DAY 1 - ARRIVE AUCKLAND
On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, seat in coach passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel. Self drive passengers will collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel.
DAY 2 - AUCKLAND SIGHTSEEING
Morning tour including Victoria Park Market, Westhaven Marina and the volcanic crater of Mt Eden for views of the city and harbour. (B)
DAY 3 - AUCKLAND - WAITOMO - ROTORUA
Travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. On completion continue over the Mamaku Ranges to reach the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua. (B)
DAY 4 - ROTORUA
Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife before continuing to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert. (B,D)
DAY 5 -ROTORUA - WELLINGTON
Travel south to reach the popular lake resort of Taupo before continuing on the Desert Road, dominated in the background by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Continue south through farmland before arriving in the ‘Capital City’ of Wellington (B)
DAY 6 - WELLINGTON
At leisure today to enjoy the many activities available. Highly recommended is a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. (B)
DAY 7 - WELLINGTON - PICTON - KAIKOURA
Journey across Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, and into the Marlborough Sounds with its sparkling clear waters and lush forests, before arriving in Picton. Travel south through the town of Blenheim, before reaching Kaikoura, a town steeped in Maori history and legend. (B)
DAY 8 - KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH
Leave Kaikoura behind as you turn inland and travel through North Canterbury to reach the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. (B)
DAY 9 - CHRISTCHURCH - MT COOK - QUEENSTOWN
Travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing on to New Zealand’s highest mountain - Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown. (B)
DAY 10 - MILFORD SOUND
Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Return to Queenstown. (B)
DAY 11 - QUEENSTOWN
A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)
DAY 12 - QUEENSTOWN - GLACIER REGION
Depart Queenstown and travel via Lake Wanaka and through the historic Haast Pass, gateway to the World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. (B)
DAY 13 - GLACIER REGION
A full day at leisure to explore this magnificent glacier region. Optional activities include a scenic flight or guided walk on one of the glaciers. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)
DAY 14 - GLACIER REGION - GREYMOUTH - CHRISTCHURCH
Travel north to Greymouth and board the world famous Tranz Alpine train (seat in coach passengers only). Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Travel over Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B)
DAY 15 - DEPARTURE DAY
Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. We trust you enjoyed your Equino Vacation! (B)
