The New Zealand's Majesty

9 Days/ 8 Nights from $2,429 (Tour Code : T40)

Christchurch, Queenstown and Milford Sound then to the West Coast glaciers and back over the mountains by train. Then north via train, ferry and coach to Wellington, Rotorua, Waitomo and Auckland.

Day 1: Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown
Cross the manicured Canterbury Plains over Burkes Pass to Lakes Tekapo, home of the church of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Travel through the rocky Kawarau Gorge and past Cromwell to climb up and over the Lindis Pass. The Mackenzie Country lise before you as you head towards Mt Cook village in the heart of the Southern Alps. You have a brief stop here for optional flight seeing or lunch(not included). Follow the Southern Alps down through the Lindis Pas and Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown, where you will stay three nights.

Day 2: Milford Sound - Queenstown
An early start takes you alongside the lake to Kingston, then on to Mossburn and Lake TeAnau. Travel through the Fiordland National Park, passing the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, the Homer Tunnel and the Cleddau Chasm. A cruise on Milford Sound beneath lofty Mitre Peak, waterfalls and out to the mouth of the Tasman Sea is included. Then climb out of Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening.

Day 3: At Queenstown
Today is completely at your leisure in this alpine playground - we have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well - thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping.

Day 4: Queenstown - Glaciers
Travel to Cromwell and on through the southern lakes 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 Fox or Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 5: Glaciers - Christchurch
Travel north past Hokitika, where you can see jade carvers at work, to Greymouth. Here you board the renowned Tranz Alpine train and travel through the lenghty Otira Tunnel, over Arthurs Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch once more.

Day 6: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
The Tranz Coastal train makes an early start through dry North Canterbury sheep country. Next it edges along the narrow coastal strip between the ocean and the rugged Kaikoura Ranges, before turning inland to Blenheim and Picton. Board the Interislander ferry to cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to the Wellington in the North Island. As you will arrive in the late afternoon, consider adding an evening sightseeing tour or an additional night in Wellington to explore the capital city. Overnight in Wellington.

Day 7: Wellington - Rotorua
Travel north along the Kaikoura Coast and then ascend the central plateau, where the peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe stand watch over Lake Taupo. Pass the steam field of Wairakei and exotic forests to arrive in fiery Roturua. We recommend you attend a fascinating Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight (optional). Stay two nights in Rotorua

Day 8: At Rotorua
The half day Grand Tour is included. You will see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout and kiwi at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon is free and there are many activities to enjoy.

Day 9: Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
After leaving Rotorua, you travel to Waitomo for a tour of the limestone caves. Board an underground punt to cruise below a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue via Hamilton alongside the Waikato River to Auckland. This tour operates in reverse from Auckland.

A similar tour operates in reverse. See 'Majestic NZ'

Tour Inclusions:

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