstered punt as your boatman guides you through the lovely Botanic Gardens along Christchurch's Avon River.
 
Check out all your New Zealand Scenic FreeChoice activity options by clicking below:
*Scenic FreeChoice inclusions in Auckland must be pre-booked
AMERICA'S CUP
- Experience the thrill of sailing on on an authentic America's Cup yacht. You can join in the action or just sit back and enjoy.
HARBOR CRUISE
- Cruise Auckland's beautiful harbor and enjoy morning coffee while seeing the City of Sails from a different perspective.
WILDERNESS TRIP
- Visit the dense greenery of the Waitakere Ranges, followed by a stroll along the black sand beach.
WAIHEKE ISLAND
- Enjoy a scenic cruise to Waiheke Island and learn about the island's history, while viewing the hillside vineyards and sweeping sandy beaches.
KELLY TARLTONS
- Go underground on Auckland's waterfront to discover more about the Southern Ocean, including Antarctic penguins.
SKY TOWER
- Take the glass-fronted elevator to the observation deck of the highest tower in the Southern Hemisphere for breathtaking views of Waitemata Harbor and Auckland city.
DISCOVER AUCKLAND
- Visit the sights of the city including Viaduct Harbor and Mount Eden on this morning sightseeing tour.
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CAPE REINGA TOUR
- Travel to the most northerly point of New Zealand, visit the lighthouse, drive along the 90 Mile Beach and slide down the sand dunes.
SAIL 'ON THE EDGE'
- Let the wind sweep you along through the beautiful Bay of Islands 'On the Edge', a catamaran sailing vessel. Includes lunch, an island stopover and water activities.
RUSSELL AND POMPALLIER
- Cruise across the harbor to historic Russell, one of the earliest settlements in New Zealand, and visit Pompallier, a Heritage Places Trust site.
DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER
- Watch the wild dolphins antics as they play, and, weather and conditions permitting, go for a swim with them in the open waters of the bay.
GOLF
- Golf the beautiful Waitangi Golf Course, where any poor shots are more than compensated for by the panoramic sea views.
BAY FISHING
- Experience a half day of snapper fishing within the beautiful Bay of Islands, renowned for its coastline scenery.
A PERFECT DAY
- Visit the Poor Knight Islands, explore the world's largest sea cave, paddle a kayak or relax on deck. Includes lunch.
DARRYL'S LUNCH CRUISE
- Enjoy lunch in a sociable atmosphere while you cruise the calm inland waterways of Opua and Okiato.
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TE PUIA
- Tour the Te Puia Thermal Reserve, including the Maori Arts and Crafts Insitute and the geothermal valley featuring mud pools and geysers, including Pohutu.
AGRODOME
- Enjoy the best sheep show in New Zealand, including shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs, and lots of rolicking fun.
4WD SAFARI
- Get a heart pounding thrill by pairing up and driving a 4WD over a challenging off road trail through the beautiful New Zealand countryside.
POLYNESIAN DAY SPA
- Pamper yourself and de-stress with a soak in the natural therapeutic waters of the Polynesian Day Spa.
CITY AND LAKES TOUR
- Enjoy a unique sightseeing adventure aboard an amphibious landing craft, and see Rotorua sights by land and water.
KIWI ENCOUNTER
- Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park and see native plants and catch a glimpse of a live kiwi foraging for food in a simulated natural environment.
BURIED VILLAGE
- Visit the archeological site of Te Wairoa Village, buried in 1886 when the nearby Mount Tarawera erupted.
ROTORUA MUSEUM
- Learn more about the intersting history of the Rotorua area.
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SKIPPERS CANYON
- Experience a thrilling visit to the remote Skippers Canyon, a former gold mining area, featuring some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in New Zealand. Includes refreshments.
SAFARI OF THE SCENES
- Travel by 4WD to some of the diverse sites where filming of the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy took place, in the heart of New Zealand high country.
SHOTOVER JETBOAT ADVENTURE
- Whip past rocky outcrops and scream through 360 degree turns as your jetboat driver hits the accelerator along the Shotover River and deep into its canyons.
BOUTIQUE WINERIES TOUR
- Sample some local wines and learn more about the wine making process at some of Queenstown's award-winning wineries. Includes lunch.
MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK AND ROUTEBURN VALLEY
- Drive along Lake Wakatipu, then walk through beech forest to Lake Sylvan in the lower Routeburn Valley.
GARDEN TOUR
- Visit some of New Zealand's beautiful residential gardens, personally escorted by each homeowner. Includes Devonshire tea.
INDULGENCE TREATMENT
- Relax and rejuvenate with a half hour back massage or a foot revival.
