10D9N Mighty New Zealand

On arrival you will be met and privately transferred to your accommodation. Auckland is New
Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black
sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with
beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here. Overnight: Auckland

Today’s coach tour takes you through the rolling green hills to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, one of New Zealand’s ‘must-see’ destinations. See where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed as your tour guide shares behind-the-scenes tales. You’ll see sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of
Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch before continuing to Rotorua. Duration: 7hrs, 45mins.

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. This afternoon you will be transport to Te Puia for a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the geothermal valley. Then enjoy a Hangi Dinner overlooking the valley and geyser, followed by a 40 minute cultural performance. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser
terrace. Duration: 4.5 hours. Overnight: Rotorua

Depart on your domestic flight to Christchurch. (Airfare is NOT included). Flight Time Rotorua to
Christchurch is approx. 2 hours. Christchurch is set between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the
mighty snow-capped Southern Alps. This is a vibrant, ever-changing city with inner city parks and gardens delightfully interwoven by the meandering Avon River. Overnight: Christchurch

Depart Christchurch on the Tranz Alpine train* crossing the vast expanses of the Canterbury Plains, through the dramatic gorge of the Waimakariri River to Arthur’s Pass National Park. Here, your driver/guide will meet you for the remainder of the journey by deluxe mini-van to the West Coast. Follow rivers, rainforest and mountain valleys on the journey to Hokitika, once a roaring gold mining town and a place where Maori sought their treasured greenstone. View evidence of the last Ice Age in the kettle lakes created by the melting ice sheets before arriving in glacier country. Includes
morning or afternoon tea and café lunch. Overnight: Glacier Region
*Tranz Alpine Train is only running Fri-Mon until 26 Dec 2022 and will be transport replaced on other
days.

Start the day with a short walk to experience the rainforest with the glacier in the background and its
shattered, glacier formed landscape. Then your guided tour heads south to the mighty Haast River Valley and the landscape dramatically changes again from dense rain forest to the drier tussock lands of Otago. Skirt the headwaters of Lake Wanaka and follow the shoreline of Lake Hawea and, time permitting, explore the quaint old gold mining village of Arrowtown before arriving in Queenstown
where you’ll say farewell to your guide. Includes morning or afternoon tea and café lunch. Overnight: Queenstown