DAY 11 : Tauranga ( B , L , D ) Known as the Bay of Plenty , Tauranga is located at the entrance to one of the largest natural harbours in New Zealand . Port Times Arrive 08:00 Depart 18:00
DAY 12 : Bay of Islands ( B , L , D ) The beaches in this region are considered some of the world ’ s finest with their perfect white sand and crystal-clear water . Port Times Arrive 08:00 Depart 19:00
DAY 13 : Arrive Auckland - City Sights Tour ( B , D ) This morning arrive into the beautiful ‘ City of Sails ’, Auckland . Disembark the ship , meet your Coach Captain and enjoy an informative city tour which includes the Auckland Domain , Parnell Rose Garden and Bastion Point . This afternoon includes a visit to Sky Tower at your leisure . Hotel Skycity Hotel
DAY 14 : Auckland - Hokianga - Bay of Islands ( B , D ) Depart Auckland and travel to Matakohe to enjoy an informative talk at the Kauri Museum . After lunch travel north through Dargaville to the unforgettable Footprints Waipoua encounter , home to some of the largest remaining kauri trees in the world . A local guide will explain how these trees are inter-twined with the lives of local Maori and the important role they play in the eco-system that is the Waipoua Forest . Continue to Paihia , situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands . Hotel Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands ( 2 nights )
DAY 15 : Bay of Islands ( Free Day ) ( B , D ) Today is free to choose from the many optional activities available . You may like to take a coach trip to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach , the Hole in the Rock Cruise , or a spectacular scenic flight . The choice is yours and your Tour Guide & Coach Captain will be available to assist .
DAY 16 : Bay of Islands - Auckland ( B ) This morning enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds , the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British . Farewell the Bay of Islands and drive south via Whangarei , Wellsford and Warkworth to Auckland for some free time . This evening is also free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants . Hotel Skycity Hotel
DAY 17 : Auckland - Rotorua ( B , L , D ) Travel to the Hamilton Gardens for a guided tour that will take you on a journey from the peaceful Sung Dynasty Chinese Scholar ’ s garden into an Italian Renaissance Garden followed by the grandeur of the Indian Char Bagh garden . Next visit Hobbiton for lunch followed by an experience of the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set . A guide will escort you through the ten acre site recounting fascinating details of how the set was created . Continue to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua . Hotel Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua ( Superior Room . 2 nights )
DAY 18 : Rotorua ( B , SD ) Today begins with a gondola ride to the Stratosfare Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer . There is also time for a luge ride ! Next stop is Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that ’ s unlike anything you ’ ve seen before . Travel to Te Puia for a guided tour of the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for . Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to a Maori village for an interactive and educational experience which culminates with a cultural performance and traditional hangi feast .
DAY 19 : Rotorua - Auckland - Queenstown ( B , D ) Travel to Auckland Airport where you will board a local flight to the resort town of Queenstown , located in the South Island . Meet your South Island Coach Captain and enjoy a tour of historic Arrowtown before arriving at your hotel . Hotel Millennium Queenstown ( 2 nights )
DAY 20 : Queenstown ( Free Day ) ( B ) Today is a free day . There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Tour Guide and Coach Captain are available to assist . You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride , a heritage tour of scenic Skippers Canyon or to get up close to a Kiwi bird . This evening is also free and you may choose to dine high above Queenstown at the Skyline Restaurant or board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu for a gourmet BBQ at Walter Peak Station ( optional ).
DAY 21 : Queenstown - Franz Josef ( B , D ) Depart Queenstown and travel via the Haast Pass to the West Coast , an area of stunning beauty . See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier . Continue to Franz Josef where time is available ( weather permitting ) to experience a scenic flight ( optional ) over the spectacular glaciers . Hotel Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier ( Douglas Wing )
DAY 22 : Franz Josef - Arthur ’ s Pass - Christchurch ( B , SD ) Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory . Continue to Arthur ’ s Pass and board the TranzAlpine , renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world . Descend through spectacular gorges , river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey at Christchurch . This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your new found friends . Hotel Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel
DAY 23 : Depart Christchurch ( B ) Time to say goodbye . You ’ ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday .
>> MUST DO OPTION
TOP TO BOTTOM : Discover the traditions of Maori Culture ; enjoy a guided tour of the Hamilton Gardens ; during your fee time in Queenstown why not experience the thrill of an optional jet boat ride on the iconic Shotover River . gptnz . com 39