7D6N NORTH SOUTH DISCOVERY - WINTER

On arrival you will meet and privately transferred to your accommodation. 

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with gentle sandy shores on the east and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west. Home to sheltered, sparkling blue waters dotted with beautiful emerald islands, we recommend getting out on the water when you are here. Overnight: Auckland

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

(1) AUCKLAND SKY TOWER

Standing prominently in Auckland City, the iconic Sky Tower provides a great introduction to the city with panoramic 360 degree views up to 80km in every direction. Take an elevator ride 328 metres high above street level and enjoy views over the city and across to ancient volcanoes, sparkling harbours and beyond.

(2)  WETA WORKSHOP UNLEASHED TOUR

Weta Workshop Unleashed is a wildly imaginative and immersive experience that invites guests of all ages into a fantastical film effects facility. Inside Unleashed, extraordinary worlds are brought to life with resident creatures. From the curious to the creative, there’s something for everyone here. Join Unleashed crew on a 90 minute guided journey through three original movie projects. Lose yourself in the worlds of horror, sci-fi and fantasy while navigating enchanting environments, discombobulating displays and surprise encounters. It’s the ultimate celebration of creativity: combining traditional handcraft with modern technologies. See you down the proverbial rabbit hole, where nothing is as it seems.

(3) AUCKLAND HARBOUR DINNER CRUISE

Departing from Auckland downtown’s Viaduct Harbour, immerse yourself in Auckland’s harbour setting with dinner on the water. Enjoy canapes and a welcome drink as you depart dock while your friendly knowledgeable crew talks through Auckland’s unique history as you sail past iconic landmarks. There is plenty of opportunity to participate in sailing or just sit back and enjoy the sights. Dinner is served above deck or in the well-appointed cabin below. Savour dessert as the city lights up during the leisurely sail back to the vibrant Viaduct Basin. Duration: 2.5 hours. Includes a welcome drink and a three course meal.

Today's coach tour takes you through lush farmland, to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, one of New Zealand’s ‘must-see’ destinations.  See where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed as your tour guide shares behind-the-scenes tales. You’ll see sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth.  After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch at The Green Dragon Inn before continuing on to Rotorua.  Overnight:  Rotorua

INCLUDED ACTIVITES

(1) HOBBITON MOVIE SET TOUR

Experience the real Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as seen in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Your guide will take you on fully guided tour around the set pointing out the most famous locations and explaining how the movie magic was made. Venture Beyond the Door and into an authentic Hobbit Hole interior. Visit the Mill and Green Dragon Inn where you will be presented with a complimentary beverage. Located at The Shires Rest, 15 minutes from Matamata township. Duration: 2.5 hours

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OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

(1) POLYNESIAN SPA DELUXE LAKE SPA

Nestled on the shores of Lake Rotorua lies Polynesian Spa, a geothermal bathing and soul searching retreat. Relax and unwind in the natural springs that nourish the skin and relieve tired muscles, aches and pains. Embrace nature's sanctuary and slip into five mineral hot pools overlooking the lake. Lounge on geothermal recliners and enjoy the deluxe changing rooms.

Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends.

This afternoon you will be transport to Te Puia for a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the geothermal valley.  Then enjoy a Hangi Dinner overlooking the valley and geyser, followed by a 40 minute cultural performance. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser terrace.  Overnight: Rotorua

INCLUDED ACTIVITES

(1) TE RA/TE PO COMBO (GUIDED + EVENING EXPERIENCE)

Just seven minutes from central Rotorua lies the geothermal valley of Wakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Pohutu geyser. Take a 90 minute guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the geothermal valley and geyser. Enjoy a mouth-watering buffet designed with local sourced cuisine and an authentic Maori twist overlooking the valley’s geothermal vista with sweeping views of the geyser, followed by a 40 minute cultural performance in the beautifully carved meeting house with traditional welcome (powhiri), song (waiata), poi and haka. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding surrounded by steam and the geyser terrace bathed in coloured light. Complimentary transfers are provided from central Rotorua accommodation. Duration: 4.5 hours.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

