Outbound Tours » Best of New Zealand

Duration: 09 Nights / 10 Days
Destination: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua - Wellington - Picton - Kaikoura - Queenstown - Glacier Region

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Day 1 : Arrive Auckland
On arrival into Auckland, "The City of Sails

Day 2 : Auckland Sightseeing
Morning tour including Victoria Park Market, Westhaven Marina and Mt Eden for spectacular views of the city and harbour.

Day 3 : Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
Travel south to arrive at Waitomo for a guided tour of the world famous Waitomo Glowworm caves. Continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the "Thermal City" of Rotorua. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and concert.

Day 4 : Rotorua
Visit Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this see bird life, trout and other wildlife before viewing a New Zealand farmshow featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry. This afternoon is at leisure.

Day 5 : Rotorua - Wellington
Travel south to reach the popular lake resort of Taupo and along the shores of Lake Taupo to Turangi, before continuing on the Desert Road - dominated in the background by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngarahoe and Tongariro. Continue south through lush farmland before arriving in the 'Capital City' of Wellington.

Day 6 : Wellington
At leisure today. Highly recommended is a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand's national museum.

Day 7 : Wellington - Picton - Kaikoura
Depart Wellington this morning on the Interislander Ferry and journey across Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, and into the Marlborough Sounds with its sparking clear water and lush forests before arriving in Picton. Ttravel south through the town of Blenheim, before reaching Kaikoura, a town steeped in Maori history and legend.

Day 8 : Kaikoura - Christchurch
Leave Kaikoura behind as you turn inland and travel through North Canterbury to reach the 'Garden City' of Christchurch.

Day 9 : Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown
Travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo before continuing on to New Zealand's highest mountain, Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the 'Alpine Resort' of Queenstown.

Day 10 : Milford Sound
Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breath taking man made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Return to Queenstown.

Day 11 : Queenstown
An opportunity today to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in the tour price.

Day 12 : Queenstown - Glacier Region
Depart Queenstown this morning and travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges and native forests to the glacier region of Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers.

Day 13 : Glacier Region
A full day at leisure to explore this magnificent glacier region. Optional activities include a scenic flight or guided walk on one of the glaciers. Optional activities not included in the tour price.

Day 14 : Glacier Region - Greymouth - Christchurch
Travel north to Greymouth today and board the world famous Tranz Alpine train (coach passengers only). Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur's Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps into Christchurch.

Day 15 : Departure Day
Your arrangements conclude today. We trust you enjoyed your "Beyound Travel"Vacation!