Royal New Zealand

18 Days/17 Nights
Gateway: Auckland - Christchurch
Call for 2009 Prices

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Day 1: Arrive in Auckland

Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions: choose from the Skytower, the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere; visit Kelly Tarlton’s underwater world; Auckland morning sightseeing tour; cruise on Auckland Harbour including morning tea; walk through the Waitakere Rainforest; sail on an authentic America’s Cup yacht. Must be pre-booked.
Accommodation: 1 night in Auckland

Day 2: Auckland / Bay of Islands

This morning we head north along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe. Visit the Kauri Pioneer Museum and then continue on to the Waipoua Forest and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade to 2 nights at Bay of Islands Lodge. Must be pre-booked, surcharge applies.
Accommodation: 2 nights in the Bay of Islands

Day 3: Bay of Islands

Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions: choose from On the Edge, the ultimate day sail in the bay; cruise and tour historic Russell and Pompallier; full day tour to Cape Reinga; cruise and swim with the dolphins; play 18 holes of golf at Waitangi Golf Club; try your hand at fishing in the bay

Day 4: ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise / Auckland

This morning cruise through the scenic waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ (weather permitting). This afternoon return to Auckland.
Accommodation: 1 night in Auckland

Day 5: Longlands Homestead / Rotorua

Journey to the top of Mt Eden then travel south to Goldfields Railway. Tour a working dairy farm followed by a delicious roast lamb lunch. Visit Whakarewarewa Forest for a relaxing stroll through the towering Redwoods before continuing on to Rotorua. Tonight get a taste of Maori life at the ‘Realm of Tane’ cultural performance and Hangi feast. Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade to 2 nights at Hamurana Country Estate or Treetops Lodge & Estate. Must be pre-booked, surcharge applies.
Accommodation: 2 nights in Rotorua

Day 6: Rotorua

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions: choose from the Agrodome sheep shearing and farm dog show; explore Rotorua’s city and lakes; relax in the geothermal mineral pools of the Polynesian Spa; take a thrilling 4WD Safari adventure; visit the Buried Village; enjoy trout fishing; visit Rotorua Museum.

Day 7: Napier / Winery Dinner

Visit Huka Falls, Wairakei Steam Valley and Lake Taupo. Continue on to the coastal township of Napier for a guided walk around the city. Tonight enjoy wine tasting and dinner at Church Road Winery.
Accommodation: 1 night in Napier

Day 8: Napier / Wellington

Depart for Wellington where you will enjoy a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.
Accommodation: 1 night in Wellington

Day 9: Marlborough Sounds / Christchurch

Board the InterIslander Ferry for a cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to New Zealand’s south island.
Accommodation: 1 night in Christchurch

Day 10: TranzAlpine / Franz Josef Glacier

Today’s touring takes us on an unforgettable journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine. Continue on by coach to Hokitika and then stop and view the awesome Franz Josef Glacier.
Accommodation: 1 night at the Franz Josef Glacier

Day 11: Franz Josef / Queenstown

Enjoy a day of beautiful scenery as we travel to Queenstown. Scenic FreeChoice Dining: choose from cruising Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw and then dine at Walter Peak Station; ride the gondola up to Skyline Restaurant and dine with views; enjoy a relaxing a-la-carte dinner at Lombardis Restaurant. Luxury Lodge Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade to 3 nights at Evergreen Lodge. Must be pre-booked, surcharge applies.
Accommodation: 3 nights in Queenstown

Day 12: Dart Wilderness Adventure

This morning travel to Glenorchy for your exclusive Stockman’s breakfast, then board your jet boat for an unforgettable trip up the Dart River. Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions: choose from a therapeutic massage or foot revival; tour local country gardens including morning tea; take a guided walk through Mt Aspiring National Park; enjoy a guided tour of local wineries with lunch; take an exhilarating ride on a jet boat; see the beautiful Southern Lakes region on a 4WD tour; discover the secrets of bungy jumping followed by lunch or a bungy jump; enjoy a guided tour to historic Skippers Canyon

Day 13: Queenstown Free Day

Today is free to explore at your own pace.

Day 14: Milford Sound / Te Anau

Enjoy scenic splendour today as we travel through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park for a cruise on Milford Sound. Milford Sound Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade and overnight on spectacular Milford Sound. Must be pre-booked, surcharge applies. Accommodation: 1 night in Te Anau

Day 15: Te Anau / Dunedin

Enjoy a cruise across Lake Te Anau to the Glowworm Caves. Continue on to Dunedin. Home Stay: Opportunity to experience the warmth of the local people during an overnight ‘Home Stay’ (included in tour at no extra cost, must be pre-booked).
Accommodation: 1 night in Dunedin

Day 16: Dunedin / Twizel

This morning enjoy a city tour of Dunedin, then head north to Twizel, stopping at the Moeraki Boulders.
Accommodation: 1 night in Twizel

Day 17: Mt Cook / Lake Tekapo / Christchurch

Travel to Mt Cook National Park to view Mt Cook (subject to weather). Continue to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. A tour highlight is tonight’s farewell dinner. Begin aboard the historic Christchurch Tram for Cocktail Hour then continue dining at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: 1 night in Christchurch

Day 18: Christchurch

Scenic FreeChoice Inclusions: choose from a punting trip along the Avon River; a guided bike tour; explore the city at leisure with a historic tram sightseeing pass; visit a local garden. Tour concludes early evening, transfer to the airport for your homeward flight (please book flights 6.00pm onwards. Own expense, pre-book with Travel Agent)