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Compare New Year's Eve Down Under by Globus vs Premium New Zealand Encompassed by Intrepid Travel

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Duration 21 days 17 days
Price From $ 10,939 $ 10,625
Price Per Day $ 521 $ 625
Highlights
  • Sydney : Sightseeing tour; visit the Opera House and botanic gardens, enjoy a guided Australian Walkabout Tour at the Taronga Zoo; New Year’s Eve harbor cruise with fireworks
  • Cairns : Rainforest Skyrail; Kuranda Scenic Railway; Great Barrier Reef cruise with choice of activities
  • Uluru (ayers rock) : Sightseeing tour around the base of the rock, visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas); sunset toast
  • Alice springs : Sightseeing tour; visit the School of the Air and the Old Telegraph Station; Outback barbecue
  • Melbourne : Sightseeing tour including Fitzroy Gardens; Colonial Tramcar Restaurant lunch
  • Auckland : Sightseeing; dinner atop Auckland’s Sky Tower
  • Waitomo : Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves
  • Rotorua : Enjoy a traditional Hangi dinner and Maori cultural performance; visit Rainbow Springs; behind-the-scenes visit at the Kiwi Encounter; visit the Agrodome and Te Puia
  • Mount cook : Sightseeing in Mount Cook National Park; visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center
  • Queenstown : Visit Fiordland National Park and cruise on Milford Sound; cruise on Lake Wakatipu; farm demonstration and farewell dinner at Walter Peak High Country Farm
  • Vibrant cities, spectacular scenery, unique and adorable animals, and the world-famous Sydney fireworks on New Year's Eve…this Australia and New Zealand tour has it all! You'll overnight in Sydney, Cairns, Uluru (Ayres Rock), Alice Springs, Melbourne, Auckland, Rotorua, Mount Cook, and Queenstown
  • Along the way, enjoy sightseeing and free time in the cities, opportunities to learn about the local cultures, and visits to some of the world's most scenic areas
  • Uncover the geothermal wonders of Rotorua during a guided visit to Te Puia, home to hot springs, geysers, mud pools, a Maori art gallery and a kiwi conservation centre.
  • Sip your way around Waiheke Island off the shores of Auckland during an Exclusive Experience, visiting three cellar doors to learn about their production methods and sample some seriously excellent wine.
  • Be amazed by Tongariro National Park as you spend the day exploring its volcanic landscapes, then retire to your chateau-style Feature Stay where you can sit back and soak in views of Tongariro’s dazzling peaks.
  • Experience some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery during your second Feature Stay on Milford Sound aboard a purpose-built vessel.
  • Discover the best of the Otago region during your Exclusive Experiences – a chef-led food and foraging tour, and an adrenaline-pumping jetboat ride down the Shotover River.
Trip Style Group tour Small group tour
Lodging Level Standard Standard
Physical Level
  • 1- Very easy
  • 2- Easy
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • 50 plus
  • High Adventure
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Alice Springs
  • Auckland
  • Cairns
  • Christchurch
  • Great Barrier Reef
  • Melbourne
  • Milford Sound
  • Mount Cook
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • Sydney
  • Waitomo
  • Auckland
  • Christchurch
  • Milford Sound
  • Queenstown
  • Rotorua
  • Tongariro National Park
  • Wellington
Flights & Transport No Ground transport included
Activities
  • Culture
N/A
Meals Included N/A N/A
Description Five, four, three, two, one! The countdown is on Down Under for the most uplifting New Year kick-off. This aspirational tour of Australia and New Zealand gets the party started with a celebratory cruise on Sydney Harbor complete with beats, bites, and bubbly – and one of the world’s most famous fireworks displays. The stunning sights keep coming for 21 days as you snorkel over the rainbows of coral at the Great Barrier Reef, enjoy an Outback barbecue in Australia’s fiery red desert, and delight in the kaleidoscope of blossoms at Melbourne’s famous Fitzroy Gardens. Say farewell to the koalas, kangaroos, and other party animals as the festivities continue in New Zealand with a breathtaking cruise through the thundering waterfalls of Milford Sound, a silent boat ride through the glowworm-lit Waitomo Caves, a traditional cooked-beneath-the-ground hot stone Hangi dinner in Rotorua, and a high-in-the-sky farewell celebration atop Auckland’s rotating Sky Tower.

Dramatic peaks, glittering glaciers and geothermal wonders await on a 17-day Premium adventure through New Zealand’s north and south islands. With a passionate local leader to guide the way, you’ll experience a landscape that has been shaped by the elements over thousands of years. Taste wine at picturesque cellar doors, set out in search of kiwis, explore the mythical world of Hobbiton and explore the volcanic landscapes of Tongariro. From the pure spectacle of Milford Sound to the simmering geysers of Rotorua, this adventure is sure to blow you away.

Itinerary: New Year's Eve Down Under

Day 1: ARRIVE IN SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Welcome To Sydney! Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 3pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner. (Dinner)

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Day 2: SYDNEY

Spectacular Sydney Explore one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Visit the Sydney Opera House and travel to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the city’s botanic gardens for a great photo opportunity and sweeping views of the harbor, Opera House, and Harbour Bridge. Enjoy a walk around the Rocks District, the site of the first European settlement in Australia now home to shops, restaurants, and art galleries. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, shopping, and dining. (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM The Sydney Opera House is one of the most well-known buildings in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The building was designed by Jorn Utzon, a Danish architect, and was finally completed in 1973, after sixteen years of construction, at a cost of over $100 million dollars. You’ll enjoy a private guided tour of the Opera House and see its interiors and theatres. Hear untold stories, be awed by the acoustics, and learn the history and future of this amazing hall beneath the sails.

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Day 3: SYDNEY

An Aussie Auld Lang Syne Today is at leisure. You may wish to spend some time in Darling Harbour with its many shops and restaurants. Other options including visiting the Art Gallery of New South Wales, strolling through the Royal Botanic Garden, or enjoying delicious Asian food at one of the restaurants in Spice Alley. This evening, board a Sydney Harbour cruise for a special [LF] New Year’s Eve celebration awaits. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Take to the water on a harbor cruise complete with canapés and a 4-course dinner followed by music and dancing. At the stroke of midnight, be treated to a champagne toast and some of the most amazing fireworks you’ll ever see. Here is your chance to ring in the New Year under Sydney’s world-famous fireworks. It will be a night to remember!

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Day 4: SYDNEY

Relax & Enjoy Today, enjoy time to relax after your New Year’s Eve celebration. (Breakfast)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Sydney with a relaxing day on the beaches of Manly or Bondi. Maybe explore the cobblestone streets of the Rocks District or stroll through one of the city’s many gardens. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

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Day 5: SYDNEY–CAIRNS

Ready for the Reef Fly to Cairns, “Gateway of the Great Barrier Reef.” Check-in to your Cairns hotel for a 3-night stay. Cairns is known for its mild winters, great nightlife, and plenty of fun things to see and do. Why not explore the Cairns Night Markets whose vendors sell a vast array of souvenirs, delicious foods, and the work of local artisans and designers. (Breakfast)

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Day 6: CAIRNS. EXCURSION TO THE OUTER GREAT BARRIER REEF

Below the Surface Prepare for the experience of a lifetime when you board a catamaran and cruise to the Outer Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explore this underwater world that is a dazzling kaleidoscope of coral and sea life. Return to Cairns late this afternoon. Your evening is at leisure. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
BUCKET LIST. CHECK! The only living structure on Earth that can be seen from space, the Great Barrier Reef is a masterpiece of Mother Nature. Comprising of over 3,000 individual reefs and spanning over 135,135 miles (350,000 square kilometres), your day at the Reef will be one to remember. After your scenic catamaran cruise, the day is yours to explore the Reef how you like. Choose to snorkel amid a dazzling array of fish and coral, take a semi-submersible watercraft tour, attend an informative presentation by a marine biologist, or just relax and enjoy the serenity of your surroundings.

