8D/7N New Zealand North & South Islands Explorer

Day 1

ARRIVE AUCKLAND AIRPORT
Upon arrival at Auckland Airport, meet and greet by our representative before transfers to hotel.

After check in, free at own leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 2

AUCKLAND - WAITOMO – ROTORUA (B,D)
After breakfast, travel south passing Hamilton, Te Awamutu, and Otorohanga before arriving in Waitomo. We will embark on a boat trip and cruise into a grotto which is illuminated by countless of tiny glow worm suspended from the cave ceiling.

We then continue across Lake Karapiro, and Fitzgerald Glade, to the famous geothermal city of Rotorua where you can enjoy the Famous Maori concert and Hangi feast.

Overnight at Rotorua.

Day 3

ROTORUA – WELLINGTON (B)
After breakfast, go on a city tour of Rotorua. Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Sanctuary, home to thousands of trout. Besides that, also take this opportunity to see kiwi, native birds and other wildlife in a bush setting.

Experience the Agrodome, an introduction to New Zealand farming using old and new method. Watch sheep being muster by highly trained dogs, sheep shearing demonstrations and also have an insight into the history of dairy farm milking. Don't miss out on the opportunities to milk a cow, feed young animals or be photographed with a huge bull.

Next, proceed onto the famous Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Looking like a huge ridged pancakes on a moonscape, the hot mud pools of Rotorua’s Whakarewarewa thermal reserve are a sight to behold. Listen to the loud “plopping” sounds as the bubbles surface. Also in the reserve are silica terraces, unique geothermal vegetation, geysers, a kiwi house, bush walks and a cultural centre.

This spectacular geyser known as Pohutu is found here. It erupts throughout the day, bubbling up from below the ground and shooting up to 30 metres high, displaying the awesome powers of nature.

After that, we will visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and learn how carvings and weavings recorded the history and traditions in the Maori sacred meeting houses.

In the afternoon, we proceed to Wellington. Free at own leisure for the rest of the day after check in.

Overnight in Wellington.

Day 4

WELLINGTON – CHRISTCHURCH (B)
After breakfast, we will be transferred to the Inter Islander Ferry Terminal. From there, we will depart to Picton.

Upon arrival, we will be transferred to Christchurch. Free at own leisue for the rest of the day after hotel check in.

Overnight in Christchurch.

Day 5

CHRISTCHURCH – MT. COOK – QUEENSTOWN (B)
After breakfast, depart from Christchurch across the broad expanse of the Canterbury Plains with the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine and ascend Burkes Pass into the barren Mackenzie Country.

View the Church of the Good Shepherd, dedicated to the early pioneers of the region and the Collie Dog Memorial overlooking the milky blue waters of Lake Tekapo. The world famous Church of the Good Shepherd offers awe-inspiring views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps through its altar window.

Next, proceed on a journey into the Mt Cook National Park. A stop at the Mt Cook Alpine Village allows time for you to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand's highest snow capped peaks before travelling to Queenstown.

On arrival check into hotel and free at own leisure for the rest of the day.

Overnight in Queenstown.

Day 6

QUEENSTOWN (B)
After breakfast, free at own leisure for the rest of the day.

If you want more, you can choose from some optional addons to enhance your holiday experience of Queenstown.

Day 7

QUEENSTOWN – CHRISTCHURCH (B)
After breakfast, proceed back to Christchurch.

Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel for check in.

After that, free at own leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 8

DEPART CHRISTCHURCH (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back home.