Tour Overview:
Enchanting natural wonders from geothermal hot spots to ice-age glaciers and expansive, magnificent vistas. Majestic in name and in nature, this tour delivers everything from north to south.

Day 1 – Arrive Auckland
On arrival you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here.

Day 2 – Auckland / Hobbiton / Rotorua
Today’s coach tour takes you through the rolling green hills to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, one of New Zealand’s ‘must-see’ destinations. See where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed as your tour guide shares behind-the-scenes tales. You’ll see sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch before continuing to Rotorua. (B)

Day 3 – Rotorua
Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. This afternoon you will be transport to TePuia for a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the geothermal valley. Then enjoy a Hangi Dinner overlooking the valley and geyser, followed by a 40 minute cultural performance. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser terrace. (B)

Day 4 – Rotorua / Christchurch
Depart on your domestic flight to Christchurch. (Airfare is not included). Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. (B)

Day 5 – Christchurch / Tranz Alpine Train / Glacier Region
Depart Christchurch on the Tranz Alpine train* crossing the vast expanses of the Canterbury Plains, through the dramatic gorge of the Waimakariri River to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Here, your driver/guide will meet you for the remainder of the journey by deluxe mini-van to the West Coast. Follow rivers, rainforest and mountain valleys on the journey to Hokitika, once a roaring gold mining town and a place where Maori sought their treasured greenstone. View evidence of the last Ice Age in the kettle lakes created by the melting ice sheets before arriving in glacier country. (BL)

*Tranz Alpine Train is subject to operational schedule

Day 6 – Glacier Region / Queenstown
Start the day with a short walk to experience the rainforest with the glacier in the background and its shattered, glacier formed landscape. Then your guided tour heads south to the mighty Haast River Valley and the landscape dramatically changes again from dense rain forest to the drier tussock lands of Otago. Skirt the headwaters of Lake Wanaka and follow the shoreline of Lake Hawea and, time permitting, explore the quaint old gold mining village of Arrowtown before arriving in Queenstown where you’ll say farewell to your guide. (BL)

Day 7 – Queenstown
Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.Today is a free day to add some of the endless optional activities on offer. (B)

Day 8-Queenstown – Milford Sound
Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today’s stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea. Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your coach return to Queenstown. (BL)

Day 9-Queenstown / Mt Cook /Tekapo / Christchurch
Departing Queenstown, your passionate driver guide will bring todays journey to life, sharing stories and rich background knowledge. Pass through the stunning Kawarau Gorge, fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell, following beautiful Lake Dunstan and through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district alongside magnificent turquoise blue lake framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time. Leaving Mt Cook it’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby. Your driver guide will point them out on the journey to Lake Tekapo where you will make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing on through the amazing countryside to Christchurch. (B)

Day 10-Depart Christchurch
Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport. (B)

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