Majestic New Zealand

9 Days/ 8 Nights from $2,429 (Tour Code : T42)

The top spots in a land of scenic beauty. From Auckland to Christchurch by coach, train and ferry...

Day 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
The Bombay Hills signal the end of sprawling city as the lush Waikato pasture lands take you past Hamilton and on to Waitomo caves for a subterranean boat ride under an eerie canopy of lights. On across the Waikato and the Mamaku Hills to fiery Rotorua. We recommend you attend a fascinating Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight (optional). Stay 2 nights in Rotorua

Day 2: At Rotorua
The half day grand sightseeing tour is included - you will see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon is free - there are many activities to attract you.

Day 3: Rotorua - Wellington
Drive south through exotic forests, past Wairakei's permanent mantle of steam, then to Lake Taupo. The ominous peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu watch over our drive to Waiouru, drop down to the fertile Manawatu plains, past coastal horticultural farms, and rocky seascapes to Wellington. Stay overnight in Wellington.

Day 4: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Catch the ferries across Cook Strait and through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board the TranzCoastal train to edge down a narrow coastal strip where the surf pounds the rugged Kaikora Ranges. Cross the dry North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch where you will overnight. As you will arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day to explore our most 'English' city.

Day 5: Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown
Cross the manicured Canterbury Plains, over Burkes Pass to Lake Tekapo, home of the Church of the Good Shepperd. The tussocky plains of the Mackenzie Country lie before you as you head towards Mt Cook village in the heart of the Southern Alps. You have a brief stop here for optional flightseeing or lunch(not included). Follow the southern Alps southward through the Lindis Pass and Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown, where you will stay 3 nights.

Day 6: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
An early start takes you alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston then onto Mossburn and Lake Te Anau. Travel through the Fiordland National Park, passing the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, the Homer Tunnel and the Cleddau Canyon. A cruise on Milford Sound beneath lofty Mitre Peak, waterfalls and out to the mouth of the Tasman Sea is included. Then you climb out of Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening.

Day 7: At Queenstown
Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous resort - we have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping. Overnight in Queenstown.

Day 8: Queenstown - Glaciers
Travel to Cromwell and on through the Southern Lake district to the Haast Pass. Dense rainforest contrasts with rugged coastal vistas as you travel north towards the glaciers. A shuttle will take you to the viewing platform to see one of these massive rivers of ice. Overnight at either Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers.

Day 9: Glaciers - Christchurch
Travel North past Hokitika, where you can see jade carvers at work, to Greymouth. Here you board the renowned TranzAlpine train and travel through the lengthy Otira Tunnel, over Arthurs Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch once more. This tour operates in reverse from Christchurch.

Tour Inclusions:

*All tours are flexible. Extra nights and pre and post tour accommodation available.