A tour which shows off New Zealand's National Parks at their best.

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 see performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. Your afternoon is free.  

Day 3: Rotorua - Taupo - Tongariro National Park 

This morning drive south to Lake Taupo.  Continue around the shores of the lake to the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano. Stay 1 night in Mt Ruapehu.

Day 4: Tongariro National Park - Wellington

The morning is free to explore. In the afternoon board your coach to journey to Wellington. Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 5: At Wellington

This morning a half day tour of the city will take in the Parliament Buildings and 'Beehive', Old St Paul's Cathedral, panoramic views of the harbour and city from Mt Victoria and an optional ride on the cable car. This afternoon is free.

Day 6: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch

Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline. Continue through North Canterbury to Christchurch. Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 7: Christchurch - Glaciers

Board the renowned TranzAlpine train and cross the Canterbury Plains to the mountains, where Arthur’s Pass and the Otira Tunnel lead to the West Coast. Continue by coach through the narrow, bush clad, coastal plain. Stay 2 nights in Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.

Day 8: At the Glaciers

A whole day is available for optional excursions on the Glacier.

Day 9: Glaciers - Queenstown

Continue south into dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas. Reach Lake Wanaka in the early afternoon, then continue through Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 10: At Queenstown

Today board the historic TSS Earnslaw steamer and enjoy lunch at a high country sheep station.

Day 11: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

An early start to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. View the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Return to Queenstown this evening.

Day 12: Queenstown - Dunedin

Today travel inland to Pukerangi where you will board the Taieri Gorge train for a journey through spectacular gorges and over historic viaducts to Dunedin. Stay 2 nights in Dunedin.

Day 13: At Dunedin

This morning enjoy a double decker tour of the fascinating surroundings of Dunedin “the Edinburgh of the South”. This afternoon is free.

Day 14: Dunedin - Christchurch

Travel north through Oamaru, and Timaru, then across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch arriving early evening. Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey.
Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey