New Zealand Highlighter (13 Days) 

     This morning we leave Christchurch and travel across the Canterbury Plains, heading for the High Country. Stop at the beautiful glacier-fed lake of Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935 of locally gathered stone and oak. We then enter Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage-listed area and home to Australasia’s highest mountain, Mt Cook at 3763 metres. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight over this awe-inspiring alpine region (weather permitting, own expense) and land on the mighty Tasman Glacier.
Stay: Mt Cook, The Hermitage. (D)

     Travel past the hydro-electric lakes of Benmore and Aviemore and through the Waitaki Valley before reaching Oamaru, renowned for its limestone buildings. Travelling south we stop to view the unusual Moeraki Beach with its 60 million year old boulders. Arrive in Dunedin, a city influenced by the Scottish and renowned as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it. Perhaps a tour of Speights Brewery and Heritage Centre where they brew the popular Speights ale. Journey to the Otago Peninsula to visit the Royal Albatross Colony or a visit to Penguin Place to see the rare yellow-eyed penguins the “Hoiho”, or maybe a visit of New Zealands only castle “Larnach Castle” for a tour of the castle and stroll around the beautiful gardens. The choice is yours!
Stay: Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel. (B,D)

     Departing Dunedin we travel across the South Island through small farming communities and the townships of Balclutha and Gore before reaching Te Anau. Gateway to the Firodland National Park, Te Anau is a picturesque town on the shore of Lake Te Anau, which was formed by a huge glacier and has several arms that penetrate into the mountainous forested shore.
Stay: Te Anau, Village Inn (B,D)

     This morning we travel through the stunning mountain scenery of World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park. Pass through the scenic Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel to emerge into magnificent Milford Sound. Your cruise today takes you past spectacular sheer cliffs and the grandeur of mile-high Mitre Peak, viewing a multitude of waterfalls. Perhaps even see dolphins, seals and penguins in their natural habitat. We then continue onto Queenstown where tonight enjoy your Dine Around Dinner in Queenstown, where you get to choose from one of four restaurants and we will include it! Perhaps enjoy a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak to enjoy a carvery dinner at the Colonels homestead or ride the Queenstown Gondola to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner and spectacular views over Queenstown. A quiet night may appeal, perhaps dining at your hotel or a local restaurant.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Novotel Gardens Hotel. (B,D)

     Queenstown is an exhilarating, year-round, alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure- seekers alike. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps, the town was named because "...it was fit for a Queen”.Today we have a selection of activities for you to choose from and we will include it! Perhaps a Queenstown “Double Decker Explorer” tour, an “Original Wine Tour” of some of the local and award winning wineries, an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Shotover river or a relaxing garden tour might be for you. How about the “Safari of the Scenes” tours or an adventure into Skippers Canyon by 4WD might appeal or a leisurely walk around Lake Wakatipu on a “Lakeshore Forest and Bird Walk”, the choice is yours! (B)

     Today our journey takes us along the picturesque shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka to Mount Aspiring National Park. We traverse Haast Pass and join a Haast River Safari jetboat tour. This interpretive experience allows a close up encounter with this untouched landscape. On rejoining our coach we enter World Heritage-listed Westland National Park. See spectacular mountain ranges, untouched native forests, lakes, rivers and glaciers. There is time available for an optional scenic flight over the breathtaking glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef (own expense, weather permitting).
Stay: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel. (B,D)

     Travel north along the west coast to Hokitika, where you will have the opportunity to visit a glass blowing factory and see beautiful native Pounamu (jade) jewellery and artefacts. We then continue onto Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine Train for a journey that has been voted one of the top train journeys in the world. Sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery as the train journeys through gorges, river valleys and across the Southern Alps. The train then climbs into the Main Divide before crossing the vast farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch.
Stay: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel. (B,D)

     Today we cross rolling farmland of the North Canterbury Plains to the rugged Kaikoura coastline. Visit Kaikoura which is famous for its whale, seal and dolphin watching. We then journey between the mountains and Pacific Ocean viewing spectacular seascapes as we make our way to the picturesque town of Blenheim. This evening enjoy a spectacular dinner at the internationally renowned Montanna Winery Estate.
Stay: Blenheim, Blenheim Country Hotel. (B,D)

     This morning we board our Interislander ferry for a cruise through the stunning Marlborough Sounds to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. On arrival enjoy a city sightseeing tour before visiting Te Papa, the ‘National Museum of New Zealand’. Explore the museum’s fascinating and impressive displays which include interactive exhibitions and activities. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Stay: Wellington, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor. (B,D)

     Travel past the Ruahine Ranges and journey through tussock grasslands passing the dramatic landscape of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, home to three volcanic mountains. Stop to view Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Visit the mighty Huka falls then continue to Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture and a geothermal wonderland. Tonight immerse yourself in culture as you enjoy a Hangi (feast) and Maori cultural performance of traditional dances accompanied by song.
Stay: Rotorua, Heritage Hotel. (B,D)

     Rotorua is New Zealand’s oldest and best known resort, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its waters, marvelled at its fascinating geothermal activity and experienced the regions unique Maori culture. Today we give you the opportunity to choose the activity and we will include it. You may choose to visit “Rotorua’s Icons” Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Agrodome sheep show, relax at the Polynesian Spa for a spa treatment and leisurely soak in a natural thermal mineral pool. How about a half day Eco thermal Tour or a tour of the Rotorua Museum. (B,D)

     Today we journey to the world renowned Waitomo Limestone Caves where we experience a guided tour of the limestone caverns then glide silently by boat through the fairy tale glow- worm grotto. Continue north across lush Waikato farmland to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’.
Stay: Auckland, Sky City Hotel. (B,D)

     This morning you choose the activity and we will include it at no extra cost. Perhaps take a trip to the top of the Sky Tower, visit the Auckland museum, enjoy a half day Auckland city sightseeing tour, explore Kelly Tarltons Underwater World, visit Auckland’s Maritime Museum, cruise aboard the ‘Pride of Auckland’, relax with a Bliss Reflexology Treatment, or discover the Waitakere Rainforest. The choice is yours. (B)