Itinerary Details
Independent Naturally New Zealand With Fiji
Day 1 ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
• Welcome to New Zealand! The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Today's I-Time Tips
Why not browse the shops and galleries before relaxing in one of Auckland’s many superb restaurants on the water? Sip a glass of local wine or try a craft beer. The choices are endless!
AUCKLAND-CITYSCAPE.jpg
Day 2 AUCKLAND
• Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
You may choose to travel to the top of Sky Tower for 360-degree views of the city or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for sandy beaches, beautiful scenery, and fabulous local wines. Your Local Host is available to make recommendations and point you in the right direction.
AUCKLAND-WINE.jpg
Day 3 AUCKLAND–WAITOMO–HOBBITON–ROTORUA
• Travel via motorcoach south to visit Waitomo for an illuminating boat trip through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Then, tour the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
• Continue on to Rotorua.
(B,L)
HOBBITON.jpg
Day 4 ROTORUA
• Guided sightseeing includes a visit to The National Kiwi Hatchery, Agrodome, where you’ll learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry and to Te Puia, where you’ll explore this geothermal wonderland. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or join in an optional excursion.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Choose to join an optional Maori (indigenous Polynesian people) cultural performance and Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). Other options include a relaxing soak in one of the therapeutic pools at the Polynesian Spa, a magical treetop walk through the Redwoods, or a helicopter tour to see this scenic region by air.
ROTORUA-MAORI-CARVING.jpg
Day 5 ROTORUA–WELLINGTON
• Fly to Wellington, capital of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to start exploring this vibrant city.
(B)
WELLINGTON-BEEHIVE.jpg
Day 6 WELLINGTON
• Guided morning sightseeing tour takes you to see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings as well as scenic views from the top of Mount Victoria. Take in the beauty of the Wellington Botanical Gardens, then drive around the rugged Wellington coastline, discovering hidden bays and some of Wellington’s most popular beaches. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
During your free time, you may want to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, where interactive displays tell the story of the country’s great heritage and natural wonders. Other choices include a ride on Wellington’s historic cable car, finding a favorite restaurant on Cuba Street, going behind-the-scenes at Weta Workshop to see how some of the world’s biggest films were made, or exploring one of Wellington’s many outstanding hiking trails.
WELLINGTON-CABLE-CAR.jpg
Day 7 WELLINGTON–CHRISTCHURCH
• Today, fly to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. Included in your stay is a tram pass that takes you around to the “must see” attractions. You are free to get on and off as you wish, and commentary is given by your tram driver. Please note that the pass is good for one calendar day.
(B)
CHRISTCHURCH-ARCHITECTURE.jpg
Day 8 CHRISTCHURCH. EXCURSION TO AKAROA
• Travel to Akaroa, a former French and British settlement where you will have some time to explore the charming village with its colonial architecture, galleries, and cafés.
• Afterward, take a nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour for a chance to see some of the native wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, the white-flippered blue penguin, and the Hector’s dolphin, one of the smallest and rarest in the world. Return to Christchurch in the late afternoon.
This evening is at leisure.
(B)
CHRISTCHURCH-AKAROA.jpg
Day 9 CHRISTCHURCH–QUEENSTOWN
• Fly to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” The remainder of day is at leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Why not take a stroll by the lake and enjoy the sunset this evening?
(B)
QUEENSTOWN-CITYSCAPE.jpg
Day 10 QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND
• Enjoy a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. First, travel by motorcoach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. View the Mirror Lakes as you pass through Eglinton Valley. From the Homer Tunnel, emerge into Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound cruise for an unforgettable experience. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as dolphins and penguins and enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls and scenery. Return to Queenstown late this evening.
(B,L)
MILFORD-SOUND.jpg
Day 11 QUEENSTOWN
• Today is yours to explore as much or as little as you wish. Options include a scenic bike riding excursion, an exciting helicopter flight over the Remarkables Mountains, tee up for a round of golf, sip some local wines or just relax with a spa treatment.
(B)
QUEENSTOWN-WATERFRONT.jpg
Day 12 QUEENSTOWN
• Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Perhaps choose a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, visit a local winery to sample some of the region’s best, take a historic steamship across beautiful Lake Wakatipu, shop for souvenirs, or visit some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Your Local Host will be available to make shopping and dining recommendations.
QUEENSTOWN-SHOTOVER-JET.jpg
Day 13 QUEENSTOWN–NADI, FIJI–CORAL COAST
• Today, fly to Nadi, Fiji, and transfer to your resort on the Coral Coast. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Local Host is available to answer questions and make suggestions for sightseeing and dining.
(B)
CORAL-COAST-BEACH-HAMMOCK.jpg
Day 14 CORAL COAST
• Today is at leisure.
(B,L)
Today’s I-Time Tips
Make sure to check the daily activities offered at your resort. You may wish to take a dip in the pool, enjoy a Fijian handicraft demonstration, get pampered at the spa, spend some time in the water with kayaks or paddleboards, or simply enjoy an amazing sunset with a cool tropical drink.
CORAL-COAST-VILLAGE.jpg
Day 15 CORAL COAST
• This morning’s highlight is a half-day Sigatoka River Safari. Be transported into the heart and soul of Fiji, aboard a custom-built jet boat. Cruise your way up the magnificent Sigatoka River to visit an authentic Fijian village and experience a day in the life of the real “Kaiviti” (Fijian). The remainder of your day is yours to explore the beautiful beaches or perhaps sample some local cuisine.
(B,L)
CORAL-COAST-FIJIAN-FOOD.jpg
Day 16 CORAL COAST–NADI
• Your vacation ends with a transfer from the Coral Coast to Nadi International Airport.
(B)
CORAL-COAST-KAYAK.jpg
