Join us on a unique journey to uncover the wonders of New Zealand
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16 18 Day Grand New Zealand Day 1 Arrive Auckland (D) "Kia Ora" and welcome to New Zealand! You will be met upon arrival and transferred ^ to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the City of Sails. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travelling companions for a welcome reception and dinner. Two Night Stay: Rydges Auckland Day 2 Auckland (B) On your morning city highlights tour you will learn about Auckland's history and see how Aucklanders live and play. Travel through Auckland's CBD and through the inner city park known as The Domain. See the picturesque suburb of Ponsonby. Continue up to the summit of Mt Victoria before continuing on to the Viaduct Harbour. The afternoon is at leisure for you to Discover More of this great city. Discover More: Take the hop on hop off bus or climb the Sky Tower or enjoy a dinner yacht cruise or participate as crew on an America's Cup yacht (see page 25). Day 3 Kauri Museum – Treaty House – Bay of Islands (B,D) Heading north we visit the Kauri Museum before making our way to Whangarei. Arrive at the Bay of Islands for a guided tour and visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Overnight Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia Day 4 "Hole in the Rock Cruise" (B,D) This morning embark on an iconic cruise through the scenic waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' (weather permitting). Afternoon journey back to Auckland via the Parry Kauri Forest. Overnight Stay: Rydges Auckland Hotel Day 5 Hobbiton Movie Set – Rotorua (B,HL) Head south through rolling countryside and take a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set followed by indulging in a traditional and delicious kiwi barbecue lunch. Continue to Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture and explosive geothermal activity. Two Night Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua Day 6 Gondola – Kiwi Encounter – Thermal Reserve HM (HB,HD) Take a Gondola ride up Mt Ngongotaha where a champagne breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park and Kiwi Encounter to hand feed rainbow trout and get up close to the Kiwi. We then visit Te Puia Thermal Village, a place of bubbling mud pools and spectacular geysers. This evening embark on a journey to Tamaki Maori Village to experience traditional Maori cultural ceremonies and performances followed by a hearty Hangi feast. Discover More: Amphibious Rotorua Duck city and lakes tour or railcruising journey or Polynesian Spa (see page 24). Day 7 Lake Taupo – Tongariro National Park – Wellington (B,D) Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway before arriving at the geothermal power station at the Wairakei Steam Valley. Proceed on to see spectacular Huka Falls before continuing to the immense Lake Taupo. This afternoon travel to Tongariro National Park, an area steeped in Maori tradition and scenically stunning with Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. In the evening we arrive into Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Two Night Stay: Rydges Hotel Wellington Day 8 Wellington (B) This morning enjoy a tour to the city's most well- known destinations and leading attractions. Travel up Brooklyn Hill and Mt Victoria for stunning panoramic views of the town and coastline. Pass by the beautiful Old St Pauls Cathedral and the Parliament buildings before being dropped at Te Papa for a tour of one of New Zealand's best museums. Day 9 Marlborough Sounds – Kaikoura – Christchurch (B,D) This morning we board the Interislander Ferry and cruise through the picturesque Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds. Enjoy a short stop at the Kaikoura seal colony before continuing to Christchurch. Overnight Stay: Novotel Christchurch Day 10 Lake Tekapo – Twizel (B,D) This morning learn how Christchurch is recovering before travelling to the beautiful glacier fed Lake Tekapo. See the Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing to a Mt Cook viewpoint and your chance to see New Zealand's largest mountain (weather permitting). Overnight Stay: MacKenzie Country Hotel Twizel Day 11 Mt Cook – Moeraki Boulders – Dunedin HM (B,HD) Travel today to see the intriguing Moeraki Boulders before arriving into Dunedin. Visit Larnach Castle and take a tour where you will hear its tragic and scandalous history. Tonight experience a special Haggis ceremony. Two Night Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City Day 12 Dunedin (B) Today is free to explore at your own pace. Discover More: Heritage Walking Tour followed by Speight's Brewery and lunch or take a train trip through Taieri Gorge or embark on a Wildlife Tour (see page 25). Day 13 Larnach Castle – Te Anau – Glowworm Caves (B,D) Make our way to Te Anau where we cruise across Lake Te Anau to witness the Glowworm Caves. Overnight Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau Day 14 Milford Sound Cruise – Queenstown (B) Journey through the majestic forests, waterfalls and mountains of Fiordland National Park. On arrival in Milford Sound enjoy an unforgettable cruise through a unique and pristine environment. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak before making our way to Queenstown in the evening. Discover More: Scenic flight into Queenstown (see page 24). Two Night Stay: Scenic Suites Queenstown Milford Sound