DAY 1: Depart for New Zealand
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DAY 2: En Route
- Cross the International date line en route to New Zealand and skip a day ahead
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DAY 3: Arrive in Auckland
- Welcome to New Zealand Arrive in Auckland, often called the "City of Sails" because of its lovely harborside location, and transfer to your hotel. This evening, you will have a light dinner.
- Overnight: Auckland
- Meal: Dinner
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DAY 4: Waitomo Caves, Rotorua
- From Auckland, travel south through the fertile Waikato Plains to Waitomo. A unique experience is in store for you at the astonishing Waitomo Caves, home to swirling rivers, glow worms and rocks that flow into delicate shawl-like formations. After lunch, drive to Rotorua and check in to your hotel. Tonight, savor a home-hosted dinner with a local family and experience a unique opportunity to learn about their values and traditions
- Overnight: Rotorua
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 5: Te Puia Thermal Reserve, "Hangi" Feast Dinner, Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
- Morning you will explore Rotorua, countinued with Hobbiton Movie Set Tour, Departing from Rotorua this morning, enjoy a drive through spectacular North Island scenery. Arrive at the Hobbiton movie set, made famous in the &ldquoLord of Rings&rdquo movie trilogy, located in Matamata. Fall in love with the Alexander family sheep farm, just as acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson did, as you journey through the undeniable beauty of the land, with the mighty Kaimai Ranges towering in the distance. Experience Middle-earth with a guided tour around the set. Visit some of the most famous locations the hobbit holes, the mill, the party tree and the pond. Listen to fascinating stories of how Hobbiton came to be. Conclude the tour at the world-famous Green Dragon Inn, where you will be presented with a complimentary, exclusive Hobbit Southfarthing beverage, before your return to Rotorua. Afterward, enjoy an authentically prepared Hangi dinner, cooked in the steaming ground and hot pools, ending with the most delectable steamed dessert. Tonight will indeed be a memorable and authentic Maori experience
- Overnight: Rotorua
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 6: Geothermal Park, Napier, Wine Tasting
- Visit the geothermal wonderland of the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park, New Zealands most colorful geothermal attraction, with its steaming geysers and bubbling hot springs. Then, journey through breathtaking scenery to the coastal city of Napier. Begin the drive heading south through rolling sheep-dotted hills and farmland. Marvel at picture-perfect views of Lake Taupo before continuing southeast along the Thermal Explorer Highway. The road leads into dramatic tree-covered mountains, rugged hills and at times alongside rushing rivers. On the descent through farmland and orchards, get your first glimpse of beautiful Hawkes Bay before arriving at Napier. This lovely city is famous for its wines and Art Deco architecture. The area is known as the fruit bowl of New Zealand with perfect conditions for world-class wine and produce. Tonight, taste some of the finest wines of the area and savor a delectable dinner
- Overnight: Napier
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 7: Dannevirke, Pukaha Mount Bruce National Reserve, Wellington
- After breakfast this morning, depart Napier and drive through Wairarapa district to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, located at the southern end of the North Island. Along the way, stop for tea at Dannevirke, a town well-known for its Scandinavian heritage. Continue to Pukaha Mount Bruce National Reserve, housing rare birds in an area of protected forest. Take a guided walk in the forest and gain knowledge about New Zealands unique flora and fauna. Learn about the reserves work to restore the forest and bring endangered birds back into the countryside. After your visit, drive to Wellington. Arrive and check in to your hotel. Later, share highlights of todays experiences during dinner at a local restaurant
- Overnight: Wellington
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 8: Walking Food Tour, Afternoon at Leisure
- This morning, embark on a walking food tour of Wellington City, known as the "culinary capital.", and sample a range of delicious local food and drinks. During this tour, your local guide will take you on a journey through the heart of the city. Visit some of the best hospitality outlets and gain insight into the citys unique culinary scene. At the conclusion of the tour, return to the hotel. Spend the afternoon at leisure for independent explorations in Wellington, including a ticket to ride on the historic Wellington cable car, providing panoramic views over the city
