Exploring New Zealand (19 Days) 

     Today you board your flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime. En route to New Zealand, you cross the International Dateline, losing a full day.

     Your tour begins today in the "City of Sails" Auckland, New Zealand. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. (D)

     This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Auckland including America's Cup Village, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, spectacular views from the top of Mt. Eden (a dormant volcano), a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Tamaki waterfront and Waitemata Harbour. Later, travel north to the Bay of Islands. (B,D)

     Begin your day with a cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock and view Cape Brett Lighthouse. This afternoon, visit the Waitangi Treaty House and enjoy the remainder of your day exploring on your own. (B)

     Depart for the center of Maori civilization and home to numerous geothermal springs, the city of Rotorua. Tonight, enjoy a home stay and dinner with one of New Zealand's families. This is a great way to meet the Kiwis and perhaps make a lifelong friend. (B,D)

     Begin the day at the impressive Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. You'll see amazing geysers, hot springs, hot mud pools and the Kiwi bird! See craftsmen at work in a typical Maori village, and take part in an interactive demonstration about the Maori dress and weaving process. Enjoy a sheepshearing demonstration at the Agrodome, and meet jade carvers at a local jade factory. Tonight, receive a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal followed by songs, dances, and many other festivities. (B,D)

     Travel south through the rolling countryside of the North Island to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. (B)

     Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington viewing the Beehive, New Zealand's Parliament, historic St. Paul's Church, and the government building, the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour, you visit the national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongawera Museum. (B)

     Travel by ferry to Picton, on New Zealand’s South Island, and experience the beauty of the eastern coastline. Enjoy a visit to a local winery where a guided tour gives you an inside look at what makes the Marlborough region one of the world's best for wine production. Then, head further south to the picturesque city of Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, this charming city is considered “the most English city outside of England.” A sightseeing tour features the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, the downtown park district, and stunning Victorian-style buildings. (B)

     Board the majestic Tranz Alpine train this morning to journey into the heart of New Zealand's South Island. Marvel at the rugged snowcapped peaks and deep river gorges as you wind your way to New Zealand’s spectacular west coast on this fantastic cross-country voyage. Arrive in the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier Region this evening. (B, D)

     Enjoy a picture stop of the famous Franz Josef glacier before leaving the South Island's lush west coast. Take in the stunning scenery as you pass through rain forest surrounded by the Southern Alps and travel the twisting coastline. This is a land of one lane bridges, green glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls and dramatic landscape changes. After crossing the Haast Pass, arrive in Queenstown, one of New Zealand's prettiest towns. Dinner is included at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains, and Lake Wakatipu. (B,D)

     Spend the day at leisure in this charming South Island town. Or, experience the optional "Safari of the Rings" adventure traveling into the spectacular landscape. (B)

     Travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a leisurely cruise of this spectacular fjord and experience the breathtaking surroundings. Overnight on the southern shores of Lake Te Anau. (B,L,D)

     Journey through the scenic, unspoiled countryside of southern New Zealand before arriving in Dunedin, "The Edinburgh of the South." This afternoon, visit the Royal Albatross Center, the only mainland colony of albatross in the world. For centuries the albatross has been a creature of reverence and superstition, regularly circumnavigating the globe, sometimes aloft for days on end. (B,D)

     A morning tour of this lovely city will feature some of the best-preserved sites of Edwardian Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. View Olveston Manor and the beautiful university campus. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)

     Board your coach this morning and journey further into the countryside, arriving at Mt. Cook National Park. Explore this marvelous land with a nature walk or an optional flightseeing tour, weather permitting, with close-up views of Mt. Cook and the glaciers. (B,D)

     Travel back to Christchurch this morning. The day is yours to explore this quaint city: stroll through the gardens, wander through the shops or simply relax. Tonight, celebrate the end of your tour as you dine in a restored mansion which was once the homestead of the first family to settle in Christchurch. (B,D)

     Your tour ends today in Christchurch. (B)