14 Day Pacific Panorama: Christchurch to Auckland

Christchurch - Omarama

After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting, optional) to enjoy a scenic flight over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel

Omarama - Dunedin

Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time. Tonight, a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin Leisure Lodge – A Distinction Hotel

Dunedin - Te Anau

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you 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. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Superior Room)

Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown

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 a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free, you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. (2 night stay)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront 

Queenstown

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain and Tour Leader are available to assist with the many optional activities available, including the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or to getup close to a Kiwi bird. 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront 

Queenstown - Arrowtown - Fox Glacier

Travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (weather permitting, optional) over the spectacular glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier - Arthurs Pass - Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Cotswold or similar

Christchurch - Picton - Wellington

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikõura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you will board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. (2 night stay)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Ibis Wellington

Wellington

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. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ibis Wellington

Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua

Depart Wellington and travel via Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then onto the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. (2 night stay)

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua

Rotorua

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment. Visit Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Mãori cultural performance followed by a delicious Hãngi meal.

Meals: Breakfast, Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua

Rotorua - Auckland

Depart Rotorua and travel north to Auckland to enjoy an afternoon at leisure to discover the ‘City of Sails’. This evening enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Rydges Auckland

Depart Auckland

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

Meals: Breakfast