18 Day New Zealand Panorama

Leaving the city behind, we travel across the Auckland Harbour Bridge and drive north to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, a seaside town nestled on the foreshore of this National Maritime Park. On arrival, meet your local Maori guide who will provide an insight into the local history before visiting Waitangi, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori people and the British. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and war canoe. Later this afternoon, board your launch for the scenic cruise to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. Stay Two Nights: Copthorne Bay of Islands (B/D)

Leaving Paihia, travel south through Whangarei to Warkworth and on to Auckland. Visit the Sky Tower, at 328m the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere and enjoy panoramic 360 degree views across the city and its two majestic harbours. Later, cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato. On to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture and famous for its geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming craters. Stay Two Nights: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (B/D)

From Wellington join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with views of Wellington city and its hillside suburbs. Cross Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound before arriving into the small seaside village of Picton. Continue south to the alpine resort town of Hanmer Springs, renowned for its therapeutic natural thermal waters.Stay: Heritage Hanmer springs (B/D)

After a leisurely breakfast, stroll around the village and enjoy entry into the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools with its naturally heated thermal mineral waters. Later today, we make the short drive to the Garden City of Christchurch and visit the International Antarctic Centre before enjoying a brief orientation tour of the city. Stay: Distinction Hotel (B/D)

Cross the broad Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps to the west. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Memorial overlooking Lake Tekapo. Visit Mt Cook National Park, with time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand's highest snow capped peaks and a visit to the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre before travelling around Lake Pukaki to Twizel and Omarama. Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel (B/D)

Travel down the Waitaki Valley to the Whitestone township of Oamaru. Stop to view the mystical Moeraki Boulders, then on to Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South. An early arrival allows you time to enjoy the choice of some excellent optional activities. Stay: Distinction Dunedin or Scenic Dunedin City Hotel (B/D)

Follow the Hollyford Valley before descending into the Cleddau Canyon. Drive through the Homer Tunnel into spectacular Milford Sound, the world renowned natural wonder dominated by Mitre Peak. Luxuriant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls and waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres to the sea below. Cruise the entire length of the fiord and enjoy the on-board commentary that gives you detailed information on the region's history, flora and fauna as you view spectacular waterfalls, towering mountains and wildlife. (B/L/D))

Please Note: An optional overnight Milford Sound cruise or Doubtful Sound cruise is also available. Subject to availability. Select option when enquiring with us.

Continue north to Kingston, then skirt around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the picturesque alpine resort of Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw before reaching the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner. Stay Two Nights: Millennium Hotel (B/D)

Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on the way to Arrowtown, an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era. Stop at Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. View the untouched wilderness and pristine lakes of the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks before arriving on the West Coast, home to the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (B/D)