Holidays to New Zealand - Scenic Explorer Escorted Coach Tour Ref: N12

Day 1
UK - Auckland
Your New Zealand holiday starts with a departure from the UK o­n a scheduled Air New Zealand flight to Auckland via Los Angeles or Hong Kong.

Day 2
In Flight

Day 3
Auckland
Arrive late morning at Auckland and transfer independently to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to start to explore the "City of Sails".
Overnight(1): Auckland - Crowne Plaza Hotel

Day 4
Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua Theme Dinner
This morning journey to the crest of Mt Eden for panoramic views of the city and its beautiful harbours. Travel south to Waitomo Caves for a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns lit by thousands of tiny glow-worms. Continue to the geothermal city of Rotorua where tonight you will experience the warmth of the Maori people with a Hangi (feast) and cultural performance, including the fierce Haka. Feature Dinner Included
Overnights(2): Rotorua - Millennium Hotel

Day 5
Rotorua, Exclusive Experiences
Today you choose the activity and we will include it. Perhaps visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, or enjoy the flora and fauna at Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Alternatively, visit Rotorua’s award-winning Museum before relaxing in natural thermal springs at the Polynesian Spa. The choice is yours! Breakfast & Dinner Included. You may also choose an Adventure Option. Country Homestay option availiable tonight.

Day 6
Rotorua, Wellington
Today we view Wairakei Steam Valley, a fascinating geothermal power project, thunderous Huka Falls and picturesque Lake Taupo. Our journey continues through Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s first National Park and a World Heritage-listed area. See the majestic mountains Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu as we pass over the volcanic plateau. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Breakfast & Dinner Included.
Overnight(1): Wellington - Hotel Inter-Continental

Day 7
Wellington - Nelson, Nelson Dining Options
Today our Inter-island cruise takes us through Wellington Harbour, across Cook Strait and into the breathtaking natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton. This afternoon we journey through the world-renowned orchard and vineyard region of Marlborough to Nelson. Tonight, choose from two fine restaurants for dinner. Breakfast & Dinner Included.
Overnight(1): Nelson - Rutherford Hotel

Day 8
Nelson - Franz Josef, West Coast Specialties Theme Dinner
Today we follow the Heritage Highway to the wild and rugged West Coast. Enter the World Heritage-listed area of Te Wahipounamu and view the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier (weather permitting). Nowhere in the world's temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as here. Breakfast & Feature Dinner Included.
Overnight(1): Franz Josef - Franz Josef Glacier Hotel

Day 9
Franz Josef - Wanaka
View incredible scenery today as we leave this World Heritage-listed area. See pristine native forests and spectacular glaciers before travelling through Haast Pass. Continue over the incredible Southern Alps, New Zealand’s largest mountain range before travelling along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the pretty lakeside township of Wanaka. This peaceful town was originally settled in the gold rush era and is surrounded by the beauty of Mt Aspiring National Park. Breakfast & Dinner Included.
Overnight(1): Wanaka - Edgewater Resort

Day 10
Wanaka - Queenstown, Queenstown Dining Options
This morning we journey to the delightful village of Arrowtown, an old goldrush village founded in 1862 when gold was discovered in the Arrow River. Continue to the alpine resort of Queenstown, so named because ‘it was fit for a Queen’, and situated o­n the banks of beautiful Lake Wakatipu. The wide range of activities available in and around the area make Queenstown a popular holiday destination at any time of year for leisure-seekers or adventurers. Tonight we explore Queenstown even further with our Dine Around Dinner. Perhaps cruise o­n the TSS Earnslaw steamboat, across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Sheep Station for a carvery dinner, or enjoy a meal at o­ne of the fifteen chosen local restaurants. Breakfast & Feature Dinner Included.
Overnights(2): Queenstown - Novotel Gardens Hotel

Day 11
At Leisure in Queenstown, Exclusive Experiences
Enjoy a day experiencing the scenic attractions in this alpine resort. Perhaps enjoy a garden tour or explore a local winery. You might want to experience an exciting jet-boat ride or join a 4WD 'Lord of the Rings' tour. Alternatively,enjoy a lakeshore and forest walk with morning tea. The choice is yours. Breakfast & Dinner Included. You may prefer an Adventure Option.

