New Zealand

12 Days / 11 Nights - Auckland, Rotorua, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Christchurch, Mt. Cook

Auckland, Rotorua, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Christchurch, Mt. Cook, deluxe hotels — all transfers and sightseeing by private car and chauffeur.

DAY 1 — Auckland

Upon arrival, you will be met by your chauffeur and transferred to your hotel. The city occupies a superb site on a slender bridge of land astride two seas, the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Auckland also is a singularly picturesque town, as it's built on sloping hills, surrounded by 65 extinct volcanoes. Lodging: Stamford Plaza

DAY 2 — Auckland

Take a comprehensive tour of the city. View the Domain Gardens, the twin harbors and drive up to Mt. Eden for panoramic views. Lodging: Stamford Plaza

DAY 3 — Rotorua

Depart Auckland for Waitomo passing through lush farmland. At Waitomo, explore the world-famous Glow Worm caves and tortured formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Lodging: Hotel Millennium

DAY 4 — Rotorua

The morning tour begins at the Agrodome to see sheep dogs working the stock followed by a sheep shearing demonstration. Visit the Thermal Reserve where geysers spew at regular intervals amid hot springs and boiling mud pots. In the afternoon and evening, you'll have a chance to witness, in depth, the dramatic presentation of Maori life and culture. Lodging: Hotel Millennium

DAY 5 — Dunedin

In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight to Dunedin. There you will be met and transferred by private car to Larnach Castle. On the way, you'll enjoy some sweet sightseeing, including the University of Otago, Speights Brewery and the Cadbury Chocolate Factory. Lodging: Larnach Castle

DAY 6 — Te Anau

You will be transferred from your hotel to the rail station to board the historic Taieri Gorge Limited for a scenic rail journey up to Pukerangi. There you will be met by your chauffeur for your drive to Te Anau. Lodging: Fiordland Lodge

DAY 7 — Excursion to Milford Sound

You'll take a full-day cruise up the 16 km waterway of the fiord, where sheer mountain walls tower above the tranquil waters. In the afternoon, return to Te Anau. Milford Sound Lodging: Fiordland Lodge

DAY 8 — Queenstown

You'll have a morning transfer to the airport for your short flight to Queenstown. Your afternoon will be spent sightseeing this favored area including an exciting ride on an aerial gondola to the top of Bob's Peak. Lodging: Mercure Grand St. Moritz

DAY 9 — Queenstown

Embark on a cruise boat to the Walter Peak High Country Sheep Station. Visit the original wool shed and watch the sheep dogs in action. Lodging: Mercure Grand St. Moritz

DAY 10 — Christchurch

After a morning at leisure, you'll fly to Christchurch. In the afternoon, there is an optional gondola ride that gently lifts you 1,500 feet above sea-level for an awesome, 360-degree view of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbor. Lodging: Crowne Plaza

DAY 11 — Christchurch

Here you will find a bit of England in the South Pacific with its Gothic buildings, lovely gardens and the willow-lined River Avon that meanders through the city. Take an afternoon tour of all the highlights. Lodging: Crowne Plaza

DAY 12 — Christchurch

Your chauffeur will transfer you this morning to the airport for your onward journey.

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