Day-By-Day Itinerary

Tour departs Sunday

Day 1 Sun - Fly USA to Auckland

Day 2 Mon - You cross the International Date Line

The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day; traveling west, takes the traveler forward one day.   

Day 3 Tue - Arrive Auckland

On arrival at the hotel your day is at leisure to explore Auckland. Perhaps visit the Sky Tower for spectacular views of the harbor and surrounding volcanic hills. This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director. Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Auckland.

Day 4 Wed - Rotorua

Today we experience a guided tour of the famous Waitomo Caves and discover the incredible Glow-worm Grotto. Enjoy a special cultural evening featuring a Maori concert and Hangi feast. You will be greeted with a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, called a Powhiri, before experiencing a night of authentic traditional culture, entertainment and a Hangi feast.

Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights.

Day 5 Thu - Rotorua

We begin our day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with sparkling wine overlooking Rotorua. We also visit Paradise Valley Springs and enjoy an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome's Sheep Show.

Later, tour the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where a local Maori guide escorts us past pools of boiling mud and geysers. We also view Kiwis here. This afternoon relax, explore or join an optional tour.

Day 6 Fri - Wellington

Our highlights today include charming Taupo, in the heart of the North Island, a visit the mighty Huka Falls and a picturesque drive into the capital city of Wellington, located on the harbor.

Accommodation: Novotel Capital, Wellington.

Day 7 Sat - Blenheim

This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington and take in the panoramic views from Mt. Victoria. Visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, and explore the fascinating exhibits at your leisure. Later, join the inter-island cruise across Cook Strait and tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. Tonight enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at the Montana Winery.

Accommodation: Blenheim Country Hotel or Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim.

Day 8 Sun - Christchurch

Today we experience the stunning scenery of the east coast and see New Zealand fur seals. Visit Kaikoura where you can take an optional whale watching flight (own expense), then continue on to Christchurch. Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 9 Mon - Mt. Cook

Discover the sights of Christchurch this morning on the Christchurch Tram. Enjoy views of the colourful patchwork plains, then visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and see the Church of the Good Shepherd. We also take in the scenery of Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain and you can take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting).

Accommodation: MacKenzie Country Inn, Twizel.

Day 10 Tue - Dunedin

See the pretty Oamaru region today before journeying on to Dunedin. This afternoon is free for you to explore this charming town founded by Scottish settlers – perhaps visit Cadbury World or take a wildlife cruise. Accommodation: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin.

Day 11 Wed - Te Anau

This morning enjoy a guided tour and morning tea at Larnach Castle, followed by the highlights of Dunedin on a sightseeing tour. This evening stay in pretty Te Anau.

Accommodation: Village Inn, Te Anau.

Day 12 Thu - Milford Sound

Experience the magnificent alpine scenery of Fiordland today. We drive through the mile long hand hewn Homer Tunnel and see The Chasm. Later, we discover spectacular Milford Sound on a memorable cruise. See Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights.

Day 13 Fri - Queenstown

Explore Queenstown at your leisure today. You could take an exhilarating jet boat ride or go white water rafting. Tonight board the historic steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station where you experience a sheep dog demonstration and a sumptuous carvery dinner.

Day 14 Sat - Franz Josef

Colorful Arrowtown is our first stop today to discover the rich history and browse through the delightful shops. We also see Lake Wanaka, Cromwell, Kawarau Gorge, Stop at Thunder Creek Falls, travel over the Haast Pass and take in the awesome scenery of the towering mountains and the sparkling Tasman Sea along the coastal road to Franz Josef.

Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef.

Day 15 Sun - Christchurch

Discover the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier today. Next we visit Hokitika where you can see beautiful native greenstone (jade) jewelry and artifacts then view the fascinating Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki. At Arthur's Pass board the TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey over the Southern Alps to Christchurch. Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 16 Mon - Fly Christchurch to USA (Via Auckland)

You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight.