NEW ZEALAND NORTH & SOUTH ISLANDS
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Welcome to our tour of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Today we depart for the airport to join our flight to Auckland. (NZ192 departs Adelaide at 12noon arriving in Auckland 6.35pm). Upon arrival we will be met by our local coach captain who will transfer us the short distance to our centrally located hotel to check in for dinner and a good night’s sleep.

(Inflight meals, dinner at the hotel)
Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland (subject to availability)

This morning discover first-hand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live, with a tour of its scenic highlights. We take a look at Queen Street; the panoramic views of the city and surrounding harbours from Bastion Point; the pretty bays of the Waterfront Drive; and vibrant Mission Bay. Also enjoy a private 1-hour guided tour of Auckland Museum where we gain insider knowledge about its’ treasures. Hearing stories of the Museum’s most important and fascinating objects in one of New Zealand’s most outstanding historical buildings showcases the artistic legacy and cultures of the peoples of the Pacific; the monumental carvings, buildings, canoes and taonga (treasures) of the Maori; and the diversity of cultures which now combine to form the rich tapestry of race, nationality and creed which is modern New Zealand. Our afternoon is at leisure and there are some great markets to pick our way through or do our own exploring and find that perfect restaurant or café to enjoy lunch and dinner.

(Breakfast included)
Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland (subject to availability)

Departing Auckland we travel south crossing the Bombay Hills through the dairy rich Waikato countryside to arrive in the Matamata region for a guided walking tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set. Our tour commences with a drive through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. The guide will escort us through the ten-acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films can be viewed and during your walking tour you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Upon completion of our tour we enjoy a beverage in the Green Dragon Inn then sit down for a buffet lunch in the Festive Marquee before returning to The Shires Rest. (Note – depending upon final numbers, other travellers may be on-board this tour). Farewell Hobbiton then travel over the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. Located in the heart of New Zealand’s famous thermal region, Rotorua forms part of the geologically active ‘Pacific Rim of Fire’. Situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua, it is also renowned for Maori cultural activities.

(Breakfast included)
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (subject to availability)

This morning take a sightseeing tour of this popular tourist town. Commencing with an exclusive guided tour of Te Puia combines a premier Maori culture experience with an introduction to the magnificent geothermal activity in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Whilst in the valley see the boiling mud pools, steaming silica terraces, hot springs and geysers including the famous Pohutu Geyser which can erupt up to 30 metres high, depending on its mood. Visit the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where young Maori are learning the traditional carving and weaving skills of their ancestors. Further highlights of the tour include Rotowhio Marae and Te Aronui a Rua, the sacred meeting house of Rotowhio Marae. Set amidst beautiful native bush with meandering crystal clear freshwater streams and deep fern fringed pools, Rainbow Springs is a showcase of New Zealand’s natural flora and fauna. While taking a guided tour we have the opportunity to see the rare Tuatara lizard, (New Zealand’s only reptile species) and the Kiwi bird in the special nocturnal enclosure. This afternoon can be used to do whatever we wish. You may wish to take a walk around the Government Gardens or perhaps a swim in the thermally heated waters at Polynesian Spa (not included – own cost). This evening visit Tamaki Maori Village for a Cultural Experience and Hangi Dinner. Experience the warmth of the Maori people during an evening of ceremonial rituals, powerful cultural performance, storytelling and hangi feasting. Enter the replica pre-European Maori village, witness the earth being scraped carefully away from the hangi pit and enter their ancestral Meeting House to relax as their family entertain us with a powerful cultural performance before dining on the traditional hangi buffet dinner (Maori feast) cooked the traditional Maori way in an earth oven. Return hotel transfers included – other travellers will be on board.

(Breakfast and dinner included)
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (subject to availability)

This morning transfer to Rotorua Airport and check in for your flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival we take a Christchurch City highlights tour including the River Avon, the Canterbury Museum, the Catholic Basilica; Bridge of Remembrance; the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial; and the Art Deco New Regent Street. Learn about the effects of the 2011 Christchurch Earthquakes and how the city is rebuilding. Also, partake in a 30 minute Punting in the Park cruise by knowledgeable and professional boatmen, in straw boaters and traditional dress, giving an informative and entertaining guide to the Avon River and the Botanic Gardens as we meander along the tranquil Avon river.. Dinner will be in our hotel this evening.

(Breakfast and dinner included)
Quality Hotel Elms, Christchurch (subject to availability)

From Christchurch we traverse the Southern Alps aboard the famous Tranz-Alpine rail journey to Arthurs Pass. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps. Once we have crossed into the Southern Alps we are met at the village of Arthurs Pass by our coach to continue our journey to the West Coast, stopping in Hokitika where a visit is made to the Greenstone and Glass Blowing factories. Further south we tour the Westland National Park, the home of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. On arrival, time is available for optional scenic flights, before continuing onto our accommodation for the night. Dinner is at the hotel tonight.

