Breathtaking New Zealand

Breathtaking New Zealand

This all-encompassing tour of New Zealand starts in the beautiful city of Auckland on North Island. Discover emerald-green landscapes, thermal springs and geysers in Rotorua and Napier, then spend some time in the capital Wellington, before sailing across the Cook Strait to South Island. Snow-capped mountains, shimmering glaciers and beautiful Milford Sound await and there's also time to explore Queenstown and the vibrant city of Christchurch.

What’s Included:

• Just You Holiday Director as your host & Specialist Local Guide
• Return flights from London
• Use of an airport lounge in the UK
• 14 nights in 3 & 4-star hotels plus 3 nights in flight
• A guaranteed twin or double room of your own
• 17 meals: 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners including welcome & farewell drinks
• Overseas transfers, other transportation & porterage

Holiday Highlights:

• Waitomo glow worm grotto
• Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Napier sightseeing
• Te Puia Thermal Reserve
• Dinner & wine-tasting at the Mission Estate Winery
• Journey on the TranzAlpine Train
• Cruise on Milford Sound

Days 3-4: Crowne Plaza Auckland

Crowne Plaza Auckland is situated within walking distance from a range of shopping and dining options on Queen Street. It is also in close proximity to main sightseeing attractions of Auckland. Modern rooms feature en-suite facilities, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and sleep-aid aromatherapy kits. Other hotel facilities include gym, sauna, a lobby cocktail bar and a restaurant.

Days 5-6: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Millennium Hotel Rotorua is located a short walk away from the Lake Rotorua. Every hotel room is featuring free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minifridges and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include an outdoor swimming pool and an indoor geothermal pool, as well as a fitness centre and a spa with saunas.

Day 7: Scenic Hotel Te Pania

You will stay at the Scenic Hotel Te Pania perfectly located on the edge of Hawkes Bay. Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee-making facilities.

Days 8-9: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

The 4-star James Cook Hotel has a great location in the heart of Wellington, close to Lambton Quay's shopping district.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and fitness room. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV, minibar and tea- and coffee-making facilities.

Day 10: Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Distinction Christchurch Hotel is located in the heart of the city just a few steps away from the Avon River, Botanical Gardens, Christchurch Casino and many more attractions. Each hotel room is air-conditioned and features free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, minifridge and tea/coffee-making facilities. Other hotel amenities include restaurant and a bar, the perfect place to enjoy delicious cuisine and drinks.

Day 11: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel

Heritage Gateway Hotel in Omarama is set amongst landscaped gardens offering wonderful views of the surrounding mountains.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant and bar. Bedrooms have private facilities, TV, iron, refrigerator, tea/coffee-maker and hairdryer.

Days 12-14: Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road

Holiday Inn Queenstown Frankton Road has a peaceful setting amongst alpine scenery and picturesque lakes, yet it is conveniently close to the city.

Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, sauna and tennis court. Bedrooms have private facilities, tea and coffee-making facilities, TV, hairdryer and Wi-Fi.

Day 15: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Scenic Franz Josef Hotel is located close to one of New Zealand's most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier.

Hotel facilities include restaurant, bar/lounge and spa. Bedrooms have private facilities, air-conditioning, mini-bar, tea/coffee-maker, TV and hairdryer.

Days 1-2: UK - Auckland

Today, you will fly to New Zealand via Singapore, arriving on the morning of day 3.

Day 3: Auckland

We'll arrive in Auckland today. There is time to rest after your flight before we gather as a group for dinner.

Meals included: D

Day 4: Auckland

The beautiful city of Auckland is the largest in New Zealand, situated on the North Island in the Hauraki Gulf. We'll admire its spectacular skyline on an included tour this morning, which takes us to all the must-see sights. Later, you will have time to explore the city further in the company of your fellow travellers.

Meals included: B

Day 5: Auckland - Rotorua

The warm, emerald-green North Island was shaped by volcanic activity, and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua. En-route we will journey through the dairy-rich Waikato farming region, home of the Maori kingdom, and visit the world-famous Waitomo Caves. The amazing glow-worm grotto is a fascinating sight and we will explore in the company of a Local Guide.

