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Ultimate New Zealand

Resort:Ultimate New Zealand
Operator: Scenic
Destination: Australia & The Pacific, New Zealand
Price From: £7545.00

2020/2021 Auckland > Christchurch

A place of wild beauty and extraordinary friendliness, youll love getting to know New Zealand over 26 days of wonder.
After falling in love with the City of Sails, Auckland, youll discover ancient kauri forests and the spectacular beauty and historical significance of the Bay of Islands. Explore Middle Earth before taking in the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Continue with a visit to Wellington before hopping on a ferry to the South Island. Sample crisp Sauvignon Blanc in its place of origin, marvel at the diverse marine life along the East Coast before arriving in Christchurch. This city will delight with its resilience and positive outlook before crossing the Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine. The Franz Josef Glacier is a highlight, as is the energy and passion of Queenstown. While waking up to the views of Milford Sound and Mount Cook will be a treasured memory for years to come.
Tour Map

Full Itinerary:

  1. Day 1 – UK > Auckland

    Fly with a world-renowned airline from a choice of UK airports.

    Meals: on board meal service and complimentary bar service.

  2. Day 2 – In Flight

    Relax as you fly towards your destination.

    Meals: on board meal service and complimentary bar service.

  3. Day 3 – Arrive Auckland

    Kia Ora and welcome to Auckland for a two-night stay at the Grand Millennium Hotel. Celebrate the wonder of New Zealand at a welcome dinner.

    Meals: on board meal service and complimentary bar service.

    Meals Included:Dinner

  4. Day 4 – Auckland

    Freechoice

    Sail on an authentic Americas Cup yacht or explore the wine and cuisine of Waiheke Island. Alternatively take a leisurely morning harbour cruise or Waitakere Wilderness Experience and discover the black sand beaches of the West Coast, or join a small group sightseeing tour of Auckland.

    Freechoice Dining

    Choose between a sunset dinner yacht cruise, Degree Gastro Bar, Orbit 360 at Sky City or dinner at Grand Millennium Brasserie.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5 – Auckland >Omapere

    Travel north towards the Bay of Islands and visit the Kauri Museum to learn about the history of the local pioneers.

    Enrich

    The sense of awe you feel as you see the mighty Tane Mahuta kauri tree for the first time is unforgettable. Listen to stories from your local Mori guide about the Lord of the Forest.

    Sundowners

    Watch the sunset on Hokianga Bay with a drink on the terrace of your hotel.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6 – Omapere > Paihia

    Freechoice

    Take a lunch cruise or enjoy a ferry ride to Russell, the birthplace of European settlement in New Zealand. Alternatively, cruise to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the Hole in the Rock (weather permitting), or join a Taste of the Bay tour.

    Your base for the next two nights is Paihia.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7 – Paihia

    Enrich

    Travel to the top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga, and enjoy the thrill of travelling along Ninety Mile Beach. See two oceans collide and discover the place of leaping, where Mori spirits begin their final journey.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch

  8. Day 8 – Paihia > Auckland

    This morning discover Waitangi Treaty Grounds with a Mori guide.

    Enrich

    Be entertained by an authentic Mori cultural performance inside the beautifully carved meeting house.

    Return toyour hotel inAuckland for a one-night stay.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  9. Day 9 – Auckland > Rotorua

    Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set in the heart of New Zealand, where you can step into the lush pastures of the Shire, as featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies. Next arrive in Rotorua, home of Mori culture and bubbling mud pools, for a two-night stay.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Lunch

  10. Day 10 – Rotorua

    Be amazed by Rotoruas geothermal activity during a visit to Te Puia.

    Freechoice

    Witness a sheep show, take an amphibious duck tour or relax in the geothermal pools. Alternatively, enjoy wine-tasting and the skyline gondola. Later on, immerse yourself in Mori traditions at an authentic hangi dinner.

    Optional flight – Take a flight to Mt Tarawera, including a volcanic landing. (Additional expense). Please call for details.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  11. Day 11 – Rotorua > Napier

    Witness the force of nature at Huka Falls before visiting magnificent Lake Taupo. Enjoy an overnight stay in the home of Art Deco, Napier.

