Discover New Zealand - SIC

DAY 1 : Arrive in Auckland

Upon arrival at the airport, 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. Overnight stay in Auckland.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
* Auckland Sky Tower
* Orbit Restaurant Sky Tower

DAY 2 : Auckland

Experience the best of Auckland sightseeing on a small group shared tour enjoying the highlights of Auckland City in the morning combined with an afternoon visiting Auckland’s wild, west coast with black sand beaches and lush rainforest. Overnight stay in Auckland.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES: * Best of Both Worlds Tour
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: * Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise

DAY 3 : 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.  Overnight stay in Rotorua.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES: * Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: * Redwoods Nightlights    * Polynesian Spa Deluxe Lake Spa

DAY 4 : 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. 

Sense, feel and experience the awesome earth forces of nature and the best of Rotorua’s geothermal wonders at Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and the Waimangu Volcanic Valley on a half day tour.  Early evening, visit  Te Puia for an Indigenous Evening Experience including a buffet dinner and cultural performance, culminating with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser terrace.  Overnight: Rotorua

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES: * Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: * Gondola Ride

DAY 5 : Rotorua - Napier

There’s a bit of everything on today’s drive past Great Lake Taupo to Napier.   Your scenic journey includes volcanic geography, fresh forest plantations, rugged hills, beautiful valleys, gentle plains and huge vistas.  

Following an earthquake in 1931, a rebuild saw Napier completely redesigned in the style of the times.  Buildings were constructed in the Art Deco style with Maori motifs to give the city a unique New Zealand character.  Today, the delightful seaside city of Napier has the extraordinary feeling of a time capsule with its seamless line of some of the world's finest 1930s architecture.  Overnight stay in Napier.

DAY 6 : Napier - Wellington

Relive the glamour and style of the jazz era on a luxurious vintage car tour this morning before enjoying the ever-changing scenery on the journey south to New Zealand’s capital city. Overnight: Wellington

DAY 7 : Wellington

Set between a sparking harbour and rolling green hills the compact city of Wellington is best explored on foot.  Make your own way around the city to experience a charming cable car ride to enjoy stunning views of the city and harbour, and visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum.  Te Papa free admission but you might like to include a guided tour for a greater insight into New Zealand's rich history and culture. Overnight stay in Wellington.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES: * Te Papa Museum of New Zealand,   * Wellington Cable Car Return Trip
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: * Introducing Te Papa Tour

DAY 8 : Wellington - Picton - Kaikoura

New Zealand's North and South Islands are separated by three hours of sensational scenery and fresh ocean air.  Transfer to Wellington Ferry Terminal where your ship will ferry you across the Cook Strait, past the beautiful beaches, bays and coves of the Marlborough Sound to the historic port town of Picton.   Take the short walk to the bus deport for your transfer to Kaikoura.  Overnight stay in Kaikoura.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES: * North to South Island Ferry Crossing

DAY 9 : Kaikoura - Christchurch

The seaside settlement of Kaikoura is set midway and overlooked by majestic mountains.  The unique marine geography at this location provides the perfect environment for Sperm Whales and other marine life. 

This morning’s tour heads to the tip of the Kaikoura peninsula for some amazing sea views, interesting rock formations and the odd seal basking in the sunshine. This afternoon you’ll be transferred to Christchurch.  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. Overnight stay in Christchurch.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES: * Kaikoura Sightseeing Tour - 3 Hours

DAY 10 : Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown

Travel through the wide Canterbury plains farmland and impressive alpine passes to the famous blue lakes of Lake Tekapo, stopping at the very popular Church of the Good Shepherd.  Hug the shores of pretty Lake Pukaki, up to the rugged landscape of ice and rock that surrounds New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook.   Enjoy some free time here before continuing through more expansive and dramatic scenery on the journey to Queenstown.  Overnight stay in Queenstown.

DAY 11 : 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 Queenstown has to offer. Overnight stay in Queenstown.

DAY 12 : Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

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 downtown Queenstown. Lunch is included. Duration: approx.12 hours. Overnight stay in Queenstown.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES:* Milford Sound Coach     * Cruise ex Queenstown

DAY 13 : Queenstown - Dunedin

Depart Queenstown through wineries and orchards on your private transfer to Dunedin.  Follow the footsteps of early Maori and European settlements based on gold and whaling.  Set amidst a magical landscape edged by the sea, Dunedin and its surround are a vibrant mix of heritage and wildlife. Overnight stay in Dunedin.

DAY 14 : Dunedin - The Catlins - Dunedin

Today’s private tour visits The Catlins, an unspoilt corner of the world - a place where time has stood still. The remarkable Catlins is rugged and remote with hidden waterfalls, ancient forests and home to some of the world’s rarest marine animals.  Overnight: Dunedin

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES:* Catlins Experience Private Tour

DAY 15 : Dunedin - Christchurch

The attractive harbour town of Oamaru displays some captivating limestone architecture on the journey north.  Wide, braided river crossings then become a feature on the rest of the trip with the Southern Alps providing a majestic scenic backdrop on your return to Christchurch.  Overnight stay in Christchurch.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: * Christchurch Tram Dinner

DAY 16 : Depart Christchurch

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.