New Zealand Fly & Drive [NZ8]

14 Days / 12 Nights

Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Te Anau, Dunedin & Christchurch

Start your vacation in Auckland, New Zealand. In the afternoon take a cruise on the beautiful Waitemata Harbour. Next on to Rotorua, where you will experience Maori culture and geothermal geysers, hot springs and mud pools.

Fly to the South Island and the city of Queenstown. This city is surrounded by mountains and is truly a picture postcard. Ride the gondola for breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkable mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It's truly magnificent and awe-inspiring!

Pick up your rental car and drive 2.5 hours south to Te Anau, the drive is easy, roads are good and the views are spectacular. This pretty lake side town hides a great glow worm cave and the Doubtful Sound Cruise will be a highlight in your trip.

Drive on to Dunedin on the coast and visit Larnach Castle or tour the city on a double decker bus. The train journey across Taire Gorge is quite unique. You will continue your self drive to Christchurch. Visit Cathedral Square where you will find, Chalice, artwork by internationally renowned sculptor Neil Dawson. Appreciate Christchurch's cultural heritage; take a walk from the Square down Worcester Boulevard where you will find many attractions that make up the Cultural Precinct.

Fly back to Auckland for one night before going home. Be on the lookout for the White Lady traveling restaurant on your last night in Auckland for a wonderful hamburger!

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Auckland (2 Nights), Rotorua (2 Nights), Queenstown (2 Nights), Te Anau (2 Nights), Dunedin (2 Nights), Christchurch (2 Nights)
• US Domestic Flights - Own Arrangements
• International Flights - Own Arrangements (Itinerary can be priced to include International Flights)
• New Zealand Domestic Flights - Auckland to Rotorua, Rotorua to Queenstown
• Shuttle Transfers - Airport to Auckland Accommodation (return), Rotorua Accommodation to Airport (return), Queenstown Airport to Accommodation, Christchurch Accommodation to Airport
• Day Tours - Auckland: Harbour Discover Cruise; Rotorua: Te Puia Geothermal Park & Maori Cultural Center, Hangi Feast & Concert, Queenstown: Skyline Gondola, Te Anau: Glow Worm Cave, Doubtful Sound, Christchurch: Alpine Safari
• Rental Car - Self Drive: Queenstown - Te Anau - Dunedin - Christchurch
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and Not Included
• F.I.T (Free and Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an organized group tour)
• Rental Car hires are base rate only and do not included taxes, insurance, fuel levies, drop off fees, or environmental fees

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Domestic Flight USA Home City to Los Angeles (own arrangements)

Your Home City flight to Los Angeles will be selected to suit the International Departure Flight to Australia

Please allow 3 hours between arrival of your US domestic flight and departure of your International flight.

Day 1 - International Flight - Los Angeles to Auckland (own arrangements)

Travel to New Zealand on your Vacation. After departing from Los Angeles you will be provided with an evening meal. You can relax, have a drink, watch a movie, review your itinerary or just rest. You will be given breakfast before landing in Auckland, New Zealand (you lose one day crossing the International Date Line but don't worry you'll catch it up again on your return flight to the USA)

The Qantas Boeing 747-400 is equipped with the latest entertainment features of any Airline. The overnight flight to New Zealand can be a good opportunity for sleeping or to watch the latest movies after your evening meal.

Please confirm with the airlines at Check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record.

Day 2 - Shuttle Transfer Airport to Auckland Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Days 2 to 3 - 1 Night Accommodation in Auckland

Travel to your accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, is located on the city's spectacular Waitemata Harbour and features stunning water views, conference facilities, and a rooftop restaurant. Auckland's centre of entertainment, dining, and nightlife, the Viaduct Harbour precinct, is just a short walk away. Experience the rich New Zealand culture as you travel to Rotorua and its geothermal springs. Or maybe travel to New Zealand's Waitakere and Hunua Ranges, to the west and south of the city centre respectively, to take you deep into cool, peaceful rainforests.

Day 2 - Day Tour - Harbour Discovery Cruise (1/5 hr)

Visit a true thing of beauty and cruise the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbour!

