Day 1 
Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Our agent will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.
Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 2
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge for the drive north along the scenic Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe and the Kauri museum telling the story of the Kauri tree and the regions early settlement, the displays are superb and their story fascinating. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia, where we meet our local Maori guide, a descendant of the original settlers to the region, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. A self guided tour through the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.
Hotel Paihia (2 nights)

Day 3
Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. A full day Tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach is extremely popular or alternatively, visit historic Russell, New Zealand’s first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum.

Day 4
Bay of Islands - Auckland
This morning a launch cruise will take you across the Bay and some of its world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock, cruising amongst picturesque islands with pristine sandy beaches and sparkling clear water. Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth, passing the satellite tracking station. Shortly Auckland city and Harbour come into view with a late afternoon arrival.
Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 5
Auckland - Whangamata
A tour of Auckland, to the summit of Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the downtown city area and waterfront drive, then experience the thrill of sailing aboard a 12m yacht on Auckland Harbour and visiting the Maritime Museum, all before driving to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Breakers Motel (2 nights)

Day 6
Coromandel Peninsula
A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads to Puketui an 1890’s gold mining town and visit a gold mine studded with glowworms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach.

Day 7
Whangamata - Rotorua
On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a luge ride with our compliments. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua(1 night)

Day 8
Rotorua - Masterton
Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Pass massive pine forests, see the Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka Falls to reach Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. A brief sightseeing tour or try white water rafting before following the shore of Lake taupo to Turangi. Continue on to Masterton where tonight you will be treated to a tasting of  the famous Schoc Chocolates.
Copthorne Hotel (1 night)

Day 9
Masterton – Wellington
Visit Greytown then through the Rimutaka Forest Park to reach the capital city, Wellington. A tour includes Mt Victoria, The Houses of Parliament, Wellington and more. You will have time to explore New Zealand national Museum, Te Papa 
Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)

Day 10
Wellington - Blenheim - Nelson
Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it’s a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts.
Leisure Lodge. (2 nights)

Day 11
Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park
We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving in Nelson at 5.00pm. Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunanui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas. Cost nz$130pp

Day 12
Nelson - Greymouth
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge – a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery.
Hotel Ashley (1 night)

Day 13
Greymouth - Fox Glacier
Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Fox Glacier. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk to nearby Lake Matheson.
Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (1 night)

Day 14
Fox Glacier - Wanaka
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka you'll have a choice of two afternoon activities: a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you.

Alternatively enjoy a thrilling jet boat excursion on the lake - full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between.
Mercure Grand Oakridge Resort (1 night)

Day 15
Wanaka - Queenstown
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant. (entire group).

At leisure in Queenstown, jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count – enjoy. Dinner day 16 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.
Rydges Hotel. (3 nights)

Choose an Option - From Days 16 to 18

Option 1

Day 16
Queenstown
At leisure in Queenstown. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with booking any optional tours that you may require for the next 2 days.

Day 17
Queenstown
At leisure in Queenstown.

Day 18
Queenstown - Milford Sound
Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.
Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night)

Option 2 - Hollyford Track Guided Walk
Extra Cost nz$1450pp
Walk is only available on the red dates * as listed above