New Zealand

Part I: North Island – Culture, Geysers & Caves

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland – The City of Sails

✈️ Arrival: Arrive at Auckland International Airport (AKL).

🚗 Transfer/Self-Drive: Be met by a local representative for a private transfer to your hotel, or collect your rental car for the self-drive option.

🏙️ Leisure: Relax and unwind in Auckland.

🏨 Overnight: Auckland.

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo

🚗 Scenic Drive: Leave Auckland and head south through the lush Waikato region.

🕳️ Waitomo Caves: Guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Enjoy a boat ride beneath the ceiling to witness the spectacular luminescent glowworms.

🌋 Thermal City: Continue through the forested Mamaku Ranges to the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua.

🏨 Overnight: Rotorua.

Day 3: Rotorua – Thermal & Cultural Immersion

♨️ Thermal Reserve: Explore the captivating Te Puia Thermal Reserve, featuring bubbling mud pools and the powerful Pōhutu Geyser.

🐦 Wildlife: Visit Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds, and wildlife.

🐑 Farm Show: Head to the Agrodome for an authentic New Zealand farm show, including sheepdog demonstrations and cow milking.

🍽️ Evening Experience: Savour an authentic Maori Hangi feast and enjoy a mesmerising cultural concert (complimentary dinner included).

🏨 Overnight: Rotorua.

Day 4: Rotorua to Wellington

🏞️ Lake Taupō: Set off for Lake Taupō, following its picturesque shores and passing through Turangi.

🗻 Desert Road: Drive along the magnificent Desert Road, with views of the majestic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro.

🏛️ Capital City: Continue through farmlands to New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.

🏨 Overnight: Wellington.

Day 5: Wellington – Capital Charm & Te Papa

🏙️ Sightseeing: Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of charming Wellington.

🖼️ Museum: Take a guided tour of Te Papa, the ‘Museum of New Zealand’.

☕ Leisure: The afternoon is yours to explore the city’s vibrant offerings at leisure.

🏨 Overnight: Wellington.

Part II: South Island – Coastal & Alpine Wonders

Day 6: Wellington to Kaikōura via Cook Strait

🚢 Ferry Crossing: Embark on a journey across the Cook Strait (dividing the North and South Islands).

⛰️ Marlborough Sounds: Sail through the mesmerizing sights of the Marlborough Sounds, with crystalline waters and flourishing forests.

🚗 Coastal Drive: Arrive at Picton, drive through Blenheim, and continue southward to the picturesque coastal town of Kaikōura.

🏨 Overnight: Kaikōura.

Day 7: Kaikōura to Christchurch

🌊 Coastal Journey: After breakfast, continue your journey south through the picturesque North Canterbury region.

🌷 Garden City: Arrive at the enchanting “Garden City” of Christchurch.

🏨 Overnight: Christchurch.

Day 8: Christchurch to Mount Cook

🚗 Canterbury Plains: Start on a scenic journey across the lush Canterbury Plains.

⛪ Lake Tekapo: Reach the breathtaking Lake Tekapo and visit the iconic ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’.

🏔️ Alpine Park: Continue your adventure into the enchanting Mount Cook National Park (Aoraki).

🏨 Overnight: Mount Cook.

Day 9: Mount Cook to Queenstown

🏞️ Lake Pukaki: Trace the scenic shores of Lake Pukaki heading south towards Twizel.

🍇 Central Otago: Journey through the historic Central Otago region.

👑 Queenstown: Arrive at the captivating Lake Wakatipu and the picturesque ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown.

🏨 Overnight: Queenstown.

Day 10: Queenstown – Adventure Capital

🏄 Free Day: Today is all about freedom and adventure! Queenstown opens its doors to a plethora of optional activities.

🎟️ Optional Activities: Choose from bungy jumping, jet boating, white water rafting, or a scenic gondola ride (activities are not included in the tour price).

🏨 Overnight: Queenstown.

Day 11: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau

🚗 Scenic Drive: Venture to the southern edge of Lake Wakatipu, traversing the awe-inspiring Eglinton Valley.

⛰️ Homer Tunnel: Pass through the magnificent man-made Homer Tunnel.

⚓ Milford Sound: Arrive at the renowned Milford Sound, presided over by the majestic Mitre Peak.

⛴️ Cruise: Embark on a spectacular cruise through the world-famous fiord.

🏨 Overnight: Te Anau.

Day 12: Te Anau – Dunedin

🌾 Southland Plains: Set out on a picturesque journey across the fertile Southland Plains, passing through Gore and Balclutha.

🏰 Dunedin: Head north to the southern gem known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South,’ Dunedin.

🦅 Optional Activities: The afternoon is free to explore optional activities (like visiting the Otago Peninsula for wildlife viewing).

🏨 Overnight: Dunedin.

Day 13: Dunedin – Christchurch

🐑 Farmland Route: Head north through lush farmland and a string of quaint farming communities.

🔙 Return to Christchurch: Arrive at your final South Island stop.

🏨 Overnight: Christchurch.

Day 14: Farewell Christchurch

✈️ Departure: Enjoy a final breakfast. Make your way to Christchurch Airport (CHC) to catch your flight back home or to your next destination.

Tour Conclusion: Depart with cherished memories of your amazing New Zealand grand tour.