Head out to see the Devonport Naval Base, travel past the township and North Head, then cruise towards the iconic Rangitoto Island as you pass the historic Bean Rock lighthouse. You'll pass under the Harbour Bridge twice and then off to Westhaven Marina to catch a glance at the viaduct harbour bustling with super yachts! This cruise also gives you a chance to "hop-on, hop-off" and discover nearby islands at your leisure.

Runs 364 days a year, morning, lunch and afternoon.

Insider's Tip - Auckland Explorer Bus

The Auckland Explorer Bus is a hop on, hop off sightseeing tour visiting Auckland's big attractions, with full commentary.

This unique city tour through Auckland departs from the Ferry Building (End of Queen St) every 30 minutes starting at 9:00am, with the last round-trip service departing at 4:00pm (Winter Times on the hour only). You can get on or off at any of the stops on the route. Your ride on the Explorer Bus will take you to some of Auckland's major attractions, including Holy Trinity Cathedral, Mt. Eden, and the Sky Tower. You determine the length of your tour. With no stops, your ride will take approximately one hour. We encourage you to get off the bus and visit the attractions that interest you. The Auckland Explorer operates 365 days of the year, but attractions may not be opened on main public holidays. Tickets can be purchased the day of for $35 NZD for adults and $15 NZD for children (4-16 years of age).

For additional information, please visit: http://www.explorerbus.co.nz

Insider's Tip - Victoria Park Market

Make your way to Auckland's shopping destination...Victoria Park Market.

Overlooking Victoria Park, the Market is Auckland's shopping destination for arts & crafts, fashion & accessories, novelties, New Zealand souvenirs and international food (cafes, a food court & 3 restaurants are all on the site). You can wander the stalls while learning the history of the shopping site and about the people of New Zealand. Live entertainment is often provided and you can visit the Celebrity Walk of Fame.

Victoria Park Market is within walking distance from the central city, the Sky Tower and the America's Cup Village. If you are seeing Auckland via the Explorer or Link Bus, just exit at Victoria Park. Victoria Park Market is open 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm.

Day 3 - Shuttle Transfer Auckland Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Day 3 - New Zealand Domestic Flight - Auckland to Rotorua

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Auckland to Rotorua (North Island).

Day 3 - Shuttle Transfer Airport to Rotorua Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Days 3 to 5 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Rotorua

Located on the shores of picturesque Lake Rotorua with commanding views over the lake and surrounding hinterland, your 2 night accommodation is just a few minutes stroll to the city centre.

Your 4 star accommodation features the best of everything in Rotorua! The spa and fitness club have combined the benefits of the areas geothermal waters, culture and relaxation to enhance a holistic sense of wellbeing. Take some time to experience the Matariki Cultural Centre and encounter the warmth and spirit of the Maori people.

Upgrade Available (extra cost):
Lake View Room

Day 3 - Day Tour - Hangi Feast and Concert

Be entertained by the award-winning Matariki Concert group, view the raising of the Hangi and feast on traditional New Zealand food!

Experience the warmth and spirit of the natives of New Zealand through their food and culture! View the place where it all starts, the Hangi. A Hangi is the Maori method of cooking in an outdoor pit which produces rich, succulent food with a flavour quite unlike anything else. With this feast you will get to taste traditional hangi foods including breads, soups, salads, meats, vegetables, deserts and drinks. After your meal relax in the cultural centre and prepare to indulge your mind. You will be entertained and enchanted by the poi dance, the haka (war dance), and traditional songs and stick games. By the night's end you will know you have truly experienced a one in a lifetime native tradition!

Day 4 - Day Tour - Te Puia Maori Cultural Centre and Geothermal Park

At this maori tourist attraction step into an ancient valley where geysers, mud pools and boiling waters still play after 40,000 years.

As direct descendents, your Maori guides will offer insight into their heritage, pride and values, that no other tour in New Zealand can match. Your guide will re-tell stories that have been handed down for generations while you experience a visual gallery of the myths and legends of the region. Make your way to the carving school where you are able to see and speak with the Maori students at work. As the Kiwi bird has been at home in New Zealand for over 70 million years it is a fortunate experience to visit the specially designed Kiwi House, which takes part in the successful national breeding programme whilst listening to other song birds of the valley. Next you will be transported back to pre-European times as you walk through the recreation of a typical Maori village amoung a forest setting including the weaving house, sleeping and food storage houses, weapons and implements necessary to pre-European life. Lastly, enjoy a raw and powerful journey into a thermal wonderland some 40,000 years old as mud pools, hissing steam and geysers pay tribute to Mother Nature.

Day 5 - Shuttle Transfer Rotorua Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Day 5 - New Zealand Domestic Flight - Rotorua to Queenstown

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Rotorua to Queenstown (South Island).

Day 5 - Shuttle Transfer Airport to Queenstown Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Days 5 to 7 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Queenstown

Spend 2 nights in beautiful Queenstown surrounded by rugged mountains, majestic lakes, crystal clear air, and just so much to do.

From the sweeping entrance with its enormous stone fireplace, to the contemporary artworks on every floor, Your accommodation epitomises style and glamour in a wonderfully understated way. Nestled on a hillside overlooking Lake and Mountains, the alpine lodge-style design truly embraces its alpine setting and is superbly located in central Queenstown only minute’s walk from the resort’s renowned dining and shopping precinct.

Upgrade Available (extra cost):
Lake View Room

Day 5 - Day Tour - Gondola Ride over Scenic Queenstown

One of the first sights to captivate visitors to Queenstown is the distinctive outline of the Skyline complex high above town.

Located an easy 5 minute walk from central Queenstown and exclusively accessed by scenic gondola, Skyline Gondola, Restaurant & Luge is a must-see attraction during your visit to Queenstown, New Zealand. The best views in the region are found here spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkable mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It's truly magnificent and awe-inspiring!

Of course there's more to do than just admire the view! Enjoy a dinner or relax in the bar in the Skyline Restaurant. Casual dining is also available during the day in the Cafe. Thrillseekers can hurtle down the winding downhill Skyline Luge - it`s the fastest fun on wheels! or maybe take in the challenge of AJ Hackett`s Ledge Bungy or Swing, or take off on a tandem parapente flight. Various walking tracks can also be accessed from Skyline, from an easy 30 minute walk to a full day hike.

Skyline was also a finalist in the `Best Visitor Attraction` in the New Zealand Tourism Awards in 1999 and 2001.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

Relive the elegance of bygone days with a 1.5 hour cruise aboard a vintage steamship.

What better way to view the magnificent scenery around Lake Wakatipu (Queenstown) than by taking a cruise a board the last remaining coal fired passenger carrying vessels operating in the southern hemisphere.Affectionately known as the Lady of the Lake, this vessel has a special place in the hearts of Queenstown people. She has been transporting goods to remote settlements and conveying passengers on beautiful Lake Wakatipu since 1912.

Day 6 - Free Day to Explore Queenstown

Free time to rest, relax or explore.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Lord of the Rings Tour

Spend the day taking in the breathtaking sights of the land around Queenstown; with time spent at 'Lord of the Ring' filming locations.

Choose from one of two Safari of the Scenes or combine them both for an all-day adventure!

Tour A offers goldpanning, 4WD river crossings in Arrow Gorge and an amazing glance into the scenery of Queenstown. You will see towns, farmland, Skippers Canyon and mountains and the Kawarau Gorge bungy bridge. While there are no sets left from the infamous Lord of the Rings trilogies, you can view the locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), the site of Isidur's fall and the Ford of Bruinen. You will have the opportunity to overlook Deer Park Heights, where the Rohan refugees and the battle with the Wargs were filmed.

Or choose Tour B; where you will take in gorgeous mountain and forest views along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Your Lord of the Rings set locations include Isengard, Ithilien Camp, beech forests used for Lothlorien and the Seat of Seeing/Battle of Amon Hen.

*Both tours are half days. Option to combine the two tours available for a full day tour. Pricing available on request.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Shotover Jet

Welcome to Shotover Jet Country, Queenstown New Zealand.Get ready for the World's most exciting Jet Boat ride!Acknowledged as the World’s most famous Jet Boat operation, many imitate Shotover Jet but for sheer excitement, no one comes close.

It's a thrilling ride - skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360º spins!

No visit to Queenstown is complete without ‘Catching the Canyons’ with award winning Shotover Jet, ‘the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride’ and the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.
Shotover Jet operates every day of the year (weather and river conditions permitting) except Christmas day.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Dart River Safari

This jet boat adventure offers your senses a feast of spectacular natural beauty on a journey into the wilderness of a World Heritage area.

