Day 1: Friday - Depart Los Angeles

En Route

Depart Los Angeles this evening on your flight to Auckland, New Zealand.

Day 2: Saturday - International Date Line

En Route

Today is lost crossing the International Date Line.

Day 3: Sunday - Arrive Auckland

Sebel Hotel of Auckland

On arrival at Auckland International Airport, you are met and transferred to the Sebel Auckland. Your room has been pre-registered for immediate check in. The Sebel is a new hotel situated right on Auckland viaduct and home to The America's Cup Yacht Race. All rooms have fully self-contained kitchens and laundry facilities.
 
This afternoon tour Auckland, New Zealand's largest city in population terms and area-wise one of the biggest in the world. The "Queen" city's suburbs sprawl over more than 500 square kilometers. The city is built around more than 60 volcanoes, both extinct and dormant, and the city is seemingly surrounded by water. The harbor bridge links downtown with northern suburbs built over rolling green hills which is a sunny, wine producing area. Auckland is well endowed with parks and reserves, one of the more outstanding being Albert Park in the central city. Auckland is New Zealand's fastest growing city and its streets are lined with busy department stores, boutiques, coffee shops, nightclubs and craft centers. Parnell Village well worth a visit is a delightful redevelopment of one older area of the city. There are plenty of sports facilities and more than 30 golf courses and dozens of beaches within easy reach. The superb Waitemata (Maori: sparkling water) is an anchorage for all types of sea craft. It is the scene of the world's largest one-day yacht regatta. The War Memorial Museum houses the world's largest collection of Maori artefacts. This is fitting, the city is said to be the capital of Polynesia.

Day 4: Monday - Auckland

Sebel Hotel of Auckland

Enjoy your morning at leisure. Early this afternoon meet your guide at the hotel. Drive to the Waitakere Ranges located to the west of Auckland. It is here that many acres of land have been set aside as a catchment area for the city's water supply and many trails have developed among the lush rain forest. Take a short nature hike under the lush forest canopy. From the forest travel a short distance to the black sand beaches of the West Coast. There are dramatic coastal vistas from high cliff tops, but the highlight of the day is the shedding of shoes and socks and the walk along the surf line where the guide shows you to the wonders of New Zealand's shore life. Afternoon tea is served along the way. There are great photographic opportunities as well. (B)

Day 5: Tuesday - Auckland/Waitomo & Rotorua

Kawaha Point Lodge

After breakfast drive through the coal-mining town of Huntly to Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori Queen. Arrive in Hamilton, New Zealand's largest inland city and the major commercial and industrial center for one of the richest agricultural and pastoral areas in the world. The route continues through the rural townships of Te Awamutu and Otorohanga to arrive at Waitomo.
 
Take a guided tour of the world-famous Waitomo Glow-worm Grotto. This includes a silent boat ride on an underground river into a cavern spangled with radiant blue/green lights of thousands of tiny glow-worms. Striking limestone formations include the famous "Organ" and the lofty chamber called the "Cathedral".
 
From Waitomo retrace the route to Te Awamutu, the marketing and servicing center of a fertile agricultural district noted for its dairy and sheep farming. Travel across the farming district of Waipa to Lake Karapiro, site of one of the best rowing courses in the world and one of the eight hydro-electric power stations on the Waikato River. The countryside becomes increasingly rugged as the road climbs over the densely forested Mamaku Hills to Rotorua. Stop for lunch on your own en route to Rotorua.
 
Visitors from around the world have been coming to Rotorua since the 1880s. The city is best known for its thermal activity with geysers, mud pools, hot pools and steam vents providing dramatic hydro-explosions. Thermal waters are used to treat ailments as well as provide bathing and relaxation. The city and its environs have many other attractions including the carving center of Whakarewarewa where visitors can watch young Maoris being trained in the complex and traditional art. A variety of recreational facilities are provided on Lake Rotorua and scenic flights are also popular. Dinner is served at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 6: Wednesday- Rotorua

Wednesday- Rotorua

Your first stop today is Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland, a geothermal attraction just outside of Rotorua. The area is known as New Zealand's most colorful and diverse geothermal sightseeing experience. View a wide range of features including, geysers, mud pools, mineral terraces, colorful hot and cold pools, and steaming volcanic lakes. The area is located in the center of the Taupo volcanic zone which extends from the central plateau, where there are three volcanoes - Ruapehu, Ngaruahoe and Tongariro - through to White Island 30 km northeast of Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty.
 