- Overnight: Wellington
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 9: Flight to Christchurch and Walking Tour
- Transfer to the airport this morning, for your flight to Christchurch, in the South Island. The city, is the second largest in New Zealand. Often referred to as the most English of New Zealands cities, it is also known as the "Garden City", because of its majestic trees and extensive parks and gardens, including expansive Hagley Park in the heart of the city. Arrive in Christchurch and transfer to the hotel. Afterward, take an orientation walking tour of the city. Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations
- Overnight: Christchurch
- Meal: Breakfast
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DAY 10: TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Greymouth, Kiwi Hatchery, Franz Josef
- This morning, board the most scenic train ride in New Zealand, and one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Traveling west crossing the farmland of the Canterbury Plains, ascend through spectacular gorges and river valleys towards the Southern Alps. Arrive at the village of Arthurs Pass for a short break before descending through the Otira Tunnel and lush beech rainforests to Greymouth in the West Coast of New Zealands South Island. Drive to Franz Josef and visit a kiwi hatching facility, home to a hatching program of the worlds rarest kiwi, the rowi. Learn more about this rare flightless bird from an expert ranger. Then, check in to your hotel overlooking some of New Zealands tallest peaks. Dinner is at the hotel tonight
- Overnight: Franz Josef
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 11: Franz Josef Glacier Walk, Queenstown
- Embark on a thrilling adventure. Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will lead you on an adventurous walk in the famous Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere/Franz Josef Glacier. Learn more about glaciology, mountaineering, local history, Maori legends, conservation, and biodiversity of the area, as you continue through the lush temperate rainforest to the lookout of the glacier. Later, drive to Queenstown, named for Queen Victoria, surrounded by majestic mountains and nestled on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu. Queenstowns stunning scenery is inspiring and revitalizing. The city is acclaimed by international travelers and "kiwis" alike as New Zealands adventure capital. Check in to your hotel before dinner tonight
- Overnight: Queenstown
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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DAY 12: Walter Peak Farm Tour
- Embark on a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard a vintage steamship the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Admire the beautiful scenery and views of the Remarkables mountain range. Upon arrival, take a walking tour of the farm and lean about New Zealands farming lifestyle. Watch sheepdogs in action and observe a sheep shearing demonstration. Later, visit the holding pens, where you can feed the sheep and even get up-close to the Scottish Highland Cattle. Afterward, head to the old woolshed for afternoon tea. Stroll through the lakeside gardens before cruising back to Queenstown. The balance of the day is at leisure to discover picturesque Queenstown on your own
- Overnight: Queenstown
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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DAY 13: Milford Sound, Te Anau
- Depart Queenstown for picturesque Te Anau, gateway to Milford Sound. Nestled on the lakes edge, its the perfect base from which to discover the spectacular glacier-carved wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Follow the glacier-hewn Eglinton River Valley into a magnificent beech forest before descending into the precipitous Hollyford Valley. Tussock and scrub replace the bush as the road climbs steadily up the Hollyford to the gigantic cirque where sheer rock faces dwarf the Homer Tunnel portal beneath. Beyond the tunnel, you descend into the Cleddau Canyon, between towering, rugged mountains and forests, until the road comes out into the open at spectacular Milford Sound. After lunch, board your cruise on Milford Sound and be surrounded by astonishing scenery from atop the viewing decks. An informative commentary on the natural history and wildlife follows you as you stop at waterfalls and points of interest along the way. Afterward, check in to your hotel in Te Anau. Tonight, share wonderful memories together on your last night in New Zealand. Bid goodbye to your Tour Manager at dinner in the hotel
- Overnight: Te Anau
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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DAY 14: Depart New Zealand
- After breakfast, drive to the airport in Queenstown for your departure flight.
- Meal: Breakfast
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