On arrival in Christchurch there’s time for relaxing or exploring. Perhaps you might take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the picturesque Avon River. This evening your holiday begins with a Welcome Reception and dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Ibis Christchurch Hotel
Nearby to the Cashel Street. START mall - this "pop up" shopping precinct is the new vibrant heart of the city, featuring many new designer shops and modern cafes. The Hotel is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access local activities, outer lying attractions and the airport. The ibis features 155 contemporary rooms, Oopen Restaurant & Bar and a meeting room.
Board the iconic TranzAlpine train for one the world’s great rail journeys. Pass through the lush pastureland of the Canterbury Plains to the rugged gorges and ice-fed streams and lakes of the Southern Alps. Alight at Arthur’s Pass and continue to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier (an optional scenic flight available).
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier is close to the edge of one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, welcoming you to this enticing and dramatic region.
Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass, passing the 96-metre Thunder Creek Falls, and serene Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Stop at the town of Cromwell and enjoy delicious stone fruit. Next, you’ll visit the historic goldmining settlement of Arrowtown, where over 70 buildings from the gold-rush era are still beautifully preserved, before arriving in Queenstown. An orientation tour of the town, which sits on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu.
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
The Copthorne Hotel & Apartment Queenstown, Lakeview has 66 studio rooms and 19 two bedroom apartments, every one of them offering views of Queenstown's mountain and lake wilderness. The apartments are self contained and extremely spacious with large private balconies so you can enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range from the comfort of your room.
Explore New Zealand’s adventure capital today. There are jet-boat rides for thrill-seekers, and wine tours or intimate cafés for a more leisurely rhythm. Enjoy a peaceful cruise this evening across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner and an entertaining after-dinner show offering glimpses of high-country farm life.
Copthorne Hotel & Apartments Queenstown Lakeview
The Copthorne Hotel & Apartment Queenstown, Lakeview has 66 studio rooms and 19 two bedroom apartments, every one of them offering views of Queenstown's mountain and lake wilderness. The apartments are self contained and extremely spacious with large private balconies so you can enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range from the comfort of your room.
Travel the highway known as The Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the town of Te Anau. On your journey to Milford Sound you’ll be awestruck by the native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park. Your cruise on the Sound takes in cascading waterfalls, hanging glacial valleys, and towering Mitre Peak. Return to lakeside Te Anau, where this evening you’ll have the option of visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (own expense).
Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Located in the heart of the town, Distinction Luxmore Hotel is a popular choice with both visitors and locals alike. Basing yourself in Te Anau enables you to easily explore Milford Sound and the Fiordland World Heritage National Park. Distinction Luxmore has 180 rooms offering Standard, Superior & Deluxe rooms and suites, some with spa bath as well as wheelchair accessible rooms. Free unlimited WiFi, parking and gym. Guest Laundry facilities. Elevators on every floor. Two on site Restaurants and Bars and Conference facilities.
Journey through lush green sheepgrazing country on your way to Dunedin this morning. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Sit back and relax, ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway, or take a wildlife cruise to spot penguins and Royal Albatross.
Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
The stylish Scenic Hotel Dunedin City features a stunning contemporary award-winning design, with spacious guest rooms, modern facilities and attractive local artworks all in a handy inner-city location. Scenic Hotel Dunedin City is just two blocks from the Octagon in the heart of the city. As our guest you will enjoy: Generously proportioned rooms with plenty of space and light. Quality room amenities and services, including excellent bedding and high speed Internet access. Memorable street-side dining in Princes on Dowling Restaurant - the perfect place to watch the city go by. Or get comfortable beside the fire in their lounge bar. Their great central location in the heart of the city. Ideal for business guests and convenient for visitors wanting to explore the city and local attractions.
Consider an optional experience and visit Larnach Castle this morning (own expense) before setting out for historic Oamaru, with its celebrated white limestone buildings. Later, pass the monumental Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam on your way to Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel
The Heritage Gateway Hotel is situated in Omarama, at the crossroads of MacKenzie Basin, Lindis Pass and Waitaki Valley. It offers panoramic views and excellent hiking and biking opportunities.