Your next stop is Waimangu Volcanic Valley walk into the inverted volcano to see Frying Pan Lake, Crater Lake, the Cathedral Rocks and much more. Picnic in a beautiful bush setting.
 
Visit Rainbow Springs for a guided tour through this park displaying Rainbow and Trout in their various stages of development against the background of native flora and fauna. Rainbow Springs contains over 135 different native trees, ferns, from 60-foot tall tree ferns to tiny delicate maidenhair ferns. Many of New Zealand's native birds (including pigeons, pukekos, keas, kakarikis, moreporks, paradise ducks, wekas and harrier hawks) are on display in the aviaries and the kiwi can also be seen in the nocturnal Kiwi House. Preservation of New Zealand's national heritage is an important function of Rainbow Springs.
 
Visit the Agrodome for a unique live show featuring nineteen different breeds of sheep. An interesting and entertaining commentary is given and there are also displays of sheep dogs working and sheep shearing.
 
Visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve for a guided tour through the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. Here young Maori carvers are taught the skills of their ancestors. Visit a model Maori Village and the Thermal Valley where you see pools of bubbling mud, spouting geysers, silica terraces and steam pouring out of vents.
 
Arrive back at your lodge later this afternoon in time to freshen up. In the early evening journey to a sacred Maori meeting place, Te Tawa Ngahiri Pa, a Maori village set in the heart of a native forest. Those who welcome you bring with them their history, the rituals, and the traditions of the Maori people. On your arrival, you are greeted by a lone warrior, carrying only his taiaha, or quarter-staff, in defense of his people. Following the acceptance of the Wero (challenge) and a speech of reply to the welcome, the people of the Marae entertain you with Maori songs & dances, and the hangi (feast) is shared. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Thursday - Rotorua/Christchurch

Heritage Hotel

Morning transfer to Rotorua airport for your flight to Christchurch. On arrival at Christchurch Airport start your tour of Christchurch including Cathedral Square, the Town Hall, River Avon and Hagley Park, and the University complex at Ilam, and many landscaped parks and suburbs. Drive up the cashmere Hills to the ³Sign of the Takahe², an old stone roadhouse overlooking Christchurch with magnificent panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains.
 
Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. Sprawling out across the Canterbury Plains, Christchurch was incorporated as a city in 1862. It was named after the Oxford College attended by John Robert Godley, leader of the settlers arriving in the first four ships to arrive in Christchurch. Christchurch is a charming city, modeled in the English style. The River Avon meanders through the city and its banks provide a popular lunchtime retreat. Cathedral Square is a place to relax and take in the proportions of the stone-built Cathedral, or listen to the eccentric Wizard entertain lunchtime crowds. Christchurch is said to be the most English city outside England -- and it certainly clings to the trappings of its heritage with a cricket club (established 1851), rowing club (1864) and lawn tennis (1881). The streets are named after dioceses of the Anglican Communion. It is, of course, a university city as well. The city has a backdrop of the Southern Alps and long, ocean beaches are only a short drive away. The Port Hills are well worth a visit, for the dramatic views they give of the surrounding areas. The Port of Lyttelton and Akaroa, the only French settlements in the country are also close by. Christchurch is also a garden city with many parks within its bounds, the most notable being Hagley Park. The pride of the city is the impressive Town Hall, a modern structure, and the Queen Elizabeth II Park Stadium, built for the 1974 Commonwealth Games.
 