(1) ROTORUA CITY & LAKES TOUR

The Duck is a truly magnificent vehicle able to travel on land and water. Come and experience Rotorua and its lakes from a totally unique perspective. This tour is broken into two parts which includes a tour through the city, it’s amazing gardens, iconic buildings, and geothermal areas before heading out for Splashdown into two of Rotorua’s most stunning lakes. Guides will take you on a journey through stunning natural landscapes and historically significant sites. They will show you the sights and tell you all about what you’re seeing but the most amazing thing is that they will do it while everyone has a laugh. You’ll understand when you experience it that it’s the perfect blend of history and humour. The 90 minute tour departs from the Rotorua Duck Store on Fenton Street.

Depart on your domestic flight to Queenstown.  (Airfare is NOT included).

Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the Adventure Capital of the World.  Overnight: Queenstown

Flight Time Rotorua to Queenstown approx. 3 hours

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

(1) GONDOLA RIDE + 3 LUGE

Located within walking distance of the town centre, Skyline Gondola cable cars take you high above Queenstown for the very best views in the region. Take control of a Luge cart winding down the mountain course at your own pace, gentle and leisurely or fast and adventurous. Return to the top by chairlift and do it over and over again, once is never enough. (Pregnant guests are not permitted to Luge).

(2) ORIGINAL ONSEN EXCLUSIVE INDOOR POOL

Onsen Hot Pools is located high on a cliffside overlooking the magnificent Shotover River canyon, providing stunning views over the breathtaking alpine scenery and provides a perfect vantage point to watch the jetboats on the river below. Infused with 100% Earth Minerals, rich in magnesium to naturally detoxify the body and mind, these mineral pools are ideal for up to four people and help to provide natural relief for muscular complaints. The crystal clear water also helps to moisturise and hydrate the skin.
The one hour session includes time to change and shower. Towels are provided and the experience includes a complimentary drink and snack package. Complimentary transport is available from downtown Queenstown if required.
Original Onsen Exclusive Indoor Pool
Indoor cedar lined exclusive use hot tubs are complete with a retractable roof, changing area and shower, overlooking the Shotover Canyon.
EVENING BOOKINGS ONLY From sunset the pool is surrounded with Japanese lanterns for a magical experience! Sunset times vary on the time of year booked, please check sunset times for each individual booking.

Fiordland is one of the world’s last great wildernesses.  Today's stunning tour takes you past mirror lakes and waterfalls into Milford Sound, carved by ice age glaciers and famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea.  Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore.  After a big day out, reflect on memories of a lifetime on your coach return to downtown Queenstown. Lunch is included.   Overnight: Queenstown

INCLUDED ACTIVITES

(1) MILFORD SOUND CRUISE

Milford Sound is an awesome sight with sheer granite cliffs towing into the sky.   Take in the native wildlife and breath-taking scenery from the comfort of a modern vessel fully equipped with spacious decks, relaxing lounges and enjoy lunch onboard.

Today’s tour departs Queenstown through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell.  The journey follows beautiful Lake Dunstan and meanders through the dramatic Lindis Pass.   Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district, alongside magnificent turquoise blue lakes, framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time. Leaving Mt Cook it’s not hard to see why many Lord of the Rings scenes were filmed nearby. Make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd sitting in solitude on the banks of Lake Tekapo before continuing through the amazing countryside to Christchurch.

Overnight: Christchurch

Arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITES

(1) ANTARCTIC CENTRE

Located an 8 minute walk from Christchurch Airport or 20 minute drive from central Christchurch. See, touch, feel and fall in love with Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre where a slice of this astounding continent can be experienced. Brave an Antarctic storm, go off-road in a Hagglund Antarctic vehicle ride, befriend a husky dog, enjoy the 4D theatre experience and mingle with the little blue penguins. Experience Antarctica from all four dimensions and leave with a head full of knowledge and a heart full of love and inspiration. Just like the explorers before you. Allow 2-3 hours.