You have the option of flying with one of five world class airlines, with departures from a number of UK airports to suit your individual requirements. Choose from Air New Zealand, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, QANTAS and Singapore Airlines.
Scenic Tours include a three night city stopover on your outward journey. Choose from seven outbound 3 night stopovers including Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Macau, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Singapore.
Stopovers are dependent on which airline you choose to fly with.
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred *to your hotel. Tonight meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at our welcome briefing followed by dinner.
Two Night Stay: AucklandMeals: Dinner
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day where you choose what you’d like to do from the following Scenic FreeChoice inclusions: visit the Sky Tower, the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere; enjoy Kelly Tarlton’s underwater world; discover Auckland on a morning sightseeing tour; cruise Auckland Harbour including morning tea; visit Waitakere Ranges, walk in the rainforest and along the west coast’s black sand beaches; explore Waiheke Island; sail on an authentic America’s Cup yacht. (Must be pre-booked). Meals: Breakfast
This morning head north, driving along the picturesque Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe where you will tour the fascinating Kauri Pioneer Museum. Learn about the history of the kauri tree before continuing up to the Waipoua Forest. Meet our local guides at the mighty Tane Mohutu tree who will entertain you with stories and legends of the Maori culture of this region. Continue to Omapere and our accommodation on the shores of Hokianga Harbour. Tonight enjoy your delicious dinner on the beach and be entertained by local Maori musicians.
Overnight Stay: OmapereMeals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Today we visit the sub-tropical paradise of the Bay of Islands and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where in 1840 the founding document of New Zealand as a nation was signed. This afternoon we cruise across the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous Hole in the Rock (weather permitting). Tonight is a SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining evening – choose from: Dinner in the hotel followed by the Sound and Light show at the Waitangi Treaty grounds; dinner onboard the stylish Sugar Boat; or a scenic dinner cruise down the Waitangi River onboard the Ratanui.
Two Night Stay: Bay of IslandsMeals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Unique, Boutique & Luxury: Why not upgrade your accommodation to spend two nights at the Bay of Islands Lodge?
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day – choose from: ‘On the Edge’, the ultimate day sail in the bay; a scenic lunch cruise on the bay; a cruise and tour of historic Russell and Pompallier; a full day tour to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand; cruise and swim with the dolphins; play golf at Waitangi Golf Club; enjoy a Perfect Day cruise to the Poor Knight Islands; or try your hand at fishing in the bay. Meals: Breakfast
Today, travel to Whangarei and enjoy some free time to explore the Town Basin, marina and Clapham’s Clock Museum before returning to Auckland.
Overnight Stay: Auckland Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we travel to Mount Eden then journey south to Longlands Homestead, a working dairy farm for a guided tour followed by a home cooked roast lamb lunch. After lunch visit Whakarewarewa Village for a guided tour and fascinating insight into how the geothermal activity is part of their everyday life. See the Pohutu Geyser which shoots boiling water up to 30m into the air before continuing to Rotorua.
Two Night Stay: Rotorua Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch
Unique, Boutique & Luxury: Why not upgrade your accommodation to spend two nights at the Hamurana Country Estate or Treetops Lodge & Estate?
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day where you choose what you’d like to do from the following Scenic FreeChoice inclusions: the Agrodome sheep shearing and farm dog show; an amphibious duck tour of Rotorua’s city and lakes; relax in the geothermal mineral pools of the Polynesian Day Spa; take a thrilling 4WD safari adventure; visit the Buried Village; explore Rotorua Museum; see the rare Kiwi at Rainbow Springs; or enjoy a tour of Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts institute. Tonight is a SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining evening – choose from: Tamaki Village Hangi and Cultural Show; experience stonegrill cuisine in a local restaurant; or gourmet buffet dinner at the Atlas Café and Restaurant. Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Visit Huka Falls, Wairakei Steam Valley and Lake Taupo. Continue to the coastal township of Napier and spend the afternoon at leisure exploring this quaint Art Deco town. Tonight we take a tour of a local Hawkes Bay winery and watch the wine makers in action. Our tour finishes with wine tasting and private dinner in the Winery’s restaurant.
Overnight Stay: NapierMeals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
This morning depart Napier and head south to Wellington. On arrival enjoy a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.
Overnight Stay: WellingtonMeals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we board the InterIslander ferry and cruise Marlborough Sounds to Picton on New Zealand’s South Island. Onboard you will have exclusive access to the Kaitaki Premier Luxury lounge where you can enjoy continuous hot and cold snacks along with complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, internet, newspapers and magazines. Continue along the spectacular east coast to Christchurch, including a short stop at the Kaikoura seal colony.
