11D NEW ZEALAND WONDERLAND

“Haere Mai” Welcome to New Zealand! See the scenic highlights of Christchurch City traversing the leafy green banks of the Avon River, beautiful Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens. View historic cathedrals, innovative street art and other modern surprises in this re-emerging city. Explore the exciting Riverside Market, an indoor market linked to a vibrant mix of boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars - a unique inner-city shopping experience for the local community and visitors alike. Thereafter, journey across Canterbury Plains to the turquoise-colored Lake Tekapo to see the postcard-perfect Church of the Good Shepherd and iconic Sheepdog statue on the edge of the lake.

Note: In the event if accommodation is not available in Lake Tekapo, you will be staying in Mackenzie Country.

Meals On Board / Dinner

Depart to scenic Tapataia Mahaka Peter's Lookout, a popular viewpoint on the shores of Lake Pukaki for panoramic views of Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain soaring 3724-metres above the crest of the Southern Alps. If weather permits, why not experience the magnificent landscape on a scenic flight with alpine landing (at your own expense) before we continue through scenic MacKenzie Basin to Cromwell. Savour a buffet lunch at Highlands Motorsport Park, world-class facility with challenging multiple-layout tracks, home to the National Motorsport Museum, and the famous ‘Loo with a View’. Visit Mrs. Jones Fruit Stall, the best-known fruit stall in Central Otago that stocks a huge array of fresh fruits, dried fruits, nuts, honey products and vegetables. Then, visit the corner of paradise for wine aficionados at Kinross Winery & Cellar Door before we end the day at Queenstown, a city famous for its iconic scenery and smorgasbord of outdoor activities.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Visit Chinese Settlement in Arrowtown, a charming gold rush village of historic miners’ houses shaded by tremendous oak trees nestled below gorgeous peaks. Then, go onboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw, a century-old coal-fired steamship across Lake Wakatipu, past the Remarkables mountain range and Cecil Peak, to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the farmyard, watch the farm dogs in action with sheep-herding and savour buffet-style BBQ lunch inside the adoring Colonel’s Homestead. Return to Queenstown and you are free to explore the township.

Breakfast / Lunch

The day is free at your own leisure. You may opt to visit the spectacular natural wonders of Milford Sound (at your own expense).

Breakfast

Proceed on an epic road trip to the lakeside resort town of Wanaka and capture That Wānaka Tree, nickname of a willow tree at the shore of Lake Wanaka. Then, enjoy a scenic drive up to the West Coast, a wild and untamed place famous for its rivers, rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures. Continue through lush temperate rainforest to the Glacier Regions of Fox & Franz Josef, relics of the last ice age and among the most convenient in the world to visit. If weather permits, why not experience the magnificent landscape from above on a scenic helicopter ride (at your own expense).

Note: In the event if accommodation is not available in Fox or Franz Josef, you will be staying in another town.

Breakfast / Dinner

Travel through scenic rainforests and past flowing rivers towards Hokitika, a cool little town with lovely old buildings and the famous Arahura River which is a traditional source of pounamu (greenstone). Our adventure continues on the Great Alpine Highway with a scenic journey towards Arthur’s Pass, New Zealand’s highest alpine pass. You may want to enhance the experience with a TranzAlpine scenic train ride (at your own expense) that travels through foothills of the mighty Southern Alps and alongside spectacular braided rivers until the flat green farmlands of the Canterbury Plains herald your arrival into Christchurch, a city that promises an eclectic mix of historic elegance and contemporary culture.

Breakfast / Dinner

Take a domestic flight to Auckland, the city of sails. Proceed to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, known for its bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, natural hot springs and fascinating Māori culture. See historical Government Gardens on the shore of Lake Rotorua, a land gifted by the local Maori to the Crown in 1800. Then, be amazed as you experience the Redwoods Treewalk™, an award-winning eco-tourism walk featuring 28 suspension bridges through trees that are 120 years old.

Note: Boxed breakfast will be arranged if flight is early in the morning.

Breakfast / Dinner

Journey towards the rural town of Matamata and step into the enchanting village of Hobbiton™ Movie Set as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Join a fully guided walking tour to explore the meandering pathways, see the 41 Hobbit Hole and venture beyond the door into an authentic Hobbit Hole. Then, be captivated by Te Puia, a geothermal park of the dramatic Pohutu Geyser, bubbling mud, Maori cultural experiences at the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, and the brand-new Kiwi Conservation Centre. Enjoy a sumptuous hangi dinner buffet and the spine-tingling cultural Haka performance before boarding the e-shuttle to finish the evening with hot chocolate beneath the stars.

Note: Return to hotel by Te Puia Village Shuttle on seat-in-coach basis.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Journey through forested Mamaku Ranges to Waitomo Glowworm Caves, one of New Zealand’s best natural attractions. Through storytelling, your guide will explain the history, features and legends of this world-famous cave as your boat glides silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. Depart to Auckland and discover the scenic highlights of the city, such as the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge and the vibrant Viaduct Harbour.

Note: Duration of city tour depends on time permitted & traffic conditions.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner