Code: HC01

Pricing: Starting from $4,285 (air included)

Description: Explore the island nation.

Itinerary

Day 1

Depart Los Angeles this evening for New Zealand (US City add-on flights are available).

Day 2

Cross International Dateline

Day 3

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand: Collect your rental car (4-door, automatic) and make your way north of Auckland to the region of the Bay Of Islands, home to the famous Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. The day is at leisure to relax and explore.

Day 4

Bay of Islands : This morning cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands through big game fishing waters before making an exciting passage through the famous Hole in the Rock. An informative commentary highlights Maori legend, historical features plus the flora and fauna of the area. If you are lucky enough, you might spot some curious dolphins, seals, whales as well as a large variety of bird life.

Day 5

Auckland: Auckland, the largest city of New Zealand is spread generously over a narrow isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea. Extinct volcanic cones characterize the landscape and the harbour always abounds in yachts. Auckland has a mixed European and Polynesian population which gives it a wonderful twist.

Day 6

Auckland: The day is free to explore Auckland. Optional touring: climbing Auckland Harbour Bridge; take a helicopter flight to a remote location for a glorious lunch; walk to the summit of Rangitoto, a black lava volcanic island; go wine tasting and beachcombing on Waiheke Island; sunbathe and swim at Motuihe Island, visit the wildlife sanctuary on Tiritiri Matangi Island; partake in a wilderness adventure on Great Barrier Island; charter a yacht and make your own adventure around the Hauraki Gulf; go swimming with the dolphins; hire a kayak - join an evening paddle to Rangitoto Island

Day 7

Rotorua: Make your way South and travel through the Waikato Valley and King Country to arrive at Rotorua. Boiling mud, geysers, crystal springs and silica deposits draw thousands of fascinated visitors to the area of Rotorua. The town was originally built as a "spa town" because of the hot mineral springs and is situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua.

Day 8    

Rotorua: Explore Rotorua at your leisure today. Optional touring: Buried Village & Waimangu Thermal Valley, Lake Rotomahana Cruise, Hangi Feast; Heli flight to White Island.

Day 9

Wellington: Short flight to Wellington. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. This city is New Zealand's most cosmopolitan city, with an abundance of trendy cafes and restaurants, performance arts and galleries. Te Papa Museum on the waterfront is certainly worth a visit.

Day 10

Wellington: The day is at your leisure. Optional touring: ‘Maori Treasures’, ‘Zest’, horse riding, live theater and performances, city highlights tour.

Day 11

Nelson: A short flight to Nelson on the South Island. Collect your rental car and make your way to your hotel. In the afternoon, you have leisure time to explore Nelson region, including the many wonderful galleries in the area.

Day 12

Nelson: Today is at your leisure in Nelson. Optional touring: “Sea Kayaking, Seals & Walk Day Trip", Abel Tasman National Park "Seals, Bush 'n' Beach Walk", winery exploration, Scenic Heli Flight, “WOW – World or Wearable Arts”. 

Day 13

Christchurch: Make your way along the east coast to Christchurch. Founded as a model English settlement, it is known as "the most English City outside of England". The city was planned around the Canterbury Cathedral and, with its well tended gardens, parks and willow-lined Avon River, it gives the impression of stepping back in time to an English provincial town.

Day 14

Arkaroa: Your guide will collect  you up from your hotel for a day exploring the culinary delights of Arkaroa. Visit a gourmet cheese factory, cruise on the "Canterbury Cat" to the heads of Akaroa Harbour, see rare Hectors dolphins, penguins, other seabirds.

Day 15

Franz Josef: Drop-off your rental car  before boarding the Tranz-Alpine Train via Arthur's Pass to Greymouth. Make your way down the rugged West coast to Franz Josef Glacier.

Day 16

Glacier Walk: This half-day tour includes a 11⁄2-kilometer interpretive walk to the terminal face. You will also experience fantastic views of crevasses, pinnacles, ice caves and canyons amidst a temperate rainforest. An opportunity will be provided to spend an hour exploring the lower reaches of the Franz Josef Glacier. Guide and boots included. (A reasonable level of fitness is recommended)

Day 17

Queenstown: Make your way to Wanaka where we recommend stopping for lunch. Then on into Queenstown. Optional Touring: Jet boating, Hangi Feast, Heli Glacier landing; Heli Day trip to Stewart Island.

Day 18

Milford Sound Overnight Cruise: Drive to Milford Sound today and park your car in the overnight parking. Enjoy a very special dinner, bed & breakfast experience. Private cabins with in suite bathrooms, spacious viewing decks, dining saloon and observation decks as well as sumptuous meals all make for a very memorable Milford Sound experience. Cruise to the open sea with our nature guide, anchor for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove and perhaps do a little exploring of your own in the vessel's kayaks and tender vessels. Or you can simply relax on deck as the southern twilight deepens.

Day 19

Dunedin: Head east to the delightfully Scottish flavored city of Dunedin. Known as the University City, the "Edinburgh of the South" was originally settled by members of the Free Church of Scotland in the 1840's and grew to be New Zealand's most prosperous city during the Otago gold rush years. Now it is the fourth largest city and boasts an impressive array of museums, galleries and architectural sights.

Day 20

Dunedin: Day is at leisure today. Optional Touring includes: ‘Discover Dunedin’, ‘Royal Albatross Colony’, ‘Yellow eyed penguin reserve’, boutique galleries in the comfort of a 1960 Jaguar, scenic wildlife cruise.

Day 21

Dunedin: Day at leisure.

Day 22

Depart New Zealand today and arrive into Los Angeles the same day.

Note: This tour can be altered in any way to suit your time and budget. Suggestions include private driver and unique lodge or B&B accommodations.