TRIP INCLUDES

• Roundtrip Coach Class trans-Pacific air on Air New Zealand
• Arrival and departure transfers
• Accommodation in hotels listed or similar, in twin-bedded rooms
• 14 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 7 dinners (D)
• Services of a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned motorcoach featuring panoramic windows
• Sightseeing, special features and scenic highlights as indicated in the itinerary including admission charges where applicable
• All local taxes
• Portfolio of travel documents
• Upgrade to Premium Class air available at nominal charge
  

DAY 1 - Christchurch, New Zealand / Punakaiki
Journey over the Southern Alps through scenic Lewis Pass to Greymouth. From here, travel along the coast to Punakaiki. Stop to see the fascinating Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before checking in at the eco-friendly Punakaiki Rocks Hotel, set on the waterfront. Relax over a welcome drink followed by dinner. (D)

DAY 2 - Punakaiki / Nelson
Take in the scenic wilderness of the Heritage Highway and impressive Buller Gorge Admire views of the Buller River and Kahurangi National Park en route to Nelson. Visit the World of Wearable Arts and Collectable Cars, a unique experience of music, lighting and astounding fashions, plus a collection of over 50 classic cars and motorbikes. (B,D)

DAY 3 - Nelson
A day at leisure for your own pursuits. You might want to take a cruise in Abel Tasman National Park or a scenic flight over the area. Perhaps join an Arts & Crafts tour, visit Hoglund International Glass Centre or simply relax. (B)

DAY 4 - Nelson / Hanmer Springs
Travel through the Richmond Forest Park to sunny Blenheim, then down the east coast to Kaikoura. There is time to see a seal colony or take a whale watching flight (weather permitting, own expense) before following the Seaward Kaikoura Range to Hanmer Springs. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps soak in one of the many thermal hot pools or try a relaxing massage (own expense). (B,D)

DAY 5 - Hanmer Springs / Christchurch
Leaving Hanmer Springs, continue over the Canterbury Plains to the “Garden City,” Christchurch. A brief orientation tour introduces you to the city, then the rest of the day is free. (B)

DAY 6 - Christchurch / TranzAlpine Train / Franz Josef
Board the world-famous TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps. Disembark and coach to the small town of Hokitika where you will see the beautiful native greenstone (jade). On to visit the gold mining town of Ross before arriving in Franz Josef. (B,D)

DAY 7 - Franz Josef Glacier Excursion
This morning, a guided nature hike takes you to Franz Josef Glacier. Enjoy the informative commentary through the glacier valley as your guide carves out steps in the ice leading onto the glacier. There is time on the ice to explore the terminal face and the lower regions of the glacier before returning to the hotel. The balance of the day is free. You might want to take an optional scenic flight over Mount Cook (weather permitting, own expense). (B)

DAY 8 - Franz Josef / Wanaka
Travel south, admiring the stunning views of towering mountains and the mighty Tasman Sea. At Haast, board a Haast River Safari for a jet boat ride on the Haast River. Later, continue over Haast Pass and along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the town of Wanaka. (B,D)

DAY 9 - Wanaka / Queenstown
This morning is free to explore Wanaka on your own. In the afternoon, travel past Lake Dunstan and visit the stone fruit capital of New Zealand, Cromwell. Then on through the Kawarau Gorge to Arrow town. Explore the old Chinese ruins of this historic gold mining town and see the local museum before continuing to Queenstown, where your evening is at leisure. (B)

DAY 10 - Queenstown
A day at leisure. Magnificent scenery and natural attractions are intensified by action for adventure seekers and relaxation for pleasure seekers. There area host of activities available, from jetboat rides to white water rafting to wine or garden tours. (B)

DAY 11 - Queenstown / Dunedin
Journey through the Kawarau Gorge and along the shores of Lake Dunstan, the largest manmade lake in New Zealand. Arrive in Dunedin this afternoon. A city tour includes the Octagon, Baldwin Street, reputedly the steepest street in the world, and views of Otago Harbour. Next, visit New Zealand’s only castle, Larnach Castle, for a guided tour. Tonight, a traditional piped welcome and Haggis ceremony highlight Dunedin’s Scottish heritage. (B,D)

DAY 12 - Dunedin / Catlins / Stewart Island
Head south out of Dunedin, crossing over the Clutha River and past the small town of Balclutha before arriving at Catlins Forest Park. This remote area is home to abundant wildlife, birdlife and rugged scenery. Enjoy a short bush walk, watching for yellow eyed penguins and New Zealand fur seals. Then, travel to Bluff to board the ferry to Stewart Island. Upon arrival, a Village and Bays tour introduces you to Oban and Stewart Island’s history. Your evening is at leisure on the “Island of Tranquility.” (B)

DAY 13 - Stewart Island / Invercargill
A scenic cruise including lunch takes you through Paterson Inlet and to the birdlife sanctuary on Ulva Island. This forested island is predator-free and a “must” for viewing native birds and flora. This afternoon, board the ferry for the journey to Invercargill on the mainland. Upon arrival, your evening is free. (B,L)

DAY 14 - Invercargill / Milford Sound Travel to Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage Park. There is time to explore the Mirror Lakes, Pop’s Lookout and The Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound. Here, you will board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise. Setting out, enjoy breathtaking views of the fjord, as you cruise the full length of the Sound before anchoring in Harrison Cove for the night. Dinner will be served on board. (B,D)

DAY 15 - Milford / Depart Queenstown
There is time this morning to try sea kayaking or perhaps take a beach walk in Milford Sound. Then board the coach to Te Anau and on to Queenstown. Your tour concludes in Queenstown, with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (NOTE: Book your flight to depart Queenstown after 7:00 p.m.) (B)