Venture through New Zealand's charming countryside including breathtaking Abel Tasman National Park

Day 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua

Travel south through lush Waikato farmland to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. Stay 2 nights Rotorua

Day 2: At Rotorua

This morning see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tmae trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. Your afternoon is free - there are many activities to enjoy. 
 

Day 3:  Rotorua - Wellington

Drive south to Wairakei - wreathed by steam, then to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, and cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Road past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. Continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington. Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 4: At Wellington

Today is free for you to explore this fabulous city. Your tour bonus is a guided tour of Te Papa, the museum of New Zealand.

Day 5: Wellington - Picton - Nelson

Cross Cook Strait by ferry to Marlborough Sounds and Picton. Continue by coach past vineyards built on rich alluvial plains, which produce world class wines to Nelson. Stay 2 nights in Nelson.

Day 6: Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Nelson

A full day excursion to the Abel Tasman National park. Drive through rich horticultural and orchard country to Motueka. Board your launch st Kaiteriteri Beach and choose to remain onboard your launch for the duration of the cruise or disembark to walk part of the track.

Day 7: Nelson - Greymouth

Travel through the Buller Gorge to Westport, and down the coast to the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Stay 1 night in Greymouth.

Day 8: Greymouth - Glaciers

Join a tour to travel to the Glaciers, visiting the jade carvers in Hokitika, a giant Matai tree and several picturesque lakes. A shuttle will take you to view one of the massive rivers of ice. Consider staying an extra day. Stay 1 night in Fox or Franz Josef Glacier township.

Day 9: Glaciers - Queenstown

Continue south into dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas. Reach Lake Wanaka in early afternoon. Continue through Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. Stay 2 nights in Queenstown.

Day 10: At Queenstown

Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous alpine resort - we have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping.

Day 11: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch

Travel through the Kawarau Gorge with its historic gold mines, then past the stone fruit growing area of Cromwell to the Lindis Pass. Cross the spectacular Mackenzie Country bounded by the Southern Alps to the glacial lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park. Optional lunch at the Hermitage or perhaps a scenic flight. Continue north through Burke Pass, Fairlie and Geraldine to Christchurch. Tour ends on arrival early evening.