Day 1
Christchurch
Arrive into Christchurch no later than 4.00pm and transfer to your hotel for the night. The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you the chance to explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, meet your Tour Guide and fellow travellers at a welcome reception and dinner, where you'll have the opportunity to get to know the group before your New Zealand adventure begins.
Overnight: Ibis Hotel or similar
Day 2
Canterbury Plains/Franz Josef
This morning, board the TranzAlpine train for one of the most extraordinary and scenic rail journeys in the world. Travel across the Canterbury Plains and through the spectacular Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass, enjoying breathtaking views along the way. Afterwards, visit Hokitika, home to New Zealand's famous greenstone (jade), where you'll discover the work of local artists during a factory visit. Continue to Franz Josef, where you'll admire the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier from a panoramic viewpoint. There is also an optional scenic flight available for those wishing to enjoy an aerial perspective of this spectacular landscape.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 3
Queenstown
Travel through the spectacular Haast Pass today, taking in the beautiful scenery of Thunder Creek Falls and enjoying a rainforest walk along the way. Continue past a trio of stunning lakes – Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan – before stopping at a Cromwell orchard to sample some of the region's delicious fresh fruit. Later, visit the historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown, beautifully situated alongside the Arrow River. On arrival in Queenstown, enjoy an orientation tour of this lively resort town, famous for its spectacular scenery and adventure activities.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Queenstown or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 4
Queenstown
Enjoy a day at leisure in Queenstown, giving you the opportunity to discover this exciting destination at your own pace. Whether you're interested in white-water rafting, jet boating, wine tasting or simply enjoying the beautiful lakeside setting, there is something for everyone. Later, embark on a memorable cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw, one of New Zealand's oldest steamships. Arrive at Walter Peak High Country Farm, where you'll enjoy a delicious gourmet BBQ dinner at the Colonel's Homestead, followed by an entertaining farm show offering an insight into traditional high-country farming life. Afterwards, cruise back across the lake to Queenstown.
Overnight: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Queenstown or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 5
Te Anau
Travel along the spectacular Devil's Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu towards Te Anau today. The scenery becomes increasingly impressive as you journey through Fiordland National Park towards Milford Sound, one of New Zealand's most celebrated natural attractions. Here, enjoy a nature cruise through the magnificent fiord, taking in its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery. Look out for Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and the beautiful Cleddau Valley, with plenty of opportunities for memorable photographs. Afterwards, return to the lakeside town of Te Anau, where you can enjoy some free time or choose to take an optional excursion to the famous Te Anau Glowworm Caves.
Overnight: Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 6
Dunedin
Leave the beautiful Fiordland region behind as you travel across the rolling sheep-farming landscapes of the South Island towards Dunedin. Known for its Scottish heritage, historic architecture and beautiful coastal setting, Dunedin is a fascinating city to explore. The afternoon is at leisure, giving you the opportunity to discover more of the area. You may wish to consider an optional wildlife cruise to look out for royal albatross and penguins, visit the historic Cadbury Factory or experience the scenic Taieri Gorge Railway.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 7
Omarama
Today, continue north through the South Island, with the opportunity to visit Larnach Castle (optional), New Zealand's only castle, set in a spectacular position overlooking the Otago Peninsula. Afterwards, travel through the historic town of Oamaru, famous for its impressive limestone buildings and Victorian architecture. Continue past the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam before arriving in Omarama, a peaceful rural town surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
Overnight: Heritage Gateway Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 8
Christchurch
Enjoy some of the South Island's most spectacular scenery today as you travel towards Mount Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Take in the impressive alpine landscapes and the vivid turquoise waters of Lake Pukaki before continuing to beautiful Lake Tekapo. Here, visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand's most photographed landmarks. You'll also enjoy a guided indoor Dark Sky and Astronomy Experience, discovering more about the incredible night skies and the region's internationally recognised stargazing conditions. An optional scenic flight over Mount Cook and the surrounding lakes is also available. Later, journey across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Overnight: Ibis Hotel or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 9
Picton
Travel north along the spectacular Pacific coastline towards Kaikoura, a beautiful seaside destination renowned for its rich marine wildlife. Enjoy the opportunity to look out for seals and other marine life along the coastline, with time to appreciate the area's stunning ocean and mountain scenery. Kaikoura is also famous for its whale-watching experiences, with an optional whale-watching flight available for those wishing to see more of the region's marine wildlife from above. Continue past the Grassmere Salt Works before arriving in the picturesque seaside town of Picton, where you'll enjoy an orientation tour.
Overnight: Picton Beachcomber Inn or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 10
Wellington
This morning, enjoy a spectacular cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound before crossing the Cook Strait from Picton to Wellington. On arrival in New Zealand's capital city, take part in an orientation tour to discover some of its main sights and attractions. Afterwards, visit Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand's national museum, where you can learn more about the country's fascinating history, culture, art and natural heritage. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Wellington at your own pace.
Overnight: Travelodge Wellington or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 11
Rotorua
Travel along the beautiful Kapiti Coast today before continuing towards Tongariro National Park, where you'll discover the spectacular alpine scenery surrounding Mount Ruapehu. Continue to Taupo, situated on the shores of New Zealand's largest lake, where you'll have the opportunity to admire the impressive Huka Falls from a panoramic viewpoint. Pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station before continuing through the fascinating geothermal landscapes of the central North Island towards Rotorua, a region renowned for its bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers and rich Maori heritage.
Overnight: Ibis Hotel or similar (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 12
Rotorua
Today, discover more of Rotorua's remarkable geothermal attractions and Maori culture. Enjoy the Te Po Indigenous Experience at Te Puia, where you'll gain an insight into the traditions, stories and heritage of the Maori people. Explore the fascinating geothermal valley, with its bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and spectacular geysers, while learning more about the cultural significance of this remarkable landscape. The experience offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the connection between New Zealand's natural environment and its indigenous culture. The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you time to explore more of Rotorua or enjoy one of the many optional activities available.
Overnight: Ibis Hotel or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 13
Auckland
This morning, travel through the beautiful Waikato countryside towards the famous Waitomo Caves. Here, discover the magical underground Glowworm Grotto on a memorable boat journey beneath thousands of tiny glowworms, illuminating the cave ceiling like a star-filled night sky. There will also be an opportunity to admire the impressive limestone formations within the caves. Afterwards, continue alongside the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, towards Auckland. On arrival, enjoy a sightseeing tour of New Zealand's largest city before heading to your hotel. This evening, celebrate the end of your New Zealand adventure with farewell drinksalongside your fellow travellers.
Overnight: Holiday Inn Express or similar (Breakfast included)
Day 14
Auckland
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. Your memorable New Zealand Marvel adventure comes to an end today, leaving you with wonderful memories of this spectacular country.
(Breakfast included)
