Featuring: North Island and South Island, including Auckland, Christchurch and Milford Sound
| Length: | 16 days |
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| Accommodations: | Hotel, Lodge, Overnight Cruise, Resort as per itinerary
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| Meals: | Dinner, Breakfast as per itinerary
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| Sightseeing: | North Island and South Island, including Auckland, Christchurch and Milford Sound |
| Transportation: | n/a |
Depart for New ZealandFly over the international date line on your way to New Zealand.
Arrive ChristchurchCheck into the Bealeys Hotel, spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore Christchurch.
Christchurch to Lake OhauMeet your Contiki crew and travel through the MacKenzie country, home to the sheep industry. Get your camera ready, as our first stop today is the beautiful glacial Lake Tekapo. We'll continue on to view Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain and if you want to start the tour on a real high note, then why not take the option of a spectacular glacier flight over the mountain? We then head to Lake Ohau at the base of the Southern Alps. This evening, its dinner and a chance to get to know your fellow Contiki-ites.
Lake Ohau to Milford SoundMore scenic splendour this morning as we travel past the orchards of Cromwell and the Clutha River. On to Fiordland National Park where we head through the Homer Tunnel (D'OH!) for our first view of Mitre Peak and Milford Sound. Then it's all aboard the Milford Wanderer, for an overnight cruise taking in all the beauty of the fjord. There's the chance to kayak and see whales, dolphins and penguins along with towering mountains and breathtaking waterfalls. It'll be an evening to treasure!
Milford Sound to QueenstownWe'll breakfast on board and then hop back on the coach to travel through the picturesque former gold mining centre of Arrowtown. Need an andrenalin boost? We'll take you to a bridge to jump off! The bungy jumping bridge provides a hair-raising, gob-stopping adrenalin rush. It is one of the options on this tour that separates the tourists from the purists. Pure fun. Pure rush. Why don't you try it? After all the excitement, tonight we'll chill out at our lodge, overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
QueenstownLeisure is probably the wrong word as Queenstown is known as the 'Adventure-Adrenaline capital of the world', one of those places that you can literally do as much or as little as you like. A number of options to astound you await! Ever tried Bungy jumping, Sky diving, Jet boating, River boarding, White water rafting, Helicopter riding, Luging, Canyon Swinging, Four wheeldriving, Hiking???? Be extreme! Action by day, action by night - that's Queenstown. Yes, when you've dried off and caught your breath, it'll be time to experience Queenstown's legendary nightlife, and there's no shortage of venues for dining and socialising - why not try an optional meal at the world famous Skyline gondola complex.
Queenstown to Franz Josef GlacierWe'll travel today through the Kawarau Gorge, past glacial lakes and via the Haast Pass to reach the South Island's rugged West Coast. In the Westland National Park there's a chance to lace up your hiking boots and explore the icy terrain of this region on a guided glacier walk with the professional guides who will be on hand to show you the beauty of this natural wonder
Franz Josef Glacier to ChristchurchThis morning we'll see the art of jade greenstone carving at Hokitika. We'll cross the Southern Alps via majestic Arthur's Pass and head towards the "Cathedral City" of Christchurch.
Christchurch to WellingtonHeading north, make sure your camera is handy for the spectacular views along the Kaikoura Coastline. If we're lucky, we'll spot one of the many Seal colonies in this area. Boarding the Inter-Island ferry we'll do the South to North Island hop through Marlborough Sound and the Cook Strait. Back on terra firma it's a drive along the scenic waterfront and up to Mt Victoria, before arriving in Wellington, a cosmopolitan city famed for its cafes, restaurants and trendy bars.
WellingtonA full day to explore the city and its surrounding area. Take your time to enjoy the amazing Museum of New Zealand, known as Te Papa 'Our House'. Maybe do some shopping or see the sights of the Lord of the Rings trilogy or just relax in one of the city's many cafes. Later this evening join us for a walkabout dinner.
Wellington to TaupoToday we travel the Kapiti coast northwards towards the Tongariro National park, past the spectacular central volcanoes of the North Island to our resort beside New Zealand's largest lake - Taupo. This afternoon you're free to wonder the shops, enjoy a parasail high over the lake or challenge gravity on the Rock n' Ropes. Tonight maybe try fishing and later enjoy the famous local nightlife.
Taupo to RotoruaWe continue via forest and farmland to Rotorua, the heart of Maori culture. Here we'll learn more about their history which dates back to the 10th century. Maybe try the Zorb or end the day by relaxing in a Polynesian thermal pool, before taking in an optional Maori Hangi style meal and Cultural concert.
Rotorua to WaitomoWe start the day with a visit to the Agrodome farm show, on our way to our special overnight stay at Waitomo, home of the world famous limestone formations and sparkling Glow worms. There will be time today, if you wish, to visit the Glow worm grotto or try underground cave rafting. Tonight there's the chance to meet the local characters.
Waitomo to AucklandToday we drive through lush Waikato countryside on our way to Auckland where it's time to say a final farewell as your tour ends on arrival into Auckland at midday.
All these highlights along with city sightseeing are included in your tour price!