26 Day Ultimate New Zealand

Auckland to Auckland

Overview

DAY 1: Auckland (D)
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival you will be met and transferred* to the hotel. Tonight meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner.
Two Night Stay: Auckland

DAY 2: Auckland (B)
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day choose from - (1) Skytower tour; or (2) Kelly Tarlton’s; or (3) Auckland morning sightseeing tour; or (4) Waiheke Island Explorer tour; or (5) cruise on Auckland Harbour; or (6) Wilderness Experience; or (7) sail an America’s Cup yacht. (Must be pre-booked).

DAY 3: Auckland – Omapere (B,HD)
This morning tour the Kauri Pioneer Museum. Meet your local guides at ‘Tane Mohutu’ tree, who will entertain you before a private dinner on the beach.
Overnight Stay: Omapere

DAY 4: Omapere – Bay of Islands (B,HD)
Today visit the sub-tropical paradise of the Bay of Islands and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where in 1840 the founding document of New Zealand as a nation was signed. This afternoon cruise across the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous Hole in the Rock (weather permitting). Tonight enjoy your SCENIC FREECHOICE Dinner – choose from:  (1) Sound and Light show; (2) Waitangi River dinner cruise or (3) Local Restaurant. 
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands

Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade to the Bay of Islands Lodge. Additional expense, must be pre-booked.

DAY 5: Bay of Islands (B)
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day choose from - (1) On the Edge sailing; or (2) Russell and Pompallier Tour; or (3) Cape Reinga; or (4) swim with the dolphins; or (5) 18 holes of golf; or (6) fishing in the bay; or (7) Perfect Day Cruise; or (8) Darryl’s Lunch Cruise.

DAY 6: Bay of Islands – Auckland (B,HD)
Today, travel to Whangarei and enjoy some free time to explore before returning to Auckland. Tonight enjoy your SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining – choose from: (1) Stylish Italian gourmet cuisine in Barolo Restaurant; or (2) A sumptuous buffet in the SBF Brasserie.
Overnight Stay: Auckland

DAY 7: Auckland – Rotorua (B,HL)
This morning travel to Mount Eden, then journey south to Matamata. Visit Longlands Homestead, a working farm, for a delicious home cooked roast lamb lunch. Afterwards, visit Whakarewarewa Village for a fascinating insight into life in a geothermal village. See the Pohutu Geyser, which shoots boiling water up to 30 meters into the air.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua

Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade to Hamurana Country Estate or Treetops Lodge & Estate. Additional expense, must be pre-booked.

DAY 8: Rotorua (B,HD)
SCENIC FREECHOICE – choose from: (1) Agrodome Sheep Shearing and Farm Dog Show; (2) An amphibious duck tour of Rotorua and the lakes; (3) Relax in the thermal pools at the Polynesian Day Spa; (4) Take a thrilling 4WD safari adventure; (5) Visit the Buried Village; (6) Explore Rotorua Museum; (7) Visit Rainbow Springs and see the rare Kiwi; or (8) Tour Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Craft Institute. SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining – choose from: (1) Tamaki Village Hangi and Cultural Show; (2) Experience Stonegrill cuisine in a local restaurant; or (3) A gourmet buffet dinner at The Atlas Café and Restaurant.

DAY 9: Rotorua – Napier (B,HD)
Travel through the Wairakei steam valley to see Huka Falls and visit Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier and enjoy some free time to explore this quaint Art Deco town. Late afternoon visit Craggy Range Winery and watch the winemakers in action. Enjoy a private wine tasting and delicious dinner in the Winery’s restaurant.
Overnight Stay: Napier

DAY 10: Napier – Wellington (B,D)
Travel to Wellington and tour the Te Papa Museum.
Overnight Stay: Wellington

DAY 11: Wellington – Christchurch (B,D)
Board the InterIslander ferry and cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Onboard Scenic Tours Guests have access to the Kaitaki Premier Plus luxury lounge with continuous hot and cold snacks, complimentary tea, coffee, soft drinks, beer and wine and internet access. Continue to Christchurch, including a short stop at the Kaikoura seal colony.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch

