| Outline Itinerary [1/2] >> |
| Day 1: |
arrive Auckland
Arrive Auckland where you will be met and transferred to Rydges
Auckland Hotel for a 2 night stay. Rest of day at leisure. |
| Day 2: |
Auckland-Waitomo-Rotorua
Head south to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves for a guided boat
ride through the limestone grotto. Continue on to the Whakarewarewa
Forest for a relaxing stroll through the towering redwood
trees. Enjoy a traditional Maori cultural
performance
before
enjoying a Maori Hangi (Feast). Next 2 nights at Rydges Hotel
Rotorua. |
| Day 3: |
Rotorua
View the sunrise over the shores of Lake Rotorua on the Lakeland
Queen historic paddle steamer, whilst enjoying a glass of
sparkling wine and a hearty breakfast. Visit the Agrodome
for an entertaining sheep shearing show then
head to Te Puia Thermal Valley and the
fascinating Maori Arts and Craft Centre. This afternoon is
at leisure for you to relax or explore this unique area. |
| Day 4: |
Rotorua-Wellington
Visit Huka Falls en route to Lake Taupo. Travel south through the world famous
Tongariro National Park. Upon arrival in Wellington, join a guided tour
of Te Papa museum. Overnight at the Mercure Hotel Wellington. |
| Day 5: |
Wellington-Picton-Christchurch
Board the ferry and cruise through Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds
to Picton on the South Island. Rejoin your coach and travel via the wine-producing
region of Blenheim. Enjoy views of the Kaikoura Coast en route to the garden
city of Christchurch, known as the ‘most English city outside of
England’. Overnight at the Grand Chancellor Hotel. |
| Day 6: |
Christchurch-West Coast Glaciers
Board the famous TranzAlpine train for a journey through beechwood forests
and snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. Continue
past Kumara, ‘gold rush’ country to the West Coast to visit
a Greenstone (Jade) Factory at Hokitika. Continue south to Franz Josef
Glacier, a mighty river of ice descending to 300 metres above sea level.
Opportunity for a scenic helicopter flight (own expense and weather permitting).
Overnight at the Scenic Circle Fox Glacier Country Hotel nestled in the
Westland National Park. |
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Enter the Guardian's Travel 
Northland