19 Day Signature Showcase

Day 3 : Auckland

Depart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Mãori tribes and the British Government in 1840. 

Hotel: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) 
 

Day 4 : Auckland

Today is a day at leisure to explore the “City of Sails”. This evening enjoy a complimentary pre-dinner drink as you meet your travelling companions.

Day 5 : Auckland - Bay of Islands

Board the luxurious Ultimate Coach, depart Auckland and travel to Matakohe for a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Māori tribes and the British.

Day 6 : Bay of Islands

Today is a free day. Choose from the many optional activities available, including the Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach or a spectacular scenic flight. This evening is also at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).

Day 7 : Bay of Islands - Auckland

You will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands including an island visit. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. On return to Paihia travel south via Whangarei before returning to Auckland. This evening is free to dine at leisure.

Day 8 : Auckland - Rotorua

This morning embark on a city sights tour of Auckland before your journey continues as you travel through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch. A guided tour of the 12-acre set will take you past whimsical Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the Green Dragon Inn. You can now venture beyond the door and into an authentic Hobbit Hole interior for a fully immersive experience.

Day 9 : Rotorua

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua, where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education. Free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert.

Day 10 : Rotorua - Napier

Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Huka Falls and Lake Taupo. Continue to Napier known as ‘The Art Deco Capital’, where the most comprehensive collection of art deco buildings in the world can be found. Board the Hawke’s Bay Express and hear informative commentary on the city’s fascinating history. Enjoy some free time this afternoon to explore the city

Day 11 : Napier – Wellington

Travel south this morning into Wellington for a city tour of the nation’s capital which will highlight the history and culture on show here. At Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, there is time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances.

Day 12 : Wellington – Picton – Kaikoura

This morning board the Interislander Ferry and experience the comfort and intimate setting of the Premium Lounge. Enjoy breakfast as you travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board your Ultimate Coach for the southbound journey along the rugged coastline, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, to Kaikōura.

Day 13 : Kaikoura – Christchurch

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast to Fox Glacier. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants. 

Hotel: Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights) 
 

Day 14 : Christchurch - Arthur’s Pass – Fox Glacier

This morning board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as you ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. Board your Ultimate Coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to the township of Fox Glacier where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.

Day 15 : Fox Glacier – Queenstown

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel south along the West Coast. Continue via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is at leisure.

Day 16 : Queenstown

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may choose the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Day 17 : Queenstown – Te Anau

Enjoy a leisurely start this morning before travelling to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village where you visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional).

Day 18 : Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau

Depart Te Anau for a stunning drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch onboard. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available. You might like to cap off your Fiordland experience by watching the breathtaking film, Ata Whenua - Shadowland, which screens at the Fiordland Cinema (optional).

Day 19 : Te Anau – Dunedin

Travel through Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin, known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ and enjoy a city tour. Continue along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle, where you’ll hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy a delicious Ultimate High Tea, along with time to wander around this Garden of International Significance.

Day 20 : Dunedin – Mt Cook

Farewell Dunedin and travel to Oamaru famous for its limestone. Follow the Waitaki River and see Lake Benmore as you travel to Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak.
 

Day 21 : Mt Cook – Christchurch

This morning marvel at Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available to enjoy a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the Southern Alps. Continue to Lake Tekapo and view the brilliant turquoise water, the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheep Dog Statue before arriving in Christchurch. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends.

Day 22-23 : Christchurch – UK

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday.

(Alternatively, you may wish to stopover in the beautiful South Pacific, ask our Destination Specialists for our recommendations.).