NEW ZEALAND – 10 Days Highlights of North and South Islands

• Auckland

• Rotorua

• Christchurch

• Queenstown

• Franz Josef

• Arrival: Day01 before 3pm 
• Return: Day10 anytime after 12pm

FLY IN Airport: Auckland Airport (AKL)  

FLY OUT Airport: Presidente Christchurch International Airport (CHC)  

Description:

Auckland, New Zealand’s self-proclaimed “City of Sails” is the country’s largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests, and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city-savvy and those with an eye for adventure. Explore the central museums and galleries on foot, or get out onto the water to experience the best views of the city.

Description:

Enjoy a full-day tour to Hobbiton before being captivated by the glowworms in Waitomo. Journey from Auckland through the lush farmland of the Waikato with commentary from your driver. Become immersed in The Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films when you visit the actual Hobbiton movie set. Located just outside of the town of Matamata – in the heart of the lush Waikato farming region. You’ll be taken through Hobbit Holes, The Green Dragon Inn, The Mill and the Party Tree with a guide sharing behind-the-scenes tales and fascinating insight into the making of the films.
You then head to Waitomo to the Spellbound Glowworm Caves, where you will board a raft and glide gently downstream beneath a canopy of glowworms and marvel at their increasing brilliance as your eyes adjust to the darkness. See these intriguing creatures up close and marvel at their fascinating life.
Return transport is provided in a fleet of late-model Mercedes vans configured to give extra legroom and space.

Please wear comfortable walking shoes and a warm jacket for the Glowworm Caves guided tour.

Description:

Morning tour. You will be collected from your accommodation this morning between 08:00 and 08:30. Please wear suitable footwear.

See it all, the ultimate volcanic and geothermal Rotorua Tour. Learn about the huge colorful hot springs, erupting geysers and active boiling mud pools, spectacular volcanoes, and lush native forests. You’ll travel through forestry and farmland to NZ’s largest boiling mud pool and a series of colorful hot springs at Wai-o-tapu. Then see the Lady Knox geyser erupt. Next a short drive to the Waimangu Volcanic valley where your guide will explain the Mt Tarawera eruption which blew open this spectacular, bush-covered, geothermal park.
This is about 4-hour long tour and a medium level of fitness is required.

Enter the world of Mitai and learn about the history of this area which once flourished in villages. See fierce warriors in traditional dress paddle an ancient warrior canoe (waka) down the Wai-o-Whiro stream and the story of the migration of Tamatekapua of the Te Arawa canoe to Aotearoa and the Māori Pacifica connection told in dance form.
Join in this Maori and Island fusion extravaganza, including a feast for the ravenous. Your hāngī/umu earth oven food of Polynesia includes pork, chicken, taro, island-style potato salad, and much more. The hangi/umu is cooked in an earth oven, a hole 1-2m into the ground, and the baskets of kai (food) are placed on hot stones at the bottom of a hāngī pit. The kai is then covered to trap the heat, the steam and heat from heated hāngī stones infuse the kai with delicious earthy flavors while it cooks for 3-4 hours. Try the delicious tempting hula food of the Great Ocean of Kiwa.

Wear suitable clothing and comfortable walking shoes as some of this evening’s activities are outdoors.

Description:

Its time to say goodbye to North Island as today you will catch an early flight to Christchurch (South Island), on arrival you will be met by a driver and transferred to your Christchurch accommodation.

The rest of the day is free to explore the city.

Description:

Description:

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown. Although celebrated as New Zealand’s ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast-paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic, and scenic wonders. 

Suggested activities:

Go hiking – Queenstown Hill

The Queenstown Hill walk is one of the best short hikes around Queenstown. The name just says it all! To get to the top of Queenstown Hill you’ll need to climb 600 meters (2000 feet) over the 2.5 kilometers. The total hike time is around 2 hours depending on how much time you spend at the top enjoying the view.

Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure

Riding the iconic ‘Big Red’ Jet Boat through the narrow Shotover Canyon is an exhilarating experience not to be missed.  Your skilled jet boat driver pushes the boat to 85 kph, skimming across shallow water and past towering canyon walls.  This 25 minute white water ride includes 360 degree spins and maximum thrills.

