An amazing tour of New Zealand featuring scenic rail journeys, glaciers, lakes and mountains.

Day 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
Travel south through lush Waikato farmland to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 2: At Rotorua
This morning – see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. Your afternoon is free – there are many activities to enjoy.

Day 3: Rotorua - Wellington
Drive south to Wairakei - wreathed by steam, then to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, and cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Rd past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. Continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington. An evening tour takes in Parliament Buildings, Old St Paul’s Cathedral and Mt Victoria. Overnight in Wellington

Day 4: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch. As you arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day in our most ‘English’ city. Overnight in Christchurch

Day 5: Christchurch - Glaciers
Aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train cross the Canterbury Plains to the mountains, where Arthur’s Pass and the Otira Tunnel lead to the West Coast. Continue by coach through along the narrow, bush clad, coastal plain. Stay in Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers townships for 2 nights.

Day 6: At the Glaciers
A whole day is available for optional excursions on the Glacier, for bush walks or simply soak up the beauty of snow-capped mountains contrasting with the deep greens of the native bush.

Day 7: Glaciers - Queenstown
Continue south into dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas. As the Haast River guides you inland through the Haast Pass, you may like to travel part of the way by jet boat. Reach Lake Wanaka in the early afternoon. Continue through the rugged Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown for 2 nights stay.

Day 8: At Queenstown
Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous Alpine resort – we have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping.

Day 9: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
An early start around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Climb out of Milford Sound to return to Te Anau. Overnight in Te Anau.

Day 10: Te Anau-Queenstown
This morning is at your leisure to explore the Lake Te Anau area before boarding a coach in the afternoon to Queenstown. Overnight in Queenstown.

Day 11: Queenstown - Mount Cook (D)
Travel through the Kawarau Gorge with it’s historic gold mines, then past the stone fruit growing area of Cromwell to the Lindis Pass. Cross the spectacular Mackenzie Country bounded by the Southern Alps to the glacial lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park.  Tonight, dinner is provided in the spectacular Alpine View restaurant at The Hermitage. Overnight at Aoraki-Mt Cook Village.

Day 12: Mount Cook - Christchurch (B*)
After breakfast you will have time to soak up the isolated beauty of Aoraki-Mt Cook village before continuing your journey north in the afternoon through Bourkes Pass, Fairlie and Geraldine to Christchurch.

*Breakfast only available for Silver & Gold Accommodation.