18 Day New Zealand Adventure - Small Group Tour
Combine the itineraries of the Northern and Southern Adventures for an amazing 18 day experience with additional touring and extended stays in some of New Zealand’s must see areas.
Day 1: Christchurch - Franz Josef
We board the world-famous TranzAlpine for our journey through the Southern Alps then visit Hokitika for a Jade jewellery demonstration. We travel through the gold-mining town of Ross before arriving at Franz Josef. This afternoon we enjoy informative commentary from our local expert glacier guide as he walks us to our viewing area at mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow passengers.
Hotel: Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat, Franz Josef.
Dinner is included
Day 2: Franz Josef - Queenstown
There is time for an optional scenic flight over the glacier (weather permitting) or to take a dip in the local hot pools. Later we travel over the Haast Pass and along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Stop to explore the gold-mining town of Arrowtown followed by an orientation tour of Queenstown before arriving at our exclusive accommodation.
Hotel: Millbrook Resort, Queenstown, 2 nights.
Breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 3: Queenstown 'Free Time'
Perhaps try a jet boat ride, white water rafting or a round of golf at Millbrook's world-renowned golf course. Tonight we ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for dinner with stunning views overlooking Queenstown.
Breakfast and dinner are included
Day 4: Queenstown - Milford Sound
We travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. Later we travel into the Fiordland National Park. We take time to explore the Mirror Lakes, Pop's Lookout and the Chasm before arriving into Milford Sound for our overnight cruise.
Hotel: Milford Mariner, Milford Sound.
Breakfast and dinner are included
Day 5: Milford Sound - Stewart Island
Enjoy the many early morning activities on board. Perhaps take a walk on the foreshore or try kayaking on the Sound. Continue further south to Invercargill. This afternoon we board our ferry at Bluff for the cruise to Stewart Island. Tonight is free for you to dine at one of the cafes or the local hotel.
Hotel: Bay Motel, Stewart Island, 2 nights.
Breakfast is included
Day 6: Stewart Island
Enjoy a Village and Bays tour before a cruise with lunch on Paterson Inlet. Stop at Ulva Island and spend time with native wildlife. It is predator-free and is a must for viewing native birds and flora. Tonight you may want to try to spot kiwis in the native bush near our accommodation!
Breakfast and lunch are included
Day 7: Stewart Island - Lake Ohau
We board our ferry and return to the mainland. We stop to try local stone fruit at Cromwell then enjoy views of Lake Dunstan, New Zealand's largest man-made lake as we travel over the Lindis Pass. We arrive at our wilderness retreat, with its views of Lake Ohau and Mt. Cook.
Hotel: Lake Ohau Lodge, Twizel.
Breakfast and lunch are included
Day 8: Twizel - Christchurch
There is time for an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). We'll see Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for a city tour on arrival.
Hotel: Copthorne Central, Christchurch.
Breakfast is included
Day 9: Christchurch - Punakaiki
We journey over the Southern Alps through scenic Lewis Pass. Continue to Greymouth and along the picturesque coast road to Punakaiki. View the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before we overnight at our eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront at Punakaiki.
Hotel: Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki.
Breakfast and dinner are included
Day 10: Punakaiki - Nelson
We soak up the scenic wilderness of the Heritage Highway through the Buller Gorge and the Kahurangi National Park before arriving in Nelson. This afternoon we visit the World of Wearable Arts and Collectable Cars.
Hotel: Trailways Hotel, Nelson, 2 nights.
Breakfast and dinner are included
Day 11: Nelson 'Free Time'
Option to journey to the top of the South Island and enjoy a relaxing cruise in the Abel Tasman National Park. Or take a short bush walk, relax in sunny Nelson or explore the many arts and craft shops.
Breakfast is included
Day 12: Nelson - Wellington
Travel to the small seaside town of Picton. We cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington for an orientation tour.
Hotel: Museum Hotel, Wellington, 2 nights.
Breakfast is included
Day 13: Wellington 'Free Time'
Why not explore Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand? Perhaps go shopping or enjoy a coffee at a local cafe.
Breakfast is included
Day 14: Wellington - Napier
Travel along the Kapiti Coast through to Palmerston North. Continue to Napier for a tour of this Art Deco city.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania, Napier.
Breakfast is included
Day 15: Napier - Rotorua
Our exclusive local guide takes us on a walking tour to show the many different types of Art Deco architecture. In 1931 Napier was struck by an earthquake measuring 7.8. The subsequent fires destroyed most of the city which was later rebuilt in Art Deco style. This afternoon we visit Taupo on the shores of Lake Taupo. View the Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. On arrival in Rotorua visit the Whakarewarewa Village for an authentic look at how Maori live today. Top off the day with a Maori Hangi & concert.
Hotel: Princess Gate Hotel, Rotorua.
Breakfast and dinner are included
Day 16: Cambridge Farm Stay
Enjoy a view of life on the farm at the Agrodome Sheep Show. Visit Rainbow Springs for a guided tour. Later we travel to the English country town of Cambridge where you will be collected by your local farm host for some genuine kiwi hospitality - an overnight Farm Stay!
Hotel: Farm Stay, Cambridge.
Breakfast and dinner are included
Day 17: Farm Stay - Coromandel
Travel towards the Coromandel Ranges. We meet 'Kiwi Dundee' for a tour of the region and a look at native wildlife. Our unique accommodation is set amongst native bush in luxury tree huts.
Hotel: Puka Park Resort, Coromandel
Breakfast and dinner are included
Day 18: Depart Auckland
We take a guided tour through the Ruakuri Caves at Waitomo Caves. Later see the sights of Auckland before being transferred to the Auckland Airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast is included.
Accommodation specified is subject to availability and may be substituted to a similar or higher standard if necessary. Prices include accommodation and touring only. Ask your consultant for flight details.
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