19 Day Signature Showcase

Day 3 : Auckland - Bay of Islands (B,D) 

Depart Auckland and travel to Matakohe for a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Mãori tribes and the British Government in 1840. 

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) 
 

Day 4 : Bay of Islands (Free Day) (B) 

Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also free, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). 
 

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Hotel 

Day 5 : Bay of Islands - Auckland (B)

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett, where a historic lighthouse keeps watch over Piercy Island, or as it is popularly known, the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. Return to Paihia and travel south via Whangarei to Auckland where you will enjoy a city sights tour. This evening is also free to explore the many eateries surrounding your hotel. 

Hotel: SkyCity Hotel

Day 6 : Auckland - Rotorua (B, L, D)

This morning, enjoy a city sights tour before departing Auckland. Journey through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. A guided tour of the 12-acre set, will take you past whimsical Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the Green Dragon Inn. You can now venture beyond the door and into an authentic Hobbit Hole interior for a fully immersive experience. 

Hotel: Pullman Rotorua (City View Room for 2 nights)

Day 7 : Rotorua (B,SD) 

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Mãori Hãngi and Concert. 
 

Day 8 : Rotorua - Napier (B,D) 

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as 'The Art Deco Capital', where the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world can be found. Board the Hawke's Bay Express and hear informative commentary on the city's fascinating history. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city. 

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Te Pania

Day 9 : Napier - Wellington (B,D) 

This morning, travel south to Wellington for a city tour of New Zealand's capital, showcasing its rich history and vibrant culture. After arriving at your central hotel, you'll have time at leisure to explore the sights, stroll down to the harbour, or relax before re joining your group for dinner. 

Hotel: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (Executive Room) 

Day 10 : Wellington - Picton - Blenheim (B,D) 

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. This afternoon board the Interislander Ferry and enjoy the scenery as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board your coach for the short journey to Blenheim 

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Marlborough 

Day 11 : Blenheim - Kaikõura - Christchurch (B,D) 

Tour through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine, then travel to the seaside village of Kaikõura. Continue onto the garden city of Christchurch for a city sights tour.

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch 
 

Day 12 : Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass - Franz Josef (B,D) 

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing to the township of Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. 

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Douglas Wing)
 

Day 13 : Franz Josef - Queenstown (B) 

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. 

Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights) 
 

Day 14 : Queenstown (Free Day) (B,SD) 

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader will assist with the many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. 
 

Day 15 : Queenstown - Te Anau (B,D) 

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). 

Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Lake Te Anau (Deluxe Room for 2 nights) 

Day 16 : Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau (B,L,D) 

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional). 
 

Day 17 : Te Anau - Dunedin (B,D) 

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. 

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross 
 

Day 18 : Dunedin - Mt Cook - Twizel (B,D) 

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River as you marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Travel to Twizel for your overnight stay. 

Hotel: Distinction Mackenzie Country
 

Day 19 : Twizel - Christchurch (B,SD) 

Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink and reminisce on memories shared with your new friends at the farewell dinner. 

Hotel: Distinction Christchurch 
 

Day 20-22 : Depart Christchurch (B) 

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.