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14 day new zealand highlights

highlights
Waitomo Caves
Maori Hangi and concert
Te Papa Museum
Montana Winery
Milford Sound
TranzAlpine Train
Franz Josef Glacier

itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival at the hotel your day is at leisure to explore Auckland (Flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm). This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Auckland.

Day 2: Auckland - Waitomo Caves – Rotorua
Today we experience a guided tour of the famous Waitomo Caves and discover the incredible Glow-worm Grotto. Enjoy a special cultural evening with a visit to The Realm of Tãne followed by a Maori concert and Hangi feast. You will be greeted with a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, called a Powhiri, before experiencing a night of authentic traditional culture, entertainment and a Hangi feast.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights.

Day 3: Rotorua
We begin our day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with sparkling wine overlooking Rotorua. We also visit Paradise Valley Springs and enjoy an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome's Sheep Show. Later, tour the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where a local Maori guide escorts us past pools of boiling mud and geysers. We also view kiwis here. This afternoon relax, explore or join an optional tour. Ask your Tour Director for further details.

FARM STAY OPTION
Spend the night with a local family on a nearby farm. Enjoy some true New Zealand hospitality. Additional cost per person.

Day 4: Rotorua – Taupo - Wellington
Travel to Taupo, in the heart of the North Island and stop to view mighty Huka Falls. This afternoon enjoy a picturesque drive into the capital city of Wellington.
Accommodation: Novotel Capital, Wellington.

Day 5: Wellington - Blenheim
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington and take in the panoramic views from Mt. Victoria. Visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, and explore the fascinating exhibits at your leisure. Later, join the inter-island cruise across Cook Strait and tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. Tonight enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at the Montana Winery.
Accommodation: Blenheim Country Hotel or Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim.

Day 6: Blenheim - Christchurch
Today experience the stunning scenery of the east coast and see New Zealand fur seals. Visit Kaikoura where you can take an optional whale watching flight (own expense), then continue on to Christchurch.
Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 7: Christchurch - Mount Cook
Discover the sights of Christchurch this morning on the Christchurch Tram. Enjoy views of the colourful patchwork plains, then visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and see the Church of the Good Shepherd. We also take in the scenery of Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain and you can take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).
Accommodation: MacKenzie Country Inn, Twizel.

Day 8: Mount Cook – Dunedin
See the pretty Oamaru region today before journeying on to Dunedin. This afternoon is free for you to explore this charming town founded by Scottish settlers - perhaps visit Cadbury World or take a wildlife cruise.
Accommodation: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin.

Day 9: Dunedin – Te Anau
Enjoy a guided tour at Larnach Castle, followed by the highlights of Dunedin on a sightseeing tour. This evening stay in Te Anau.
Accommodation: Village Inn, Te Anau.

Day 10: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Experience the magnificent alpine scenery of Fiordland today. Drive through the mile long hand hewn Homer Tunnel and see The Chasm. Later, discover spectacular Milford Sound on a memorable cruise. See Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Why not experience the entertaining Kiwi Haka & Dinner tonight?
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights.

Day 11: Queenstown
Explore Queenstown at your leisure today. You could take an exhilarating jet boat ride or go white water rafting. Tonight board the historic steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station where you experience a sheep dog demonstration and a sumptuous carvery dinner.

Day 12: Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier
Colourful Arrowtown is the first stop today to discover the rich history and browse through the delightful shops. Also see Lake Wanaka, Cromwell, Kawarau Gorge, Stop at Thunder Creek Falls, travel over the Haast Pass and take in the awesome scenery of the towering mountains and the sparkling Tasman Sea along the coastal road to Franz Josef.
Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef.

Day 13: Franz Josef Glacier - Punakaiki –TranzAlpine - Christchurch
Discover the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier today. Next we visit Hokitika where you can see beautiful native greenstone (jade) jewellery and artefacts then view the fascinating Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. At Arthur's Pass board the TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey over the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 14: Depart Christchurch
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to connect with your onward flight (Flights to depart anytime).

inclusions
Luxury coach transport 13 nights accommodation 13 Full Buffet Breakfasts 6 Hotel Dinners Dinner at the Montana Winery TranzAlpine train journey Guided tour of Franz Josef Glacier including a souvenir booklet Entry to Larnach Castle Skyline Gondola ride with breakfast and sparkling wine Entry to Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve Maori Hangi feast and concert on a local marae Entry to Paradise Valley Springs and Agrodome Sheep Show Guided tour through Glow worm Grotto at Waitomo Caves Milford Sound cruise Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a carvery dinner Welcome Drink All purpose travel bag and map Airport transfers and porterage included

departures
Tour ZAC: departs Auckland, returns Christchurch
Departure Dates: click here

additional information
Operated by: AAT Kings – Tour Code: ZAC
Rates: are per person twin share, and in Australian dollars including GST.
Children: Children aged 5-15 years are charged the child rate, and must be escorted by at least one adult. Children under the ages of 5 years are ineligible to join AAT Kings Tours

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