If time is short but you still want to experience New Zealand in all its majestic glory, then this is the tour for you. Journey underground on a subterranean adventure through limestone chambers and passages, weave between steaming thermal springs and boiling mud and be captivated by some of the world's most stunning scenery at Milford Sound.

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 in Rotorua.

Day 2: At 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 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 1 night in Wellington.

Day 4: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch. As you arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day in our most 'English' city. Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 5: Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown
Cross the Canterbury Plains, over Burkes Pass to the glacial lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park. Optional lunch at the Hermitage or perhaps a scenic flight. Cross the spectacular Mackenzie Country bounded by the Southern Alps to the Lindis Pass. Pass the stone fruit growing area of Cromwell and through the Kawarau Gorge with its historic gold mines to Queenstown. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 6: 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. Depart Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening.

Day 7: 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 8: Queenstown - Glaciers
Travel to Cromwell and on through the Southern Lakes district to the Haast Pass. Travel north, through dense rainforest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards the glaciers. A shuttle will take you to view one of these massive rivers of ice. Stay 1 night in Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships, consider staying an extra day.

Day 9:  Glaciers - Christchurch
Travel north along the narrow, bush clad, coastal plain past Hokitika, to Greymouth. Board the renowned TranzAlpine train and travel through the Otira Tunnel, over Arthur's Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, arriving early evening.