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INTERNATIONAL ANTARCTIC CENTER
- Climb aboard a genuine Antarctic all-terrain vehicle, don a parka for a simulation of icy conditions, and learn more about the explorers that have conquered this frozen wasteland.
AVON RIVER PUNTING
- Sit back and relax in a custom-built beautifully upholstered punt as your boatman guides you through the scenic Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park.
CITY TRAM RIDE
- Hop on and off this beautifully restored heritage tram along an inner city loop past historic and interesting city sites.
BOTANIC GARDEN TOUR
- Discover Christchurch's impressive Botanic Gardens with a guided tour in the comfort of an electric shuttle 'caterpiller'.
GUIDED BICYCLE TOUR
- Enjoy a completely flat ride past historic buildings and through beautiful parks on a two-hour bike tour of Christchurch.
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*Dunedin Scenic FreeChoice is only available on the 19 Day and 16 Day Grand Rail tours.
YELLOW-EYED PENGUINS
- Visit the Yellow-Eyed penguins in their natural environment on a private conservation reserve on the stunning Otago Peninsula.
SPEIGHT'S BREWERY
- Be introduced to the history of beer in New Zealand and the origins of Speight's Brewery. Includes lunch at the Alehouse.
OROKONUI ECO SANCTUARY
- See local wildlife on a guided tour of this fantastic forest restoration project in progress.
LARNACH CASTLE
- Step back in time in this preserved historic home, which showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques and surrounding garden. Includes lunch.
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*Stewart Island Scenic FreeChoice is only available on the 19 Day and 16 Day Grand Rail tours.
PATERSON INLET CRUISE
- Discover Stewart Island from the water, cruise beautiful Paterson Inlet and visit Ulva Island, in internationally acclaimed open wildlife sanctuary.
UNDERWATER EXPLORER CRUISE
- Plunge under the waters of sheltered Halfmoon Bay in a semi-submersible, where your nature guide will point out the varied species that thrive in the Bay.
VILLAGE AND BAYS TOUR
- Explore Oban and the surrounding bays on a guided mini-bus tour, where local guides will share their knowledge of the history and environment of Stewart Island.
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**Nelson Scenic FreeChoice is only available on the 26 Day Ultimate tour.
'EXPLORE THE PLAINS' WINE TOUR
- Savor a variety of wines and gourmet goodies on your tour of five vineyards. Includes all wine tastings and refreshments.
NELSON CITY WALKING TOUR
- Walk along the Maitai River and through parts of historic Nelson with your local guide.
WORLD OF WEARABLE ART AND COLLECTABLE CARS
- Gaze in wonder at the unique art garments paired with collectable cars at this one of a kind attraction.
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Scenic FreeChoice Dining
In the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Rotorua and Queenstown, we feature Scenic FreeChoice Dining options that give you the freedom to personalize your dining experience. There is something to tempt every taste and palate.
- Immerse yourself in the Maori culture by participating in a traditional Maori Hangi feast at the Tamaki Village in Rotorua.
- In Queenstown, sail across beautiful Lake Wakatipu onboard the beautifully restored TSS Earnslaw Steamship and enjoy dining at Walter Peak Sheep Station.
Check out all your New Zealand Scenic FreeChoice Dining options by clicking below:
SBF BRASSERIE
- SBF Brasserie is Auckland's most sumptuous buffet, with something to ignite your senses and inspire your palate.
BAROLO RESTAURANT*
- Barolo serves fine Italian cuisine using the freshest local ingredients including home grown truffles.
*Limited availability applies.
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BUFFET DINNER AND SOUND & LIGHT SHOW
- Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the Copthorne's Waitangi restaurant before enjoying a dramatic live musical performance that evokes New Zealand's past and explores its future.
WAITANGI RIVER CRUISE
- Take a scenic cruise down the Waitangi River to Haruru Falls.
LOCAL RESTAURANT
- Sample some of the Bay's fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
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TAMAKI VILLAGE SHOW AND HANGI
- Visit the award winning Tamaki Village for a Maori cultural show before enjoying a traditional earth Hangi dinner, cooked in the earth.
ATLAS CAFE
- Dine right in the Novotel Hotel, at the Atlas Cafe, featuring a wide selection to suit every taste.
LOCAL RESTAURANT
- Enjoy fresh New Zealand cuisine cooked on a stonegrill at a fine local restaurant.
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TSS EARNSLAW AND WALTER PEAK STATION
- Relive the elegance of bygone days with a cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, followed by a carvery style buffet dinner at Walter Peak High Country Station.
SKYLINE RESTAURANT
- Soar high above Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu on your gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant, where you'll enjoy the 'Taste of New Zealand' buffet.
LOMBARDI'S RESTAURANT
- Relax at the hotel restaurant, Lombardi's, with a-la-carte dining and views of Lake Wakatipu.
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