Auckland - Rotorua - Queenstown - Christchurch (or v.v.)
The sights will amaze you - spectacular mountains, active volcanoes, deep fiords, picturesque lakes, beautiful beaches, green valleys, bubbling mud pools and geysers. You'll also learn about Middle Earth, get to experience Maori culture and have an opportunity to ride in a jetboat. All these classic highlights are your to enjoy.
Day 1. Arrive Auckland. Haere mai - Welcome to New Zealand. Transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Day 2. Auckland sightseeing. This morning a tour of Auckland including a visit to Mt Eden, Parnell Village and Paratai Drive. This afternoon travel to the Waitakere Ranges, visit the black sand beach where 'The Piano' was filmed and travel into a dense rainforest with tree ferns, Kauri trees and waterfalls.
Day 3. Auckland to Rotorua. Travel to world famous Waitomo Caves before continuing to Rotorua, home to spouting geysers and boiling mud pools.
Day 4. Rotorua sightseeing. A morning tour includes Rainbow Springs, Rainbow Farm Te Whakarewarewa thermal reserve and Te Puia Arts and Crafts Institute. Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori concert and Hangi (feast).
Day 5. Rotorua to Queenstown. The morning is at leisure before your flight to Queenstown. On arrival transfer to your selected accommodation (airfare not included).
Day 6. Milford Sound. Travel south into Fiordland, through Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Cruise past mile-high Mitre Peak, along this 16 km long glacially-carved fiord, and out to the open sea. This will be one of the most memorable experiences of your holiday. In the afternoon return to Queenstown.
Day 7. In Queenstown. At leisure to enjoy New Zealand's favourite holiday resort town. Optional tours include helicopter scenic flights, jetboat river trips, steamship lake cruises, white water rafting and Skyline Gondola rides.
Day 8. Queenstown to Christchurch. Travelling past Lake Wanaka and over historic Lindis Pass, stop to view majestic Mount Cook, known by the Maori people as "Cloud Piercer". Then cross the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Day 9. Christchurch sightseeing. Enjoy a morning tour of Christchurch, renowned as the "most English city outside of England". Highlights include Canterbury Museum, morning tea at Mona Vale and a drive up to the Port Hills for scenic views of the city. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening enjoy a five-course dinner on the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant. Sit back in the luxury of a fully restored colonial style tram and be treated to some fine New Zealand cuisine.
Day 10. Christchurch to your next stop. The day is at leisure until you return to the airport for your onward flight.
All Elite Travel & Events Inc. vacations can be modified and extended. Let us custom design an itinerary specifically for you.
