Day 1 - Christchurch to Mt. Cook to Omarama

Christchurch to Mt Cook to Omarama

Your tour departs from the Pavilions Hotel at 8.00am. A city sights tour will highlight the main attractions of Christchurch before travelling across the Canterbury Plains into the MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue at Lake Tekapo. Opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (optional), before continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Admire the majesty of Mt Cook before travelling on to Omarama.

Your accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel Positioned at the crossroads linking north, south, east and west, the Heritage Gateway Hotel truly is the Gateway of the South. With 98 pleasantly decorated rooms, a full restaurant and cocktail bar with views of the Southern Alps, the Heritage Gateway Hotel has everything you need to rest and refresh.

Day 2 - Omarama to Dunedin

Omarama to Dunedin

Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin - the "Scottish" city. An early arrival allows a choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton's Citibus tour to see the penguins, albatross and seals, enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge train or explore the city only a few minutes walk away. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.

Your accommodation: Cargills Hotel Dunedin Cargills Hotel offers travellers premier hospitality with excellent accommodation and a friendly, warm atmosphere. Cargills is relaxed and is famous for hosting its guests, rather than merely serving them.

Day 3 - Dunedin to Lake Manapouri and Te Anau

Dunedin to Lake Manapouri to Te Anau

Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri before arriving at Lake Te Anau.

Your accommodation: Fiordland National Park Lodge Te Anau Downs is a special area. Tranquil and serene with spectacular views. Fiordland National Park Lodge is located just 30km north of Te Anau, on State Highway 94, 30km closer to Milford Sound, and situated on the edge of beautiful Lake Te Anau in the Fiordland World Heritage National Park.

Day 4 - Te Anau to Milford Sound, a launch cruise then to Queenstown

Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown

Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Return to Te Anau and on to Mossburn, then skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.

Group Highlight dinner: Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant, where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed.

Meals included: Group highlight dinner

Your accommodation: Rydges Hotel Queenstown Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown boasts breathtaking views over the lake and surrounding mountains.

Day 5 - Queenstown free day

Queenstown

A day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort. Try the famous Shotover Jet, an excursion to Skippers Canyon or a steamer cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw. Alternatively, explore Queenstown's many boutiques and galleries - your Coach Captain will be pleased to advise.

Your accommodation: Rydges Hotel Queenstown Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown boasts breathtaking views over the lake and surrounding mountains.

Day 6 - Queenstown to Haast Pass to Fox Glacier

Queenstown to Haast Pass to Fox Glacier

Pass picturesque Lake Hayes then on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the magnificent Glacier region and visit the National Park Headquarters or take the optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face.

Your accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier The Fox Glacier Resort Hotel is nestled at the base of the majestic Southern Alps in the Westland World Heritage Park. Originally built in 1928 it has been refurbished to retain its charming atmosphere.

Day 7 - Fox Glacier to Christchurch

Fox Glacier to Greymouth to Christchurch

Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glacier then on to Franz Josef. Snowcapped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Now join the famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Through rainforests to Otira and Arthur's Pass, snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps, the rugged Gorges of the Waimakariri river and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Your accommodation: Pavilions Hotel Christchurch Pavilions Hotel is located very close to the city centre of Christchurch and has been designed with your total comfort in mind. Facilities included swimming pool, spa pool and private sauna and a 24 hour reception service provides help whenever you need it.

Day 8 - Christchurch to Kaikoura to Blenheim

Christchurch to Kaikoura to Blenheim

Join the Tranz Coastal Scenic Train train for a kaleidoscope of scenery across fertile Canterbury farmland through the Hundalee Ranges. Follow the Pacific coastline, with the Kaikoura mountains forming a rugged backdrop to the west, passing tiny holiday settlements and Kaikoura, famous for whale-watching. Arrive in Blenheim early afternoon. A short tour of the area includes a visit to Montana Winery. Enjoy a hosted tour of the winery, learn about and taste a range of the famous local wines (purchase if you wish) followed by afternoon tea.

Your accommodation: Blenheim Country Hotel Scenic Circle Blenheim Country Hotel is centrally located in Blenheim, in the heart of Marlborough's wine growing region. Just minutes walk from the city centre

Day 9 - Blenheim to Picton to Wellington

Blenheim to Picton to Wellington

Drive to Picton, nestled on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds, to board the Interislander Ferry. Sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, sheltered waterways, remote bays and isolated holiday homes. Across Cook Strait and into Wellington Harbour for spectacular views of New Zealand's Capital City. A city tour will incorporate the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour, the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, city centre and Oriental Bay. Also explore the city yourself. Don't miss Te Papa, the "Museum of New Zealand" or take a ride on the famous Cable Car.

Your accommodation: The Bay Plaza Hotel, Wellington The Bay Plaza Hotel is located on Wellington's vibrant Oriental Parade not far from the famous Embassy Theatre that has staged the world premiere of 'The Lord of the Rings'. It is only minutes away from cafes, restaurants, bars, theatres, Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa) and shopping areas.

Day 10 - Wellington to Taupo to Rotorua

Wellington to Taupo to Rotorua

Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island and on a clear day, the South Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. Across rolling farmland to the central North Island and Tongariro National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake and famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls before skirting massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture.

Your accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none on the very shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua.

Day 11 - Rotorua

Rotorua

A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a display featuring New Zealand's various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration. See pools of brown and rainbow trout at Rainbow Springs Park and native birds including the Kiwi. Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve, with boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement, try a Luge ride with our compliments. Time for optional activities this afternoon.

Group highlight dinner: This evening enjoy a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka followed by a Maori hangi (meal) with a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables.

Meals included: Group highlight dinner

Your accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none on the very shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua.

Day 12 - Rotorua to Waitomo to Auckland

Rotorua to Waitomo to Auckland

Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. At Waitomo, a guide will escort you underground to the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the region's Maori people, then alongside the Waikato River before crossing the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand's largest city - Auckland. A city tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m one of the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere for superb city and harbour views, the downtown area and waterfront.

Your accommodation: Rydges Hotel, Auckland Nestled in the heart of Auckland's CBD, Rydges Auckland offers an ideal location. The hotel is a short stroll from business and retail districts, the Casino, the America's Cup Viaduct Village and superb waterfront restaurants.

Day 13 - Auckland to Bay of Islands

Auckland to Bay of Islands

Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe and the Kauri museum which tells the story of the Kauri tree and the regions early settlement. The displays are superb and their story fascinating. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia, where we meet a local Maori guide, a descendant of the original settlers to the region, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. Enjoy a self guided tour through the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.

Your accommodation: Tanoa Hotel, Bay of Islands Located close to the centre of Paihia and its major visitor attractions, Hotel Paihia is ideally positioned as a base from where to explore the Bay of Islands.

Day 14 - Bay of Islands free day

Bay of Islands

A day free for you to relax and enjoy. the many optional activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. A full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New Zealand's first settlement, and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum.

Your accommodation: Tanoa Hotel, Bay of Islands Located close to the centre of Paihia and its major visitor attractions, Hotel Paihia is ideally positioned as a base from where to explore the Bay of Islands.

Day 15 - Bay of Islands cruise then to Auckland

Bay of Islands to Auckland

A launch cruise will take you across the Bay and world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous "Hole in the Rock". Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Shortly Auckland city and the Waitemata Harbour come into view. Your tour will conclude at approximately 5.30pm.