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8 day discover new zealand

highlights
2 nights geothermal Rotorua
Overnight in Christchurch, the ‘Garden City’
3 nights in exciting Queenstown
Famous Franz Josef Glacier
Spectacular Tranz Alpine Rail journey

itinerary
Day 1: Auckland – Waitomo Caves - Rotorua
Today travel south to Rotorua via the rich pastoral province of Waikato. Enjoy a lunch in the rural surrounds of the King Country then travel on to the fascinating Waitomo Caves. Here you will experience a guided tour of the famous Glowworm Grotto featuring an underground boat ride. Continue on via Lake Karapiro to arrive in Rotorua. In the evening enjoy a unique Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert with Tamaki Tours.

Day 2: Rotorua Sightseeing
Today you will experience the many varied sights that Rotorua has to offer. Visit Paradise Valley Springs, a performing sheep show at the Agrodome and the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Learn about traditional Maori crafts at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and then enjoy an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps take a tour to the Buried Village or enjoy a swim at the Polynesian Spa.

Day 3: Rotorua - Christchurch
(Airfare not included)
Fly to Christchurch and enjoy free time to explore the ‘Garden City’. We suggest the Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens or the International Antarctic Centre (own expense)

Day 4: Christchurch - Mount Cook - Queenstown
Today travel south, across the Canterbury Plains, and through the Mackenzie country via Lake Tekapo where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue alongside the Tasman River to Mount Cook National Park. Consider a scenic flight over some of New Zealand’s finest alpine scenery. Continue on to the Lindis Pass, and through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital.

Day 5: Milford Sound Day Excursion
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. View the Mirror lakes as you continue through the Eglinton Valley. From the Homer Tunnel emerge into the Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound Red Boat cruise, for an unforgettable experience, and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord. Journey to the mouth of the sound and see the seals and dolphins, which inhabit this part of the world. Return to Queenstown.

Day 6: Queenstown
A free day to enjoy the many leisure pursuits on offer. Staff at “The Station” can assist with information and reservations for the huge selection of things to see and do.

Day 7: Queenstown - Franz Josef Glacier
Travel via the Haast Pass, past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, through the Westland National Park to Franz Josef, arriving approximately 3.50pm. We suggest a scenic helicopter flight or guided tour (own expense) to view the glacier more closely and enjoy the stunning scenery this region has to offer.

Day 8: Franz Josef Glacier - TranzAlpine - Christchurch
Today travel to Greymouth and board the scenic TranzAlpine Express for a journey famous for its spectacular mountain scenery. Traverse the Southern Alps, which divide the East and West coasts of the South Island. Travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch arriving at approximately 6.40pm

inclusions
Luxury coach transport 7 nights accommodation Waitomo Caves tour with lunch Maori Hangi and concert Rotorua sightseeing tour Milford Sound day excursion TranzAlpine train journey

departures
Departs: Daily from 7.00am from Auckland Hotels, pick-up time confirmed at time of booking.
Returns: Christchurch

additional information
Operated by: Great Sights – Tour Code: SB8
Children: aged 0-12 years are at the child rate, when using existing bedding and sharing a room with 2 adults

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