Day 12
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
This morning we enter Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage-listed area and travel along the Milford Road, renowned as o­ne of the finest alpine drives. O­n arrival in Milford Sound we cruise the full length of this beautiful fiord, travelling below famous mile-high Mitre Peak and beneath cascading waterfalls from hanging valleys. This afternoon we drive through Eglinton Valley and the Homer Tunnel to the pretty lakeside settlement of Te Anau. Breakfast & Dinner Included.
Overnight(1): Te Anau - Te Anau Hotel and Villas

Day 13
Te Anau, Dunedin, Exclusive Experiences
Today we journey via beautiful Lake Manapouri to the southern coast and Dunedin, settled by the Scottish in 1848 and renowned as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it. Perhaps visit historic Olveston House or take the opportunity of an optional tour and cruise of the Otago Peninsula to view Royal Albatross and Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies in their natural environment. Alternatively you may wish to take a tour of Speights Brewery. Breakfast & Dinner Included.
Overnight(1): Dunedin - Southern Cross Hotel

Day 14
Dunedin, Mt Cook
Travel north along the coast to Oamaru, a town renowned for its distinctive limestone architecture. Pass massive hydro-electric dams and glacier-fed lakes of incredible colour o­n our journey to Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage-listed area and home to Australasia’s highest mountain, Mt Cook at 3754 metres. Breakfast & Dinner Included.
Overnight(1): Mt Cook - The Hermitage

Day 15
Mt Cook - Christchurch
This morning we journey to the beautiful glacier-fed lake of Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. We leave the High Country, continue through Burkes Pass and cross the vast Canterbury Plains to the charming ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch which was so named because of its gracious parks and gardens. Breakfast Included.
Overnight(1): Christchurch - Crowne Plaza Hotel

Day 16
Depart Christchurch
A morning at leisure before transferring to the airport in time to check-in for your flight to the UK via Hong Kong or Los Angeles.

Day 17
Arrive UK

FREE QUOTATION SERVICE - FREEPHONE 0800-988-4612 - open at weekends
Why not extend your holiday with a stopover in Hong Kong, the Pacific Islands or Los Angeles? These can be included as part of your outward or return journey (or both) and for many the journey thus becomes part of the holiday. Please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss accommodation options, as well as transfers and sightseeing possibilities - we are very happy to tailor make your holiday to your own requirements.

Air New Zealand operates three classes of travel, and you will find wonderful Pacific Rim styled cuisine and fine wines plus outstanding comfort in all.

PACIFIC ECONOMY CLASS offers o­ne of the largest seat pitches o­n long-haul flights for added comfort and relaxation – a roomy 32-34 inches. Enjoy video and audio o­n-demand o­n a seat back 8.4" screen.

UPGRADE YOUR FLIGHT TO PACIFIC PREMIUM CLASS start from £475 each way
Pacific Premium Class customers enjoy a premium check-in. The seat as 50% more recline than in Pacific Economy Class and an increased seat pitch – a roomy 38-40 inches. Enjoy video and audio o­n-demand o­n a seat back 8.4" screen.

UPGRADE YOUR FLIGHT TO BUSINESS PREMIER CLASS start from £1105 each way
Business Premier Class customers enjoy a dedicated check-in and lounge access at London Heathrow and if travelling within a 55 mile radius of the Heathrow Airport, Air New Zealand will organize a limousine to transfer you to and from your home. Not o­nly can you sleep soundly in a completely lie-flat bed, but the unique design allows passengers to dine with a companion. Luxurious leather armchair that converts to a fully lie-flat 6’7.5” bed. Video and audio o­n-demand with a 10.4” high resolution screen and active noise cancellation headsets. Every seat has direct aisle access. Access to Air New Zealand International Lounges


BRITISH MIDLAND ECONOMY CLASS DOMESTIC ADD-ONS -One way fares from £80.
Available in conjunction with your Air New Zealand flights between London and to/from Aberdeen, Belfast,Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester. Details o­n request.



SINGLE TRAVELLERS
If you are travelling alone and are happy to share a room with another person of the same gender, there is no need to pay a single supplement. We guarantee to find you a person with whom to share, or we will give you a single room at no extra cost.