    Enrich

    Meet the makers at a special wine-tasting and dinner at the award-winning Mission Estate Winery.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  12. Day 12 – Napier > Wellington

    Freechoice

    Take a walking tour of Napiers Art Deco buildings, or enjoy a Vintage Car Highlights Tour. Alternatively, take a guided tour of the Aquarium and experience a behind the scenes tour of the little penguins. Continue to Wellington for a two-night stay.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  13. Day 13 – Wellington

    Explore Wellingtons sights on your city tour before visiting the National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa.

    Enrich

    Take an in-depth journey of Te Papa to discover the treasures and stories of New Zealands land and people. Concludes with kapu ti a hot drink and traditionally inspired food.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  14. Day 14 – Wellington > Blenheim

    Travel in the premium lounge on the ferry across the Marlborough Sounds to start your discovery of the South Island.

    Freechoice

    Choose between wine-tasting at the home of Sauvignon Blanc, a visit to Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre or an afternoon cruise on the Marlborough Sounds.

    Enjoy an overnight stay at Blenheim.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  15. Day 15 – Blenheim > Christchurch

    Drive along the spectacular east coast where rugged mountains meet the ocean. At Kaikoura discover the diverse marine life. Experience how Christchurch is recovering during your two-night stay.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  16. Day 16 – Christchurch

    Freechoice

    Go punting on the River Avon, take the Botanic Gardens Tour or enjoy an open-top bus ride around Christchurch. Alternatively visit the seaside town of Akaroa or the International Antarctic Centre the choice is entirely yours.

    Freechoice Dining

    Choose between dinner at the hotel, or experience a home-hosted three course dinner with a local family.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  17. Day 17 – Christchurch > Franz Josef

    Join the TranzAlpine this morning for your rail journey across the Southern Alps. Stand in wonder at Franz Josef Glacier with its ever-changing face before your overnight Special Stay.

    Optional flight – Take a helicopter flight over the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience the wonder of landing on this natural alpine landscape. (Additional expense).

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  18. Day 18 – Franz Josef > Queenstown

    Enjoy a ride on the Haast River Jet boat before you arrive in Queenstown for your three night stay.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  19. Day 19 – Queenstown

    Freechoice

    Take the Dart River Wilderness Jet or tour local wineries. Alternatively, feel exhilarated on the Shotover jet, take a 4WD Skippers Canyon tour or Safari of the Scenes tour exploring The Lord of The Rings filming locations.

    Freechoice Dining

    Take a steamship cruise on TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak, ride the Skyline Gondola and dine overlooking Queenstown or simply relax at the hotels restaurant.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  20. Day 20 – Queenstown

    Enjoy a free day to discover Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  21. Day 21 – Queenstown > Milford Sound

    In the darkness of Te Anau caves, see the shimmer of thousands of glowworms. Overnight, stay on board the Milford Mariner amidst the majesty of Milford Sound.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  22. Day 22 – Milford Sound > Dunedin

    Awake to breathtaking beauty in Milford Sound. The cruise style is relaxed, allowing plenty of time to view the fiords spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Then immerse yourself in New Zealands oldest University City, Dunedin, with a two-night stay at Scenic Hotel Southern Cross.

    Freechoice Dining

    Choose between Speights Brewery, the oldest operational Brewery in New Zealand, and the hotels restaurant.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  23. Day 23 – Dunedin

    Freechoice

    Tour Larnach Castle or visit the breeding colony of Royal Albatross. Alternatively, take a heritage walking tour, or the scenic Taieri Gorge Railway or enjoy Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  24. Day 24 – Dunedin > Mount Cook

    Visit the Moeraki Boulders, a unique sight featuring huge spherical boulders scattered across a sandy beach. Enjoy a Special Stay at Mount Cook.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  25. Day 25 – Mount Cook > Christchurch

    Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before arriving back in Christchurch for your overnight stay. Celebrate your adventures during an iconic tram ride and farewell dinner.

    Meals Included:Breakfast, Dinner

  26. Day 26 – Christchurch > UK

    Its time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand. After breakfast youll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

    Meals: on board full meal service and complimentary bar service.

    Meals Included:Breakfast

  27. Day 27 – Arrive UK

    Welcome home.