Highlights

(AUCKLAND – ROTORUA (FLIGHT NOT INCLUDED) – QUEENSTOWN – MILFORD SOUND – MT COOK – TEKAPO – CHRISTCHURCH)

Day 1 Arrival – Auckland

On arrival you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation.  Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here. Overnight in Auckland.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES: Auckland Sky Tower, Weta Workshop Unleashed Experience, Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise

Day 2 Auckland – Hobbiton – Rotorua (L)

Today’s coach tour takes you through lush farmland, to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, one of New Zealand’s ‘must-see’ destinations. See where the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed as your tour guide shares behind-the-scenes tales. You’ll see sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch at The Green Dragon Inn before continuing to Rotorua. Duration: 7hrs, 45mins. Overnight in Rotorua.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES: Treewalk Nightlights, Polynesian Spa- Deluxe Lake Spa, Mitai Cultural Evening Experience

Day 3 Rotorua

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends.

This afternoon you will be transport to Te Puia for a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the geothermal valley.  Then enjoy a Hangi Dinner overlooking the valley and geyser, followed by a 40-minute cultural performance. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser terrace.  Duration: 4.5 hours.  Overnight in Rotorua

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES: Skyline Gondola & Luge

Day 4 Rotorua – Queenstown (Flight not included)

Depart on your domestic flight to Queenstown. (Airfare is NOT included)

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been describe as the Adventure Capital of the World. Overnight in Queenstown

Flight time Rotorua to Queenstown approx. 3 hours

DAY 5 Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Today’s stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eight wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea. Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore. After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your coach return to downtown Queenstown. Lunch in included. Duration: approx. 12 hours. Overnight in Queenstown

INCLUDED ACTIVITES: Milford Sound Cruise

DAY 6 Queenstown – Mt Cook – Christchurch

Departing Queenstown, your passionate driver guide will bring todays journey to life, sharing stories and rich background knowledge. Pass through the stunning Kawarau Gorge, fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell, following beautiful Lake Dunstan and through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district alongside magnificent turquoise blue lake framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time. Leaving Mt Cook it’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby. Your driver guide will point them out on the journey to Lake Tekapo where you will make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing through the amazing countryside to Christchurch. Duration: approx. 13 hours.  Overnight in Christchurch

DAY 7 Depart Christchurch

Arrangements conclude today with departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.