On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon is at leisure for you to explore Auckland the ‘City of Sails’.
Accommodation: Auckland, Hotel Ibis

This morning we journey across the Auckland Harbour Bridge travelling through the farming communities of Warkworth and Wellsford. Visit the Matakohe Pioneer Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Kauri gum and learn about the pioneering history of the far north region. Continue to the majestic Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve where we view the giant Kauri tree ’Tane Mahuta’ (Lord of the Forest). Travel across country to the Bay of Islands National Maritime Park, the cradle of European settlement in New Zealand. On arrival, visit the historic Waitangi Reserve where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840. Explore the Treaty House, Maori Meeting House and carved War Canoe.


Accommodation: Bay of Islands, Beachcomber Hotel for 2 nights

Enjoy a day at leisure in the Bay of Islands. Not only is the Bay of Islands the birthplace of the Nation and thus full of New Zealand history, it is also home to 144 islands and renowned as a favourite playground for lovers of anything aquatic; diving, sailing and big game fishing. Today is at leisure for you to explore the array of many activities available (own expense).

What better way to explore New Zealand’s finest National Maritime Park than on a catamaran cruise boat to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. Sail through game fishing waters to view the Cape Brett lighthouse then make passage through the ‘Hole’ (sea conditions permitting). In these world-renowned deep sea-fishing grounds dolphins and schools of fish are frequently seen. Meander through the inner islands, viewing sandy beaches, rocky out crops and visit a secluded bay with time for relaxation. Return this afternoon to the diverse cosmopolitan city of Auckland.
Accommodation: Auckland, Hotel Ibis

This morning we enjoy a brief city sights tour before journeying to the crest of Mount Eden, one of Auckland’s extinct volcanoes, to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city and its beautiful harbours. Leaving the ‘City of Sails’ we travel south through the rich dairy land of the Waikato Province to Waitomo Caves. Here we experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns, including the magnificent 'Cathedral' cave. Join a silent boat ride and glide through a mystical grotto lit by thousands of tiny glow worms. This afternoon arrive in Rotorua, a city built on an area of geothermal activity and an important centre for North Island Maori culture. Tonight immerse yourself in culture as you enjoy a Maori Hangi (Feast) and cultural performance of traditional dances accompanied by song. Accommodation: Rotorua, Hotel Ibis for 2 nights

Today experience the attractions of Rotorua. We visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, New Zealand's major geyser field. The area has over 500 hot springs and most forms of geothermal activity, including steaming ground, boiling mud pools, hot springs and impressive geysers. Enjoy a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where our guide will explain the history and origins of the Maori. Continue to the Agrodome to enjoy an entertaining sheep and farm show and learn about New Zealand’s important sheep industry. The remainder of today is at your leisure in Rotorua. Country Homestay option available tonight.

Depart Rotorua this morning and travel via Wairakei Park and the mighty Huka Falls then onto New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier where this afternoon we visit Church Road Winery, founded in 1897 and one of the oldest wineries in the Hawke’s Bay region. Home to the country’s only wine museum and a truly magnificent barrel hall the winery also boasts a well-established cellar door. This afternoon also enjoy a guided walk to explore this unique ‘Art Deco’ city which represents the one of the most complete and significant group of ‘Art Deco’ buildings in the world. Accommodation: Napier, Tennyson Motor Inn.

Today depart Napier and travel south via Hastings where we turn inland and travel across to the West Coast of the North Island. We follow the Kapiti Coast before arriving in Wellington, the nations capital city. On arrival in Wellington enjoy a city sightseeing tour, including Parliament Buildings and Mount Victoria for spectacular views over the city before arriving at your hotel.

Accommodation: Wellington, Bay Plaza Hotel

This morning visit Te Papa – the ‘Museum of New Zealand’. Displayed here is the past, present and future of New Zealand. Stunning displays, complex technology, interactive exhibitions and activities provide serious fun. This afternoon we join our cruise for the journey across Cook Strait to the South Island, renowned as one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail through scenic Wellington Harbour, across Cook Strait and through the breath taking natural beauty of Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Accommodation: Picton, Beachcomber Inn.

Today is a spectacular scenic journey between mountain and sea. Travel through the Marlborough region, an area with a growing international reputation for white wines. Arrive in the thriving seaside settlement of Kaikoura, an area offering unique whale, seal and dolphin watching experiences. We then continue our journey between the Pacific Ocean and rugged Kaikoura Ranges, through North Canterbury to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island and renowned as the ‘Garden City’. On arrival we enjoy a city brief sightseeing tour, then the remainder of today is at your leisure.

Accommodation: Christchurch, Hotel Ibis

This morning board the award winning TranzAlpine Train. This journey has been voted one of the top train journeys in the world, and is renowned as New Zealand’s ‘Great Rail Adventure’. Cross the vast patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before climbing up into the Main Divide. Enjoy stunning scenery as we journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the country’s greatest mountain range, the magnificent Southern Alps. On arrival in Greymouth rejoin your coach and travel north along the dramatic coastline to Punakaiki to view the fascinating pancake rock formations and blowholes.

Accommodation: Greymouth, Kingsgate Greymouth.

This morning journey to Hokitika, where you will have the opportunity to see Pounamu (Jade) being carved into jewellery and other artefacts. Continue along dramatic coastline through dense rainforest to World Heritage Westland National Park. There is the opportunity for an optional scenic flight over the spectacular glaciers of this region (own expense, weather permitting). Enjoy the incredible scenery as we travel along the West Coast, through a world of mountains and glaciers, limestone landscapes, tranquil lakes, raging rivers and rare bird and plant life to arrive in Haast a World Heritage area.
Accommodation: Haast, Haast Heritage Hotel.

Cross the snow capped Southern Alps and through the Haast Pass, previously an ancient Maori greenstone trail. We trace the beautiful shorelines of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the action packed alpine resort of Queenstown. This evening, enjoy a leisurely cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, to historic Walter Peak Station and the enjoy ‘The Great Kiwi Carvery’ at the Colonel’s Restaurant.

Accommodation: Queenstown, Goldridge Hotel

Your tour concludes this morning and a departure transfer to the airport is included.

2008 departure dates: Oct. 4, 11, 18; Nov. 1, 8, 10, 22; Dec. 6, 13.
2009 departure dates: Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24; Feb. 7, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28; Mar. 7, 21; Apr. 4, 11, 18; May. 9; Aug. 22; Sep. 12, 26; Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14, 21; Dec. 5, 19.