Journey through the awe-inspiring Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park this morning (an optional scenic flight is available). See majestic Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, and stop to visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, traverse the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, a vibrant city known for its English heritage.
Ibis Christchurch Hotel
Nearby to the Cashel Street. START mall - this "pop up" shopping precinct is the new vibrant heart of the city, featuring many new designer shops and modern cafes. The Hotel is very close to the famous Cathedral Square, the historic heart of the city providing easy access local activities, outer lying attractions and the airport. The ibis features 155 contemporary rooms, Oopen Restaurant & Bar and a meeting room.
Travel along the Pacific Ocean coast to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore (an optional whale-watching flight is available). Pass the pink-tinged crystallisation ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, then travel on the pretty seaside village of Picton.
Picton Beachcomber Inn
Located in Picton, Picton Beachcomber Inn is minutes from Picton Harbour and Picton War Memorial. This 4-star hotel is within close proximity of Picton Museum and EcoWorld Aquarium.
Cruise tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, then cross the Cook Strait to Wellington, on the North Island. Take a city tour before enjoying some free time, and later visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, where you’ll have time to explore fascinating exhibits.
Travelodge Wellington
Travelodge Wellington offers fantastic Wellington accommodation at great value.
Travel along the scenic Kapiti Coast through lush dairy-farming country to Tongariro National Park and snow-capped Mt. Ruapehu. Panoramic views of Lake Taupo, the largest in Australasia, will unfold around every corner. View the mighty Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. Later relax or explore Rotorua independently.
Ibis Rotorua
Hotel Ibis Rotorua is located on the picturesque shores of lake Rotorua, just five minutes walk from the central business district, convention centre, cafes and restaurants and some of Rotorua's most popular tourist attractions. The fully air-conditioned hotel offers 145 rooms providing exceptional comfort and value. Room configurations can be one king or two doubles. A number of triple rooms with three single beds are also available. Bedrooms feature in-room safes, internet with broadband connectivity, showers, flat screen TV's and refrigerators. 24hr reception, an internet kiosk and guest laundry facilities. The I-Restaurant and Bar welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Conference rooms and other facilities at the neighboring Novotel Rotorua Lakeside are also available to guests.
This morning, experience the multi-awarding-winning Agrodome Farm Show. Later relax or explore Rotorua at your own pace. Perhaps you might visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park to observe the native fauna of New Zealand including the country's iconic kiwi. Another option is the Te Puia thermal reserve. Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter and gain an insight into traditional Maori culture followed by a delicious Hangi Highlight Dinner at the Tamaki Maori Village.
Ibis Rotorua
Hotel Ibis Rotorua is located on the picturesque shores of lake Rotorua, just five minutes walk from the central business district, convention centre, cafes and restaurants and some of Rotorua's most popular tourist attractions. The fully air-conditioned hotel offers 145 rooms providing exceptional comfort and value. Room configurations can be one king or two doubles. A number of triple rooms with three single beds are also available. Bedrooms feature in-room safes, internet with broadband connectivity, showers, flat screen TV's and refrigerators. 24hr reception, an internet kiosk and guest laundry facilities. The I-Restaurant and Bar welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Conference rooms and other facilities at the neighboring Novotel Rotorua Lakeside are also available to guests.
This morning, explore the Waitomo Glowworm Grotto by boat, and walk through towering limestone caverns. Later you’ll follow the noble Waikato, New Zealand’s longest river, into Auckland. Take an orientation tour of New Zealand’s largest city before joining your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
Included: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
VR Queen Street - Hotel & Suites
A brand new 4.5 star hotel with an unbeatable location on Queen Street, contemporary styling and well appointed modern rooms. For the convenience of travellers and visitors to Auckland, VR Queen Street is an ideal location, situated on the prime street of Auckland CBD.
Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
Flight information
LCCA: Christchurch to Auckland
Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Christchurch Airport
Day 14 – flights to depart anytime from Auckland Airport
LAAC: Auckland to Christchurch
Day 1 – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm into Auckland Airport
Day 14 – flights to depart anytime from Christchurch Airport
Flights are not included in the holiday price.
