Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland for your overnight stay.

Lose yourself in ‘Middle-earth’ on your visit to the Hobbiton™ Movie Set, before travelling through the rolling farm land of the Waikato. Arrive in Rotorua, home of Maori culture and bubbling mud pools. Explore the National Kiwi Trust’s kiwi hatchery and nursery on a guided tour. Enjoy your two night stay in Rotorua. (B/L)

Be amazed by Rotorua’s geothermal activity during a visit to Te Puia, before an experience on a nature discovery treewalk.

Freechoice: Take an amphibious duck tour or relax in the geothermal pools. Alternatively, enjoy the view from Skyline Rotorua while wine tasting.

Enrich: Tonight, immerse yourself in Maori traditions at an authentic hangi dinner.

Optional flight - Take a floatplane flight over Mt Tarawera (additional expense, please book priorto departure). (B/D)

Witness the force of nature at Huka Falls before seeing the magnificent Lake Taupo.

Freechoice: Take a walking tour of Napier’s Art Deco buildings, view the famous landmarks of Napier during a vintage car tour or discover a diverse range of animals at the National Aquarium.

Enrich: Meet the makers at a special wine tasting and dinner at Mission Estate Winery.

Enjoy your overnight stay in the home of Art Deco, Napier. (B/D)

Head south to the town of Greytown in the Wairarapa region. It is known for its carefully restored Victorian buildings and shopping. Continue to Wellington for a two night stay. (B/D)

Enrich: Take an in-depth journey of Te Papa to discover the treasures and stories of New Zealand’s people, told with authority and passion. (B)

Travel in the ferry’s premium lounge across the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island.

Freechoice: Enjoy a tasting at the home of Sauvignon Blanc or a visit to the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre.

Stay overnight in Blenheim. (B/D)

Drive along the spectacular East Coast where rugged mountains meet the ocean. Experience how Christchurch is recovering and enjoy a two night stay.

Freechoice Dining: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant or at the hotel’s restaurant. (B/D)

Freechoice: Go punting on the Avon River, take a Botanic Gardens Tour or enjoy a city tour around Christchurch. Alternatively, visit the seaside town of Akaroa or the International Antarctic Centre. (B)

Join the TranzAlpine this morning for your rail journey across the Southern Alps. Stand in wonder at Franz Josef Glacier with its ever-changing face before your overnight stay.

Optional flight - Take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience the wonder in this natural alpine landscape (additional expense, please book prior to departure). (B/D)

Enjoy a ride on the Haast River Jet boat before you arrive in Queenstown for your three night stay in Queenstown. (B)

Freechoice: Wilderness and adventure beckon on the Dart River, or enjoy a guided tour of local wineries. Alternatively, feel exhilarated on the Shotover Jet, take a 4WD Safari of the Scenes tour exploring ‘The Lord of the Rings’ filming locations. Ride the Skyline Gondola for views of Queenstown or opt for a guided tour through Skippers Canyon.

Freechoice Dining: Take a steamship cruise on TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak, dine at a local restaurant or enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B/D)

Enjoy a day at leisure to discover Queenstown. (B)

Visit the lakeside town of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a Special Stay surrounded by the majesty of Milford Sound on board the Milford Mariner. Anchor in a sheltered cove where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the area in a small boat or kayak. (B/D)

Awake to breathtaking beauty in Milford Sound. Then immerse yourself in New Zealand’s oldest university city, Dunedin, with a two night stay. (B/D)

Freechoice: Tour Larnach Castle or visit the breeding colony of Royal Albatross. Alternatively, take a heritage walking tour, cruise Otago Harbour or take a tour of Speights Brewery. (B)

Visit the Moeraki Boulders, featuring huge spherical boulders scattered across a sandy beach. Enjoy an overnight stay. (B/D)

Perched on the edge of Lake Tekapo is the Church of the Good Shepherd. Experience this famous vista before arriving back in Christchurch for your overnight stay.

Enrich: Celebrate your adventures during an iconic tram ride. (B/D)

Bid farewell to New Zealand.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the journey will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)