Instead of returning to the UK, you will fly from Australia to Auckland at the end of your chosen tour and join our 16-day New Zealand itinerary on Day 3. You return to Australia on Day 15 from Christchurch, and connect with your flight to London.
DAY 3 - Auckland
Arrive in Auckland on the morning of Day 3. Rest of the day at leisure. You will stay here for two nights. The North Island was shaped originally by the fire of volcanoes. Today you’ll find a subtropical climate, thermal springs and geysers, rich farmland, glorious national parks, luxuriant forests and stunning lakes.
DAY 4 - Auckland
This morning a sightseeing tour of Auckland is included. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the 'City of Sails'.
DAY 5 - Rotorua
Morning departure for Rotorua. Your journey will take you south through Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori Queen and Hamilton to the world-famous Waitomo Caves. Here we have included a guided tour. Continue to Rotorua, the focal point of New Zealand’s thermal springs region. Accommodation has been arranged here for two nights.
DAY 6 - Rotorua
Morning included visit to Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to view the extraordinary boiling mud pools and spouting geysers. Optional afternoon excursion to the Agrodome to see a display of working sheep dogs and a visit to Rainbow Springs to view the rare Kiwi Bird. During the evening there will be an opportunity to visit a Maori Hangi and concert.
DAY 7 - Wellington
Depart Rotorua and travel south through the Wairakei Valley and then past the spectacular Huka Falls to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake. You will then continue to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. On arrival you will be taken on a city tour. Overnight accommodation has been arranged.
DAY 8 - Christchurch
Today you will sail from the North Island to the South Island. The crossing takes approximately three hours and sails through the picturesque Cook Strait to Picton. Here you will board the coach for your drive south along the Kaikoura Coast to the famous city of Christchurch for an overnight stay. The beguiling South Island is a complete contrast to the North. It’s a land of mountains, glaciers and spectacular fjords. Its sparse population of just one million people shares the island with 60 million sheep! Here amongst the grandeur of the snow-capped peaks, still fjords and rugged coastline you’ll find a welcome and generosity towards strangers reminiscent of a bygone era at home in Britain.
DAY 9 - Omarama
Christchurch is known as the most English city outside England with its olde worlde charm, leafy parks and flower gardens. Morning sightseeing tour of Christchurch before continuing into the heart of the South Island. You will see Lake Tekapo, travel across Burkes Pass and then past Lake Pukaki before arriving at Mount Cook. At 12,000ft it is the highest mountain in New Zealand. You will also have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight before continuing to Omarama for an overnight stop.
DAY 10 - Queenstown
Depart Omarama and travel through the Lindus Pass to the lakeside resort of Wanaka. Then continue to the historic township of Arrowtown, before arriving in Queenstown. Here two nights' accommodation has been arranged for you.
DAY 11 - Queenstown
Join our exciting full day optional excursion to Milford Sound, one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand. The tour takes you to Te Anau, the gateway to Fjordland National Park. You then continue through the lush beech forests of the Eglinton Valley and the eroded glacial canyons of the Hollyford Valley, before arriving at Milford Sound itself. There will be an included cruise (weather permitting) on the sound before returning by coach to Queenstown.
DAY 12 - Fox Glacier
Depart Queenstown and drive to the west coast and then along one of the most exciting and scenic roads ever built. You cross the Haast River Bridge and Clark Bluff to the renowned Fox Glacier before transferring to the hotel for an overnight stop.
DAY 13 - Christchurch
Return to Christchurch via Arthur’s Pass National Park. You also have the option to take the Tranz-Alpine express train, one of the most spectacular train journeys in New Zealand. On arrival in Christchurch transfer to your hotel for a two night stay.
DAY 14 - Christchurch
Today will be free for you to explore Christchurch.
DAY 15 - Christchurch
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
DAY 16 - UK
Arrival in the UK.