Itinerary Details
Avanti Destinations: Best of New Zealand
Day 1 Auckland
On arrival at the Auckland International Airport, you will be met by your driver (holding a name board) at the Transfer meeting point in the arrivals hall outside of Customs and Agriculture and Fisheries inspection areas. You will then be transferred to your central city accommodation. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Centrally Located Hotel In Auckland,
Day 2 Rotorua
After breakfast, pick up your rental car and head to Rotorua with a stop at the Waitomo Caves enroute. Discover the magic that has been attracting visitors for over 100 years. Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves where a knowledgeable guide will lead you through the limestone chambers and passages to see stunning features like the Tomo (a deep shaft that falls away to the darkness below), and the famous 'Cathedral' The highlight of a visit to the Glowworm Cave is a silent boat trip through the glowworm grotto. Marvel at Mother Nature's light display as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Only the gentle sound of dripping water reminds you that you are deep underground and not beneath a star filled sky. After arriving in Rotorua and checking into your hotel, make your way to the Deluxe Lake Spa; a Polynesian bathing and relaxation haven. You can bathe in four shallow hot mineral rock pools of graduated temperatures from 96F to 108F. The pools are set overlooking Sulphur Bay on Lake Rotorua. It offers spacious changing rooms with security lockers, soap, shampoo, towels and hairdryers for your use. A relaxation lounge is available to you which overlooks the lake and offers comfortable lounge chairs and a refreshment bar with light healthy spa cuisine available (at additional cost).
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Day 3 Rotorua
Today is at your leisure before your Indigenous Exclusive guided tour starts at 4:30pm with one of Te Puia's world renowned guides. It includes a visit to the New Zealand national carving and weaving schools where you can watch these disciplines in practice under the guidance of our master carvers and weavers. The tour will include a visit to the award winning interactive galleries and Kiwi House, where you can see New Zealand's flightless bird up-close, followed by a visit to our mud pools and geysers. Te Po Evening Experience begins at Te Keketanga-a-Rangi (Heavenly Origins), a space comprising twelve monumental carvings reaching skyward. Hear stories of the past prior to assembling at the waharoa (gateway) of the marae. Experience an authentic Maori welcome ceremony, warrior's challenge and kapa haka (performing arts) war dance. The Maori Feast is a culinary opportunity like no other. The range of traditional and indigenous inspired dishes have been designed to create a memorable cultural experience.
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Day 4 Christchurch
After breakfast, drop your rental car off at the airport, and take a 2 hour flight over the majestic Southern Alps to Christchurch. On arrival, pick up your rental car, and after checking in to your hotel, the balance of the afternoon free to explore The Garden City. Consider taking their Hop on Hop off sightseeing tour, visiting the city's local attractions. Buses depart every hour with the last bus at 4:00pm (Nov - Apr). Stops include Christchurch Museum, Mona Vale Gardens, Cathedral Square, and the Canterbury Museum.
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Day 5 Queenstown
After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, travel south across the Canterbury Plains, through farming communities before climbing up to high plains of the Mackenzie Country. Pause at the Church of the Good Shepherd to view Lake Tekapo, before continuing to Mount Cook village, nestled under New Zealand's highest mountain. (This is a 72-mile round trip detour taking approx. 1.5 hours) The mountain overlooks a network of glaciers that feed Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. From the park headquarters in Mount Cook village, there are a number of activities including short walks and scenic flights that will provide views of Mt Cook and the glaciers. From Mount Cook return along the length of Lake Pukaki, then head south through Twizel and Omarama to the scenic Lindis Pass. Once over the pass, follow the Clutha Valley to its junction with the Kawarau Gorge at Cromwell. Queenstown is reached by following the "gold trail" alongside the winding Kawarau River. Queenstown nestles up to the northern shore of Lake Wakatipu, from where it commands an expansive view of the peaks which surround the lake.
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Day 6 Queenstown
Leave your car at the hotel and board a Real Journeys luxury glass-roofed coach in Queenstown and enjoy a trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a morning tea break in Te Anau, continue along the spectacular Milford Road. Upon reaching Milford Sound, board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise of Milford Sound. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities, and plenty of time is afforded to enjoy waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and wildlife. Returning to Milford Wharf, you'll re-board the coach for the return journey to Queenstown.
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Day 7 Queenstown
Today is at leisure, or select one of our optional tours like the Boutique Wine Tour: Spend an afternoon among the boutique vineyards and splendid alpine scenery of Central Otago. Taste wines at 4 premium vineyards over 2 contrasting wine regions. You'll learn about the wine, as well as the pioneering history with a visit to the historic precinct of Old Cromwell. A delightful platter lunch is included, accompanied by a glass of wine.
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Day 8 Queenstown
After breakfast, drop your rental car off at the Queenstown Airport for your return flight, or onto your next Avanti Destination!
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