Your day begins with 1.5 hour journey on a jet boat through the Dart's river system. You'll be surrounded by beautiful snow-covered peaks, hidden valleys & waterfalls. Your day includes a guided walk (30-40 minutes) along the 'Heritage Trail' at Paradise. Your guide will provide you with informative & entertaining commentary about the ancient native beech forest. The forests of this region sit within a World Heritage Area, one of the only natural sites of its kind that is accessible to the public. Your guide details the fascinating history of this area from the days of Gondwanaland, to quests by Maori for prized pounamu, to the present day efforts of New Zealand's department of conservation for the preservation of the area. The day ends with a 4WD coach drive along a scenic back road. You will be entertained with stories of the countryside. On the ride home you will stop to view the scenery made famous by Peter Jackson in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogies.

Optional Day Tour - Walter Peak Farm

Take a scenic cruise aboard TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Relive the elegance of turn-of-the-century travel with a cruise aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, the only coal fired passenger carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Affectionately known as the "Lady of the Lake", the TSS Earnslaw has a special place in the hearts of Queenstown people. She has been transporting goods to remote settlements and conveying passengers on beautiful Lake Wakatipu since 1912. What better way to view the magnificent scenery than by taking a cruise a board the TSS Earnslaw?

Walter Peak High Country Farm, on the western shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, provides visitors with the opportunity to relax and experience New Zealand high country life. Experience rural New Zealand as we take you on a walking tour of the farmyard. You can help feed the sheep and get close to the red deer and Scottish Highland cattle. Watch the sheep dogs in action rounding up a mob of ewes, watch a sheep being shorn and maybe try your hand at spinning wool. Alternatively, saddle up for a horse trek across the stunning countryside. A BBQ lunch is cooked on the terrace in front of the Colonel's Homestead overlooking Lake Wakatipu. The BBQ is served either on the terrace or inside the Homestead (dependant upon weather).

Days 5 to 11 - Car Rental - Pick up in Queenstown and Drop off in Christchurch

Discover New Zealand as you travel by rental car for six days.

Take the opportunity to explore parts of New Zealand at your own pace by car.. Please bring a valid American driver's license with you and be aware that in New Zealand people drive on the left hand side of the road.

*Upgrade available to include GPS navigation system.

Day 7 - Self Drive from Queenstown to Te Anau (2.5 hours)

This morning drive 2.5 hours from Queenstown to Te Anau.

Follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Kingston with the Remarkables Mountain Range ever present on your left- hand side.Continue on to Lumsden. Todays drive is through undulating hill country dotted with sheep farms.

High country landscapes and trout fishing rivers are features of the road to Te Anau. The first part of your drive clings scenically to the edge of Lake Wakatipu. The Remarkables Mountain Range will be ever present on your left hand side. Continue on to Lumsden and go west to TeAnau.

Te Anau township sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau. From here, the delights of the Fiordland National Park are within easy reach, including the start of the Milford Track. Cruise on the lakes, walk the tracks and visit the Department of Conservation wildlife centre. The Te Ana-au Caves are an excellent adventure.

Days 7 to 9 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Te Anau

Tucked away on the shores of New Zealand’s second largest lake, Te Anau is an inviting South Island town.

Te Anau is your gateway to the walking capital of the world. Discover the internationally renowned walks of the Milford Track,the Routeburn, Hollyford,Kepler Track and many more. Cruise the remote depths of Milford and Doubtful Sounds, visit the spectacular lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri, experience Te Anau’s magical glowworm caves. In Fiordland you can go hiking, caving, boating, diving, biking, play golf, go fly fishing, sky dive. Soar over the wilderness on a scenic flight, explore the water on a kayaking adventure, breathe in the scents of native forest on a guided walk .Cruise the beauty of Milford or Doubtful sounds or simply enjoy a round of golf.

Whatever your desire, whether it be leisure or activity you crave, there’s plenty to see and do.

*Optional Upgrade Available to Lakeside property (Pricing Upon Request)

Day 7 - Day Tour - Te Anau Glowworm Caves

As you explore by path and small boat, your senses will be overwhelmed. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glowworms is a magical sight.

Your Te Anau Glowworm Cave adventure begins with a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau to the western side of the lake.

