Naturally New Zealand

Day 1 ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights (check-in may be in the afternoon). The rest of the day is yours to relax. Deservedly known as 'The Garden City', you may wish to visit the Botanical Gardens in Hagley Park, or stroll along the peaceful Avon River towards Cathedral Square, home to the impressive gothic Christchurch Cathedral.

Day 2 CHRISTCHURCH
A fascinating day awaits. This morning, sightseeing starts with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttelton Harbor, then past Christchurch's old stone buildings, the charming Avon River and acres of green parks. This afternoon will leave time for independent sightseeing.

Day 3 CHRISTCHURCH - QUEENSTOWN
Today enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snowcapped peaks, waterfalls and rugged mountain scenery of New Zealand's Southern Alps towards Queenstown, where you will spend the next two nights.

Day 4 QUEENSTOWN
A day at leisure. Nicknamed the 'Adventure Capital' of the world, the city is dominated by the Remarkables mountain range, and located on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. You may wish to join our optional excursion to a local vineyard, or take a thrilling Kawarau Jet Boat Ride on the fast moving waters of the Shotover and Kawarau Rivers.

Day 5 QUEENSTOWN - MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU
Journey into Fiordland National Park, through the Homer Tunnel and on to spectacular Milford Sound for a late morning cruise on this awe-inspiring 16 kilometre inlet, lined with soaring walls of rock. Rising above the Sound is the vast, usually snow-capped form of Mitre Peak. Your day ends in the small, yet charming town of Te Anau.

Day 6 TE ANAU
The morning is yours to explore beautiful Te Anau. This afternoon cruise across Lake Te Anau to the glow-worm caves and the spectacular Tunnel Burn Stream, where your boat will drift silently along the river below the magical lights of the glow-worm.

Day 7 TE ANAU - DUNEDIN
Take leave of Te Anau and journey to the Pacific coastline, reaching Dunedin in the afternoon. The city is built around an octagon in place of the traditional square. Known as the 'Edinburgh of the South' because of its strong Scottish connections, Dunedin has preserved many of its grand Victorian and turn-of-the-century buildings. 

Day 8 DUNEDIN - HANMER SPRINGS
This morning motor along the rugged coastline through Oamaru and Timaru, across the patchwork Canterbury Plains on the way to Hanmer Springs, famous for the nearby Thermal Rock Pools.

Day 9 HANMER SPRINGS - NELSON
Today head to Nelson, your home for the next two nights. A blend of sun and blue skies, Nelson boasts many art and craft stores and is home to the Wearable Arts Museum and beautiful beaches.

Day 10 NELSON
A fascinating day awaits, as you enjoy a full day excursion to the Abel Tasman National Park, where you will board a cruise to view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. (L)

Day 11 NELSON - INTERISLANDER FERRY - WELLINGTON
Today travel to Picton and cruise the Interislander ferry through the bays of Queen Charlotte Sound and the glorious maze of deep coves on the way to the capital, Wellington. Enjoy an orientation tour on the way to your hotel.

Day 12 WELLINGTON - ROTORUA
Today drive along the 'Desert Road', named after the effects of volcanic ash, towards Lake Taupo and the mighty Huka Falls. On the way enjoy spectacular views of Mount Tongariro as well as two active volcanoes - Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe - before arriving in Rotorua for two nights. This evening you may wish to participate in an optional dinner including a Maori hangi concert.

Day 13 ROTORUA
This morning begins with a visit to Te Puia, Rotorua's most prominent thermal area with New Zealand's largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silca terraces. Continue on to the Agrodome to learn more about one of the country's major industries - sheep! Then on to Rainbow Springs, home to rainbow trout and the flightless kiwi bird in its nocturnal 'Kiwi House'. This evening there is the chance to sample the hospitality of a local family with dinner in their own home.

Day 14 ROTORUA - BAY OF ISLANDS
Leaving Rotorua travel via Auckland to the Bay of Islands, enjoying spectacular rural and coastal scenery en route. On arrival in Paihia, visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the British and Maori signed New Zealand's most important document of state in 1840.

Day 15 BAY OF ISLANDS
Today board your cruise boat and head out to the clear waters of the beautiful Bay of Islands. On the way to Cape Brett you may be lucky enough to see dolphins racing alongside the boat. Further on, you will cruise through the grand Cathedral Cave, and the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. The afternoon is free for you to explore this pristine natural environment.

Day 16 BAY OF ISLANDS
A full day at leisure. Perhaps visit the historic town of Russell, New Zealand's first capital, or explore the scenic Waitangi National Reserve, with its mangrove board walk leading to the picturesque Haruru Falls.

Day 17 BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND
Today travel to Auckland - known as the 'City of Sails' - situated on an isthmus with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other. Your sightseeing tour will begin with a visit to the summit of Mount Eden where you will have expansive 360 degree views of the city.

Day 18 DEPART AUCKLAND
Your vacation ends this morning after hotel check out.