• 9 Nights Accommodation
• 16 Meals: 1 Welcome Reception, 9 Breakfasts, 2 Regional Dinners, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner, 1 Be My Guest, 1 Farewell Dinner
• On-Trip Transport
• Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa and learn about the work being done to save New Zealand's national bird.
• Immerse yourself in Maori traditions at a fun and entertaining evening, including a cultural performance and traditional Hangi meal at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience.
• This resort overlooks the pristine waters of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's South Island.
• Explore the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa in Rotorua, and Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve in Tekapo with a Local Specialist
• Discover Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch
• Visit Te Pa Tu in Rotorua, and the Hobbiton movie set in Matamata
• View native flora and fauna, and the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
• Scenic Cruise on Milford Sound
• An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
• Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
• All porterage and restaurant gratuities
• Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
• Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
• All land transport shown. All transfers shown
• Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
• Intra-Air Flight: Auckland to Queenstown

Day 1

• Kia Ora Auckland
• Welcome to Auckland! (Flights to arrive prior to 4pm). Your New Zealand tour kicks off in the City of Sails where you’ll meet your Travel Director and group for a Welcome Reception at Gusto at the Grand in your centrally located hotel. Feast on their Italian cuisine with a New Zealand flair such as made-in-house pastas and made-from-scratch risotto as you look forward to your New Zealand adventures.
• Hotel - The Grand by SkyCity
• Included Meals - Welcome Reception

Day 2

• Auckland Sights & Time for Yourself
• Start your first full day in New Zealand getting lay of the land on a city sightseeing tour viewing the beautiful waterfront of Mission Bay, historic overlook of Bastion Point, and spacious gardens and sunken pool at the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial showing off views of Waitemata Harbour and the North Shore. Learn a bit of history visiting the Auckland Museum located on the dormant volcano Pukekawa, meaning 'hill of bitter memories' referring to tribal battles fought on the site until 1828. Then visit the stylish suburb of Parnell for a look in its shops, galleries, and maybe a treat in one of its chocolate cafes. With free time this afternoon relax and/or stroll the waterfront.
• Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 3

• The Cultural Capital Rotorua
• Travel out of the city today through the dramatic landscapes of Waikato on your way to the cultural capital of Rotorua. Your first stop is the tree-lined streets of Cambridge, a town known for its training grounds for thoroughbred racehorses and famous jockeys. At your next destination in Rotorua you’ll join a Local Specialist for a tour of the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa. Learn about the work being done to save this rare native bird, get up close and see kiwi eggs being incubated, the hatching process, and even newly hatched kiwi chicks at this national leader in kiwi husbandry. This MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is not only fun but will give you fascinating insights into New Zealand’s national bird. This evening, journey into the forest to a time of warriors and ancient traditions as you Dive Into Culture at Te Pa Tu Maori Experience. You’ll appreciate learning about the traditions of this fascinating culture through a traditional welcome, before watching and joining in Poi and Haka dances. Top off the evening with an authentic Hangi (cooked underground) dinner of potatoes, carrots, lamb, beef, finished with New Zealand’s national dessert, Pavlova.
• Hotel - Millennium
• Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner

Day 4

• Adventure Awaits in Queenstown
• Get ready for a much-anticipated trip to the charming village of Hobbiton, the movie set of the now iconic The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Upon arrival, you’ll have breakfast at a movie site, feeling as though you’re right there in the film, before you set off on a guided tour through the 12-acre set. You’ll have plenty of time for photo opportunities in the Alexander family sheep farm, Hobbit Holes, and the Mill all the while learning from your guide how the movie was made, famous locations, and the sets’ artistic details. Whether you’re a Hobbit fan or a fan of gorgeous scenery, this tour surrounded by rolling green hills and lush landscape will be a delight for all travellers. After you’ve experienced the beauty of the countryside, return to Auckland for your flight to Queenstown, adventure capital of the world. Check into your hotel and ask your Travel Director for restaurants recommendations to get the best taste of the town.
• Hotel - Millennium
• Included Meals - Breakfast

Day 5

• Cruise on Spectacular Milford Sound
• Today you'll head through stunning landscapes along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the Devil's Staircase to Te Anau. At Mirror Lakes take to boardwalks through peaceful trees before watching the rushing water at the Chasm in the Cleddau Valley. Plunge through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel towards Mitre Peak - named after its resemblance to a bishop’s mitre headdress - and Lady Bowen Falls before arriving at World Heritage listed national park, Milford Sound/Piopiotahi. Experience all its beauty on a scenic cruise past sheer cliffs, white-capped peaks, and waterfalls watching for dolphins, penguins, and seals. Learn how the area was formed by glaciers and take plenty of photos of the stunning sights before returning to Queenstown. The evening is free for you to stay in and relax or enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
• Included Meals - Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6

• Queenstown, Yours to Enjoy
• Rise and shine to your last day in Queenstown with plenty of choices on how to adventure. Late you’ll meet up with your group this evening over a Regional Dinner in nearby historic Arrowtown at the Postmasters Cottage built in 1907. Hear the story of the cottage from being almost demolished by developers to its rescue and purchase by the passionate local community. The restored cottage has now been embellished with verandas and gardens for you to sit down to fresh, local food and wines matched with classic Kiwi hospitality.
• Included Meals - Breakfast, Regional Dinner

Day 7

• Turquoise Coloured Lake Tekapo
• Today your New Zealand tour takes you to lovely Lake Tekapo travelling to Cromwell on the banks of Lake Dunstan. Visit Jones Family Fruit stall to stroll the orchard and enjoy the peaceful garden. Stop at the quaint, lakeside Church of the Good Shepherd welcomed by its friendly bronze sheepdog statue. As evening falls, you’re treated to a guided stargazing experience with a Local Specialist in the world-renowned UNESCO Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. See the famous Southern Cross, Magellanic Cloud, and Milky Way and getter a better look at these sparkling wonders with a powerful optical telescope. You'll conclude the day in a Stays With Stories accommodation at Peppers Bluewater Resort overlooking Lake Tekapo. In this area known for its dazzling night sky, there’s plenty to enjoy just stepping outside your room.
• Hotel - Peppers Bluewater Resort
• Included Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8

• The Garden City, Christchurch
• Get an early start to watch the sun rise over the lake or sleep in before heading north through South Canterbury on your way to Christchurch. Connect With Locals and enjoy some warm Kiwi hospitality at Morelea, the home of Angie and Stan Taylor. Indulge in a Be My Guest barbecue lunch and hear about a lifetime spent in farming in New Zealand. You'll also get to witness Angie preparing her famous pavlova dessert. After soaking up country life, you’ll arrive in Christchurch ready to explore the Garden City.
• Hotel - Distinction
• Included Meals - Breakfast, Be My Guest

Day 9

• Meet the Christchurch Locals
• Start your last full day of your travels touring the beautiful English city of Christchurch. Begin your tour of the Garden City at the Transitional Cathedral, the temporary home of the Christchurch Cathedral, in awe of its colourful stained-glass windows and sustainable cardboard construction that gives it the nickname “The Cardboard Cathedral.” See the city’s top sites including Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Earthquake Memorial, and Bridge of Remembrance. A big day leads to a big evening joining your Travel Director and travel mates for with a celebratory Farewell Dinner featuring produce from the Canterbury region.
• Included Meals - Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 10

• Farewell Christchurch
• Your adventure sadly comes to an end this morning. Before your transfer to Christchurch Airport, enjoy one last breakfast with your travel mates reflecting on your incredible travels through New Zealand (flights anytime).
• Included Meals - Breakfast

This itinerary includes land only services. Flights originating from or returning to the USA or Canada are not included.

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