Upon arrival there is time to view informative displays at Cavern House before our friendly guides invite you to accompany them underground in small groups.Explore a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glowworms in the glowworm grotto.

Resonable agility level is required as there are some bending due to low caves and some steps. Please do not weat high heels.
Duration 2hrs 30mins

Day 8 - Day Tour - Doubtful Sound Cruise - Full Day

When you discover Doubtful Sound you will be struck by its silence, a silence broken only by birdsong, or maybe the rushing of a distant waterfall.

Your Doubtful Sound adventure begins as you cruise the crystal clear waters of Lake Manapouri. Then its over Wilmot Pass, stopping along the way to experience some of Fiordland’s densest rainforest and to view the colourful alpine moss gardens.

On reaching Deep Cove, you will board our spacious catamaran for a three hour cruise that takes in the most dramatic scenery of Doubtful Sound. Our skippers provide a detailed commentary and point out highlights. Keep a look out for wildlife as bottlenose dolphins frequently come alongside our vessel, fur seals bask on the rocks around the fiord and rare penguins can at times be observed. Full Day Tour Begins and ends in Te Anau.

*A picnic lunch can be pre-ordered before your tour for an additional cost. There is also a selection of cafe food aboard the vessel for purchase.

Day 9 - Self Drive from Te Anau to Dunedin (4 hours)

This morning drive from Te Anau to Dunedin. Enjoy the beautiful South Island scenery along the way. About 4 hours.

Days 9 to 11- 2 Nights Accommodation in Dunedin

Travel to your accommodation in Dunedin, New Zealand, where you will be staying for 2 nights.

Your accommodation is 1 km from the centre of Dunedin, set in landscaped grounds and overlooking the Botanic Gardens. The lodge is situated on the site of the original McGavins Brewery and features a restaurant, lobby bar, business centre and free car parking. It is also close to the university, hospital and many key attractions, including Baldwin Street, claimed to be the steepest street in the world.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Dunedin Larnach Castle

With its exciting, sometimes scandalous, sometimes tragic history, its magnificent carved ceilings, New Zealand antiques and breathtaking views, Larnach Castle offers you a vision of the past and present.

Settle back and enjoy the coach drive up and over the Peninsula high road, offering spectacular views out over the Pacific Ocean on one side and the beautiful Otago harbour on the other. Your driver will provide an informative commentary along the way as you pass through stone-walled farmlets.

On arrival at Larnach Castle you will be taken on a guided tour through the 'halls of power and scandal' of this historic 19th century home. From the castle turret you can survey the Otago Harbour below.

Visitors can enjoy exploring the Castle and the beautiful gardens, now an attraction in their own right. Original antiques grace the building and the family has amassed a unique collection of New Zealand furniture.

This tour can be done as a guide tour from Dunedin or if you have a rental car you can drive up and explore the castle on your own.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Dunedin Taire Train - Full Day

A visit to the city of Dunedin is not complete without a trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway, one of Dunedin's top attractions and considered one of the world's great train trips.

Sit back and relax as the train negotiates this exhilarating narrow river gorge with cliff hugging tunnels and viaducts soaring high above the river or ride the open air platforms for that perfect photo! The train will also stop for you to disembark for scenic and photo opportunities. The ever-changing scenery along the way will leave you amazed at what scenery Dunedin has to offer.
Departing daily (except Christmas day)

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Natures Wonders Tour (1 hour)

Today enjoy a nature eco-tour with "Natures Wonder" and see Penguins, Fur Seals and Sea Lions in their natural habitat.

Amidst truly spectacular scenery, the world's rarest penguins live here in harmony. The Hoiho the yellow-eyed, the little blue penguins, the New Zealand fur seals and the Stewart Island Shags. See them all on this cross-country adventure tour in an 8-wheel drive all terrain Argo vehicle. Also see Fort Taiaroa Fortifications (the Rerewahine battery WW11). Tours depart mid morning to one hour before dusk in all weather, 7 days a week, every 15 minutes (depending on bookings).
Tour duration is one hour, report 15 minutes prior to departure. Group minimum is 2.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Dunedin City Bus Tours

Explore the City of Dunedin on a Double Decker Bus

Your Dunedin experience begins with this one-hour introduction tour to life and times in this city of firsts. Scottish Presbyterian settlers arrived here in 1848 and the incorporation of the City Council in 1865 was the first in New Zealand. Dunedin also lays claim to NZ's first University, first girls high school, first chocolate factory, first public botanic gardens, first daily newspaper, first cable car public transport, first kerosene street-lighting and first public art gallery. The first telephone call in New Zealand was also made here and we include the world's steepest street, Baldwin St, on the tour. In the 19th century, Dunedin was a progressive and vibrant centre of NZ's commerce, culture and education.

