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17 day new zealand adventure

highlights
Bay of Islands cruise
Maori Hangi and concert
Rotorua attractions
Te Papa Museum
Montana Winery
Milford Sound
Mount Cook
Franz Josef Glacier
TranzAlpine Train

itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel (flights arrive prior to 4.00pm). Tonight enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Auckland.

Day 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands
Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and take in the amazing scenery of the Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park, then journey to the Bay of Islands where you will visit the Waitangi Treaty Reserve.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands, 2 nights.

Day 3: Bay of Islands
Today is free for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands at your own pace - perhaps take a coach trip to Cape Reinga, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach; enjoy a guided sea-kayaking trip or a day of sailing.

Day 4: Bay of Islands - Auckland
This morning take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. This afternoon return to Auckland.
Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Auckland.

Day 5: Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua
Today we experience a guided tour of the famous Waitomo Caves and discover the incredible Glow-worm Grotto on an underground boat trip. Enjoy a special cultural evening with a visit to The Realm of Tane followed by a Maori concert and Hangi feast.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights.

Day 6: Rotorua
Begin your day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with sparkling wine overlooking Rotorua. Also visit Paradise Valley Springs and enjoy an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome's Sheep Show. Later, tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where a local Maori guide escorts us past pools of boiling mud and geysers. We also view kiwis here. This afternoon there is free time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour.

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 7: Rotorua – Taupo - Wellington
Highlights today include charming Taupo, in the heart of the North Island, a visit the mighty Huka Falls and a picturesque drive into the capital city of Wellington.
Accommodation: Novotel Capital, Wellington.

Day 8: Wellington - Blenheim
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington and panoramic views from the top of Mount 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. Enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at the Montana Winery.
Accommodation: Blenheim Country Hotel or Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim.

Day 9: 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: Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 10: Christchurch - Mount Cook
Discover the sights of Christchurch this morning on the Christchurch Tram. 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 have the chance to take a spectacular optional scenic flight (weather permitting).
Accommodation: MacKenzie Country Inn, Twizel

Day 11: 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 an optional Albatross & Yellow Eyed Penguin Cruise.
Accommodation: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin.

Day 12: Dunedin – Te Anau
This morning enjoy a guided tour at Larnach Castle, followed by the highlights of Dunedin on a sightseeing tour. This evening stay in pretty Te Anau.
Accommodation: Village Inn, Te Anau.

Day 13: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Experience the magnificent alpine scenery of Fiordland today. We drive through the mile long hand hewn Homer Tunnel and see The Chasm. Later, cruise on Milford Sound seeing Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Why not experience the entertaining Kiwi Haka & Dinner tonight?
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights.

Day 14: Queenstown
Explore Queenstown at your leisure today. Tonight board the historic steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station where you experience a sumptuous carvery dinner.

Day 15: Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier
Colourful Arrowtown is our first stop today. We also see Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell, Lake Wanaka, travel over the Haast Pass and stop at Thunder Creek Falls. Continue along the coastal road to Franz Josef.
Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef.

Day 16: Franz Josef Glacier – TranzAlpine - Christchurch
Discover the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier today. Next 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 17: Depart Christchurch
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to connect with your onward flight (Flights to depart anytime).

inclusions
Luxury coach transport 16 nights accommodation 16 Full Buffet Breakfasts 7 Hotel Dinners Dinner and wine tasting 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 Guided tour of 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 Interisland Cruise 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 ZABC: departs Auckland, returns Christchurch
Departure Dates: click here

additional information
Operated by: AAT Kings – Tour Code: ZABC
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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