2020/2021 Auckland > Christchurch

The land of the long white cloud

A place of wild beauty and extraordinary friendliness, you’ll love getting to know New Zealand over 24 days of wonder

After falling in love with the ‘City of Sails’, Auckland, you’ll discover ancient kauri forests and the spectacular beauty and historical significance of the Bay of Islands. Explore ‘Middle-earth’ before taking in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Continue with a visit to Wellington before hopping on a ferry to the South Island. Sample crisp Sauvignon Blanc in its place of origin, and marvel at the diverse marine life along the East Coast before arriving in Christchurch. This city will delight visitors with its resilience and positive outlook before crossing the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine. The Franz Josef Glacier is a highlight, as is the energy and passion of Queenstown, while waking up to the views of Milford Sound and Mount Cook will be a treasured memory for years to come.

Tour Code:: ULI
Duration:: 24 days
Departure City:: Auckland
Return City:: Christchurch

Selected Itinerary

2020/2021 Auckland > Christchurch

24 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Auckland

Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland for your two night Special Stay. Celebrate the wonder of New Zealand at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Auckland

Freechoice

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.

Freechoice Dining

Choose between a sunset dinner yacht cruise, Orbit 360 at Sky City, or dinner at the hotel’s Grand Millennium Brasserie.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 - Auckland > Omapere

Travel north towards the Bay of Islands and visit the Kauri Museum to learn about the history of the local pioneers.

Enrich

The sense of awe you feel as you see the mighty Tãne Mahuta kauri tree for the first time is unforgettable. Listen to stories from your Mãori guide about the ‘Lord of the Forest’.

Sundowners

Watch the sunset on Hokianga Bay with a drink on the terrace of your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4 - Omapere > Paihia

Freechoice

Take a lunch cruise or enjoy a ferry ride to Russell, the birthplace of European settlement in New Zealand. Alternatively, cruise to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the Hole in the Rock (weather permitting), or join a Taste of the Bay tour.

Spend the next two nights in Paihia.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5 - Paihia

Enrich

Journey to the top of New Zealand – Cape Reinga – and enjoy the thrill of travelling along Ninety Mile Beach.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 - Paihia > Auckland

This morning discover Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Mãori guide.

Enrich

Be entertained by an authentic Mãori cultural performance inside the meeting house.

Return to your hotel in Auckland for a one-night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 7 - Auckland > Rotorua

Visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set before arriving in Rotorua, home of Mãori culture and bubbling mud pools. Later, visit the National Kiwi Trust, before your two night stay in Rotorua.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8 - Rotorua

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

Freechoice

Witness a sheep show, take an amphibious duck tour or relax in the geothermal pools. Alternatively, enjoy the view from Skyline Rotorua while wine tasting. Tonight, immerse yourself in Mãori traditions at an authentic h-a ngi dinner.

Optional flight - Take a helicopter flight to Mt Tarawera including a volcanic landing (additional expense, please book prior to departure).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - Rotorua > Napier

Witness the force of nature at Huka Falls before visiting magnificent Lake Taupo. Enjoy an overnight stay in the home of Art Deco, Napier.

Enrich

Meet the makers at a special wine tasting and dinner at Mission Estate Winery.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10 - Napier > Wellington

Freechoice

Take a walking tour of Napier’s Art Deco buildings, view the famous landmarks of Napier during a vintage car tour or discover a diverse range of aquatic animals and wildlife at the National Aquarium.

Continue to Wellington for a two-night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Wellington

Explore Wellington’s sights on your city tour before visiting the National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa.

Enrich

Take an in-depth journey of Te Papa to discover the treasures and stories of New Zealand, told with authority and passion, before delighting in kapu ti – a hot drink and traditionally inspired food.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 12 - Wellington > Blenheim

Travel in the ferry’s premium lounge across the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island.

Freechoice

Enjoy a tasting at the home of Sauvignon Blanc, a visit to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, or take an afternoon cruise on the Marlborough Sounds.

Enjoy an overnight stay at Blenheim.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 - Blenheim > Christchurch

Drive along the spectacular East Coast where rugged mountains meet the ocean. Experience how Christchurch is recovering during your two-night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 14 - Christchurch

Freechoice

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

Freechoice Dining

Experience a Kiwi home-hosted dinner with a local family or enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 15 - Christchurch > Franz Josef

Join the TranzAlpine this morning for your rail journey across the Southern Alps. Stand in wonder at Franz Josef Glacier with its ever-changing face before your overnight Special Stay.
Optional flight - Take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience the wonder in this natural alpine landscape (additional expense, please book prior to departure).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 16 - Franz Josef > Queenstown

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

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 17 - Queenstown

Freechoice

Take the Dart River Wilderness Jet, or tour local wineries. Alternatively, feel exhilarated on the Shotover Jet, a 4WD Skippers Canyon, or Safari of the Scenes tour exploring ‘The Lord of The Rings’ filming locations.

Freechoice Dining

Take a steamship cruise on TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak, ride the Skyline Gondola and dine overlooking Queenstown, or simply relax at the hotel’s restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 18 - Queenstown

Enjoy a day at leisure to discover Queenstown.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 19 - Queenstown > Milford Sound

In the darkness of the Te Anau caves, see the shimmer of thousands of glow-worms. Enjoy an overnight Special Stay on board the Milford Mariner amidst the majesty of Milford Sound.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 20 - Milford Sound > Dunedin

Awake to breathtaking beauty in Milford Sound. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Then immerse yourself in New Zealand’s oldest University City, Dunedin, with a two-night stay.

Freechoice Dining

Choose between Speight’s Brewery and the hotel’s Carlton Restaurant.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 21 - Dunedin

Freechoice

Tour Larnach Castle or visit the breeding colony of Royal Albatross. Alternatively, take a heritage walking tour, cruise Otago Harbour or take the scenic Taieri Gorge Railway.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 22 - Dunedin > Mount Cook

Visit the Moeraki Boulders, a unique sight featuring huge spherical boulders scattered across a sandy beach. Enjoy a Special Stay at Mount Cook.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 23 - Mount Cook > Christchurch

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before returning to Christchurch for your Special Stay

Enrich

Celebrate your adventures during an iconic tram ride.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 24 - Christchurch

Bid farewell to New Zealand.

Meals Included: Breakfast