Feature Tour: New Zealand Discoverer
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Capture the true spirit of the North and South Island. Majestic Milford Sound, bubbling thermal geysers in Rotorua, traditional Maori culture, and spectacular lush scenic vistas. All this plus fabulous days and nights in Christchurch and Queenstown.
Itinerary:
Days 1 & 2 Depart USA We fly over the international date line on our way to Christchurch, New Zealand.
Day 3 Arrive Christchurch On our arrival in Christchurch, we are met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of your day is at leisure in this 'Garden City'. Perhaps explore the inner city on the Christchurch Tram. Tonight, we enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with our Tour Director. (D)
Day 4 Christchurch – TranzApline – Punakaiki Today we board the TranzApline Train with stunning scenery on our journey over the Southern Alps. This afternoon in Greymouth we visit Shantytown, a re-creation of an 1880's West Coast gold rush town. Travel on to Punakaiki and view the Pancake Rocks. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at our hotel. (BB D)
Day 5 Punakaiki – Franz Josef We continue to Franz Josef Glacier. The twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef are the closest to sea level. Here you have an opportunity to join an optional scenic flight over the glaciers. This evening, dinner is at our hotel. (BB D)
Day 6 Franz Josef – Queenstown (2) We enjoy a coastal drive with views of the Tasman Sea. Over the Haast Pass winding through Mount Aspiring National Park. Our journey passes Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and heads along the Kawarau River through Kawarau Gorge. Then we visit Arrowtown, before continuing to Queenstown for our two night stay. (BB)
Day 7 Queenstown at leisure - A full day at leisure. Maybe take a jetboat trip on the Shotover River. This evening, we join the vintage steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak sheep station. Free time before enjoying some Kiwi hospitality and a carvery dinner. (BB) (HD)
Day 8 Queenstown – Te Anau – Milford - Sound An early start to Fiordland. We drive through Homer Tunnel stopping at the Chasm before arriving at Milford Sound. Cruise on this wonder of nature - Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above. Later, we head to Te Anau for dinner and overnight. (BB D)
Day 9 Te Anau – Dunedin This morning we cross South Otago country through the town of Gore to Balclutha. Later, we make our way to the 'Scottish city' of Dunedin. Tonight, we enjoy a Scottish evening with bagpipes, kilts and haggis. (BB) (HD)
Day 10 Dunedin – Mount Cook Today we enjoy a visit to historic Olveston House, with its antiques and paintings. Next we continue to Omarau, famous for its white limestone buildings. Then enjoy some of the loveliest scenery as we follow the Waitaki River, past hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore. (BB D)
Day 11 Mount Cook – Christchurch Today we travel past Mount Cook National Park, a world heritage site and home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Perhaps take an optional scenic flight over the Tasman Glacier. Later, we visit Lake Tekapo to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Then we continue over the plains of Canterbury to Christchurch. (BB)
Day 12 Christchurch – TranzCoastal – Blenheim An early morning departure aboard the TranzCoastal Train. Enjoy a scenic rail journey along the South Island to Blenheim. The famous Marlborough region is the largest wine-producing region in New Zealand. We enjoy a guided tour and tasting at the Montana winery. (BB D)
Day 13 Blenheim – Cruise Cook Strait – Wellington This morning we're off to Picton to join our cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. A short sightseeing tour before a visit to Te Papa National Museum, with its Maori collection, natural history exhibits and a high-tech look at the future. (BB)
Day 14 Wellington – Rotorua (2) Through the dairy farming lands of Manawatu to the volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park. We follow the shores of Lake Taupo, to the town of Taupo. On to Wairakei, stopping to view the geothermal Bore Field. Later, on to Rotorua where we enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast and concert, at a local Marae. (BB) (HD)
Day 15 Rotorua sightseeing Our sightseeing includes a visit to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Here we view New Zealand's biggest geyser, Pohutu, bubbling mud pools and thermal springs. Then we visit Rainbow Springs to view the rare flightless Kiwi bird. Next on to visit the Rainbow Farm Show before time to shop or join an optional scenic flight over 'geyserland'. (BB)
Day 16 Rotorua – Waitomo Caves – Auckland We visit the Waitomo Caves where a guided boat tour of the amazing Glow Worm Grotto is an unforgettable experience. We continue through Waikato district to its centre Hamilton. Later, on to Auckland the 'City of Sails'. (BB)
Day 17 Auckland – USA Bid farewell as you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (BB)
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