From: $3950* p/p

Experience the highlights of New Zealand’s North and South Islands, covering Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Christchurch.

Inclusions:

• Round trip economy class air on Air New Zealand from Los Angeles to Auckland
• Coach transfers on arrival
• Copthorne Anzac Ave - Auckland, 2 nights
• Pride of Auckland Dinner Cruise
• Half day Auckland Discovery Tour
• Full day Auckland to Ruakuri Caves to Rotorua tour
• Royal Lakeside Novotel – Rotorua, 2 nights
• Half day Discover Rotorua Tour
• Evening Tamaki | Realm/Tamaki Village Combo
• Coach transfer Rotorua to Airport
• Domestic flights Rotorua to Queenstown
• Coach transfers on arrival in Queenstown
• Heritage Queenstown, 3 nights
• Full Day Milford Sound Day Tour with Lunch
• Full Day Gourmet Wine Tour – Queenstown
• Full Day Queenstown Via Mt Cook to Christchurch with Lunch
• Heritage Christchurch, 2 nights
• Full Day Arthur's Pass Day Tour
• Coach transfer Christchurch to Airport
• Domestic flight Christchurch to Auckland

Itinerary:

Day 1:
Depart Los Angeles, economy class on Air New Zealand

Day 2:
Cross the International Date Line

Day 3:
Arrive Auckland

Auckland is situated on a narrow isthmus, bounded by two harbours – the Waitemata and the Manukau – at the southern end of the Auckland Peninsula.  Auckland, know as the City of Sails, is the main gateway to New Zealand and the centre of commerce and industry.  With a population of about one million, it is New Zealand’s largest urban area.

Auckland offers something for everyone – great beaches, a beautiful harbour, fantastic shopping, and the nightlife and culture of a metropolitan city.  Right on Auckland’s doorstep is the magnificent Hauraki Gulf stretching in a great 250km seep of coastline north and south of the city.
Coach transfer to your city accommodation, Copthorne Anzac Ave - Auckland, 2 nights

Evening Pride of Auckland Dinner cruise on Auckland Harbor

Cruise departs at 7pm and returns at approx. 9.30pm. Watch the fairytale lights of Auckland city pass by. A truly unique combination of sailing and dining, with a set fresh seafood menu. Enjoy the finest fresh produce in a calm and magnificent harbour setting. Your crew of two will be your hosts, cook and serve your meal and ensure your comfort. Then we weigh anchor and the sails go up for an exhilarating after dinner sailing experience. We provide windproof and waterproof jackets to keep you warm and dry. There is a cash bar on board. Includes entry to the NZ National Maritime Museum. DINNER MENU: Fresh steamed mussels in the half shell, creamy seafood chowder with warm herb bread, fresh fillets of fish, breaded and pan fried in olive oil. Roast potatoes served in a creamed garlic sauce, crisp vegetables of the season, fresh fruit kebabs, tea and coffee. NOTE: We can cater to special dietary needs upon prior notice (3 days). This menu is served at our sheltered anchorage, after which we go sailing.
Meals: dinner

Day 4
Discover Auckland Tour

8.10am Hotel pick ups commence. 8.30am Check in at Discover New Zealand Travel Centre. 8.45am Depart Discover New Zealand Travel Centre on tour Great Sights offer a comprehensive scenic tour which will introduce you to the sights of Auckland.
See first hand why Auckland is known as the City of Sails as you enjoy a trip over the Harbour Bridge. Visit the famous Auckland landmark of Mount Eden, a dormant volcano whose summit offers excellent panoramic views of the city and harbours. From this fantastic vantage point you will see evidence of Auckland's volcanic history, the most significant being the youngest volcano of Rangitoto Island at the entrance to the Waitemata harbour.The sightseeing tour also takes in the Auckland Domain,the city's oldest park which is situated on a 62,000 year old volcano.In addition to these natural features the city sights tour also takes in the trendy shopping area of Parnell Village with its historical buildings that have been transformed into boutiques, antique, craft and specialty shops.Your tour will then take you along the scenic waterfront route of Tamaki Drive before returning to Downtown. 11.45am Arrive Discover New Zealand Travel Centre.

