Dargal Interline Worldwide - Interline Agency to the World

Details

Duration (with arrival/departure): 11
Tour Style: Discovery
Destinations: Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound

Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 - Depart USA We fly over the international date line on our way to Auckland, New Zealand.

Day 3 - Arrive Auckland (2 nights) On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel, with a guaranteed early check-in. The afternoon is at leisure for you to explore Auckland. You could visit the Sky Tower for amazing views of the city, Viaduct Harbour and surrounding volcanic hills. Perhaps visit the Auckland Museum or go shopping in stylish Parnell. This evening enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your Tour Director and traveling companions. (Dinner)

Hotel: Stamford Plaza

Day 4 - Auckland Sightseeing We start the day with a sightseeing tour of the city. Take in views of Auckland from Mt. Eden and the Auckland War Memorial. See Bastian Point, Viaduct Harbour, home to the 2000 America’s Cup Village, Auckland Harbour Bridge and more. Later we board our cruise on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. Sit back and relax – the time is yours – it’s the best way to see Auckland, the City of Sails! (Buffet breakfast)

Day 5 - Auckland – Rotorua We trace the Waikato River to the Waitomo Caves. We tour the amazing Glow Worm Grotto by boat and walk through the limestone caves. From here our journey continues on to Rotorua where we visit Te Puia (New Zealand’s Maori culture and geothermal experience). A local Maori guide will escort you through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve with its mud pools and geysers. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi Feast and Concert and gain an insight into traditional Maori culture. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

Hotel: Millennium

Day 6 - Rotorua – Christchurch Our morning sightseeing tour includes a visit to Paradise Valley Springs, an immaculate wildlife sanctuary set amongst stunning native New Zealand bush. Then we visit the Agrodome Sheep Show, the multi-award winning stage show where you’ll gain an exciting and informative insight into the agriculture in New Zealand. You’ll see the art of sheep shearing, sheepdog demonstrations, cow milking, bottle-feeding lambs and an exciting sheep auction. In the afternoon we fly to Christchurch (flights to depart after 12 noon). (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Millennium Hotel

Day 7 - TranzAlpine – Franz Josef We start the day with a spectacular train journey on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch through the Southern Alps to Arthur’s Pass. At Hokitika we visit a New Zealand greenstone (jade) factory for a jewelry demonstration. Next we arrive at Franz Josef Glacier, the world’s most accessible glacier. You’ll have the opportunity to see it from the air on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel

Day 8 - Franz Josef – Queenstown (2 nights) Get your camera ready today as we experience some spectacular sights. We drive over the Haast Pass, past Thunder Creek Falls, Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. We’ll enjoy the tastes of sumptuous stone fruit at Cromwell – the stone fruit capital. Next we visit historic gold mining Arrowtown on the Arrow River, previously one of the world’s richest rivers, before arriving in Queenstown. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Millennium Hotel

Day 9 - Milford Sound We journey over the Devils Stair Case and along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau and its lake, the largest in the South Island. Next we travel through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges. We drive through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to the numerous photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lakes, Pop’s Lookout, Claudu Valley and the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls before reaching mystical Milford Sound. We take a cruise on Milford Sound including lunch. Return to Queenstown this evening. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Lunch)

Day 10 - Mount Cook – Christchurch You’ll be awestruck by the sensational alpine landscape of Mt. Cook National Park. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight over Mt. Cook (weather permitting). Later in the day we continue on to see Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, where we stop to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. We travel over the colorful patchwork that is the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (Buffet breakfast)

Hotel: Millennium Hotel

Day 11 - Christchurch – USA It’s time to bid farewell to this amazing country as we transfer you to Christchurch Airport to connect with your flight home. (Buffet breakfast)

Whats Included

Sightseeing Highlights

Auckland Sightseeing Tour including a cruise on Waitemata Harbour.
Waitomo Guided boat tour of the Glow Worm Grotto.
Rotorua Sightseeing tour plus Te Puia Thermal Reserve and a traditional Maori Hangi.
TranzAlpine Journey through the spectacular Southern Alps.
Franz Josef See the magnificent Glacier.
Milford Sound Cruise on this natural wonder.

Dining Highlights

12 included meals in total

First Class Travel Highlights

The services of one of Trafalgar's professional Tour Directors on tour.
Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's luxury air-conditioned motorcoaches with reclining seats.
Christchurch to Arthur's Pass on board the TranzAlpine Train.
Airport transfers will be provided on Day 3 in Auckland and Day 11 in Christchurch, only for passengers who have booked their flights on a Trafalgar recommended airline and advised Trafalgar of their flight details.
You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
All hotel service charges, tips and local taxes are included.
Travel wallet containing tour documents and helpful information.

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