Your magnificent New Zealand journey begins today upon arrival in Christchurch, where you’ll be warmly greeted and transferred to your premium hotel. After settling in, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers, featuring exquisite local cuisine. It’s the perfect introduction to your unforgettable adventure ahead.

Today begins with an Insider Experience. Later, take a scenic drive along the West Coast. This stunning region is home to the Franz Josef/Waiau and Fox Glaciers, as well as spectacular lakes and rainforests. 

Insider Experience – Ride the iconic TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass

Experience one of the world’s great scenic rail journeys aboard the TranzAlpine. Travel through the breathtaking Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass, with panoramic views of rugged mountains, deep river valleys, and native forest, all from the comfort of your seat.

A stunning drive across Haast Pass brings you to Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Here, enjoy an Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience – Bask in idyllic views during your special stay at Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Relax and unwind in your room. This hotel boasts sublime views of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped peaks of The Remarkables. You’ll be just a short stroll from Queenstown’s vibrant centre, giving you ample time to explore and make the most of all that this lively resort town has to offer. Whether it's great food and wine, shopping or adventure that you're after, Queenstown has something just for you. 

Today is free for you to spend at leisure. You’ll find plenty to see and do around Queenstown, from thrilling adventures through to simply relaxing and enjoying the incredible views. Perhaps choose one of our exciting Enhance Your Journey experiences on offer (additional expense). This evening, enjoy your Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience – Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dining

Savour a gourmet lakeside dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm, reached by a vintage steamship across Lake Wakatipu, and gain an insight into life on a high-country New Zealand farm. 

Enhance Your Journey – Million Dollar Cruise

Glide across the mystical waters of Lake Wakatipu, keeping your eyes peeled for local bird life as well as enormous trout, which swim in the lake’s waters. 

Enhance Your Journey – Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Those feeling adventurous can head out on a thrilling jet boat ride, roaring through narrow river canyons just centimetres from sheer rock walls.  

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Sampler Tour

Venture through New Zealand's southernmost wine region as you sample a selection of vintages from the local vineyards and wineries.

Follow The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu to the incredible Fiordland National Park, where an Insider Experience awaits. Later, travel to Te Anau. 

Insider Experience – Cruise Milford Sound/Piopiotahi and enjoy spectacular scenery

Journey through the beautiful Fiordland National Park on your way to magnificent Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Once you arrive, set sail on a cruise along the full length of its pristine waters, basking in all the natural wonders you encounter. 

Journey through the rugged countryside of Southland before arriving in Dunedin for a tour of the city’s sights. This picturesque city is known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand, where you can spot sea lions, fur seals, rare penguins and the world’s only mainland-breeding albatross colony. After being settled by Scots in 1848, the city has retained its Gaelic roots with its stunning Gaelic-inspired architecture, performances of the haggis ceremony and the finest-tasting whisky in the country.

See the Moeraki Boulders/Kaihinaki and visit the charming town of Oamaru. Journey to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for a special Insider Experience. Enhance Your Journey with an amazing option on offer. Tonight, enjoy a dinner at The Hermitage's Alpine Restaurant.

Insider Experience – Stay in the heart of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

Traverse the glorious alpine landscapes of Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and take in the spectacular surrounds as you pass towering mountains and glacier-fed rivers. Stay the night surrounded by sweeping views of New Zealand’s highest peak

Enhance Your Journey – Glacier Explorer Cruise

Step aboard a MAC boat for an up-close encounter with stunning icebergs on the terminal lake of the Tasman Glacier (additional expense).

Journey alongside the shimmering waters of Lake Pukaki before stopping at the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a perfect photo opportunity with breathtaking views of Lake Tekapo/Takapō. Then, continue on to Christchurch, where you’ll enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Discover the must-see sights of Christchurch on a guided tour. Visit Christchurch Cathedral, considered the true heart of the city. The grand Gothic-revival Anglican Cathedral is undergoing restoration after experiencing extensive damage in the 2011 earthquake. At the Bridge of Remembrance, which spans the Ōtākaro/Avon River, remember the fallen soldiers who fought in global conflicts since WWI. Explore Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a vast 21-hectare oasis of tranquillity nestled in the heart of the city. Explore the stunning Central Rose Garden or the serene conservatories, and experience why Christchurch is often called the Garden City.

With free time this afternoon, explore Christchurch at your leisure. Perhaps visit one of the city's galleries or discover a small bar to enjoy New Zealand's renowned wine, or choose one of our carefully selected Enhance Your Journey optional activities to further explore this charming southern city.