Day 5:
Auckland/Ruakuri Caves/Rotorua

8.00am Depart Auckland, morning tea stop at Rangiriri for 20 minutes. 11.45am Arrive Waitomo. During this time you will have time to enjoy lunch and visit Ruakuri Cave. 1.30pm  Depart Waitomo, afternoon tea stop at Lake Karapiro for 20 minutes.
4.30-5.00pm Arrive Rotorua.
Meals: lunch

Accommodation: Royal Lakeside – Rotorua, 2 nights

Rotorua, nicknamed ‘Sulphur City’, has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with bubbling mud pools, gurgling hot springs, gushing geysers and steaming, sulphurous lakes giving evidence of nature's frightening yet fascinating power.  Rotorua and the surrounding lakes provide some of the world's best trout fishing.  Enjoy magnificent walks, lakes, forests and waterfalls, or just spend time strolling along the waterfront, or visit some of Rotorua’s splendid gardens.  The Maori culture contributes greatly to the attractions of this city.  Here you can enjoy the culture and entertainment of the native Maori people.

Day 6:
Discover Rotorua Morning Sights

Great Sights operates both a morning and afternoon sightseeing tour of Rotorua's leading attractions. Included in your half-day tour is a visit to Te Puia and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where you can view mighty geysers, boiling mud pools, and the traditional arts and culture of the Maori People; Rainbow Springs-a unique showcase of New Zealand's flora and fauna including New Zealand's national icon, a kiwi bird; and a Farm Show-a hands-on experience giving you an animated insight into New Zealand's farming history.

Evening: Realm of Tane and Tamaki Maori Village Combo 11.30am-12.30pm A dramatic blend of guided tour, character theatre and story telling, told within a series of magical indoor sets, including a meeting house entrance, and beautiful native garden and a themed indoor theatre in the heart of Rotorua city.  This one hour, highly personalized experience invites you to join a young Maori woman's journey as her grandmother and uncle bring understanding about their ancestors and ancient culture, including their values, dramatic stories and struggle in a modern world. Trace the migration star path, taste the plants and learn about the dramatic impact the arrival of European had upon Maori. Tamaki Maori Village is a journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions.Enjoy the night's festivities as you a treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Maori way.  Rediscover the Maori village as it comes alive to the sound and activities of tribal songs, dances, myths and legends. Tamaki Hangi Concert at 5.30pm,6.30pm or 7.30pm-times confirmed on confirmation of booking), passengers will be collected from accommodation and taken to Realm of Tane for a 1 hour experience.  Later in the evening they will be collected from accommodation to join the evening Tamaki Maori Village experience (4.5 hours)and transported back to your accommodation at the end of the evening.
Meals: dinner

Day 7:
Coach transfer Rotorua to airport

Fly Rotorua to Queenstown, economy class on Air New Zealand

Coach transfer on arrival in Queenstown to accommodation: Heritage Queenstown, 3 nights

Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere's premiere four season alpine and lake resort.  Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the majestic Remarkables Range, Queenstown is the perfect destination all year round.

Summer burns hot under blue skies before cool autumn morning's change the leaves to vivid reds and gentle golds.  With crisp, clear days and acres of snow covered mountains, winter is a time for snow enthusiasts, before nature bursts into colourful life during spring.

The town follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu - a deep blue pool of pure mountain water.  Framing the picture is The Remarkables range with its purple-brown peaks topped with snow.  Swathes of green decorate the area between town and mountain top.

Queenstown was named because ‘...it was fit for Queen Victoria.’ Certainly it’s lived up to that expectation.  Today it’s an exhilarating alpine resort, perfect for both adventurers and leisure seekers.

Day 8:
Milford Sound Day Tour w/lunch

7.00am Hotel pick ups commence. 7.20am Depart The Station, Queenstown. Travel by luxury coach on an unforgettable journey from Queenstown into Milford Sound. Located within the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, this region is rich with dense rainforest, lakes and waterfalls cascading from rugged mountain peaks. Travel through the Southern Alps via the Homer Tunnel, a 1.2km tunnel drilled through a solid mountain of rock.  Upon arrival at Milford Sound, board your Red Boat vessel for a spectacular cruise in New Zealand's most famous waterway. Return by coach to Queenstown. 7.45pm Arrive The Station, Queenstown.
Meals: lunch

