Day 01: Auckland
Arrival to Auckland International Airport, meeting, assistance and transfer to your hotel for check in.
Overnight
Day 02: Auckland
After breakfast, start a half day city tour to view the "Golden Mile" of Auckland's business and shopping district, Auckland University, Auckland Harbor Bridge to North Shore for wide views of harbor and yacht marina, Mt Eden where you travel to the summit of this dormant volcano for wide views of the city, Domain Parks and Gardens a picturesque park and lakes laid out in a large extinct volcano crater, Auckland War Museum spent time experiencing this unique tribute to N.Z's natural, Maori & European history, Paritai Drive Auckland's most expensive residential street with fantastic views of the Waitemata Harbour and islands, and finally Tamaki Water Front drive via Mission Bay around the edge of the Waitemata Harbour dominated by large native Pohutukawa trees.
Visit to Kelly Tarltons Underwater World. Today at Auckland's most visited attraction begins with walk through the life size reconstruction of Captain Scott's Antarctic Hut as it was in 1911. Then it's back to the present to board the Snow Cat vehicle for ride into the special Antarctic enclosure where you will see live King and Gentoo Penguins.
After this you will enter the Underwater World to come face to face with giant stingrays, moray eels, thousands of different fish species and 'the sharks'. All these creatures are only centimetres away in the unique underwater tunnel.
Overnight
Day 03: Auckland - Day Excursion to Waitomo Caves
Early in the morning, travel south from Auckland through the rich farmland of the Waikato on to Waitomo.
Enjoy a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the World Famous Glowworm Caves. Your tour continues with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling.
Overnight
Day 04: Auckland - Queenstown
After breakfast, check out from your hotel and transfer to the Airport for your domestic flight to Queenstown.
Upon arrival to Queenstown, you will be met by your driver who will transfer you to your hotel for check in.
Overnight
Day 05: At Queenstown - Day Excursion to Milford with admission to Scenic Cruise
After breakfast, start what has been described as the best one day journey in the world. Your journey begins travelling along the edge of Lake Wakatipu beneath the impressive remarkable mountains on the way through to Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park.
After a short break at Te Anau we enter the Fiordland National Park through the Eglinton Valley where you will see ancient alpine beech forest and the famous Mirror Lakes. From here progress through the Upper Hollyford Valley to the 1.2 kilometre Homer Tunnel which was drilled through solid rock.
On exiting the tunnel you have entered the Cleddau Valley and descend down to Milford Sound.
Board the waiting vessel for a one hour forty minute full length cruise of Milford Sound out to the Tasman Sea.
An excellent commentary is given during the cruise and apart from the majestic scenery of towering peaks jutting out of the Sound itself you should also see sparkling waterfalls, fur seals lazing on the rocks, dolphins playing in the ships wake and numerous sea birds.
After the cruise. sit back, relax and enjoy the view from the coach on the return journey to Queenstown.
Overnight
Day 06: Queenstown
This morning you will join a spectacular morning tour highlighting the 'Must-Do" sights and attractions in Queenstown and Arrowtown visiting the following:
1) Queenstown Hill: The most spectacular photo opportunity in Queenstown. Queenstown Hill offers spectacular panoramic views over the town centre, Lake Wakatipu and the remarkables mountain range. Remember to bring your camera for picture postcard photo opportunities.
2) AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge: Visit the Kawarau Bungy Bridge, the home of the original bungy jump. The birth place of bungy jumping as we know it and mecca for all adrenalin junkies. Get a behind the scenes look at how bungy jumping started, how bungy cords are made and privileged access to restricted viewing platforms.
3) Gibbston Valley Winery: A chance to savour a selection of four locally produced wines and browse through the winery's well stocked delicatessen and gift shop. Gibbston Valley Wines and winemaker Grant Taylor are on top of the world after the 2000 Reserve Pinot Noir was named Champion Pinot Noir and winner of the Burgundy and Pinot Noir Trophy at the world's largest and most prestigious wine competition in London.
4) Lord of the Rings Flim Site - "Pillars of the Kings": Be transported to Middle Earth at the Kawarau Gorge, film location for the Pillars of the Kings in the famous move trilogy, another excellent photo opportunity.
5) Captivating Arrowtown: Lastly we visit the beautiful town of Arrowtown. The picturesque town retains its old world charm through careful preservation of its colourful history and colonial style architecture. Highlights are the Lakes District Museum, Remarkables Sweet Shop and the great shops and cafes in the high street.
On completion of your tour, be returned to Queenstown or your hotel around 12.30pm
Skyline Gondola & 1 Luge Ride:
The gondola operates from 9.00am until evening (close off time 10pm or later). BUT the luge track closes between 5-6pm.
Present your voucher to the ticket office staff for your return gondola ride and luge ticket.
The gondola ride takes you to Bob's Peak perched high above Queenstown. From here get the best views over picturesque Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and Remarkable Mountains spread before you in a magnificent panorama. The ride up of 450 metres takes you to 790 metres above sea level LUGE RIDE - Hurtle round a winding downhill track above the Skyline complex. Its the fastest fun on wheels. There is a scenic and a fast track each 800 metres in length.
Overnight
Day 07: Queenstown - Christchurch
The Mount Cook Wander begins from Queenstown with a short trip up the Kawarau River Gorge into Lindis Pass and over the MacKenzie Basin to Mount Cook National Park. During your stop at Mount Cook there is an opportunity for an optional scenic flight or lunch at the restaurant.
Leaving Mount Cook, return to Lake Pukaki following the shores to meet up with the main highway.
Continuing your journey to Lake Tekapo you stop briefly to view the "Church of the Good Shepherd" and the bronze "Collie Dog" statue signifying the rural history of the area.
From here you drive through the Canterbury Plains the largest area of flat land in New Zealand, arriving at Christchurch you will be delivered to the intercity coach depot.
Overnight
Day 08: Christchurch
After breakfast, start a tour covering the central city highlights including Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, the Avon River, the Christchurch Town Hall, the floral clock, Law Courts, Provincial Chambers, Christ's College, Botanical Gardens, Arts Center, Worcester Boulevard and the Bridge of Rememberance.
On leaving the inner city the tour then travels to Mona Vale Gardens. We then travel to the Sign of the Takahe an historic building providing spectacular views over the city and the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.
The tour then travels to the seaside of Sumner, where we stop at Cave Rock. We return to Christchurch via the Port Hills, the Port of Lyttelton and the Lyttelton tunnel.
The tour includes admission to the International Antarctic Centre, one of Christchurch's leading attractions.
The Centre recreates the atmosphere of Antarctica with a Snow and Ice Experience, the Blue Penguin Encounter and an exhilarating Hagglund ride.
Overnight
Day 09: Final departure
After breakfast, transfer to the Airport for final departure.
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