DAY 7 : Rotorua - Napier ( B , D ) Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo . Continue to Napier known as ‘ The Art Deco Capital ’, where a city tour will showcase the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world . Board the Hawke ’ s Bay Express and hear informative commentary on the city ’ s fascinating history . Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city or you might choose to do a guided walk ( optional ). Hotel Scenic Hotel Te Pania
DAY 8 : Napier - Wellington ( B , D ) Travel south this morning into Wellington for a city tour of the nation ’ s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here . Hotel InterContinental Wellington
DAY 9 : Wellington - Picton - Blenheim ( B , D ) A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa , New Zealand ’ s National Museum with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views . This afternoon board the Interislander Ferry and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton where you board your Ultimate Coach for the short journey to Blenheim . This evening sample some of the local wines from the Marlborough region . Hotel Marlborough Vintners Hotel
DAY 10 : Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch ( B ) Tour through Marlborough Country , famous for its food and wine , then travel to the seaside village of Kaikoura . Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch . Hotel The George or similar
DAY 11 : Christchurch - Arthur ’ s Pass - Fox Glacier ( B , D ) This morning board the TranzAlpine , renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world . Travel over massive viaducts , river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur ’ s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps . Board your Ultimate coach and travel to Hokitika , famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to the township of Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight ( optional , weather permitting ) over the spectacular glaciers . Hotel Distinction Fox Glacier
DAY 12 : Fox Glacier - Queenstown ( B ) See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast . Continue via the Haast Pass , an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown , a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu . This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants . Hotel Heritage Queenstown ( 2 nights )
DAY 13 : Queenstown ( Free Day ) ( B , SD ) Today is a free day and there are plenty of sightseeing options available . You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride , a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon or get up close to a Kiwi bird . This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station . Sit back , relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel ’ s Homestead . After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown .
DAY 14 : Queenstown - Te Anau ( B , D ) Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown , an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum . Continue to Te Anau , the gateway to Fiordland . Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves ( optional ). Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas ( 2 nights )
DAY 15 : Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau ( B , L , D ) Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a nature cruise on this magnificent fiord . See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch onboard . This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available . You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film , Ata Whenua - Shadowland , which screens at the Fiordland Cinema ( optional ).
DAY 16 : Te Anau - Dunedin ( B , D ) Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the “ Edinburgh of the South ”. Enjoy an informative city tour followed by some free time at leisure . Hotel Distinction Dunedin
DAY 17 : Dunedin - Mt Cook ( B , D ) Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle , hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour with time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by an Ultimate High Tea served in the Grand Ballroom . Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone . Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook . Hotel The Hermitage Hotel ( Aoraki Wing )
DAY 18 : Mt Cook - Christchurch ( B , SD ) This morning marvel at Mt Cook , New Zealand ’ s highest peak . The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight ( optional , weather permitting ) over the Southern Alps . Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water , visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and see the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving into Christchurch . This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your new found friends . Hotel The George or similar
DAY 19 : Depart Christchurch ( B ) Time to say goodbye . You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday .
>> TOUR HIGH LIGHT
TOP TO BOTTOM : Discover all the magic of the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour ; join the Hawke ’ s Bay Express for a stylishly memorable experience of the Art Deco capital ; Explore Te Papa , New Zealand ’ s National Museum ; Larnach Castle , sits on the Otago Peninsula .
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