Price Includes

Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 08.

Day 1: Arrive Auckland, Personalized Sights

On arrival in Auckland you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it. Take a trip to the top of the Sky Tower, visit the Auckland museum, explore Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, enjoy a half day city tour, visit Auckland's Maritime Museum, cruise aboard the "Pride of Auckland," relax with a Bliss Royal Reflexology treatment, or trek through the Waitakere Rainforest. Overnight: Auckland, SKYCITY Hotel

Day 2: Auckland-Bay of Islands

This morning, journey through farming communities to visit the Matakohe Kauri Museum. Continue to the majestic Waipoua Forest Reserve and see the giant Kauri tree. View the magnificent Hokianga Harbor before traveling to the Bay of Islands, a beautiful unspoilt paradise, rich in history and culture. On arrival, visit the Waitangi Treaty House, Maori Meeting House and War Canoe. Overnight: Bay of Islands, Paihia Pacific Resort for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 3: Bay of Islands Personalized Sights

The Bay of Islands is the birthplace of New Zealand and full of history. It is home to 144 islands and renowned for diving, sailing and big game fishing. Today, choose the sightseeing activity and we will include it. Perhaps a day trip to Cape Reinga, a tour to Russell, the first capital of New Zealand, sailing on the tall ship "R Tucker Thompson," swimming with dolphins, golf at the scenic Waitangi Golf Course, a Bay of Islands fishing experience or relaxing on a golden sandy beach-the choice is yours! (B)

Day 4: Bay of Islands-Auckland

This morning cruise to Cape Brett and the famous "Hole" in the rock. Journey through the inner islands, viewing sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and visit a secluded bay. Return this afternoon to Auckland. This evening, enjoy dinner and spectacular views in the Sky Tower at the Observatory Restaurant.
(14 Day passengers join tour in Auckland)
Overnight: Auckland, SKYCITY Hotel (B,D)

Day 5: Auckland-Waitomo-Rotorua

View New Zealand's largest city from atop an extinct volcano. Travel through lush farmland of the Waikato region which is dominated by New Zealand's longest river. Enjoy a guided tour into the ancient labyrinth of limestone caverns at Waitomo Caves and a boat ride into the Glow Worm grotto. Continue to the geothermal region of Rotorua. Tonight, immerse yourself in traditional culture and enjoy a New Zealand feast and Maori cultural performance. Overnight: Rotorua, Heritage Hotel for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 6: Rotorua Personalized Sights

Rotorua is New Zealand's oldest and best known resort, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its waters, marveled at its fascinating geothermal activity and experienced the region's unique Maori culture. Today we give you the opportunity to choose your activity and we will include it. You may choose a leisurely soak in a natural thermal mineral pool, enjoy a 4WD excursion or be entertained and educated by a sheep show and shearing display. The choice is yours!
Country Homestay option available tonight. (B,D)

Day 7: Rotorua-Huka Falls-Wellington

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island. View the world's second largest geothermal power plant in Wairakei Steam Valley. See the breathtaking Huka Falls and view Lake Taupo. Continue south through World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. On arrival in Wellington, drive to the top of Mt Victoria for stunning views of New Zealand's capital city and its beautiful harbor. Overnight: Wellington, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (B,D)

Day 8: Wellington-Blenheim

This morning, enjoy a brief city sightseeing tour, including a visit to Te Papa Museum. This afternoon, join a cruise across Cook Strait to the South Island, renowned as one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail through scenic Wellington Harbor and beautiful Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Overnight: Blenheim, Blenheim Country Hotel (B,D)

Day 9: Blenheim-Christchurch

Today, travel through the Marlborough wine region to arrive in the seaside settlement of Kaikoura. Journey between the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura Ranges to the "Garden City," Christchurch. Enjoy a city sightseeing tour, then the afternoon is at leisure to explore the English flavor of this city. Overnight: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel (B,D)

Day 10: Christchurch-Franz Josef

This morning, board the TranzAlpine Train. Cross the Canterbury Plains and the magnificent Southern Alps. At Hokitika, take the opportunity to visit a glass-blowing factory and see beautiful native Greenstone (Jade) jewelry and artifacts. Continue south along the dramatic West Coastline through dense rainforest and enter World Heritage-listed Westland National Park. View the spectacular and accessible Franz Josef Glacier. Try an optional scenic flight over this breathtaking region (own expense, weather permitting). Overnight: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (B,D)

Day 11: Franz Josef-Queenstown

Enjoy a day of incredible scenery, traveling along the West Coast. At Haast experience a unique river safari, offering breathtaking views of the glacier-formed Haast River Valley. Follow the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the alpine resort of Queenstown. Tonight, choose from one of four restaurants and we'll include it! Take a leisurely cruise to Walter Peak, or ride the gondola to the Skyline Restaurant with spectacular views over Queenstown. A quiet night may appeal, so perhaps dine at your hotel or a local restaurant. Overnight: Queenstown, Novotel Gardens Hotel for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 12: Queenstown Personalized Sights

Today we have a selection of activities for you to choose from and we will include it! Perhaps tour some of Queenstown's local gardens, a visit to local wineries, a jetboat ride or a double-decker bus tour around Queenstown-the choice is yours. (B)

Day 13: Queenstown-Milford Sound Cruise- Te Anau

Today, follow the Remarkables mountain range and trace the shore of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland, a World Heritage area. Follow the road into Milford Sound, viewing the beautiful Mirror Lakes. Pass through Homer Tunnel and view Mitre Peak in Milford Sound. Cruise on this grand glacier-carved fiord. Overnight: Te Anau, Village Inn (B,D)

Day 14: Te Anau-Dunedin Personalized Sights

Travel across the South Island through to Dunedin. Known as the "Edinburgh of the South," Dunedin is the Gaelic name for Edinburgh. Settled in 1848 by the Scottish, the heritage is still apparent today in the architecture. This afternoon you choose the activity and we'll include it. Perhaps choose from a visit to either the Royal Albatross Center or a yellow-eyed penguin colony, the choice is yours! Overnight: Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel (B,D)

Day 15: Dunedin-Mt Cook

Depart Dunedin and travel to Moeraki Beach. Stop at historic Oamaru. Journey into New Zealand's high country and Mt Cook National Park. Try a guided walk or scenic flight over this alpine region (weather permitting, own expense). Overnight: Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel (B,D)

Day 16: Mt Cook-Christchurch

View the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd on the shore of beautiful Lake Tekapo. Leaving the High Country, cross the braided Rakaia River and travel through the vast Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch, Copthorne Central Hotel (B,D)

Day 17: Personalized Sights, Depart Christchurch

Enjoy a selection of activity in Christchurch before transferring to the airport and your onward flight. (B)