Ultimate New Zealand

Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland for your two night stay. The wonder of New Zealand begins here. Tonight, celebrate your journey with a welcome dinner. (D)

Freechoice: Choose from a range of Auckland’s attractions. Enjoy an exhilarating sail on an authentic America’s Cup yacht and be part of the crew. Or, explore the wine and cuisine of Waiheke Island and enjoy tastings of olive oil and wine, as well as a vineyard tour. Alternatively, take a foodie city walking tour, discover the Waitakere Ranges as you walk in the lush rainforest and stroll along the black sand beaches, choose to join a small group tour and discover the history and sights of Auckland or visit Auckland’s latest attractions the Weta Workshop Unleashed and the All Blacks Experience or food walking tour.

Freechoice Dining: Your dining choices for tonight include a sunset dinner yacht cruise, Orbit 360 Restaurant at Sky City or dinner at the hotel’s Grand Millennium Brasserie. (B/D)

Travel north across Auckland’s busy Harbour Bridge, along the Hibiscus Coast towards the Bay of Islands. Visit Matakohe’s award-winning Kauri Museum and gain an insight into the rich pioneering history of New Zealand’s Northland region. The museum specialises in the legacy of the ancient kauri forests, specifically the strong durable timber and the highly prized kauri gum. Continue to the Waipoua Forest, an ancient green world of towering trees and rare birds, and travel past natural gateways created by huge kauri trees and the fringing of colourful ferns along the road’s edge.

Enrich: The sense of awe you feel as you see the mighty T-ane Mahuta kauri tree for the first time is unforgettable. Listen to the interactive interpretation from your local Maori guide about the importance of the ‘Lord of the Forest’ to both the natural environment and the Maori people.

Sunset Drinks Relax over an evening drink watching the sunset at your hotel.

Your base for the next three nights is Paihia (B/D)

Freechoice: Cruise the calm inland waters of the Bay of Islands with lunch included or enjoy a ferry ride to Russell, the birthplace of European settlement in New Zealand. Alternatively, discover the very best of the bay on a scenic cruise and journey through the Hole in the Rock (weather permitting) or join a Taste of the Bay tour. (B/D)

Enrich: Travel to the very top of New Zealand – Cape Reinga. Explore the magnificent lighthouse and see where the waters of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. Discover this remote and magical place of deep spiritual significance to the Maori then enjoy the thrill of travelling along Ninety Mile Beach and marvel at the immense sand dunes. (B/L)

Enrich: Discover the birthplace of modern New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Maori guide. See the world’s largest waka, a ceremonial war canoe, over 70 years old but still used every year on 6 February to celebrate New Zealand’s Waitangi Day.

Head south via the city of Whangarei to the Hundertwasser Art Centre. Learn first-hand the connection between art and nature, before your return to your hotel in Auckland. (B)

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)