(Breakfast and dinner included)
Scenic Franz Josef Hotel, Franz Josef (subject to availability)

Driving towards the southern end of the South Island’s West Coast Road, there is a strong sense of entering a primeval land, and a feeling of total isolation. Arriving at Haast, you are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. From the Westland National Park join a one hour safari trip in a fully enclosed jet boat along the Haast River and through the mighty Haast River Valley. Journey into the heart of Te Wahipounamu – the South West World Heritage Area and experience a close-up encounter with this untouched landscape and its remarkable natural features. Continue over the Haast Pass to Makaroa and onto the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka. Travelling past Lake Hawea we reach the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River. This afternoon we travel via Cromwell following the Kawarau Gorge Road into Queenstown. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of the Queenstown region create the perfect backdrop for dinner.

(Breakfast and dinner included)
Copthorne Lakefront Hotel, Queenstown (3 nights) (subject to availability)

This morning is spent doing a sightseeing tour of Queenstown. Highlights include a visit to historic Arrowtown, a quaint village set on the banks of the Arrow River which was once a rip-roaring gold rush town. Time here enables us to sample some of the cafés, galleries and boutiques or we may wish to take a walk to the Arrowtown Chinese Settlement. This partially restored and well interpreted settlement is a mute reminder and tribute to the contribution made by the Chinese goldminers and business people to the region’s goldmining, cultural and business history. Also see the Edith Cavall Bridge spanning the narrow canyon of the rugged Shotover River; pretty Lake Hayes and drive out to the Kawarau Bridge to see the dare-devils bungy jumping from the original AJ Hackett site. At Gibbston Valley Winery we join a guided tour of the winery, completing the experience with a tasting in the caves. Travel 76 metres underground into the Gibbston Valley Wine Cave. The rocky schist walls within the cave are lined with barrels of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay still reaching their prime. With constant humidity and a temperature of around 14 degrees Celsius, the cave provides a perfect haven for the maturation of these wines as well as providing a unique atmosphere for wine tasting. On return to Queenstown, our afternoon is at leisure. Tonight ride the aerial gondola to enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner at Skyline’s Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, Queenstown’s most spectacular location high above the city on Bob’s Peak. The menu is inspired by iconic New Zealand cuisine and infused with international influences, and offers something for everyone – from fresh seafood and delectable desserts to an array of vegetarian dishes. Whilst dining, the panoramic view from the windows will captivate us.

(Breakfast and dinner included)
Copthorne Lakefront Hotel, Queenstown (subject to availability)

Today is totally at leisure. Queenstown has a plethora of optional sightseeing activities available from jet-boating on the thrilling Shotover Jet; a jet-boat excursion along the scenic and remote Dart River; winery tours to the premier Central Otago wineries; 4WD tours into unforgettable Skippers Canyon; scenic flights; fly-fishing or if you dare – bungy jumping or tandem sky-diving! Extra cost for optional sightseeing excursions. Or why not browse the markets and relax with the sounds of local musicians around us?

(Breakfast included)

Depart early this morning and travel around Lake Wakatipu on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the UNESCO World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. We make our way through the Southern Alps via the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through a solid mountain of rock. Upon arrival at Milford Sound we board our vessel for a spectacular cruise where we will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier scarred rock walls that rise 1,200m vertically from the sea, and waterfalls that tumble from hanging valleys and crash into the sound far below. A Picnic lunch has been included today. At the conclusion of the cruise, reboard the coach and retrace our journey back to Te Anau. Dinner in the hotel restaurant will top off an awesome day.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Lake Te Anau (subject to availability)

You will be collected from your hotel by Real Journeys coach for a full day excursion to Doubtful Sound. Travel to the small settlement of Manapouri on the shores of one of the South Island’s most scenic lakes. From here cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm, then travel by coach over Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest. There are opportunities along the way to examine the plant life and view the spectacular scenery. Once at Deep Cove at Doubtful Sound, board a comfortable catamaran, for a three-hour cruise of this remote and pristine fiord. Wonder at the magnificent surroundings of rainforest and towering mountains with cascading waterfalls and watch for the resident pod of bottlenose dolphins and the fur seals which like to bask on the rocks. On the return journey back to Deep Cove, the vessel’s engines are turned off so visitors can experience ‘the Sound of Silence’. Visitors may also have the opportunity to visit the Manapouri Underground Power Station. A boxed picnic lunch is included.

(Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Lake Te Anau (subject to availability)

Farewell from New Zealand. We are transferred from the hotel to the airport for our flight back home.

(Inflight meals included)

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