2020/2021 Christchurch > Auckland

A tale of two islands

From 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. In the North Island, your Scenic Freechoice option in Wellington gives you a chance to enjoy a glimpse into the world of the creative geniuses from Weta Workshop who have dreamt up films like the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, 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 16 days of delight and exploration.

Tour Code:: ROI
Duration:: 16 days
Departure City:: Christchurch
Return City:: Auckland

Selected Itinerary

16 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Christchurch

Kia 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 2 - Christchurch

Freechoice

Go punting on the Avon River, take a Botanic Gardens Tour or a city tour of Christchurch. Alternatively, visit the seaside town of Akaroa or the International Antarctic Centre – the choice is yours.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3 - Christchurch > Franz Josef

Join the TranzAlpine this morning for your rail journey across the Southern Alps. Visit the home of New Zealand’s 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 a landing in this natural alpine landscape (additional expense, please book prior to departure).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Franz Josef > Queenstown

Enjoy a ride on the Haast River Jet boat before you arrive in Queenstown for your two night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5 - Queenstown

Freechoice

Wilderness and adventure beckon on the Dart River, or enjoy a guided tour of local wineries. Alternatively, feel exhilarated on the Shotover Jet or take a 4WD Safari of the Scenes tour exploring ‘The Lord of the Rings’ filming locations. Or you could opt for a guided tour through Skippers Canyon, 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. Alternatively, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - Queenstown > Te Anau

In the darkness of the Te Anau caves, see the shimmer of thousands of glow-worms.

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-listed wilderness.

Your base for your two night stay is Te Anau.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 7 - Te Anau

Travel to Fiordland National Park to witness the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound. Stand in awe of the towering cliffs, peaks and waterfalls.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 - Te Anau > Mt Cook

See the fertile, sheep-filled farming land of Central Otago en route before soaking up the alpine landscape of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy a Special Stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Mt Cook > Christchurch

Visit 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 10 - Christchurch > Wellington

Drive along the spectacular East Coast where rugged mountains meet the ocean. Travel in the ferry’s premium lounge across the Marlborough Sounds to start your discovery of the North Island. Discover the nation’s capital city Wellington with your two night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Wellington

Freechoice

Take an in-depth journey of Te Papa to discover the treasures and stories of New Zealand’s land and people, or join a walking tour all about food. Alternatively, learn the secrets behind movie magic with the team from Weta Workshop, responsible for movies like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy and ‘King Kong’.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12 - Wellington > Rotorua

Visit 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 13 - Rotorua

Be amazed by Rotoura’s geothermal activity during a visit to Te Puia.

Freechoice

Enjoy New Zealand’s famous sheep show and meet a Kiwi of the feathered kind, or take an amphibious duck tour of Rotorua’s city and lakes. Alternatively, relax in the geothermal pools, or enjoy wine-tasting and the skyline gondola.

Tonight, immerse yourself in Mãori traditions at an authentic hangi dinner.
Optional Flight - Take a flight to Mt Tarawera including a volcanic landing (additional expense, please book prior to departure).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 14 - Rotorua > Auckland

Enjoy the scenery of the rolling hills and farmlands of the Waikato region. Visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set before arriving in the ‘City of Sails’ Auckland this afternoon for your two night Special Stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 - Auckland

Freechoice

Choose from a range of Auckland’s iconic attractions – enjoy an exhilarating sail on an authentic America’s Cup yacht or explore the wine and cuisine of Waiheke Island. Alternatively, take a leisurely harbour cruise, 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 16 - Auckland

It’s time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour inclusions

Highlights

Delight in the spectacular scenery on one of the famous train rides of the world – the TranzAlpine
View the bubbling mud during a visit to Te Puia
Savour wine from New Zealand’s oldest winery, Mission Estate
Visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set and enjoy a luncheon banquet
Experience a traditional M-aori dinner and welcoming as part of your visit to Tamaki

Handcrafted luxury inclusions