SCENIC EXPLORER 14 Days / 13 Nights

Starts: ChristChurch
Finish: Auckland
Duration: 14 Days – 13 Nights
 

DAY 1: ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH
On arrival in Christchurch, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Stay: Pavillions Hotel (1 night)

DAY 2: CHRISTCHURCH – MT COOK – OMARAMA
A city sights tour this morning shows you the main attractions of Christchurch before traveling across the Canterbury Plains and to Tekapo, to visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. You will have a chance to take an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps before continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Finally you will continue from Mt Cook to Omarama this afternoon. Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)

DAY 3: OMARAMA – DUNEDIN
Depart Omarama this morning and continue to the ‘Scottish City’ of Dunedin. An early arrival allows for a choice of excellent optional activities, such as tours to visit the Albatross Centre, penguin and seal colonies, take a train journey on the Taieri Gorge Railway or explore the city itself. This evening you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony complete with piper, ‘address to the haggis’ and gift. Stay: Cargills Hotel (1 night)

DAY 4: DUNEDIN – LAKE MANAPOURI – TE ANAU
Visit historic Olveston House before crossing rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri before arriving at Lake Te Anau. Stay: Fiordland National Park Hotel (1 night)

DAY 5: TE ANAU – MILFORD SOUND – QUEENSTOWN
Follow the Eglinton Valley, through the Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak before returning to Te Anau by coach and on to Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed. Stay: Rydges Hotel (2 nights)

DAY 6: QUEENSTOWN
An opportunity today to explore the endless optional attractions and activities available in Queenstown, the ‘adventure capital of the world’. Your coach captain will be happy to give you some suggestions.

DAY 7: QUEENSTOWN – HAAST PASS – FOX GLACIER
Pass through a region rich in goldmining history on your way to Lake Wanaka this morning. Continue across the Haast Pass into Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Continue up the dramatic West Coast to visit the National Park Headquarters, or take an optional guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face. Stay: Fox Glacier Hotel (1 night)

DAY 8: FOX GLACIER – GREYMOUTH – CHRISTCHURCH
Time this morning to take an optional helicopter fl ight over the glacier. Continue up the West Coast, visiting a greenstone (jade) factory
before arriving in Greymouth to board the Tranz Alpine train. This journey is reputed to be one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Arriving in Christchurch this evening, you will be transferred to your hotel for the evening. Stay: Pavillions Hotel (1 night)

DAY 9: CHRISTCHURCH – KAIKOURA – BLENHEIM
Join the Tranz Coastal train for a journey up the East Coast of the South Island. Cross Canterbury farmland, follow the Pacific Coastline to Kaikoura and on to Blenheim. On arrival, enjoy a short tour of this famous wine-producing area, including a visit to the Montana Winery, where you will enjoy a guided tour, wine-tasting and afternoon tea. Stay: Blenheim Country Hotel (1 night)

DAY 10: BLENHEIM – PICTON – WELLLINGTON
Drive to Picton and board the Interislander to sail through the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sounds, across Cook Strait and into Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. A city tour will take you to the top of Mt Victoria for stunning views of the city, the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive ‘Beehive’ among other points of interest. The rest of the day is at leisure. You might like to take a ride on the Cable Car or visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand (optional extras). Stay: Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)

DAY 11: WELLINGTON – TAUPO – ROTORUA
Today you will notice a stark change in scenery. Starting with the scenic coastline of the Kapiti Coast, followed by rolling farmland further north, then crossing the North Island National Park and the aptly named Desert Road, dominated by Mt Ruapehu. Continue on to Lake Taupo for a stop at Huka Falls. Continue through the pine forests to Rotorua. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)

DAY 12: ROTORUA
Todays’ sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a show featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. See brown and rainbow trout and also the native kiwi bird at Rainbow Springs Park. Continue to the Skyline Gondola park for spectacular views over Rotorua (including a complimentary luge ride). Time for optional activities this afternoon before a traditional Maori Hangi (feast) and concert this evening.

DAY 13: ROTORUA – WAITOMO – AUCKLAND
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the dairy and farming areas of the Waikato. At Waitomo, you will have a guided tour of the limestone caverns and glowworm grotto. Continue through to Auckland, where you will take a short city tour, including the downtown area, Waterfront Drive and a visit to the top of Sky Tower, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere. Stay: Rydges Hotel (1 night)

DAY 14: DEPART AUCKLAND
Today is at your leisure until you transfer to the airport for your flight home.