NZ's Majesty

Christchurch, Queenstown and Milford Sound then to the West Coast glaciers and back over the mountains by train. Then north via train, ferry and coach to Wellington, Rotorua, Waitomo and Auckland.

Reporting time 8.00 am at 123 Worcester Street.  Departs at 8.20 am EVERY DAY !

Day 1: Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown
Across the Canterbury Plains and through Burke Pass to the MacKenzie Basin. Past milky blue Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park to see New Zealand s highest mountain. Optional lunch at The Hermitage hotel or perhaps a ski plane ride.  Follow the Alps southward over Lindis Pass, along Lake Dunstan to Cromwell.  The rocky and rugged Kawarau Gorge goldmining area, leads to world famous Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 2: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston, then cross country to Te Anau and the beautiful Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys with their lush beech forests. Through the Homer Tunnel and down the awesome Cleddau Canyon before you cruise on magnificent Milford Sound, including Mitre Peak, rising nearly a
kilometre straight up out of the sea and Bowen Falls. Return to Queenstown for tonight s stay.

Day 3: At Queenstown
A full day for you to enjoy this fabulous resort - we have included the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic Movie in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well - thrilling jet boating on the rivers - white water rafting - helicopters through  the river chasms - A.J.Hackett s world famous bungy jumping - cruises on the lake on the vintage 'TSS Earnslaw' - high country sheep stations - gold panning - spectacular walking trails - the list is endless. . . Overnight in Queenstown.

Day 4: Queenstown - Glaciers
Back through the Kawarau Gorge to Lakes Hawea and Wanaka before climbing the forest lined Makarora valley to Haast Pass. Wind your way through towering mountain peaks and over rushing white water rivers into silent and remote South Westland.  Head north through dense rain forest and alongside wild surf beaches to the Glaciers. Overnight at the Glaciers.

Day 5:  Glaciers - Christchurch
North along a narrow coastal strip passing forest, beaches, rivers and historic gold towns before reaching Greymouth.  Here, transfer to the famous TranzAlpine Express for an exhilirating train ride over Arthurs Pass with it s steep snow capped mountains and thick forests before weaving through the wild Waimakariri river gorge to the Canterbury plains. Arrive in Christchurch on the East Coast at 6.15 pm. 

Day 6: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel today by train, the 'Coastal Pacific', north over the plains and into the mountains. Then enjoy an exhilarating ride up the narrow coastal strip, with pounding surf on one side and the sheer Kaikoura ranges on the other. At Picton, catch one of the famous ferries down the long, narrow Marlborough Sounds and into Cook Strait. Enjoy the sun decks, bars, cafes and lounges as you look out for dolphins and whales before arriving in Wellington, the Capital.  Overnight in Wellington.

Day 7: Wellington - Rotorua
Leave the city for the rocky Kapiti coastline then the fertile Manawatu plains. Further on, the Rangitikei area is impressive for its steep river valleys and tablelands. Climb up to the volcanic plateau where the huge mountains of Ruapehu, Ngaruahoe and Tongariro line your journey across 'The Desert Road'. Drop down to the deep blue waters of Lake Taupo and then travel through Wairakei's geothermal steam clouds and the vast exotic forests which line the road to Rotorua. We recommend you attend a Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight (optional).  Stay 2 nights in Rotorua

Day 8: At Rotorua
The half day Grand Tour is included. You will see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming lakes at the thermal area, tame trout and kiwi at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome.  This afternoon is free - there are many activities to tempt you - such as bathing in the thermal waters.  For a small additional cost you could stay on a farm tonight.  Overnight in Rotorua.

Day 9: Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
After leaving Rotorua's volcanic charms, we travel to Waitomo Caves. A tour of the caves including the world famous glow worm grotto is included. Then on to Auckland via the Waikato Valley, Hamilton and the Bombay Hills. The coach arrives in Auckland at 5.10 pm.