Air cost: LAX or SFO/ Auckland plus Rotorua / Christchurch
Plus Queenstown / Christchurch or Auckland / LAX or SFO
From $1,210*
* Air fares vary depending upon dates and market conditions. Please inquire.
** Land prices are based on currency exchange rates . Prices may
vary up or down depending upon strength of US $ at date of your deposit.
Itinerary
DAYS 1 and 2 LAX or SFO/ AUCKLAND
This New Zealand vacation package combines the best of south island travel with a brief introduction to the north island. Don’t forget that you have crossed the international date line and have lost a day. Greeted at the airport by our reps, who will answer your questions, counsel about your New Zealand vacation as we transfer you to your hotel. Remainder of day free to explore New Zealand's largest city. Rental car is delivered to your hotel. Consider seeing the spectacular views from Mt Eden, one of several extinct volcanoes in the region. (Meals Aloft)
DAY 3
AUCKLAND / HOBBITON / ROTORUA
After an early breakfast, drive to the farming community of Matamata. It is here on a private farm that the village of Hobbiton was created for the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. Enjoy a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set. Set on a picturesque private farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges, the set has now been returned to its natural state, though hobbit holes and some structures from the set are still present. Your guide will escort you around the 10 acre site. Leaving Matamata, drive through picturesque countryside and across the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. (B)
DAY 4
ROTORUA
Morning sightseeing includes a tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts & Craft Institute – home of the Pohutu Geyser and the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre where young Maori are taught the carving and weaving skill of their ancestors. Then enjoy a walk through restful grounds of Rainbow Springs – see the Rainbow Trout swimming freely in the crystal clear pools and streams, view the Tuatara – New Zealand’s living fossil and visit the nocturnal kiwihouse to see this shy creature which is a New Zealand icon. Evening hangi dinner and concert of Maori song and dance. (BD)
DAY 5 ROTORUA / CHRISTCHURCH
Fly to Christchurch. Afternoon is free to explore the Garden City. New Zealand was a British colony and Christchurch prides itself for its British heritage and appearance. Your hotel is in the heart of Cathedral Square, which is ideal for exploring the city. Our rep or the concierge will help plan your afternoon. Optional sightseeing tour of Christchurch features some of the parks and gardens for which Christchurch is so well known. Visit Mona Vale Gardens, Hagley Park, the Avon River, the Cathedral, Town Hall, Canterbury Arts Center and the International Antarctic Center. Free evening to explore the restaurants and cafes of Christchurch.
DAY 6 CHRISTCHURCH / FRANZ JOSEF
Board the TranzAlpine for a fabulous train ride through the Southern Alps. Pick up your rental car in Greymouth and continue your journey through the town of Hokitika, well known for its greenstone (jade) studios where jewelery and ornaments of both modern and traditional design are crafted. Continue on the South Islands scenic coastal roads and mountain highways to Franz Josef village. On arrival visit the glacier, a huge river of snow and ice flowing from vast snowfields high in the Alps to almost sea level. (B)
DAY 7
FRANZ JOSEF / WANAKA
Your drive this morning is through unbelievably beautiful country including magnificent rainforests, Haast Pass, and breathtaking views of Mt. Aspiring National Park. Descend past glacial Lake Hawea to the eastern shore of Lake Wanaka and the village of Wanaka, which is one of the most beautiful of the South Island's glacial lakes and is a popular year-round vacation spot. There are opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor activities, suggest a visit to the Warbird's Museum to see vintage fighter aircraft, or a visit to Puzzle World. (B)
DAY 8 WANAKA / QUEENSTOWN
Morning free to explore Wanaka. In the afternoon a short drive to Queenstown through Central Otago sheep and fruit growing country. Or, a sliga slightly longer drive takes you over the Crown Range and you can visit several of the Lord of the Rings film locations. On arrival in Queenstown, enjoy a a sightseeing tour of Queenstown including a visit to quaint Arrowtown and stopping at Kawarau to watch the bungy jumping, with opportunity to have a go at it, if you dare! (B)
DAY 9 QUEENSTOWN
Free day in Queenstown, a beautiful lakeside resort situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and at the base of the Remarkables mountain range. It has been said that Queenstown is like Aspen, Colorado but not yet discovered by the world. There is excellent golfing, trout fishing, bushwalking, and adventure activities, such as river rafting, and parapenting. Our clients invariably wish that they had more time for the Queenstown area. There is a wide choice of optional tours and activities such as visiting Arrowtown, the gondola to Bob's Peak, lake cruises, jet boating, river rafting, fishing, golf, etc. One option is the 90 minute round trip from Queenstown to Glenorchy, which is one of the most beautiful drives on earth. Dine this evening at the Skyline Restaurant, and enjoy the panoramic views across the lake to the surrounding mountains. Access is by aerial gondola. (BD.
DAY 10 MILFORD SOUND DAY EXCURSION
A full day tour traveling through Fiordland National Park. In nine days of experiencing extraordinary beauty, you may consider this the most spectacular of your New Zealand destinations. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age Glaciers. There are clear rushing mountain streams, waterfalls, and dense rainforest. At Milford Sound board the MV Milford Monarch for a cruise down the fiord. Seals and dolphins are often seen. Close up views of Mitre Peak. Buffet lunch served aboard. Arrive back in Queenstown early evening. (BL)
DAY 11
QUEENSTOWN / CHRISTCHURCH / LAX or SFO
Your New Zealand tour ends today. Return your rental car at the Queenstown airport and begin your return flights home. (B, Meals Aloft)