DAY 12: Christchurch – Franz Josef (B,HD)
Today’s touring takes you on an unforgettable journey through the magnificent Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine railway. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel to Hokitika to see skilled craftsmen carving Pounama (jade) into jewellery and other artefacts. Stop and view the awesome Franz Josef Glacier, a stunning landscape hewn by ice and a living remnant of the last Ice Age. Settle into your luxury accommodation in the charming village of Franz Joseph before tonight’s highlight dinner, a five course gourmet menu, created from fresh local produce.
Overnight Stay: Franz Josef

DAY 13: Franz Josef – Queenstown (B)
A highlight today is an exhilarating jet boat ride on the mighty Haast River in Mount Aspiring National Park. Visit Lake Wanaka before arriving in Queenstown.
Three Night Stay: Queenstown

Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade to Evergreen Lodge. Additional expense, must be pre-booked.

DAY 14: Queenstown (B,HD)
SCENIC FREECHOICE – choose from: (1) An indulgent therapeutic massage; (2) A tour of local country gardens; (3) A guided walk through Mount Aspiring National Park; (4) A local winery tour including lunch; (5) Jet boat the Shotover Canyon; (6) See the beautiful scenery of the Southern Lakes on a 4WD tour; or (7) Guided tour to historic Skippers Canyon. SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining – choose from:  (1) Cruise Lake Wakatipu onboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship and visit Walter Peak Station for dinner; (2) Ride the Gondola to the Skyline Restaurant and enjoy dinner with spectacular views of Queenstown; or (3) An intimate dinner at Lombardis restaurant.

DAY 15: Queenstown (B)
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is recognised as New Zealand’s premier visitor destination. Today you have an extra day to explore at your own pace.

DAY 16: Queenstown – Te Anau (B,D)
Experience an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound, in the heart of the Fiordland National Park. Tonight stay in the village of Te Anau and enjoy a delicious four course a la carte dinner. 
Overnight Stay: Te Anau

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise: Opportunity to stay overnight on Milford Sound. Additional expense, must be pre-booked.

DAY 17: Te Anau – Dunedin (B,D)
Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the Glowworm Caves. Continue to Dunedin, a University city of Scottish heritage and New Zealand’s oldest city.
Overnight Stay: Dunedin

Dunedin Home Stay: Opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of a local family during an overnight Home Stay. Home Stays are included at no extra cost but must be pre-booked.

DAY 18: Dunedin – Lake Tekapo (B,D)
Take a Dunedin city sights tour before heading north to the Moeraki Boulders, then stop to view Mount Cook (subject to weather).
Overnight Stay: Lake Tekapo

DAY 19: Lake Tekapo – Christchurch (B,HD)
Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd.  Tonight board the historic Christchurch tram for drinks and canapés, followed by a private dinner.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch

DAY 20: Christchurch – Hanmer Springs (B,D)
SCENIC FREECHOICE – choose from: (1) Punt the Avon River; (2) Guided bicycle tour; (3) Tram sightseeing pass; (4) Visit the Antarctic Center; or (5) Botanical Gardens tour onboard the electric Caterpillar shuttle. This afternoon travel to Hanmer Springs and relax at the Thermal Reserve.
Overnight Stay: Hanmer Springs

DAY 21: Hanmer Springs – Nelson (B,D)
Today cruise the Abel Tasman National Park. Continue to Nelson.
Two Night Stay: Nelson

DAY 22: Nelson (B)
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day choose from - (1) World of Wearable Arts & Collectable Cars museum tour; (2) ‘Explore the Plains’ Wine Tour; or (3) Nelson City Walking Tour.

DAY 23: Nelson – Wellington (B,D)
This morning cruise to Wellington. The afternoon is free to explore.
Overnight Stay: Wellington

DAY 24: Wellington – Mount Ruapehu (B,HD)
Today is a highlight as you head north to the Tongariro World Heritage National Park. Enjoy high tea in the Chateau before a highlight dinner in the elegant Ruapehu Restaurant. 
Overnight Stay: Mount Ruapehu

DAY 25: Mt Ruapehu – Auckland (B,D)
Tour Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland then continue north to Auckland. Tonight enjoy your farewell dinner with new found friends.
Overnight Stay: Auckland

DAY 26: Auckland – Tour Ends (B)

Tour concludes this morning and you will be transferred* to the airport for your onward flight.

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