Day 9:
Gourmet Wine Tour

Venturing into the heart of Central Otago this Gourment Wine Tour offers a true wine and food experience. Highlights include tasting wines at four to five of the regions premium vineyards, a guided tour of New Zealand's largest underground wine cave, and a virtual wine flight at The Big Picture. A gourmet platter lunch is included as well as a mid-morning cheese tasting in the garden at Olssens vineyard. There is ample time and opportunity to enjoy the spectacular scenery, the history, the culture and the quiet ambience of this unique region. The Big Picture is the world's first wine adventure combining a restaurant, aroma room and a purpose built wine tasting auditorium. In the auditorium we take you on a virtual 26 minute flight across the spectacular Central Otago landscape combined with an interactive wine tasting.
Meals: lunch

Day 10:
Queenstown via Mt Cook to Christchurch

7.30am Commence hotel pick ups. 8.00am Depart Queenstown and travel through the rugged and beautiful landscape of Otago. 9.30am Arrive Tarras and connect with Wanaka transfer shuttle bus. 10.45am Morning tea stop at Omarama for 20 minutes. Cross the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie Country to visit Mount Cook Village at the base of New Zealand's highest mountain Aoraki Mount Cook. Here there is time to experience an optional scenic helicopter or skiplane flight with a snow landing (weather permitting).  Continue your journey with a stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo, before continuing to your destination of Christchurch. 5.30pm Arrive Ashburton. 7.15pm Arrive Christchurch Airport. 7.30pm Commence hotel drop-offs inner city.
Meals: lunch

Accommodation: Heritage Christchurch, 2 nights

Christchurch, centred around a cathedral and hemmed by a square of avenues, still displays its delightfully English character. There's a special enthusiasm on the streets, a love of fine architecture and a passion for scented blooms, towering trees and parklands.  The city’s largest park is Hagley Park, which also features the Botanic Gardens.  Nearby attractions include the Arts Centre, a local focal point of artists, crafts people and musicians and Canterbury Museum, housing the award winning Maori Moa Gallery. There's also a fondness for the ornate trams, which have made a welcome return after 40 years.  The Christchurch Tramway is the city's most innovative attraction and a great way to see the central city sights.  Cafés and restaurants are many and varied. Other must see attractions include the International Antarctic Centre, Wigram Air Force World and the Christchurch Gondola.

Day 11:
Arthur's Pass Day Tour

Depart Christchurch and travel by road through the rural pastoral scenes of the Canterbury Plains. At Springfield board the train and travel through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass viewing magnificent alpine scenery from large panoramic windows, said to be one of the great train journeys in the world. Depart the train at Arthurs Pass and continue by road into the snow-capped Southern Alps. Beyond Arthurs Pass is the breathtaking beauty of the Otira Gorge and magnificent photo opportunities at the Viaduct Lookout. Lunch at the Chalet Restaurant, Arthurs Pass. Following lunch there will be time to explore the picturesque mountain village of Arthurs Pass and one of the many bush walks before departing Arthurs pass and returning to Christchurch by road. Enjoy an exhilarating and scenically spectacular jet boat ride through the impressive gorges of the Waimakariri River. Complete your return journey from Springfield to Christchurch by road stopping en route at a sheep farm for a late afternoon tea, followed by a sheep shearing and sheep mustering demonstration.
Meals: lunch

Day 12:
Coach transfer Christchurch to airport

Fly economy class Christchurch Via Auckland to Los Angeles on Air New Zealand.

Prices:

12 Oct 07 – 09 Dec 07	from $3950 per person*
10 Dec 07 - 31 Mar 08	from $4880 per person*

Terms and Conditions:
Prices per person based on double occupancy for roundtrip travel from Los Angeles or San Francisco on Air New Zealand, valid through to 31 March 2008.  Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Add-on fares available from other cities. Prices are based on midweek travel. Additional charge for travel on Thurs – Sun. Additional restrictions may also apply. US/foreign taxes/fees of approximately $85, including September 11th Security Fee, not included. Please call for prices for upgrades, additional nights and travel outside these periods. Subject to availability and reconfirmation at time of booking. Changes and cancellation penalties apply. All prices are ‘from’ and subject to seasonal and currency fluctuations. CST 2001136-50.