Highlights of New Zealand (non-driving)

Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Auckland.

On-board your international outbound flight to Auckland.

On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your luxury hotel in the centre of town where you can relax after your flights or begin exploring the area as you please. We will furnish you with a list of recommended restaurants before you travel.

Today is at leisure in Auckland for you to recover from your flight and settle into the relaxed pace of life here in New Zealand. Why not go for a stroll along the waterfront or adventure up the Sky Tower to see the spectacular views of the city and bay.

Today you will enjoy a wine tour of the renowned Waiheke Island in Auckland Harbour. After crossing over by ferry in the morning, you will tour a number of the island's vineyards and wineries. You'll learn all about the wine produced in the region and of course be treated to some tastings too.

Today, you'll be able to enjoy all of Rotorua's top attractions at your leisure, from the breathtaking geysers and mud pools of the Te Puia Cultural and Geothermal Center, to the Skyline gondola, to the soothing natural blessing of the Polynesian Spa pools. Bird and reptile fans may wish to visit Rainbow Springs, home to New Zealand's oldest Kiwi conservation center.

New Zealand's Blenheim and Marlborough regions are highly renowned for their wine production. Grown on rich volcanic soil, the Sauvignon Blanc made here is considered some of the best in the world. Spend today enjoying a gourmet tour of the area's best wineries, learning of the area's history and development of its wine production.

After a leisurely morning, you will be transferred back to the train station to meet your bus to Hanmer Springs, a pretty Alpine village just inland from Kaikoura. This is a beautiful journey, travelling along the Lewis Pass.When you arrive in Hanmer, go for a walk and admire the scenery, then take a dip in the natural Hot Springs before dinner.

After a leisurely morning in Christchurch, take a taxi to the airport for your flight to Queenstown. After settling into your hotel in the centre of town, you will have the rest of the day at leisure to explore or relax as you please. Perhaps take the gondola up Bob's Peak to see the magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range.

Today you will head out on a Dart River Wilderness Safari which includes an exhilarating jet boat ride followed by a short guided walk and scenic 4WD trip through the wilderness. You'll learn about the local flora and fauna as well as local Maori and colonial history before heading back to Queenstown.

Today you will be collected and driven to Manapouri, where you will meet your tour to doubtful Sound. After a boat journey across Lake Manapouri, you'll meet another coach which will take you across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound itself, here you will board the Fiordland Navigator and spend a magical night in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand.

After completing your cruise today you'll and head back across Wilmot Pass and Lake Manapouri to Queenstown. Spend this evening relaxing and looking back over the wonderful experience of the last few weeks.

Your very last day in Queenstown, the day is at leisure for you to do as you wish, perhaps join a tour; very easy to do if you visit the Queenstown i-Site; or perhaps go walking for the day.This evening you'll board the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamship, and cruise across the lake to Walter Peak farm where you'll enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner and learn about farm life.

This morning you will be dropped off at the airport for your onward flights.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.