Day 1: Christchurch - Dunedin

Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin – "the Edinburgh of the South". Arrive early afternoon. Overnight in Dunedin.

Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey.

Day 2: Dunedin - Taieri Gorge - Queenstown

This morning is at your leisure for optional sightseeing. Board the Taieri Gorge train for a journey through spectacular gorges and over historic viaducts to Pukerangi where you join your coach for the remainder of the journey to Queenstown. Arrive in Queenstown in the late evening and stay for 3 nights.

Day 3: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

An early start around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Climb out of Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening. Enjoy lunch on the Milford Sound boat.

Day 4: In 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 5: Queenstown - Christchurch

Travel through the Kawarau Gorge with its hostoric gold mines, passing by spectacular scenery into Tekapo. Continue north through the Canterbury Plains arriving into Christchurch late afternoon.

Day 6: Christchurch – Picton - Wellington

The TranzCoastal train passes through North Canterbury sheep country to Kaikoura, where the track skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific, before turning inland to the Picton and the Marlborough Sounds. Cross Cook Strait by ferry to reach the North Island. As you will arrive in the late afternoon, consider adding an evening sightseeing tour or an additional night in Wellington to explore the capital city. Overnight in Wellington.

Day 7: Wellington - Rotorua

Travel north along the rugged Kapiti coastline, to the fertile plains of the Manawatu. Cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Rd, past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. Skirt Lake Taupo, to the resort town of Taupo nestled on it’s northern shores. Pass Wairakei - wreathed by steam to reach Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Attend a Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 8: In Rotorua

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

Day 9: Rotorua – Waitomo - Auckland

Travel to Waitomo for a tour of the limestone caves. Cruise below a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue north via Hamilton, alongside the Waikato River to Auckland.