New Zealand Highlighter

• Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise: Sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge, spot volcanic peaks and admire the iconic city skyline from the water aboard a 50-foot monohull sailboat.
• All Blacks Experience: Immerse yourself in a guided encounter that connects you to the history and culture of one of the world's greatest sports teams. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the people who have made the All Blacks such an important part of New Zealand's story.
• Weta Workshop – Unleashed: Journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop and see how blockbuster films such as ‘The Hobbit' are created.
• Te Wao Nui – The Living Realm at Auckland Zoo: At Auckland Zoo, explore six stunning habitats showcasing the native flora and fauna of New Zealand. See the iconic kiwi, cheeky kea and more than 50 other native species.
• Bush and Beach Wilderness Adventure: Escape the bustle of the city on a half-day tour to Auckland's wild black-sand beaches and lush rainforest. Join an experienced guide and learn about the forest's unique plants and wildlife.

• Enjoy a feast of Maori delicacies and performance of haka, song and storytelling at Te Pa Tu (Maori Village). Over a magical evening, you will be welcomed with a haka powhiri (cultural welcome) and then be treated to further captivating performances while enjoying seasonal canapes, chef selected aperitifs and a seasonal three-course dinner.

• Rotorua Icons: Embark on a Rotorua adventure. Experience the lively Agrodome Farm Show and visit The National Kiwi Hatchery before heading to the incredible natural geothermal wonder that is renowned for its healing properties, the mineral-rich Te Puia Thermal Reserve.
• Hobbiton Movie Set Tour: A must for any fan of ‘The Lord of the Rings', this tour explores locations where some of the famous movie scenes were filmed. You'll feel as though you're a part of the massive blockbuster trilogy.
• Eco-Thermal Tour: Drive through a unique mix of forest and farmland to visit New Zealand's largest boiling mud pool and a series of colourful hot springs at the calming Waiotapu.
• Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa: Immerse yourself in the rejuvenating geothermal waters of Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa on a Restorative Journey, which draws on age-old Ngati Whakaue healing practices and Maori culture.

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through the glorious landscapes of the North Island. Gaze out over the thunderous Huka Falls and the tranquil setting of Lake Taupo, then cross the volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park on your way to the nation's capital, Wellington. Stay Two Nights: InterContinental Wellington (B/D)

After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour of Wellington's best-loved landmarks and sights, including Mount Victoria and the waterfront area. The rest of the day will be yours at leisure to continue exploring this coastal city. You may like to visit New Zealand's national museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, or perhaps dine at a local restaurant (own expense). (B)

• Take the iconic Interislander ferry from Wellington on the North Island to Picton on the South Island. Travel through the serene waters of Wellington Harbour and across Cook Strait, then journey through the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds.

• Experience the romance of rail travel aboard the TranzAlpine train. Admire ever-changing landscapes and spectacular gorges as you journey through the famous Southern Alps and alongside the Waimakariri River on one of the world's most scenic rail routes.
• Drive through Westland Tai Poutini National Park and see the dramatic surrounds of the Franz Josef Glacier/Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere. Tonight, you will stay at the luxurious Legacy Te Waonui Hotel, located on the edge of the Franz Josef/Waiau village. Relax and unwind amid the lush rainforest and breathtaking scenery before enjoying a four-course degustation fine dining experience.

• Walter Peak: Cruise aboard a vintage steamer to Walter Peak High Country Farm to enjoy a lavish BBQ dinner featuring succulent meats expertly prepared on the rotisserie and grill, vegetables, a selection of salads, and bread. And be sure to leave room for dessert.
• Stratosfare Restaurant: Take a magical gondola ride up to the Stratosfare Restaurant on Bob's Peak overlooking Queenstown. Feast on an extensive range of New Zealand and international cuisines while enjoying uninterrupted views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables.
• Fergburger: This cult burger house achieved worldwide fame in 2015 when its burgers were crowned the world's best in a travel article on the website of news giant CNN. The best burgers in New Zealand, no doubt. The world? You be the judge.
• Finz Restaurant: Finz Seafood & Grill offers casual, relaxed waterfront dining right in the heart of Queenstown. Finz is a bustling bistro, where you can enjoy fresh seafood daily and other dishes in a fabulous location.
• Your Hotel Restaurant: Enjoy a contemporary fusion of local and international cuisine at your hotel.

• 'The Lord of the Rings' 4WD Safari: Discover why this beautiful landscape was chosen to portray Middle-earth in 'The Lord of the Rings' on this sensational 4WD safari. Visit several breathtaking locations where the iconic motion picture trilogy was filmed.
• Wine Tour: Embark on a personalised sightseeing tour of New Zealand's southernmost wine region, as you indulge in tastings from various wineries.
• Skippers Canyon: Enjoy an exciting 4WD adventure following the Shotover River Valley. Admire rocky cliffs, sheer drops and breathtaking river gorges along the way.
• Million Dollar Cruise: Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life as well as enormous trout, which are plentiful here.
• Dart River Wilderness Jet: A wilderness jet boat journey on the glacier-fed Dart River takes you deep into Mount Aspiring National Park, which is part of the larger World Heritage Site of Te Wahipounamu. Here, your guide will share fascinating insights into the area's rich history.
• Best of Queenstown: Gaze in wonder at the beauty of New Zealand's adventure capital on this spectacular tour. Take in panoramic views of Queenstown, visit the charming township of Arrowtown and explore Gibbston, home to the world's first commercial bungy jump location. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery and to top it all off, relax during a scenic boat cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

• A cruise through Milford Sound/Piopiotahi draws you into a magical world of snow-dusted mountains, breathtaking scenery and engaging wildlife. Edge close to tumbling waterfalls and colonies of seals and penguins, all beneath the ramparts of mighty peaks that rise sheer from the water as they stretch to the vast sky above.
• Delight in a delectable Taste of Fiordland dinner this evening at the exceptional MacKinnon Restaurant & Explorer Bar. With a menu that has been carefully crafted to showcase the South Island's regional cuisine, you'll savour mouth-watering local fare made from the finest artisan produce.

• Olveston Historic Home: Wander through the historic home of a wealthy merchant family built in the early 1900s. Inside, admire fine art, furniture and artefacts, which have been collected from around the world.
• Larnach Castle: Discover the history of Larnach Castle and its beautiful gardens on a guided tour. Nestled on the stunning Otago Peninsula, it is New Zealand's only castle and dates back to 1871.

• Visit the state-of-the-art Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and discover the history of the iconic surrounding region. The museum is dedicated to the achievements of the famous mountaineer and explorer Sir Edmund Hillary and his affiliation with Aoraki/Mount Cook.
• Learn all about the stars of the southern sky with an expert astronomer.
• Step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier (summer months only).

• Journey into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, a bewildering landscape of towering mountain peaks, alpine herb fields and epic glaciers. See New Zealand's tallest mountain, Aoraki/Mount Cook, and stay at the iconic Hermitage Hotel. Dine at the hotel's Alpine Restaurant this evening, indulging in a delicious seasonal menu that incorporates the finest local ingredients.

Travel to the picturesque township of Lake Tekapo/Takapo. Here, take in the rugged beauty of the Southern Alps and the namesake lake's distinctive milky-turquoise hue. Pay a visit to the charming Church of the Good Shepherd, which features in many photographs thanks to its beautiful backdrop and surrounds.

In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at your hotel. Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel (B/D)

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (B)