Enhance Your Journey – Christchurch Tram Pass

Hop aboard one of Christchurch's restored heritage trams and explore the city centre, accompanied by insightful live commentary from the local driver. Hop off wherever you like to further explore a particular point of interest and rejoin another tram at any of the stops conveniently located along the same route. Your Christchurch tram pass is valid for the entire day, giving you the freedom to explore New Zealand's second-largest city in an unhurried way.

Enhance Your Journey – Punting on the Avon

Enjoy a gentle, informative guided punt ride through central Christchurch as your classically attired punter points out the flora and wildlife along the picturesque Avon River.

Journey north from Christchurch to the port town of Picton, where you will embark on a special Insider Experience. Later, arrive in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. 

Insider Experience – Cruise the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry

Enjoy one of the world’s most scenic voyages on the Interislander ferry to Wellington on the North Island. Take in marvellous sights as you glide across the inlets of the Marlborough Sounds before navigating Cook Strait and cruising into the tranquil waters of Wellington Harbour.

Set out on a sightseeing tour of Wellington, discovering the city's essential sights. Travel to the summit of Mount Victoria for sweeping views of the city and Wellington Harbour. Then, explore the capital's waterfront area, brimming with galleries, restaurants, cafes and bars. Afterwards, enjoy free time to discover Wellington independently or choose one of the curated Enhance Your Journey optional activities.

Enhance Your Journey – Te Papa Tongarewa /Museum of New Zealand

Step inside New Zealand's national museum, home to over two million objects across art and natural history, with exhibitions showcasing New Zealand's rich cultural heritage alongside other Pacific cultures. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the museum, and don't miss out on the groundbreaking Gallipoli exhibition. In collaboration with Wētā Workshop, Te Papa Tongarewa tells the unique stories of eight New Zealand soldiers who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Enhance Your Journey – Wellington Cable Car

Hop aboard the instantly recognisable red cable car for a ride from downtown Wellington to the hilly suburb of Kelburn. It's the sole-surviving historical funicular railway in New Zealand and provides easy access to the Wellington Botanic Gardens, Cable Car Museum and Space Place Planetarium.

Enhance Your Journey – Wētā Workshop Go behind the scenes and discover the secrets of TV and cinema magic at Wētā Workshop, a design and manufacturing facility combining cutting-edge technology with hand-crafted artistry to create Oscar-winning props, costumes and special effects.

Continue north to Taupō, located on the northern shore of Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. Later, witness the thundering power of Huka Falls, which is the country’s most visited natural attraction. Afterwards, continue your journey to Rotorua, a city renowned for its geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture.

Rotorua captures the essence of New Zealand with its geothermal geysers, fascinating Māori culture and rich heritage. Your sightseeing continues with a visit to the Agrodome or alternatively, you might like to partake in our Enhance Your Journey experience. This evening, enjoy a memorable Insider Experience.  

Enhance Your Journey – Hobbiton movie set and farm tour 

Enjoy a scenic drive to where a guide will escort you through the site, visiting buildings created for The Lord of the Rings movies. 

 Insider Experience – Experience Māori culture and geothermal wonders at Te Puia in Rotorua

Immerse yourself in a unique evening of Māori culture, and cuisine at Te Puia. Embark on a guided tour through the historical geothermal valley, where you'll explore a stunning landscape of native bush, geysers, and mud pools. Feel the awe-inspiring power of Pōhutu Geyser, the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. Experience an intimate encounter with one of New Zealand’s national treasures at their new Kiwi Conservation Centre. That evening, enjoy a Haka pōwhiri (cultural welcome), dance performances and the sharing of a traditional meal of fish, lamb and vegetables slow-cooked in earth ovens known as Hāngī.

Travel to Waitomo for an Insider Experience before continuing your journey to cosmopolitan Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant city. This evening, settle in and enjoy a dinner with your fellow travellers.

Insider Experience – Visit Waitomo's glowworm caves 

Descend into the caves beneath the lush Waitomo hills and look up to see a cavern illuminated with hundreds of tiny lights. A sight to behold, the phenomenon is the work of glowworms, which are unique to New Zealand. 

Journey north to see a mighty kauri tree and marvel at its size. Continue to the stunning Bay of Islands where an Insider Experience waits. 

Insider Experience – Take a cruise to Cape Brett in the Bay of Islands 

Keep an eye out for sea life encounters as you cruise through the Bay of Islands. Set off from the Cape Brett Peninsula and cruise through the distinctive Hole in the Rock formation (conditions permitting). 

The Bay of Islands is home to 144 islands, providing a stunning aquatic playground off the north coast of the North Island. Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the subtropical surrounds. Your Tour Director is always on hand to offer some fantastic suggestions to make the most of your time here. This evening, enjoy a special Farewell Dinner with your fellow travellers. 

After breakfast, return to Auckland for your transfer to the airport, marking the end of your journey with us.