The ultimate voyage of discovery in 14 unforgettable days. Your grand tour covers the length and breadth of both islands with visits to all the major attractions and places of interest.
Highlights:
On arrival in Christchurch there’s time for relaxing or exploring. Perhaps take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the picturesque Avon River. This evening your holiday begins with a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
Meals: Dinner
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Board the iconic TranzAlpine train for one the world’s great rail journeys. Pass through the lush pastureland of the Canterbury Plains to the rugged gorges and ice-fed streams and lakes of the Southern Alps. Alight at Arthur’s Pass and continue to Hokitika, home of New Zealand’s famous greenstone. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier (optional scenic flight available).
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing)
Drive over the spectacular Haast Pass, passing the 96-metre Thunder Creek Falls, and serene Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. Stop at the town of Cromwell and enjoy delicious stone fruit. Next you’ll visit the historic gold mining settlement of Arrowtown, where over 70 buildings from the gold-rush era are still beautifully preserved, before arriving in Queenstown for an orientation tour of the town, which sits on the shore of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown, 2 nights
Explore New Zealand’s adventure capital today. There are jet boat rides for thrill-seekers, and wine tours or intimate cafés for a more leisurely rhythm. Enjoy a peaceful cruise this evening across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue Highlight Dinner and an entertaining after-dinner show offering glimpses of high-country farm life.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Travel the highway known as the Devil’s Staircase and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the town of Te Anau. On your journey to Milford Sound you’ll be awestruck by the native rainforests and rugged mountains of Fiordland National Park. Your cruise on the Sound takes in cascading waterfalls, hanging glacial valleys, and towering Mitre Peak. Return to lakeside Te Anau, where this evening you’ll have the option of visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (own expense).
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Journey through lush green sheep-grazing country on your way to Dunedin this morning. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you please. Sit back and relax, ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway, or take a wildlife cruise to spot penguins and Royal Albatross.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City
You have the opportunity to visit Larnach Castle (own expense) before setting out for historic Oamaru, with its celebrated white limestone buildings. Later, pass the monumental Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam on your way to Omarama.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Journey through the awe-inspiring Aoraki Mt. Cook National Park this morning (an optional scenic flight is available). See majestic Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, and stop to view the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. Later, traverse the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, a vibrant city known for its English heritage.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Ibis Hotel Christchurch
Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast this morning to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore (an optional whale watching flight is available). Pass the pink-tinged crystallisation ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, then travel to the pretty seaside village of Picton.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Picton Beachcomber Inn
Cruise tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, then cross the Cook Strait to Wellington, on the North Island. Take a city tour before enjoying some free time, and later visit Te Papa Museum of New Zealand, where you’ll have time to explore fascinating exhibits.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Hotel: Travelodge Wellington
Travel along the scenic Kapiti Coast through lush dairy-farming country to Tongariro National Park and snowcapped Mt. Ruapehu. Panoramic views of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in Australasia, will unfold around every corner. View mighty Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. Later relax or explore Rotorua independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel: Ibis Rotorua Hotel, 2 nights
This morning experience the multi award- winning Agrodome Farm Show. Later relax or explore Rotorua at your own pace. Perhaps visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park, to observe the native fauna of New Zealand including the country’s iconic kiwi. Another option is Te Puia thermal reserve. Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter and gain an insight into traditional Māori culture followed by a delicious Hangi Highlight Dinner at the Tamaki Māori Village.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
This morning explore the Waitomo Glowworm Grotto by boat, and walk through towering limestone caverns. Later you’ll follow the noble Waikato, New Zealand’s longest river, into Auckland. Take an orientation tour of New Zealand’s largest city before joining your Travel Director for a Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Hotel: VR Queen Street Hotel & Suites
Say farewell to your fellow travellers when your holiday comes to an end this morning after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast
All prices are per person, based on 2 sharing a twin room, and include meals where shown. Call Freedom Destinations for departure dates and availability. Itineraries outlined are for departures from 01 October 2019.
First class touring with like minded travellers. Our experienced guides will make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Your Guided Tour includes:
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