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NEW ZEALAND
Grand New Zealand
Detailed Tour Itinerary
Inclusions
Departure Dates
More Tours



The cruise and/or tour map shown is provided as a guide only.
The actual route of the cruise or tour may vary.
Tour Summary
Tour name: Grand New Zealand
Tour code: EZGI  
Days: 18  
Overview:

  
Varied Itinerary
Special Group Tour - EZGI191009  Tour code: EZGI.21
Tour Itinerary
Day 1Arrive Auckland
“Haere Mai” (welcome) to New Zealand! You will be met upon arrival and transferred* to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city of sails before meeting your Evergreen Tours’ Tour director and fellow traveling companions for a reception and welcome drink.
Two Night Stay: Auckland 
Day 2Auckland sightseeing (B)
This morning enjoy a tour of the city including the Domain, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Museum, Parnell and Devonport. This afternoon is at leisure or you may choose to pre-purchase one of the extra sightseeing activities to enhance your Auckland experience.
Day 3Kauri Museum – Treaty House - Bay of Islands (B,D)
Journey north to view the imposing Kauri Tree before continuing on to the Kauri Pioneer Museum. Arrive at the Bay of Islands for a guided tour, then visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, home to New Zealand’s founding document as a nation.
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands
Day 4Bay of Islands at leisure (B)
Today is free to relax or to explore this picturesque and historical area at your own pace. You may choose to pre-purchase one of the extra sightseeing activities. This evening is at leisure and there is an opportunity to enjoy a Culture North Night Show.
Day 5“Hole in the Rock Cruise” - Auckland (B)
morning cruise through the scenic waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’ (weather permitting). Rejoin the coach and enjoy the scenic return journey to Auckland.
Overnight Stay: Auckland
Day 6Ruakuri Cave – Rotorua – Rainbow Springs & Kiwi Encounter (B)
This morning journey to the top of Mt Eden for spectacular views of the city. Then head south through some of New Zealand’s most fertile farmland to the amazing glowworm caves. Ruakuri cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences. During your tour, a guide will bring you up close to glowworms, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites. Arrive in Rotorua, the heartland of New Zealand’s Maori culture. Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park, a native wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout, and Kiwi Encounter, dedicated to the conservation of the National Kiwi bird.
Two Night Stay:  Rotorua
Day 7Lakeland Queen Cruise – Thermal Reserve – Maori Hangi (HB,HD)
View the sunrise over the shores of Lake Rotorua on the Lakeland Queen historic paddle steamer, whilst enjoying a glass of sparkling wine and a hearty breakfast. After breakfast continue on to the Agrodome for an entertaining show of sheep shearing and farm dog trials. Then visit the bubbling mud pools and thermal geyser at the amazing Te Puia Thermal Valley and the Maori Arts and Craft Institute. This afternoon is at leisure giving you time to either soak in the thermal hot springs or explore more of Rotorua. Tonight we journey out to Tamaki Maori Village where you will be entertained at a traditional Maori cultural performance followed by a Hangi feast.
Day 8Huka Falls - Wellington (B)
Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway before arriving at the geothermal power station at the Wairakei Steam Valley. Then it’s on to see spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo where some free time is available to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. This afternoon travel via the Tongariro National Park and see the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. Finally we arrive at our destination, Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. On arrival enjoy a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum. This evening is at leisure for you to explore Wellington.
Overnight Stay: Wellington
Day 9Marlborough Sounds - Christchurch (B,D)
This morning board the Interislander Ferry and cruise from the north to the south island, through the breathtaking beauty of the Marlborough Sounds. Arriving in Picton it’s back on the coach as you journey through the wine region of Blenheim and down the spectacular east coast to Christchurch. En-route enjoy a short stop at the Kaikoura seal colony. 
Overnight Stay: Christchurch
Day 10TranzAlpine Rail – Jade Factory - Franz Josef & Fox Glacier (B,D)
Today’s touring takes you for an unforgettable rail journey through the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine. You will journey across spectacular river gorges and through the magnificent Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine, rated as one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. From your carriage see the fields and farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and follow the gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River into the Southern Alps. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and continue on to Hokitika to see skilled craftsmen carving Pounamo (Jade). It’s then on to view the awesome Franz Josef Glacier.
Overnight Stay: Fox Glacier       

Opportunity to experience a scenic helicopter flight with snow landing.  Weather permitting and at own expense.
Day 11Arrowtown - Queenstown (B,D)
Travel through sub-tropical rainforest to Haast Pass, view the spectacular Thunder Creek Falls and travel to the small mountain town of Wanaka. Visit popular Arrowtown, a quaint and historic gold mining town, previously one of the  richest rivers in the world. Continue on to picturesque Queenstown and your hotel overlooking beautiful Lake Wakatipu.
Two Night Stay: Queenstown
Day 12Queenstown at leisure (B,HD)
Today is free to explore at your own pace. Your Tour Director will assist with suggestions arrangements.  This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax, as you are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine and a wine tasting. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Day 13Milford Sound Cruise - Te Anau (B,D)
Today travel through the breathtaking Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will experience an unforgettable cruise. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak. Return to the lakeside town of Te Anau.
Overnight Stay: Te Anau
Day 14Te Anau - Dunedin (B,D)
Journey to Dunedin, a university city of Scottish heritage and New Zealand’s oldest city. 
Overnight Stay:  Dunedin

Dunedin Homestay Option: Stay with a local family overnight, included in tour price. Must be pre-booked.
Day 15Larnach Castle - Omarama (B,D)
This morning enjoy a Dunedin city sights tour, before continuing on to Larnach Castle. Experience a guided tour of the castle with its tragic and fascinating history. Continue on to the intriguing Moeraki Boulders, before following the Waitaki River to Omarama.
Overnight Stay:  Omarama
Day 16Mt Cook - Lake Tekapo - Christchurch (B,D)
Pass picturesque Lake Pukaki, then stop and view Mt Cook (weather permitting). Continue on to visit the picturesque glacier-fed Lake Tekapo, where you will see the Church of the Good Shepherd. Today’s touring ends in Christchurch with a sightseeing tour. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner.
Two Night Stay: Christchurch 
Day 17Christchurch at Leisure (B)
Today is free to enjoy this beautiful city. Your Tour Director will assist with any arrangements.
Day 18Depart Christchurch (B)
After breakfast transfer*to the airport for your flight home (flight at own expense, please pre-book with Travel Agent). It’s “haere ra” (goodbye) to New Zealand.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation -  refer to your booking summary.
Tour itinerary is valid from 01/06/2009 to 31/05/2010 and is subject to change. Enquire for itinerary details that fall outside of these dates. If you have booked on a tour please refer to the itinerary provided in your tour documentation or on Tour Personaliser for any changes that have been made.


Evergreen Tours (a division of Scenic Tours Pty Ltd)
Lic No 2TA 002 633