Tour departs from the Visitor Centre, Octagon. A pickup is available from 8.15am for the 9am tour only, all set downs are at the Octagon. The itinerary includes:Municipal chambers, First Church,Exchange historic precinct , Villas & bungalows of hillside suburbs, Olveston stately home(optional guided tour), Botanic gardens,Otago University (photo stop), Otago Museum
Cadbury chocolate factory, Railway station (photo stop), Otago Settlers museum, Speights heritage brewery, Art Gallery, Robbie Burns Statue, St Paul's Cathedral

Day 11 - Self Drive from Dunedin to Christchurch (5 hours)

From Dunedin head north on State Highway 1 to Christchurch (5 hours).

Situated 110 km/68 miles north of Dunedin, is Oamar. Wonder at the Sperical Moeraki Boulders. Visit the historic limstone precint and view the Omaru penguin colony coming ashore at dusk. Along the way stop in Ashburton, for the Ashford Craft Village, which specializes in wood crafts and spinning wheels. In Temuka you can explore the Temuka Pottery Shop for locally made pottery.

Days 11 to 13 - 2 Nights Accommodation in Christchurch

Travel to your accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation in Christchurch, located on New Zealand's South Island, offers a stylish boutique hotel, just metres from Cathedral Square, major business houses, convention facilities and prime attractions. The city, also known as the "Garden City" offers many opportunities to either rest from your travel or explore the city. Consider traveling to Arthur's Pass National Park, which has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train winding its way through New Zealand's magnificent Waimakariri Gorge.

Day 12 - Day Tour - Tranz Alpine Safari

On your vacation travel by deluxe coach across the Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri Gorge on New Zealand's South Island.

Participate in a vacation adventure that won't be forgotten soon. Spray jackets, hats and lifejackets are issued to each passenger before boarding the jet-boat for a ride up one of New Zealand's major snow-fed rivers. Weave in and out of rock faces, white water rapids and high walled rock canyons. From the headwaters of the Waimakariri Gorge you will then travel by four wheel drive through a backcountry tour enroute to Te Kowhi Country Café (lunch). After lunch travel to Arthur's Pass. Your return journey is on the famous TranzAlpine train which is rated one of the top six train journeys in the world. Travel through numerous tunnels, viaducts, river canyons and the rainforest of the Arthur's Pass National Park.

Day 13 - Shuttle Transfer Christchurch Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Day 13 - New Zealand Domestic Flight - Christchurch to Auckland

Travel within New Zealand from Christchurch to Auckland (North Island).

Day 13 - Shuttle Transfer Airport to Auckland Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Days 13 to 14 - 1 Night Accommodation in Auckland

Travel to your accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, is located on the city's spectacular Waitemata Harbour and features stunning water views, conference facilities, and a rooftop restaurant. Auckland's centre of entertainment, dining, and nightlife, the Viaduct Harbour precinct, is just a short walk away. Experience the rich New Zealand culture as you travel to Rotorua and its geothermal springs. Or maybe travel to New Zealand's Waitakere and Hunua Ranges, to the west and south of the city centre respectively, to take you deep into cool, peaceful rainforests.

Day 14 - Shuttle Transfer Auckland Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

Day 14 - International Flight - Auckland to Los Angeles (Own Arrangements)

Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.

Your flight home will give you the opportunity to reflect on your New Zealand vacation. Please tell your friends if you have enjoyed the experience and direct them to "ABOUT AUSTRALIA " for information via our website at www.aboutaustralia.com

Day 14 - US Domestic Flight - Los Angeles to Home City (Own Arrangements)

The connection flight to your Home City from Los Angeles will be selected to suit the International Arrival flight from Australia.

Please allow 3 hours between arrival of International flight before departure of your US domestic flight.