New Zealand Magic from $4,550

Travel Team > New Zealand - Escorted Tours > New Zealand Magic from $4,550

Day 1 Welcome to Christchurch

You’ll have time to relax before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and dinner.

Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Included Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Christchurch – Franz Josef

Travel on the iconic TranzAlpine train, passing through magnificent landscapes on your way to Arthur’s Pass. At Hokitika, stop to learn about New Zealand greenstone (jade), before continuing to the town of Franz Josef, your destination for today.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 Franz Josef – Queenstown

Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass this morning, passing Thunder Creek Falls and serene Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Stop at the town of Cromwell and enjoy the tastes of its delicious stone fruit. Next you’ll visit the historic gold mining settlement of Arrowtown. An orientation tour of Queenstown, which sits on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu among dramatic mountain ranges, completes your day.

Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown , 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Queenstown

Explore exciting Queenstown your way today – from wine tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand’s oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner at The Colonel’s Homestead.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Day 5 Queenstown – Te Anau

Travel the iconic stretch of highway known as the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of serene Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. On your way to cruise on Milford Sound you’ll be awestruck by the towering native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park. Drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel and see the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls.

Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Te Anau – Dunedin

Journey through lush green sheepgrazing country on your way to Dunedin. After a city tour the afternoon is yours. Sit back and relax, ride the historic Taieri Gorge railway or take a wildlife cruise.

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 Dunedin – Omarama

You have the opportunity to visit the stately home known as Larnach Castle before setting out for historic Oamaru, with its elegant tree-lined streets and celebrated white limestone buildings. Later, pass the monumental Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam on your way to Omarama.

Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 Omarama – Christchurch

Journey through the awe-inspiring Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park (an optional scenic flight is available). See majestic Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, and stop to view the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, traverse the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Christchurch – Picton

Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast this morning to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore (an optional whalewatching flight is available). Pass the pink-tinged crystallisation ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, then travel to the pretty seaside village of Picton.

Hotel: Picton Beachcomber Inn

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 Picton – Wellington

Cruise tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound this morning, then cross the Cook Strait to Wellington. Take a city tour before enjoying some free time, and later   visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, where you’ll have time to explore fascinating exhibits revealing great insights into New Zealand’s art, history, cultural and natural heritage.

Hotel: Travelodge Wellington

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 Wellington – Rotorua

Travel along the scenic Kapiti Coast today through lush dairy-farming country to Tongariro National Park and snow-capped Mt. Ruapehu. Panoramic views of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in Australasia, will unfold around every corner. View mighty Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station.

Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel, 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 12 Rotorua

This morning, experience the multiawarding- winning Agrodome Farm Show. Later relax or explore Rotorua at your own pace. Perhaps visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park, to observe the native fauna of New Zealand including the country’s iconic kiwi. Another option is Te Puia thermal reserve.   Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter and gain an insight into traditional Māori culture followed by a delicious Hangi Highlight Dinner at the Tamaki Māori Village.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner

Day 13 Rotorua – Auckland

Travel through lush Waikato farmland to the fabulous Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glowworm Grotto by boat, and walk through limestone caverns. Later you’ll follow the noble Waikato River into Auckland. Take an orientation tour before joining your Travel Director for dinner.

Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 14 Auckland – Bay of Islands

Depart Auckland via its impressive Harbour Bridge, travelling to Orewa and on to the scenic Hibiscus Coast, then it’s off to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Experience spectacular scenery as you cruise to Cape Brett, and one of the region’s most noted landmarks, the natural arch known as the ‘Hole in the Rock

Hotel: Copthorne Resort Bay of Islands, Garden Rooms, 2 nights

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 Bay of Islands Free Time

Experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands in your own way. Take a coach trip to Cape Reinga via idyllic 90 Mile Beach, enjoy a day of sailing on a tall ship, or tour the historic town of Russell, first capital of New Zealand.

Hotel: Breakfast

Day 16 Bay of Islands – Auckland

Enjoy a leisurely morning before travelling through lush farmland as you return to Auckland.

Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites

Included Meals: Breakfast

Day 17 Farewell from Auckland

Bid farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.

Included Meals: Breakfast