Through our specially designed tour you will discover the rich tapestry of experiences, sites and vistas that New Zealand offers the traveler. From the majesty of Mount Cook to the geysers at Rotorua - from the delightful friendliness of the New Zealanders to the rich culture of the Maori - from the man-made wonder of Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World to the natural wonder of the glow worms in Waitomo caves - and on and on. This is the land which is so full of spectacular views that the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy was filmed here. On this tour, you will see spectacular vistas and experience many amazing things, you will truly discover the richness of New Zealand!
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Depart this morning on board your Great Sights coach to Mount Cook and Queenstown. Continue to Lake Tekapo to view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue along the edge of the azure blue Lake Pukaki to follow the Tasman River to Mt Cook, the highest mountain in Australasia. A series of flightseeing options are available in the Mt. Cook region, which covers some of New Zealand's finest alpine scenery - a truly memorable experience. Mount Cook (approximately 3760m) is both the highest and best known mountain in New Zealand. Travel back down the Tasman Valley as you head towards Twizel and on to Omarama. Arrive into Queenstown in the early evening.
Depart on your Dart River Jetboat Safari day trip. Leave Queenstown by coach to Glenorchy - once the departure point for gold prospectors and explorers. Retaining all the elements of a pioneering past, it is now the gateway for outdoor adventurers. The purpose-built jetboat dances effortlessly on rippling, crystal-clear waters. See towering snow-capped alps where waterfalls cascade into lush bush-clad valleys. After a thrilling ride downstream, it's time for refreshments and reflections in Glenorchy before heading back to Queenstown. Tonight the Skyline Gondola will whisk you smoothly up 450 meters to Bob's Peak, as Queenstown drops away below you. From the top, enjoy breathtaking views which extend almost 360 degrees from Coronet Peak around to the Remarkables and on to Cecil and Walter Peaks on the other side of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a buffet dinner overlooking lights of Queenstown and the Wakatipu Basin below you.
Day 5
Milford
Depart this morning on board your Great Sights coach to Milford Sound. Journey along the edge of Lake Wakatipu, through Kingston and Mossburn, to Te Anau. Proceed to Milford Sound. Remote, mysterious and uniquely New Zealand, Milford Sound is a spectacular reminder of the forces of nature that shaped this land. Formed thousands of years ago during the ice ages, Milford Sound is the northernmost fiord in Fiordland National Park and is, without doubt, the most dramatic. Here in this place of unparalleled beauty, you will find cascading waterfalls, luxuriant forests and the towering pinnacle of Mitre Peak, rising one full mile to the sky. Join a cruise to explore the wonder of this majestic fiord - a buffet lunch will be served on board (included). After lunch back at Milford, return to Queens via the same route, arriving in the early evening. < >< >OPTIONAL Milford Flyback - you have the option of returning to Queenstown by scenic flight (Extra Expense).
This morning is at leisure. For those seeking action-packed thrills, Queenstown offers a huge range of options including bungee jumping, jetboating, whitewater rafting, river surfing, abseiling, tandem parachuting and parapenting. Ask about other options.
Day 7
Rotorua
Transfer to Queenstown airport to connect with your flight to Rotorua. Rotorua is the centre of an extensive thermal region; geysers, bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's frightening yet fascinating power. Tonight, journey by Tamaki coach to a traditional Marae, a sacred meeting place just outside Rotorua's city limits. You will experience a "Hangi" (feast) where you will eat the traditional Maori method of food preparation.
Day 8
Rotorua
Your driver will collect you from your hotel for a sightseeing tour of the Thermal City. Enjoy a visit to Government Gardens - see the beautifully kept gardens, tranquil broad pathways, and the sporting amenities situated here. Surrounded by bush walks, geothermal fields, and the shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, The Rotorua Museum is situated within the Edwardian elegance of Government Gardens. Located in the world-famous Bath House building, an architectural icon in itself, Rotorua Museum is a must-see attraction where you are invited to discover the essence of Rotorua: its people, culture, and history. Share the great stories and legends which have shaped Rotorua - past and present. At Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, join the "Waka Express" for a ride through the thermal area with a Maori guide. There will be stops on the way where points of interest, such as bubbling mud pools, mineral springs, silica formations, and shooting geysers, will be shown to you. You will have the opportunity to visit the Kiwi House where you may see the nocturnal Kiwi, New Zealand's national bird. On returning to the model village, its various features will be explained to you before taking a look through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute which gives an insight into Maori carving, customs and history. The rest of your day is at leisure to explore on your own.
Board the Great Sights coach and journey across the bush-clad Mamaku Range through the Fitzgerald Glade to an area of planted pine forests, the most notable centre being Putaruru with its rapidly growing timber milling industry. Pass by the Arapuni Hydro Scheme, to the provincial farming centres of Kihikihi and Otorohanga, situated in the richest dairying region in New Zealand. From the turnoff at Hangatiki, it's a short drive to Waitomo. Tour through the subterranean fairyland of the Waitomo Caves. Follow your guide past amazing limestone formations before taking your place on a boat to glide silently through the pitch blackness of the glowworm grotto. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, marvel at the countless pin-pricks of green light emitted by the glowworm suspended above you like stars in the night sky! Arrive in the sparkling city of Auckland - City of Sails.
Today you will have a tour of the city. Your first stop will be Sky Tower - the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. Ride the glass-fronted lifts to the main observation deck, where you can view Auckland below you through glass floors panels or make your way to Sky Tower's outdoor observation deck to feel the breeze. Next, tour the central city - highlights include the bustling downtown and waterfront areas, points of historic interest, quaint Parnell Village and the scenic Tamaki Drive. Then experience life in the Antarctic at Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World. Whatever your interest, Auckland offers something for everyone.
Day 11
Return USA
Today you will be taken to your airport for your flight. You will fly home with a lifetime of wonderful memories.
Dates/Pricing
Lodging Type
Hotels
Motels
Transportation
Train
Motor Coach
Boat
Active/Adventure
Boating
Sailing
Bicycle Touring
Climbing
Bird Watching
Urban Adventure
Nature Observance
Beach
Cultural/Educational
Archaeology
Anthropology
Architecture
Art
Botany
Culinary
Dance
History
Music
Photography
Religion and Spirituality
Antiques
Festival
Shopping
Classes/Instruction
Art
Photography
Cooking
Dancing
Skiing
Sailing
Diving
Outdoor
Wine Tasting
Bridge
Disclaimer
Price based on starting price of basic package.
* Tour price includes: Transfers, all tours listed, including transportation from and back to your hotel (except where listed), guides, drivers, 3 + 4 star hotels (double occupancy), meals as listed
Not included: International flights, Domestic New Zealand flights, Items listed as "optional", tips, meals not listed, tips, airport taxes, ETA visa
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