Naturally New Zealand

Day 1 : ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEA...

ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND. Welcome to New Zealand! The rest of the day is at your leisure.

Day 2 : AUCKLAND.

AUCKLAND. Enjoy a morning guided sightseeing tour of the city, followed by a CRUISE on Waitemata Harbour for spectacular views of Auckland and its surroundings. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 3 : AUCKLAND–WAITOMO–HOBBITON–R...

AUCKLAND–WAITOMO–HOBBITON–ROTORUA. Today, travel via motorcoach south to Waitomo, where you will take a boat trip through the WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Afterward, visit the HOBBITON MOVIE SET from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Continue on to Rotorua. (B,L)

Day 4 : ROTORUA.

ROTORUA. This morning, enjoy guided sightseeing with visits to TE PUIA, RAINBOW SPRINGS, and the AGRODOME. This afternoon, explore this geothermal wonderland on your own. This evening, you may choose to join our optional Maori cultural performance and Hangi dinner. (B)

Day 5 : ROTORUA–WELLINGTON.

ROTORUA–WELLINGTON. Fly to Wellington, capital of New Zealand. (B)

Day 6 : WELLINGTON.

WELLINGTON. Your guided morning sightseeing tour takes you to see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings as well as scenic views from the top of Mount Victoria. Take in the beauty of the Wellington Botanical Gardens, then drive around the rugged Wellington coastline, discovering hidden bays and some of Wellington’s most popular beaches. During your free time today, you may want to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, where interactive displays tell the story of the country’s great heritage and natural wonders. (B)

Day 7 : WELLINGTON–CHRISTCHURCH.

WELLINGTON–CHRISTCHURCH. Today, fly to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. (B)

Day 8 : CHRISTCHURCH. EXCURSION TO ...

CHRISTCHURCH. EXCURSION TO AKAROA. Today, travel to Akaroa, a former French and British settlement where you will have some time to explore the charming village with its colonial architecture, galleries, and cafés. Afterward, take a NATURE CRUISE on Akaroa Harbour for a chance to see some of the native wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, the white-flippered blue penguin, and the Hector’s dolphin, one of the smallest and rarest in the world. Return to Christchurch in the late afternoon. (B)

Day 9 : CHRISTCHURCH–MOUNT COOK NAT...

CHRISTCHURCH–MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK. Travel south by motorcoach via the Canterbury Plains to the shores of turquoise-blue Lake Tekapo, where the Southern Alps provide the backdrop for a stunning photo. Continue on to Mount Cook National Park. After lunch at your hotel, you will have time to explore this alpine wonderland. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK–QU...

MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK–QUEENSTOWN. Enjoy the morning at leisure to further explore the area. In the afternoon, travel via motorcoach past Lake Pukaki and rugged Mackenzie Basin to Omarama, where you will make a comfort stop. Continue on to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” (B,L)

Day 11 : QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MI...

QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND. Enjoy a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. First, travel by motorcoach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK. Marvel at the Mirror Lakes as you pass through Eglinton Valley. From the Homer Tunnel, emerge into Cleddau Valley and join your Milford Sound CRUISE for an unforgettable experience. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as dolphins and penguins, and enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls and scenery. Return to Queenstown late this evening. (B)

Day 12 : QUEENSTOWN.

QUEENSTOWN. Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. Perhaps choose an optional jet boat ride, visit a local winery, or tour some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy. (B)

Day 13 : QUEENSTOWN.

QUEENSTOWN. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)