Scenic Sensation

13 DAYS AUCKLAND TO CHRISTCHURCH

13 DAYS Auckland to Christchurch Tour Code NAC13 FROM NZ$3505

Day 1. Arrive Auckland, Exclusive Experiences

Arrive in Auckland and be transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it! Choose from an Auckland city highlights tour, an elevator trip to the top of Auckland’s Sky Tower, a visit to Auckland’s Maritime Museum or tour Auckland Museum.
Stay: Auckland, Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Day 2. Waitomo, Rotorua, Theme Dinner

This morning we journey to the crest of Mt Eden, one of Auckland’s extinct volcanoes, to enjoy spectacular panoramic views. Leaving the ‘City of Sails’ we travel south through rich dairy land of the Waikato Province. At Waitomo Caves experience a guided tour of the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. Journey to the centre of Maori culture and geothermal region of Rotorua. Tonight is a unique experience. Enjoy the warmth of the Maori people with a Hangi (feast) and cultural performance.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Millennium Rotorua.
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Day 3. Rotorua, Exclusive Experiences

Rotorua is New Zealand’s oldest and best known resort, where generations of visitors have enjoyed geothermal activity and unique Maori culture. Today we give you the opportunity to choose the activity and we will include it. You may choose to visit the ‘Must See Three’ Te Puia, the Agrodome Farm Show and Rainbow Springs or perhaps visit the Polynesian Spa for a spa treatment and leisurely soak in a natural thermal mineral pool, a half day Eco thermal Tour might appeal or a tour of the Rotorua Museum or cultural experience at the ‘Realm of Tane’. .
Country Homestay option available tonight
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Day 4. Rotorua, Wellington

Today we visit Wairakei Steam Valley, a unique and fascinating geothermal power project. See spectacular Huka Falls and picturesque Lake Taupo. Travelling south we cross the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. At Mt Victoria enjoy a stunning vista of this busy cosmopolitan city and its harbour.
Stay: Wellington, Hotel Inter-Continental
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Day 5. Wellington, Nelson, Dine About

Today our Inter-island cruise takes us across Cook Strait to the South Island. Sail through scenic Wellington Harbour, into the breathtaking natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. See magnificent scenery in tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound before arriving in the seaside port of Picton. This afternoon we journey through Marlborough to Nelson. The remainder of today is at your leisure. Tonight dine at Miyazu or Oceano, both within the hotel.
Stay: Nelson, The Rutherford Hotel.
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Day 6. Nelson, Franz Josef

Follow the Heritage Highway to the wild and rugged West Coast. View the fascinating ‘Pancake’ rock formations and blowholes at Punakaiki. Stop at Hokitika situated beside the Tasman Sea, with stunning views to the Southern Alps. Here there is the opportunity to see beautiful Pounamu (Jade) being carved into jewellery. Enter World Heritage-listed Westland National Park, where you can view the magnificent glaciers. There may be the opportunity to enjoy a scenic flight over this breathtaking region (own expense, weather permitting).
Stay: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.
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Day 7. Franz Josef, Wanaka

View incredible scenery today as we leave this World Heritage-listed area, travelling through Haast Pass and over the incredible Southern Alps. This scenic road takes us along the shores of picturesque lakes Hawea and Wanaka where crystal clear blue waters reflect dramatic landscapes. Continue to Wanaka township originally settled during the goldrush era of last century and surrounded by Mount Aspiring National Park.
Stay: Wanaka, Edgewater Resort.
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Day 8. Wanaka, Queenstown, Dine About

Depart Wanaka this morning and journey to the delightful village of Arrowtown, an old gold rush settlement. Visit the Lake District museum, before continuing to the alpine resort of Queenstown, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. The wide range of activities available in and around the area makes Queenstown a popular holiday destination at any time of year. Tonight we explore Queenstown even further with our Dine About Dinner. You may wish to take a gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant and enjoy dinner and spectacular views over Queenstown. Perhaps cruise on the TSS Earnslaw steamboat across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Sheep Station for a sumptuous homestead carvery dinner. Or enjoy a meal at one of the many diverse restaurants and cafes in Queenstown.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown Gardens Hotel.
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Day 9. Queenstown, Exclusive Experiences

Today you choose the activity and we will include it. 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. Perhaps the Safari of the Rings tour or an adventure into Skippers Canyon by 4WD might appeal or a leisurely walk around Lake Wakatipu on a ‘Lakeshore Forest and Bird Walk’.
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Day 10. Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau

This morning travel through Fiordland National Park where lush rainforests meet snow capped mountains. On arrival into Milford Sound we cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord, travelling below famous mile-high Mitre Peak and beneath spectacular waterfalls, then out into the open ocean. This afternoon we have a relaxing drive returning through the rainforest of Eglinton Valley and Homer Tunnel to Te Anau.
Stay: Te Anau Hotel and Villas.
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Day 11. Te Anau, Dunedin, Exclusive Experiences

Today we journey via beautiful Lake Manapouri to the southern most coast of New Zealand. Continue to Dunedin, renowned as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it. Perhaps a visit to Speights Brewery and Heritage Centre. A trip to the Otago Peninsula to view the Royal Albatross Colony or travel to Penguin Place to see the rare yellow-eyed penguins the ‘Hoiho’, or maybe a visit to New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle.
Stay: Dunedin, Southern Cross Hotel.
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Day 12. Dunedin, Mt Cook

Travel north along the coast to view the unique Moeraki Beach boulders. Pass glacier-fed lakes of incredible colour on the way to Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage-listed area and home to Mt Cook, Australasia’s highest mountain. 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.
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Day 13. Mt Cook, Christchurch

Visit the beautiful glacier-fed lake of Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. A memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie District, the church was built with local oak and stone. Travel through Burkes Pass to the plains of Canterbury. On the way to the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch, you may choose to take the scenic TranzAlpine Train from Arthurs Pass or proceed with the coach through the Rakaia Gorge to Christchurch where your tour concludes this afternoon.
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Departure Dates