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11 day new zealand odyssey

highlights
Waitomo Glow worm Caves
2 nights Geothermal Rotorua
Famous Franz Josef
3 nights exciting Queenstown
Spectacular Milford Sound Cruise

itinerary
Day 1: Auckland – Waitomo - Rotorua
Today travel south to Rotorua via the rich pastoral province of Waikato. Travel on to the fascinating Waitomo Caves where you will enjoy lunch. Here experience a guided tour of the famous Glowworm Grotto featuring an underground boat ride. Continue on via Lake Karapiro to arrive in Rotorua. In the evening, enjoy a unique Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert with Tamaki Tours.

Day 2: Rotorua Sightseeing
Today you will experience the many varied sights that Rotorua has to offer. Visit the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, enjoy a guided tour and see Maori carving and weaving demonstrations. Walk through the Thermal Reserve to see boiling mud pools and shooting geysers. Next, Rainbow Springs a unique showcase of New Zealand's flora and Fauna and featuring some of New Zealand's endangered native species. The Rainbow Farm Show is definitely a 'hands-on' experience that will entertain and amuse giving an animated insight into New Zealand's farming history, then enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take a tour the Buried Village or enjoy a swim at the Polynesian Spa (own expense).

Day 3: Rotorua - Wellington
This morning travel by coach to Otorohanga before joining the Overlander train to the Capital city of Wellington

Day 4: Wellington
Today is at leisure to explore the Capital City. Make time to visit “Te Papa” the Museum of New Zealand and use your complimentary voucher in one of their eating establishments.

Day 5: Wellington - Christchurch
This morning travel on the Interislander ferry across Cook strait, through Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. From here, follow the East to Christchurch. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, or if taking the Self-Drive option, you can pick your car up from the airport depot.

Day 6: Christchurch
Today is at leisure, to enjoy the “Garden City”. We suggest that you take the chance to enjoy an historic tram ride, go shopping or visit the Botanical Gardens.

Day 7: Christchurch - Mount Cook - Queenstown
Today travel south, across the Canterbury Plains, through the Mackenzie country via Lake Tekapo where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue alongside the Tasman River to Mount Cook National Park. We suggest a scenic flight over some of New Zealand’s finest alpine scenery. Continue on to the Lindis Pass, and through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Day 8: Milford Sound Day Excursion
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. View the Mirror Lakes as you continue through the Eglinton Valley. From the Homer Tunnel emerge into the Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound Red Boat cruise, for an unforgettable experience, and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord. Journey to the mouth of the sound and see the seals and dolphins, which inhabit this part of the world. Return to Queenstown.

Day 9: Queenstown
A free day to enjoy the many leisure pursuits on offer. Staff at “The Station” can assist with information and reservations for the huge selection of things to see and do.

Day 10: Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier
Travel north today via Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Enjoy the rugged West Coast scenery through the Haast Pass and continue on to Franz Josef. We suggest a scenic helicopter flight, or a guided tour (own expense) to view the glacier more closely and enjoy the stunning scenery this region has to offer.

Day 12: Franz Josef - Christchurch
Today travel North, and then East across to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine. Tour concludes today in Christchurch.

inclusions
Luxury coach transport 10 nights accommodation Waitomo Caves tour with lunch Maori Hangi and concert Rotorua sightseeing tour Overlander train journey Interislander ferry TranzCoastal train journey Milford Sound day excursion TranzAlpine train journey

departures
Departs: Daily from 7.00am from Auckland Hotels, pick-up time confirmed at time of booking.
Returns: Christchurch

additional information
Operated by: Great Sights – Tour Code: SB14
Children: aged 0-12 years are at the child rate, when using existing bedding and sharing a room with 2 adults

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