New Zealand Highlighter

Welcome to the ‘City of Sails’. Upon arrival, we’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Then, set out on your selected Freedom of Choice activity. This evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner.

Accommodation
Grand Millennium Auckland

• Dinners

Depart Auckland and head south to Waitomo, home to the famous caves where thousands of tiny bioluminescent glowworms radiate a spellbinding light. Discover this natural wonder on a guided boat ride through a grotto illuminated by these majestic creatures. Afterwards, continue to Rotorua, where a memorable Signature Experience awaits you this evening.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Millennium Hotel Rotorua

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Explore Rotorua your way with a range of included Freedom of Choice sightseeing options.

• Breakfast

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through the glorious landscapes of the North Island. Gaze out over the thunderous Huka Falls and the tranquil setting of Lake Taupo, then cross the volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park on your way to the nation’s capital, Wellington.

Accommodation
Two Nights, InterContinental Wellington

• Breakfast
• Dinners

After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington’s best-loved landmarks and sights, including Mount Victoria and the waterfront area. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to continue exploring this coastal city. You may like to visit New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, or perhaps dine at a local restaurant (own expense).

• Breakfast

This morning, cruise to Picton at the tip of the South Island during an incredible Signature Experience. Afterwards, rejoin your coach and travel via the stunning landscapes of Marlborough and Kaikoura to Christchurch.

Accommodation
Christchurch, Commodore Hotel

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Today begins with a special Signature Experience. Afterwards, disembark at Arthur’s Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika, famous for its stunning coastline and jade carving industry. Pounamu, or greenstone, is plentiful here and holds great cultural significance for the Maori people. Continue to Franz Josef/Waiau, where you’ll enjoy another Signature Experience.

Accommodation
Franz Josef/Waiau, Te Waonui Forest Retreat

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Today, admire the magnificent landscape as you travel along the Haast River on your way to Queenstown. Known as New Zealand’s adventure capital, Queenstown is also famous for its thriving culinary scene. This evening, a range of Freedom of Choice dining options are available to you.

Accommodation
Two Nights, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Immerse yourself in the scenic splendour of Queenstown with an included Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity.

• Breakfast

Embark on a picturesque drive today as you journey along the Milford Road and into the heart of Fiordland National Park. Wind down the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, then pass through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the sight of Mitre Peak – the iconic backdrop to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Continue to Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, where a Signature Experience awaits. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Savour another Signature Experience in the evening.

Accommodation
Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Journey through Southland’s countryside as you travel to Dunedin, a city known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon, select your Freedom of Choice activity.

Accommodation
Fable Dunedin

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Drive north and stop to view the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki on Koekohe Beach. A geological marvel, these gigantic calcite spheres were formed an estimated 65 million years ago. Continue to World Heritage-listed Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, where you’ll enjoy a Signature Experience as well as your selected Freedom of Choice activity.

Accommodation
Aoraki/Mount Cook, The Hermitage Hotel, in a room with alpine views

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Travel to the picturesque township of Lake Tekapo/Takapo. Here, take in the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps and the namesake lake’s distinctive milky-turquoise hue. Pay a visit to the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, which features in many photographs thanks to its beautiful backdrop and surrounds. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel.

Accommodation
Distinction Christchurch Hotel

• Breakfast
• Dinners

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

• Breakfast