Nevis Bungy Jump

The Nevis Bungy is New Zealand’s highest bungy at 134 metres and 8 1/2 seconds of freefall. Located in the Nevis Valley high above the Nevis River this is the ultimate adrenaline experience.

Shotover River White Water Rafting

The upper section of the Shotover River gives rafters time to practice their paddle techniques before they hit the whitewater of the lower Canyon. Paddle numerous rapids such as Rock Garden, Jaws, 

TSS Earnslaw

A 1 ½ hour scenic cruise on board the coal fired vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. You will cruise from Queenstown Bay to Walter Peak High Country Farm (without going ashore) and return. 

Description:

Return luxury coach transport from Queenstown to Milford Sound, with a 1 hour 40 minute Cruise along the full length of the fiord. On boarding a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown or Te Anau, you will enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. The coach driver provides an informative commentary. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, where you have the option of purchasing refreshments, the coach continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. On reaching Milford Sound, you board the modern, spacious vessel for a leisurely cruise in the fiord. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforests, mountains, and wildlife. During the cruise, your friendly crew provides commentaries in several languages and points out the sights such as Mitre Peak and the Pembroke Glacier.

 Please bring comfortable shoes, a waterproof jacket, warm clothing, and insect repellent.

Description:

Approximate arrival is 16:30 in Franz Josef where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

From Queenstown to Franz Josef discover the wild beauty of New Zealand’s West Coast. Leaving Queenstown, travel by luxury coach through the stunning scenery of the South Island. Your driver guide will provide entertaining commentary and point out sites of interest as you pass by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Dunstan, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea. After a morning tea break in Makarora on the border of Mount Aspiring World Heritage Park, you’ll travel through the Haast Pass, journeying through native beech forest and over the Southern Alps, before emerging on the West Coast. This remote area has a ruggedly beautiful landscape of vast rainforests, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountains. Skirt the coast and see waves crashing on rocky beaches before returning inland. Before arriving in the afternoon at the small village of Franz Josef. From here you can explore the world famous Franz Josef Glacier.

You will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Glacier Shuttles and taken on a short tour to view the glacier. Your shuttle vehicle will transfer you up the Franz Josef valley to the road end. Here you will have the opportunity to walk to view the glacier from a viewing platform. Or enjoy one of the short walks available in this area. You will be returned to your accommodation by the Glacier Valley Shuttles.

Description:

Your coach is scheduled to arrive at Greymouth Train Station at 13:15.

On arrival, immediately check-in for your TranzAlpine Train journey to Christchurch.

This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Stop at the Bushman’s Centre for refreshments and a chance to experience a bit of West Coast humour. Continue through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand’s richest alluvial goldfields. In 1903 the largest gold nugget ever found in New Zealand was discovered at Jones Creek, not far from the town centre. It weighed 2807 grams. The New Zealand Government later purchased the nugget and presented it as a coronation gift to King George V. On arrival in Hokitika, there is time to purchase lunch and explore the town centre. Hokitika is the administrative and commercial centre for this part of Westland. The major primary industry is timber milling. Dairy and sheep farming, commercial fishing, white baiting and eel processing are the other major industries. Continue onto Greymouth Railway Station from where you catch the world-famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.

Your TranzAlpine train departs Greymouth Train Station at 14:05. Please check in at least 20 minutes before departure by presenting your reference number to the ticket office. You will receive your boarding pass and your suitcases (large bags) will be checked in.

Your train is scheduled to arrive at Christchurch Train Station at 18:30.

Considered one of the world’s great train journeys, the TranzAlpine Scenic Train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch. You’ll travel across the South Island from the west to the east coast through Arthur’s Pass National Park. From the comfort of your carriage see lush beech forest, deep river valleys and the spectacular peaks of the Southern Alps. Descend to the windswept Canterbury Plains before arriving in the city of Christchurch.

You will be greeted upon arrival of the Tranz Alpine Scenic Train at 18:30 by a representative of Christchurch Touring and transferred to your accommodation.

Look out for a board displaying your name after disembarking from the train.

Description:

It’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers and the guide as the tour ends today with breakfast at the hotel. Check out is usually by 11am so book your return flight accordingly. Hoping that you have captured the best moments on camera and packed in a host of travel memories to carry back home with you.

A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and transfer you to Christchurch Airport in time for your departing flight.

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