This evening, experience the inner city of Christchurch, with dinner on board The Christchurch Tramcar. Your night begins by taking a short stroll outside your hotel to the tramway for a ride in a restored green and cream tram. Trundle through the tree lined streets of Christchurch in your tram with stops en route for plenty of photo opportunities. As the tram continues around the circuit, enjoy a mouth-watering dinner on board, accompanied by wines and ales. At the end of your meal, you are deposited outside your hotel. (B,D)

Day 8: Friday - Christchurch

Heritage Hotel

Get ready for your TranzAlpine Adventure - the world renowned ŒGreat New Zealand Rail Adventure!' From Christchurch travel by road across the Canterbury Plains to Springfield at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Board the TranzAlpine train to travel to Arthur's Pass viewing the Alpine scenery visit the Arthur's Pass national park and Otira Gorge before lunch at the picturesque mountain village of Arthur's Pass. On the return journey stop for an exhilarating jet boat ride through spectacular gorges of the Waimakariri River. Visit a sheep farm for afternoon tea and a shearing and muster demonstration before returning to Christchurch. (B,L)

Day 9: Saturday - Christchurch/Queenstown

Matakauri Lodge

After breakfast transfer to Christchurch Airport in time for your flight to Queenstown. On arrival you are met and transferred to Matakauri Lodge. The balance of the day is on your own. Dinner is served at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 10: Sunday - Queenstown

Matakauri Lodge

Morning transfer to Shotover River for the thrill of your life. At the river, join what surely is be the world's most exciting jetboat ride -- a wild experience skimming over thrashing rapids or planing in mere inches of water in a specially designed version of the famous Hamilton Jet. Along the way there are spectacular views of early relics from the gold mining days - the Shotover River is the world's second richest gold bearing river. Return to your hotel for included dinner. (B,D)

Day 11: Monday - Queenstown

Matakauri Lodge

After an early breakfast, depart from Queenstown by car and follow the eastern shoreline of Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the Remarkable Range to Kingston. Drive through the Five Rivers farming community to Lake Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland. From Te Anau travel around the shores of Lake Te Anau into the rugged valley of the Eglinton River. As the road passes Lakes Gunn and Fergus, beech covered mountains frame the view of distant peaks. The road then enters the Hollyford Valley and climbs to the Homer Saddle. After driving through the 1200-metre long Homer Tunnel, the road drops down to follow the swiftly flowing Cleddau River into Milford Sound. On arrival join the Red Boat for a cruise on Milford Sound. This fiord was created during an ice age and knifes out to sea with native forests and sheer cliffs rising from the waterway to heights of several thousand feet. Gigantic waterfalls tumble into the fiord from lofty mountain lakes. Here lies some of the most talked about scenery in the world, including mile-high Mitre Peak, the aptly named focal point of majestic Milford Sound
 
After the cruise transfer to the airfield for your light aircraft flight to Queenstown. The view from the aircraft is spectacular as you ascend beside the precipitous mountains surrounding the Sound. Passing over a portion of the famed Milford Track see Lakes Ada and Quill and the highest waterfall in New Zealand - the Sutherland Falls. Continuing over MacKinnon Pass, the flight takes you over the southern end of Lake Te Anau before crossing into the Eglinton Valley and then the Greenstone Valley top enter the Wakatipu Basin. Passing along Lake Wakatipu you see the high country stations of Mt. Nicholas and Cecil Peak prior to landing. Upon arrival at Queenstown Airport you are transferred to your hotel.
 
PLEASE NOTE: The flight from Milford Sound is strictly dependent upon the weather conditions being favourable. Should these prove unsuitable for the operation of the flight, the return to Queesntown will be by car, following the outward route. In this instance your arrival time in Queenstown will be at approximately 7.00 pm.
 
