Classic New Zealand Travel

After breakfast, our 2 weeks New Zealand tour will begin with a visit to the scenic Mission Bay. There we'll tour the Bastion Point. Its commanding strategic position overlooking the Waitematā Harbour and central Auckland made it as the key site where Māori settlements protested against European settlers. Atop Bastion Point is the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial dedicated to the nation's well-loved 23rd prime minister who started a series of post-Depression reforms and laid solid foundation to the countries modern welfare state. Then we'll go to visit Waitomo and discover your magic moment in those Glowworm Caves. Next tour around the Lake Rotorua, the second largest lake in North Island of New Zealand, formed from a large volcano crater. At the end of the day, check into a hotel in Rotorua.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ibis Rotorua or similar (3 stars)

The lakeside city Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activities and fascinating Maori culture. Today, we will first pay a visit to Te Puia, the New Zealand's geothermal wonderland and home to a living Maori Village with schools teaching traditional carving and weaving arts. Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve at the region owns about 500 natural hot springs, bubbling mud pools as well as the Pohutu Geyser which erupts hourly to the height of up to 30 meters (98 feet). If you are interested, we could leave you some time to take a break and relax with the natural mineral hot spring of Polynesian Spa.

Meals: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner

Accommodation: Ibis Rotorua or similar (3 stars)

In the morning depart for Huka Falls through jungles and forests. The endless, mesmerizing waterfall is formed where the Waikato River, normally 100 meters in width, is forced to go through a 15-meter-wide volcanic canyon. Each second, up to 220,000 litres of water bursts out from the gorge and thunders 11 meters to create a crystal-blue pool. You can experience this power of nature close-up. We'll also tour beautiful Lake Taupo, about the same size with Singapore, created by a volcanic eruption and very famous for trout fishery. Then we will move south to the capital city of Wellington and stay overnight there.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Travelodge Wellington or similar (3 stars)

After breakfast, visit the neoclassical-style Parliament Buildings and Te Papa - the national museum and art gallery. Lunch is served by "Eat My Lunch". It is a catering enterprise who engages in charity work. For every purchase of a commercial lunch, they will deliver a lunch to a child who would otherwise go hungry. In the afternoon, the tour director will accompany you to board the ferry at Interislander Ferry Terminal and cross the Cook Strait to the town of Picton in around 3.5 hours. The journey is reputed as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. Check into a local hotel on arrival.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Beachcomber Inn Picton or similar (3 stars)

Today from Picton we'll head south crossing Kaikoura towards Christchurch. Kaikoura is a coastal town kwon for its rich wildlife, especially the sperm whale. You may encounter them at nearshore area. Dinner is at your own expense. Feel free to ask your tour director for recommendations.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Ibis or similar (3 stars)

Today your New Zealand 2 weeks itinerary in Christchurch, officially the oldest established city in the county unfolds. It shows resilience and creativity after the devastating 2011 earthquake. The street art has transformed the sad city into an artistic powerhouse. Walking on the street while admiring those post-quake pieces, you will gain the strength too. Lake Tekapo and New Zealand's most photographed church - Church of the Good Shepherd are also on our to-visit list. Then leave for the town of Omarama and stay overnight at a local hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel or similar (3 stars)

Today we will drive along the braided Waitaki River crossing Oamaru to Dunedin. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Dunedin is famous for its Victorian and Edwardian architecture. A walk in downtown will take you up close to those impressive architectural gems including the most photographed Dunedin Railway Station. You could also take half an hour's drive to Otago Peninsula, a beckoning land of rolling hills with clifftop vistas, sandy beaches and a great abundance of wildlife including penguins, seals, sea lions and albatross etc.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City or similar (3 stars)

The morning is free for you. After breakfast, you could pay a visit to Larnach Castle - a historic mock castle with beautiful gardens or Otago University ranking the oldest university in the country. In the afternoon, we will set out for the picturesque town of Te Anau, also the visitor base for Fiordland National Park with spectacular glacier-carved fiords and Lake Te Anau, the largest lake only second to Lake Taupo in New Zealand. After the visit, you could go for a self-paid boat trip from the lakefront to explore the 12,000 year old glowworm caves. Tonight, stay in a hotel in Te Anau.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel or similar (3 stars)

Today we are going to visit the Milford Sound, the world-renowned nature wonder lying within Fiordland National Park. Make sure your phone or camera is fully charged. After arrival, we will enjoy a cruise to admire its towering peaks, cascading waterfalls and amazing wildlife. Travel to Queenstown this afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront or similar (3 stars)

Enjoy your day for independent visits. Queenstown is a nature playground for adventurers. It offers a huge choice of blood-pumping activities such as jet boating, bungy jumping, rafting and skydiving. A tour to Gibbston Valley Winery and Cheesery with wine tasting is also a good choice to unwind. In the evening, the tour director will lead you to board TSS Earnslaw, the heritage coal-fired steamship to sail across the Lake Wakatipu. After disembarking at Walter Peak Station, we'll tour around High Country Farm and enjoy an authentic dinner. Then we will sail back to Queenstown.

Meals: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Queenstown Lakefront or similar (3 stars)

After breakfast, depart for Arrowtown, a historic gold-mining town on the banks of the Arrow River. Then we will travel to Cromwell and sample seasonal fruits at a local orchard. After arrival at Franz Josef, a small town located on the rugged West Coast, we will hike to the viewpoint of Franz Josef Glacier and overlook the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. If you want to have close-up look at the glacier, you could join a heli-hike or guided ice walk at your own expense.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier or similar (3 stars)

Today we will drive north along the West Coast to Hokitika, a gold mining town known for its mining history, pounamu, whitebait and driftwood beaches. Upon arrival, we'll tour a pounamu factory and watch the master cavers at work. Then travel with TranzAlpine for a scenic train journey from Arthur's Pass to Christchurch. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner waiting for you.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Ibis or similar (3 stars)

The 2 weeks New Zealand tour will end here. After breakfast, our driver will send you to the airport according to your flight schedule. Looking forward to see you again. Wish you all the best!

Meals: Breakfast