Holidays to New Zealand - Spirit of New Zealand Small Group Adventures Tour Ref: N26

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 Hong Kong or Los Angeles.

Day 2
In Flight

Day 3
Auckland
Arrive late morning at Auckland where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to start to explore the "City of Sails".
Overnight(1): Auckland - Mercure Hotel

Day 4
Auckland, Hokianga Harbour
Our New Zealand experience kicks off today as we depart the City of Sails and travel north to Matakohe and visit the Kauri and Pioneer Museum which tells of the fascinating story of pioneering settlers through the theme of kauri. Discover the fascinating history of the Far North region before visiting the majestic Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve. View the towering Kauri tree ‘Tane Mahuta’ - Lord of the Forest, and take a walk to the ‘Four Sisters’ and Te Matua Ngahere Trees. We then head to our accommodation situated in the heart of Hokianga. Tonight after dinner you'll have your first taste of the 'Spirit of New Zealand' with a four hour Twilight Encounter. Breakfast & Dinner included.
Overnight: Hokianga - Copthorne Hotel and Resort

Day 5
Hokianga Harbour, Bay of Islands
This morning soak up the sights and sounds of this idyllic harbour at your own pace. After lunch, make the short journey to Paihia and the gorgeous Bay of Islands, a national maritime park that is home to 144 sub-tropical islands. Breakfast included.
Overnights(2): Paihia - Beachcomber Resort

Day 6
Bay of Islands
Today tailor your touring to suit your mood. Perhaps swim with dolphins, visit the oldest settlement in New Zealand or, if you're feeling active, hike to the Hararu Falls (all at your own expense). Tonight enjoy an early dinner, then either relax by the water or head out o­n a night-time activity. Breakfast & Dinner included.

Day 7
Bay of Islands - Rotorua.
This morning after breakfast, travel pass Auckland o­n the way to Rotorua. This geothermal wonderland has budding mud pools, gushing geysers and captivating culture. After checking into your hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure to explore or relax. Breakfast included.
Overnights(2): Rotorua - Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Day 8
Rotorua
Today is at leisure in Rotorua, and your options are virtually endless. Perhaps go rafting o­n the Kaituna River, stand o­n active volcanoes or learn about weaving and wood carving techniques at Te Puia Maori Arts and Crafts Institute (all at your own expense)

Day 9
Rotorua, Tongariro National Park
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway through green countryside, native bush and alpine forests. Visit spectacular Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, the water-filled crater of an ancient volcano. If the weather is fine, there may be time for a swim in the clear waters. Continue travelling south and cross the vast plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. this afternoon is at your leisure to explore o­ne of the many fine walking tracks or simply relax in New Zealand's first national park. Breakfast & Dinner included.
Overnight(1): Tongariro NP - Chateau Tongariro Hotel

Day 10
Tongariro - Wellington
Travel to the nation's capital, Wellington. take a guided tour at the Te Papa the National Museum of New Zealand’, then enjoy free time to check out the restaurants, bars and cafes around your hotel. Breakfast Included.
Overnight(1): Wellington - Travelodge Wellington Plimmer Towers

Day 11
Wellington - Nelson
Board our Interislaner cruise for a journey across Cook Strait through the magnificent Marlborough Sound to Picton where we take a scenic journey to Nelson, well known for its wineries, breweries and its local arts and crafts community. Breakfast & Dinner included.
Overnights(2): Nelson - Trailways Motor Lodge

Day 12
Abel Tasman National Park
Today you have the whole day to explore o­ne of the most beautiful regions of New Zealand. Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches, sculptured granite cliffs and its world–famous coastal track. Breakfast included.

Day 13
Nelson - Punakaiki
Our journey today takes us alongside the Nelson Lakes National Park where we will take time to explore this spectacular area. We have the opportunity to visit Lake Rotoiti or Lake Rotoroa and enjoy short walks through this spectacular region. Tonight, our overnight stay is at Punakaiki, at the foothills of the Paparoa National Park with spectacular views of West Coast beaches. Breakfast & Dinner included.
Overnight(1):Punakaiki - Punakaiki Rocks Hotel

Day 14
Punakaiki - Fox Glacier
This morning, you have the chance to explore Punakaiki further. There are caving adventures, with the chance to go abseiling, as well as some fantastic beach and bush walks. See Punakaiki’s famous pancake stacks of rocks, which at high tide have the most amazing blowholes in action. We continue our journey this afternoon, travelling through the village town of Franz Josef and o­n to the World Heritage Westland National Park in the Fox Glacier village, surrounded by natural wonders.
Breakfast & Dinner included.
Overnight(1): Fox Glacier - Heartland Hotel Glacier Country

Day 15
Fox Glacier - Queenstown
We continue south today, through Haast Pass and alongside Lake Wanaka to the adrenaline capital, Queenstown. We have the next two days here to discover this incredible, year-round town perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike, nestled o­n the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps. Breakfast included.
Overnights(3): Queenstown - Copthorne Hotel & Resort

Day 16
Queenstown at Leisure
Today is yours to explore this vibrant town. Perhaps take an exhilarating half day trip o­n board a jet boat o­n the Dart River Safari or enjoy a guided forest and lake walk. Alternatively, you might like to take a 4WD Back Country adventure and try your luck with gold panning. Tonight enjoy a cruise o­n the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm where you will enjoy a carvery style buffet. Breakfast & Dinner included.

Day 17
Queenstown at Leisure
Enjoy today at leisure to explore the variety of activities available in Queenstown and its surrounding areas. This evening explore Queenstown further. Perhaps enjoy a gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner and spectacular views over Queenstown. Alternatively, you may wish to dine at o­ne of the diverse range of restaurants or cafes that are available. Breakfast included.

Day 18
Queenstown - Milford Sound, Te Anau
This morning we say goodbye to Queenstown and travel through World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, passing through the scenic Eglington Valley and Homer Tunnel to emerge into magnificent Milford Sound for a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience. Sail the full length of Milford Sound o­n board the Milford Mariner nature cruise, viewing a multitude of waterfalls, past sheer cliffs and the grandeur of mile-high Mitre Peak. We make our way to Te Anau. Breakfast included.
Overnight(1): Te Anau - Kingsgate Hotel

Day 19
Te Anau - Lake Ohau
This morning we travel to magnificent Lake Ohau. This tranquil lakeside settlement, in the heart of Mackenzie country, lies o­n the outskirts of renowned Mt Cook National Park. Our home for the night has views of Mt Cook. Breakfast & Dinner included.
Overnight(1): Lake Ohau - Lake Ohau Lodge

Day 20
Lake Ohau - Christchurch
Today we travel o­n to Lake Pukaki where you'll have the chance for some amazing photos as we gaze across the clear blue waters towards Mt Cook. We then travel o­n to Lake Tekapo, where there is an opportunity to take a breathtaking fixed wing flight back over the lakes, Southern Alps and glaciers or take a short walk around the Church of the Good Shepherd before we make our way to Christchurch.
Breakfast included.
Overnight(1): Christchurch - Copthorne Hotel

Day 21
Christchurch - UK
Today is yours to spend as you choose before your transfer to the airport. Check in for your flight back to the UK via Hong Kong or Los Angeles Breakfast included.

Day 22
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.