Overnight Stay: Christchurch Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s touring takes you on an unforgettable journey through the magnificent Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine railway. Disembark at Arthur’s Pass and continue on by coach to Hokitika to see skilled craftsmen carving Pounama (Jade) into jewellery and other artefacts. Stop and view the awesome Franz Josef Glacier, a stunning landscape hewn by ice and a living remnant of the last Ice Age. Tonight settle into your accommodation in the charming little village of Franz Josef at the new luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat. This lodge style hotel has been built to respect and preserve the surrounding rainforest and is at the cutting edge of sustainable, luxury accommodation. This evening enjoy a five course gourmet menu, created from fresh local produce. Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
A highlight today is an exhilarating jet boat ride on the mighty Haast River in Mount Aspiring National Park. Whilst the scenic value is terrific when sunny, the valley is equally awesome during rain with mist shrouding the forest, and waterfalls in full flow. Continue on to Queenstown.
Three Night Stay: Queenstown Meals: Breakfast
Unique, Boutique & Luxury: Why not upgrade your accommodation to spend three nights at the Evergreen Lodge.
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day – choose from: an indulgent therapeutic massage or foot revitalisation; a tour of local country gardens followed by morning tea; a guided walk through Mount Aspiring National Park and the Routeburn Valley; enjoy a guided tour of local wineries with lunch; take an exhilarating ride through Shotover Canyon in a jet boat; see the beautiful scenery of the Southern Lakes region on a 4WD tour; enjoy a scenic guided tour to historic Skippers Canyon. Tonight is a SCENIC FREECHOICE Dining evening – choose from: a cruise on Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw historic steamship then dine at Walter Peak station; ride the gondola up to the Skyline restaurant and dine with views of Queenstown; or enjoy a relaxing à la carte dinner at Lombardis restaurant. Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps, Queenstown was named because it was ‘fit for Queen Victoria’. Today Queenstown is recognised as New Zealand’s premier visitor destination. With its rugged mountains, majestic lakes and crystal clear air there is just so much to do. So today we give you an extra day to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy the beauty of the Fiordland National Park. Experience an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound, the most accessible of Fiordland’s magnificent glacier-carved fiords. Tonight stay in the village of Te Anau at the Village Inn where we will enjoy a four course a la carte dinner.Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Milford Sound Upgrade: Opportunity to upgrade and stay overnight on spectacular Milford Sound. Cruise the length of this spectacular fiord on the Milford Mariner before anchoring for the night. Explore in tender craft and kayaks or simply relax on deck. Enjoy an evening buffet before retiring to your private cabin. Supplement of £115, single supplement available on request. Please note that this option is not escorted by a Scenic Tours’ Tour Director
Enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side of the lake. Here you’ll explore a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glowworms at the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Continue on to Dunedin, a university city of Scottish heritage and New Zealand’s oldest city.
Overnight Stay: Dunedin Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
N.B. Guests taking the Milford Sound upgrade will miss the Te Anau Glowworm Caves as they will not return to Te Anau until mid morning on day 22.
Home Stay: Alternatively we offer you the opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of a local family during an overnight Home Stay. Home Stays are included at no extra cost but must be pre-booked.
Make a Dunedin city sights tour before heading north, stopping at the famous Moeraki Boulders. Travel north and stop to view Mount Cook (subject to weather). Continue your journey to our hotel on the shores of Lake Tekapo.
Overnight: Lake Tekapo.Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning we will stop and view the Church of the Good Shepherd, situated right on Lake Tekapo’s edge. Continue on to Christchurch. A tour highlight is tonight’s dinner. Begin aboard the historic Christchurch tram for drinks and canapés, then continue to an intimate local restaurant for a private farewell dinner.
Two Night Stay: Christchurch Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Dinner
Today is a SCENIC FREECHOICE day – choose from: a punting trip which guides you along the Avon River; a guided city bicycle tour; exploring the city at leisure with a historic tram sightseeing pass; visit the Antarctic Centre; or take a guided tour of the city’s botanical gardens onboard the Caterpillar electric shuttle. Enjoy your last night in Christchurch to explore the many restaurants and bars on your hotel’s doorstep at Cathedral Square.Meals: Breakfast
Your tour concludes this morning and you'll be transferred* back to the airport for your flight home. Meals: Breakfast
Welcome home!
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
Brochure: IS/AUNZ/GBP1011
Tour code: DROI.1