Take a 10-night trip to New Zealand. Start in Auckland, where you see Harbour Bridge and panoramic views from Mt. Victoria. From there, travel to Rotorua with a stop at the Waitomo Caves to visit the magical glow-worm grotto. Once in Rotorua, visit includes the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute and the Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley. Next, travel to Queenstown and to Milford Sound, where you cruise on the fjord and view Mitre Peak. Then, travel overland to Mt. Cook, and view New Zealand’s highest peak. Finally, travel to Christchurch, where you see central city highlights, spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. Return to the US. Starting from $4035, including air, with weekly guaranteed departures.
Day 1 - USA/Auckland
Depart from the US on Fiji Airways trans-Pacific flight to Auckland.
Day 2 - En Route
Cross the International Date Line.
Day 3 - Auckland
Arrive in Auckland and transfer to hotel. (Rydges/SkyCity)
Day 4 - Auckland
Morning sightseeing tour begins with travel through Auckland's central business district, past the Auckland University and through the inner city park known as the Domain. Continue on through the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby with its historic buildings, before heading over the Harbour Bridge to Auckland's North Shore for a stroll on one of the white sand beaches. Next, continue up to the summit of Mt Victoria with its stunning panoramic views of Auckland city and historic Devonport. Travel back over the Harbour Bridge to Westhaven Marina, one of the largest marinas in the Southern Hemisphere. (B)
Day 5 - Auckland/Waitomo/Rotorua
Travel by motor coach to Waitomo Caves and visit the magical glow-worm grotto. Continue to the thermal springs of Rotorua. (Sudima/Rotorua Lakeside Novotel) (B)
Day 6 - Rotorua
Morning at leisure. This afternoon you are guided through the greenstone, wood carving and flax weaving schools at the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Rotowhio Pa, Kiwi Conservation Centre and Te Whakarewarewa geothermal valley including Pohutu geyser. The cultural performance will take place in the beautifully carved meeting house, Te Aronui a Rua. It will include a pohiri (traditional welcome), waiata (song), moteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka. (B/D)
Day 7 - Rotorua/Queenstown
Fly to Queenstown on the South Island of New Zealand. Arrive and transfer to hotel. (Copthorne Lakefront/Millennium) (B)
Day 8 - Milford Sound
Drive from Queenstown through the Fiordland National Park. On arrival at Milford Sound, enjoy a cruise on the tranquil waters of the fiord, with a view of the famous Mitre Peak and the waterfalls. Return to Queenstown in the evening. (B/L)
Day 9 - Queenstown
Full day at leisure. (B)
Day 10 - Queenstown/Mt. Cook
In the morning, travel overland to Mt. Cook. Drive through the Kawarau Gorge and Lindis Pass and view Mt. Cook, New Zealand's highest peak. You may take an optional flight over New Zealand’s finest alpine scenery. Or, take a walk in the Mt. Cook National Park. Dinner at the Hermitage Hotel. (Hermitage) (B/D)
Day 11 - Mt. Cook/Christchurch
Morning at leisure before leaving Mt. Cook for Christchurch. Travel alongside Lake Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, view the Church of the Good Shepherd, pass through the Mackenzie country, cross the Canterbury Plains, and arrive in Christchurch. (Rydges Latimer/George) (B)
Day 12 - Christchurch
Your morning tour commences by covering the central city highlights including the Botanical Gardens, Museum and Art Centre, the Avon River, Bridge of Remembrance, the city's new pop up container mall and many other CBD highlights. On leaving the inner city, the tour travels to Mona Vale, an historic homestead and garden. Up to the Sign of the Takahe, an historic building providing spectacular views over the city, Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps, then over the Port Hills to the Port of Lyttelton, through the harbour tunnel to the seaside suburb of Sumner and Cave Rock before returning to the central city where the tour will conclude. (B)
Day 13 - Christchurch/USA
Depart for the US via Fiji Airways. Arrive in the US the same day. (B)
