2020/2021 Christchurch > AucklandFrom south to north, the spectacular natural wonders never cease. With turquoise waters, ancient forests, sweeping mountainscapes and epic glaciers, New Zealand is and always will be, breathtaking.Start on the South Island in Christchurch, a city reimagining itself. Experience the amazing TranzAlpine railway and stand in awe before the Franz Josef Glacier. Soak up the adrenaline of Queenstown and savour the beauty of Milford Sound. During your time on the North Island, enjoy a glimpse into the world of the creative geniuses from Weta Workshop, who have dreamt up films like the Lord of the Rings trilogy in Wellington, while in Rotorua, marvel at the bubbling geothermal activity. Explore the City of Sails and sail across Auckland Harbour, a beautiful way to end your 19 days of delight and exploration. Full Itinerary:Day 1 – UK > ChristchurchFly with a world-renowned airline from a choice of UK airports. Meals: on board meal service and complimentary bar service. Day 2 – In FlightRelax as you fly towards your destination. Meals: on board meal service and complimentary bar service. Day 3 – Arrive ChristchurchKia Ora and welcome to Christchurch for a two-night stay. The wonder of New Zealand begins here, celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome dinner. Meals Included:Dinner Day 4 – ChristchurchFreechoice Go punting on the River Avon, take the Botanic Gardens Tour or see Christchurch from an open top bus. Alternatively, visit the seaside town of Akaroa or the International Antarctic Centre, the choice is entirely yours. Meals Included:Breakfast Day 5 – Christchurch > Franz JosefJoin the TranzAlpine this morning for your rail journey across the Southern Alps. Visit the home of New Zealands native greenstone, Hokitika. Stand in wonder at Franz Josef Glacier with its ever-changing face before your overnight Special Stay. Optional Helicopter Flight – Take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience the wonder of landing on this natural alpine landscape. (Additional expense). Please call for details. Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner Day 6 – Franz Josef > QueenstownEnjoy a ride on the Haast River Jet boat before you arrive in Queenstown for your two-night stay. Meals Included:Breakfast Day 7 – QueenstownFreechoice Wilderness and adventure beckon on the Dart River or for a more leisurely pace, enjoy a guided tour of local wineries. Alternatively, feel exhilarated on the Shotover Jet or take a 4WD Safari on the Scenes tour exploring The Lord of the Rings filming locations. A guided tour through Skippers Canyon is also available for you to enjoy or a guided walk around the lake edge. Freechoice Dining Take a steamship cruise on TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak or ride the Skyline Gondola and dine overlooking Queenstown. Or, simply relax at the restaurant in your hotel. Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner Day 8 – Queenstown > Te AnauIn the darkness of the Te Anau caves, experience a unique natural wonder, and see the shimmer of thousands of glowworms. Enrich Experience a special screening of Ata Whenua Shadowland. Also known as Fiordland on film, this short movie takes you on an unforgettable journey over the world heritage wilderness. Your base for your two night stay is Te Anau. Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner Day 9 – Te AnauTravel to Fiordland National Park to witness the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the eighth wonder of the world. Be in awe of the towering cliffs, mountain peaks and waterfalls that cascade downwards from as high as 1000 metres above. Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch Day 10 – Te Anau > Mt CookSee the fertile, sheep-filled farming land of Central Otago en route before soaking up the alpine landscape of Mt Cook National Park. Enjoy a Special Stay. Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner Day 11 – Mt Cook > ChristchurchVisit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Travel through the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains before arriving back in Christchurch for an overnight stay. Meals Included:Breakfast Day 12 – Christchurch > WellingtonDrive along the spectacular East Coast where rugged mountains meet the ocean. Travel in the premium lounge on your ferry journey across the Marlborough Sounds to start your discovery of the North Island. Discover the nations capital city Wellington with your two-night stay. Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner Day 13 – WellingtonFreechoice Take an in-depth journey of Te Papa to discover the treasures and stories of New Zealands land and people or join a foodie walking tour. Alternatively, meet the team from Weta Workshop, responsible for movies like The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and King Kong. Get up close and personal with movie props and learn the secrets behind movie magic. Meals Included:Breakfast Day 14 – Wellington > RotoruaVisit the magnificent Lake Taupo, before experiencing the force of nature at Huka Falls. Your base for the next two nights is Rotorua. Meals Included:Breakfast Day 15 – RotoruaBe amazed by Rotouras geothermal activity during a visit to Te Puia. Freechoice Enjoy New Zealands famous sheep show and meet a Kiwi of the feathered kind or take an amphibious duck tour of Rotouras city and lakes. Relax in the geothermal pools, or enjoy wine-tasting and the skyline gondola. Tonight, immerse yourself in Mori traditions at an authentic hangi dinner. Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner Day 16 – Rotorua > AucklandToday the scenery is of the rolling hills and farmlands of the Waikato region. Discover the award-winning Hobbiton Movie Set on a guided tour with lunch, and experience the real Middle-earth, where in the heart of the Waikato region you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Arrive in the ‘City of Sails’ Auckland this afternoon and enjoy a two night stay. Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 17 – AucklandFreechoice Choose from a range of Aucklands attractions enjoy an exhilarating sail on an authentic Americas Cup yacht or explore the wine and cuisine of Waiheke Island. Alternatively take a leisurely morning harbour cruise or Waitakere Wilderness Experience and discover the black sand beaches of the West Coast or join a small group sightseeing tour of Auckland. Later, look forward to your farewell dinner at Orbit 360 Restaurant at Sky City. Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner Day 18 – Auckland > UKIts time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand. After breakfast youll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. Meals: On board full meal service and complimentary bar service. Meals Included:Breakfast Day 19 – Arrive UK
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