New Zealand Discoverer 2009
Days 1 & 2 - Depart USA We fly over the international date line on our way to Christchurch, New Zealand.
Day 3 - Arrive Christchurch On arrival in Christchurch, you are transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is free. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with our Tour Director and fellow traveling companions. (Dinner)
Day 4 - Christchurch — TranzAlpine — Franz Josef This morning we will board the TranzAlpine Train and enjoy stunning scenery traveling over the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. This afternoon we travel to Greymouth and along the rugged West Coast to Punakaiki. Here we view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before continuing to Franz Josef. Enjoy a short walk and views of the Franz Josef Glacier. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 5 - Franz Josef — Queenstown (2 nights) This morning there is a chance to join an optional scenic flight over the glacier. Next relax as we drive along the coast with views of the Tasman Sea. Climb over the Haast Pass winding through Mount Aspiring National Park, passing Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and through Kawarau Gorge. We visit the historic village of Arrowtown, before continuing to Queenstown. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 6 - Queenstown at Leisure A full day at leisure. Maybe take a jet boat ride. This evening, we join the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Sheep Station. Here we enjoy some Kiwi hospitality and a carvery dinner. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 7 - Queenstown — Te Anau — Milford Sound An early start to Fiordland. We drive through the Homer Tunnel stopping at the Chasm, before arriving at Milford Sound. We cruise on this wonder of nature with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above. Later, we head to Te Anau for the night. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 8 - Te Anau — Dunedin We cross South Otago country through the town of Gore to Balclutha. Then, we make our way to the Scottish city of Dunedin. Perhaps take an optional cruise this afternoon. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 9 - Dunedin — Mount Cook Enjoy a guided tour at Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only authentic castle, followed by a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Next on to Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings. Next admire beautiful scenery as we follow the Waitaki River, past hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore to Twizel for dinner and overnight stay. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 10 - Mount Cook — Christchurch After breakfast this morning we will travel past Mount Cook National Park, a world heritage site and home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Perhaps take an optional scenic flight over Mount Cook. Later, we visit Lake Tekapo to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Then over the plains of Canterbury to Christchurch. Discover the sights of the city on the Christchurch Tram. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 11 - Christchurch — Blenheim Travel along the rugged coast to Kaikoura where you have the opportunity to enjoy an optional whale watching flight. Then on to the Marlborough region, the largest wine-producing region in New Zealand. This evening, we will enjoy dinner and wine tastings at the Montana Winery. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 12 - Blenheim — Cook Strait Cruise — Wellington This morning after breakfast, we're off to Picton to join our cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Here there's a short sightseeing tour before a visit to Te Papa National Museum, with time to explore the many interactive displays depicting Maori and modern New Zealand culture. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 13 - Wellington — Rotorua (2 nights) Today's journey takes us through the dairy farming lands of Manawatu to the volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park. We will follow the shores of Lake Taupo, to the town of Taupo and visit mighty Huka Falls. We continue to Rotorua. The Realm of Ta-ne, and a Maori Hangi and Concert is our cultural highlight this evening. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 14 - Rotorua Sightseeing — Farm Stay Start the day with sparkling wine and a breakfast cruise on Lake Rotorua onboard the Lakeland Queen. Next is the Agrodome Sheep Show and a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve for a guided tour. This evening, there's a chance to stay with a local family on a nearby farm (additional cost, please see below). (Buffet breakfast)
* Farm Stay Spend the night with a local family on a nearby farm. Enjoy some true New Zealand hospitality. Price per person $30
Day 15 - Rotorua — Waitomo Caves — Auckland Today we will visit the Waitomo Caves for our guided boat tour of the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. Then we continue through the Waikato district to its center Hamilton. Later, on to Auckland the City of Sails. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 16 - Auckland — USA Time to bid farewell as we transfer you to Auckland Airport for your return flight home. Or why not take this opportunity to visit the beautiful Bay of Islands" (Bay of Islands Extension QBNZA). (Buffet breakfast)
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