You can also take an optional flight today, either by float-plane or helicopter, over Mount Tarawera Volcano. You'll learn how the volcano's 1886 eruption - the largest in New Zealand's living memory - affected the landscape and, if you chose the helicopter flight, you will actually land at the site of the eruption. Those choosing the float-plane excursion will have the added excitement of taking off and landing on water at the Rotorua City Lakefront.

Meals included: B

Day 6: Rotorua

Te Puia Thermal Reserve is home to the extraordinary boiling mud pools and spouting geysers that New Zealand is so famous for. We will call here this morning to see this spectacular sight for ourselves. Later you have the option to join a tour of Hobbiton, the location created for the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films. We'll explore the site, which includes hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn, while our guide offers fascinating insight – a must for fans of the films. Tonight, you'll have a chance to experience a Maori concert and sample an authentic Hangi meal on an optional tour. This is where your food is cooked by steam underground using a centuries-old method that harnesses the power of nature.

Meals included: B

Day 7: Rotorua - Napier

The route to Napier takes us through the Wairakei Valley, past the spectacular Huka Falls to beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest freshwater lake. We will pause here to take in the mesmerising views. Napier is home to one of the finest collections of Art Deco-style buildings in the world and has the ideal climate for growing grapes. Sampling some of the locally cultivated wines is certain to be a treat before we discover more about the town as we explore on foot in the company of your Holiday Director. We'll enjoy a group dinner this evening at a winery estate.

Meals included: B,D

Day 8: Napier - Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand's wonderful capital, enjoys a beautiful setting on the southern tip of the North Island. We'll head here today with an orientation tour on arrival to highlight the city's main sights.

Meals included: B

Day 9: Wellington - at Leisure

We have left today free for you to explore the city with your travelling companions. Perhaps take the cable car to the Botanical Gardens or visit the Te Papa Museum, which offers a wealth of information about New Zealand and its history, along with a collection of art.

Meals included: B

Day 10: Wellington - Christchurch

We set sail for the South Island today. Once back on land, we continue the drive to Christchurch, often referred to as the most English city outside of England. We'll enjoy the stunning scenery of the Kaikoura coast along the way.

Meals included: B

Day 11: Christchurch - Omarama

Before departing Christchurch, we will take in an orientation tour of the city which introduces us to all the main sights. Then it’s a lovely drive across the Canterbury Plains towards Burkes Pass and onwards to Lake Tekapo with a stunning route delivering us to the Mount Cook region today.

Meals included: B

Day 12: Omarama - Queenstown

Before departing from the Mount Cook region, you may wish to take an optional scenic flight over some of New Zealand's highest mountains and largest glaciers. Your pilot will provide interesting commentary as you admire them from the air. Today we travel via the gold-mining town of Arrowtown and onwards to Queenstown, a popular resort in both summer and winter.

Meals included: B

Day 13: Milford Sound

Milford Sound is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand. Te Anau is the gateway to Fjordland National Park and our first port of call on today's tour. We continue through the lush beech forests of the Eglinton Valley and the eroded glacial canyons of the Hollyford Valley, before arriving at Milford Sound itself. A cruise on the Sound, which we include weather permitting, is a great way to appreciate the beauty of the area, and lunch is also included.

Meals included: B,L

Day 14: Queenstown - at Leisure

Explore Queenstown in the company of your fellow travellers or perhaps join us on an optional excursion. If you're feeling adventurous, there's a fantastic opportunity to take an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Dart River. This evening, if you wish, you could enjoy a relaxing steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu and a gourmet barbecue dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak.

Meals included: B

Day 15: Queenstown - Franz Josef

Departing Queenstown, travelling north, passing Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka along the way to cross the Haast River Bridge. The road through Westland National Park is one of the most scenic ever built, with tremendous ocean views to one side and spectacular forest views to the other. Experience this as we travel to the magnificent scenery and glaciers of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions.

Meals included: B

Day 16: TranzAlpine Train

This morning perhaps join a helicopter flight with a landing on the glacier for a stunning view of the landscape.

Late afternoon we join the TranzAlpine Express for a spectacular journey through the Southern Alps. We’ll board the train in Arthurs Pass, the South Island's highest railway station, passing through the contrasting scenery of the snow-capped Southern Alps and majestic gorges. Arriving in Christchurch this evening, where we get together for a farewell drink.

Meals included: B

Day 17: Christchurch - UK

We'll transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

Meals included: B

Day 18: UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.