Dinner this evening is at your lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Tuesday - Queenstown

Matakauri Lodge

The day is at leisure to relax or perhaps some additional sightseeing. We highly recommend the following Optional Tours (not included in your tour cost):
 
DART RIVER JET-BOATING & 4-WHEEL-DRIVE EXCURSION
This morning, depart the hotel by coach for a scenic journey by road from Queenstown to the small and tranquil town of Glenorchy, located at the head of Lake Wakatipu. On arrival, the group is divided in two with the first half taking a jet-boat ride and the second half a four-wheel drive excursion into the untamed heart of the southern mountains. The jet-boat ride takes you on a breathtaking scenic trip up the Dart River into the pristine country of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. As you boat along, relish the grandeur of the slopes of Mt. Earnslaw and the bush that cascades down from the mountain walls on both sides of the river. During your trip, a stop is made for a small bush walk through the beech forest at Beansburn. At Chinaman's Bluff the two groups meet and exchange transport with the first half returning by four-wheel drive vehicle and the second half by jet boat. Once back in Glenorchy, lunch is served at a local pub before returning to Queenstown.
 
DART RIVER EXCURSION
This morning, depart the hotel by regular coach for the journey from Queenstown to the small town of Glenorchy, located at the head of Lake Wakatipu. On arrival, board your jet boat and take a breathtaking scenic trip up the Dart River into the pristine country of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. The jet boat is the only means of entering this wilderness area, and the number of passengers allowed in on a daily basis is strictly controlled by the Department of Conservation. As you boat along the river relish the grandeur of the slopes of Mt. Earnslaw and the bush that cascades down from the mountain walls on both sides of the river. During your trip, a stop is made for a small bush walk through the beech forest at Beansburn.
 
SKIPPERS AND BEYOND - Adventure Sightseeing and Gold Panning
Skippers Canyon comprises a twisting, turning mountain road carved out of sheer rock, located high above the Shotover Gorge. This spectacular country road follows the original gold miners wagon track deep into the canyon, with breathtaking views down to the famous Shotover River far below. Beyond the Shotover Bridge, the countryside is unique -harsh and rugged in the summer and a frozen fairyland in the winter. Visit old Skippers town ship where long ago so many gold miners lived and died. Here, you stop to break for a brew of Billy tea and a chance to try your hand at gold panning - the Shotover River is still one of the world's richest gold-bearing rivers!
 
OVER THE TOP HELICOPTERS
Soar to the top of Queenstown highest mountains. Land and photograph the breathtaking views from a mile high. Absolutely Amazing! Or you may wish to Picnic on a Peak - helicopter to a remote area and enjoy a leisurely champagne lunch and time in the wilderness alone before calling on the helicopter to return you to civilization.
 
Dinner is served at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 13: Wednesday - Depart

En Route

After breakfast, transfer to Queenstown Airport for your departure flight home. Arrive Christchurch and walk (2 minutes) from the domestic terminal to the International terminal for your departure flight home. (B)
 
Please note: An airport tax of NZ$ 25.00 per person is payable prior to departure from Christchurch. This may be purchased from any office of the Bank of New Zealand at the airport. It may be paid for in any major currency or with any major credit card.
 
Arrive back in Los Angeles early this morning having gained the day you lost in the beginning crossing the International Dateline. (B)

INCLUDED IN YOUR PROGRAM

• 2 nights in Auckland at the Sebel Hotel harbor view room including breakfast daily.
• 2 nights in Rotorua at the Kawaha Point Lodge including breakfast daily and one dinner.
• 2 nights in Christchurch at the Heritage Hotel including breakfast daily.
• 4 nights in Queenstown at the Matakauri Lodge on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.
• Sightseeing as detailed in itinerary with services of experience driver/guide including all entrance fees.
• Internal flights in New Zealand as required by itinerary.
• Private car and driver one-way to Milford Sound and return by flight to Queenstown.
• Meals as indicated by (B), (B,L), (B,L,D).
• All required transfers and sightseeing by air-conditioned vehicles.
• Meet & Greet services at all airports.

SORRY, NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR PROGRAM

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, drinks, incidental expenses at hotel, etc.
• Travel insurance
• International and internal domestic flights
• Gratuities for accompanying guides