16-Day Magnificent New Zealand Tour

Day 01: U.S.—Queenstown
Depart U.S. for Queenstown.

Day 02: Queenstown
Arrive Queenstown, transfer to your hotel.
Accommodation: Novotel Gardens.

Day 03: Queenstown
A half day tour will take you to visit the Queenstown Hill where you can have a panoramic view of Queenstown, Lake Waikatipu and the Remarkable Mountain Range; AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge, birthplace of bungy jumping; Gibbston Valley Wineries and Arrowtown with its well preserved colonial style architecture. (B)

Day 04: Queenstown-Milford Sound
Depart for a scenic journey to Milford, board Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise from the sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fjord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. The vessel will anchor in a sheltered cove, you can join the nature guide and explore in the vessel’s tender craft and kayaks. Or you can just relax on deck. Dinner will be served on board. You can indulge yourselves in some star-gazing before retiring to your cabin. (B/D)

Day 05: Milford Sound - Queenstown
Depart Milford for Queenstown on a scenic sightseeing drive via Lumsden and Lake Wakatipu. (B)

Day 06: Queenstown—Franz Josef
Depart Queenstown this morning and travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges and native forests to the glacier region of Franz Josef. (B)
Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel.

Day 07: Franz Josef-Greymouth-Christchurch
Travel north to Greymouth and board the world famous Tranz-Alpine train, ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur's Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps onto Christchurch. (B)
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel Christchurch.

Day 08: Christchurch
A morning city tour takes you to visit the Anglican Church Cathedral, Town Hall, Art Center, Canterbury Museum, Avon River and the Antarctic Centre. (B)

Day 09: Christchurch-Pciton-Wellington
Depart Christchurch and travel north through the coastal towns of Kaikoura and Blenheim for Picton. Board the inter-island ferry at Picton, sail through  the Marlborough Sounds with its sparkling clear waters andlush forests before crossing the Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Arrive at Wellington, transfer to hotel. (B)
Accommodation: Wellington Oriental Bay Hotel.

Day 10: Wellington
A half day tour will take you to visit Wellington’s famous Beehive & Parliament Buildings, Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, Lady Norwood Rose Gardens, Mount Victoria and Wellington Harbour. Afternoon at your leisure. (B)

Day 11: Wellington
Day free for you to explore Wellington at your own pace. (B).

Day 12: Wellington-Rotorua
Depart Wellington, travel north the beautiful Lake Taupo, the largest lake in the country. Continue north through the Wairakei geothermal area and the Kaingaroa forest for Rotorua. (B)
Accommodation: Rydges Rotorua.

Day 13: Rotorua
A morning tour will take you to visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mud pools and roaring geysers. Following this visit Paradise Valley Springs to see New Zealand's trout, birds and wildlife before continuing on to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of the country’s sheep industry. Afternoon at leisure. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and concert.  (B/D)

Day 14: Rotorua-Waitomo-Auckland
Travel over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach Waitomo.Enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves including an underground boat ride viewing the millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. On completion continue through the fertile Waikato area to reach Auckland - `The City of Sails'. (B)
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Auckland.

Day 15: Auckland
A morning tour will take you to see the city of Auckland, visiting the Harbour Bridge; the Viaduct, site of the latest American Cup; Queen Street, Auckland’s main shopping district; Mount Eden, a dormant volcano with panoramic view; Auckland domain, the city’s oldest park; the trendy area of Parnell; Tamaki Drive, the scenic waterfront area and Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World. (B).

Day 16: Auckland
Day free for you to explore Auckland at your own pace, (B)

Day 17: Auckland-U.S.
Transfer to Auckland airport for departure. (B)