New Zealand Discoverer & Bays of Islands
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 travelling companions. (Dinner)
Day 4 - Christchurch - TranzAlpine - Franz Josef This morning we will board the TranzAlpine train and enjoy stunning scenery travelling 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 Joseph 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 glaciers. 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. Our journey passes Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and heads along the Kawarau River through Kawarau Gorge. Finally, we visit the historic village of Arrowtown, before continuing to Queenstown for two nights. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 6 - Queenstown at leisure A full day at leisure. Maybe take a jetboat trip on the Shotover River. This evening, we join the vintage steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Sheep Station. Here we enjoy some Kiwi hospitality and a carvery dinner. (Buffet breakfast / HIghlight Dinner)
Day 7 - Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound An early start to Fiordland. We drive through the Homer Tunnel stopping at 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 morning tea and 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 tasting at the Montana Winery.
(Buffet breakfast / Highlight 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's. 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 will be included for departures after 27 September 2007
Day 13 - Wellington - Rotorua (2 nights) Today's journey takes us through the dairy farming lands of Manawatu to the volcanic plateau of Tongario National Park. We will follow the shores of lake Taupo, to the town of Taupo and visit mighty Huka Falls. From here, we continue to Rotorua and visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve for a guided tour, followed by a traditional Maori Hangi feast and concert. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Dinner)
Day 14 - Rotorua sightseeing - Farmstay This morning we ride the Skyline Gondola and enjoy breakfast with sparkling wine overlooking Rotorua. Our sightseeing tour includes a visit to Paradise Valley Springs and the Agrodome's Sheep Show. Later your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, there's a chance to stay with a local family on a nearby farm (additional cost - see below). (Buffet breakfast)
Farmstay. Spend the night with a local family on a nearby farm in Rotorua. Enjoy some true New Zealand hospitality. (Price per person $25) Please request at time of booking.
Please note: for passenger departing after 27 September 2007, the itinerary on day 14 will operate as follows:
Enjoy a 1 hour breakfast cruise with sparkling wine on Lake Rotorua on board the Lakeland Queen, a replica steam boat from the 1800-s. Our sightseeing tour in Rotorua includes a visit to the Agrodome's Sheep Show. Later your afternoon is at leisure. This evening, there's a chance to stay with a local family on a nearby farm (additional cost - see below). (Buffet breakfast)
Farmstay: Spend the night with a local family on a nearby farm in Rotorua. Enjoy some true New Zealand hospitality. (Price per person $25) Please request at time of booking.
Day 15 - Rotorua - Waitomo Caves - Auckland. Today we will visit the Waitomo Caves for an unforgettable experience on our guided boat tour of the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. Then we continue through Waikato district to its centre Hamilton. Later, on to Auckland the 'City of Sails'. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 16 - Auckland - Bay of Islands (2 nights) Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and travel north via the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Reserve. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Day 17 - Bay of Islands at leisure. A full day at leisure. Why not take an excursion to Ninety Mile Beach" (Buffet breakfast)
Day 18 - Bay of Islands - Auckland. This morning after breakfast we cruise to Cape Brett and through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' (weather permitting). In the afternoon we return to Auckland with time at leisure. (Buffet breakfast)
Day 19 - Auckland - USA. This morning time to bid farewell to New Zealand as you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (Buffet breakfast)
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