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Day 7: CAIRNS

Ticket to Paradise A full day at leisure.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE You may wish to visit nearby Cape Tribulation or Mossman Gorge, spend some time at the Cairns Lagoon, enjoy a stroll along the Esplanade or visit the Cairns Aquarium. Your Tour Director will have suggestions for the best way to spend your time in this tropical location. (Breakfast)

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Day 8: CAIRNS–ULURU (AYERS ROCK)

Rock Stars Fly this morning to Australia’s “Red Center.” Enjoy a tour at the base of the rock, learning of its significance to the Anangu Aboriginal people. Visit magnificent Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a geological splendour of some 36 brilliant domes. Later, visit the “Sunset Strip” for a drink and to witness the changing hues painting the rock. (Breakfast)

NOTE:
Due to this remote location and limited flights, you may be booked on a connecting flight from Cairns to Uluru.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS A spectacular way to end the day. Travel out to Uluru. This fascinating icon stands 1,141 feet (348 meters) high, however, most of its mass is below ground level. You’ll be overwhelmed by its incredible size, presence, and inherent spirituality. As the sun sinks over the horizon and the evening sky brings out the many shades for which Uluru is famous, you’ll enjoy sparkling wine and nibbles and say goodbye to another wonderful day.

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Day 9: ULURU–ALICE SPRINGS

Campfire Stories Today, travel through the Outback to Alice Springs. Upon arrival, sightseeing includes a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Old Telegraph Station. Tonight, a unique [LF] Outback Barbecue features traditional campfire fare and awe-inspiring Outback ambiance. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
LOCAL TASTES A fun filled evening of entertainment and outback cuisine is in store for you this evening. Huddle around a cozy campfire, learn about bush damper cooking, enjoy music, local storytelling, and a boomerang demonstration. Sink your teeth into a mouth-watering meal of prime Australian beef and wet your whistle with a cold drink. There’s even time for some star gazing to finish off this memorable evening.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FLIGHT FOR LIFE The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) was established in 1928 to bring much needed medical care to the residents of the remote Outback. Learn the history of Reverend John Flynn, the founder, and hear the heroic tales of the birth and growth of the RFDS. Through the interactive displays you can experience what it’s like to fly with an RFDS pilot and the issues they have faced from dirt runways, inadequate maps, and more.

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Day 10: ALICE SPRINGS–MELBOURNE

G’day Melbourne! Today, fly to Melbourne. Enjoy three nights in the city often referred to as Australia’s cultural capital. Melbourne is a blend of world-class restaurants, museums, shopping, and interesting hidden laneways. (Breakfast)

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Day 11: MELBOURNE

Sights & Bites This morning’s sightseeing includes landmarks such as Federation Square, the Melbourne Museum, and beautiful Fitzroy Gardens. See Parliament House and the Shrine of Remembrance, a tribute to Australia’s war heroes. Discover Victorian terraced homes in East Melbourne, and the bustling streets of Chinatown and the Queen Victoria Market. Following lunch at a local restaurant, travel to the top of the Melbourne Skydeck, the southern hemisphere’s highest observation deck. Free time the remainder of the day. (Breakfast,Lunch)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
REACH NEW HEIGHTS Be ready to be wowed when you travel to the top of the Melbourne Skydeck, the southern hemisphere’s highest observation deck. The city comes to you when you take it all in from nearly 1,000 feet/300 metres high. Enjoy awe inspiring views of Melbourne from the observation deck. The Skydeck will change the way you look at Melbourne and maybe the world.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE Witness the world-famous Penguin Parade on Phillip Island and experience the magic of little penguins returning home at sunset to one of the largest penguin colonies in Australia. Watch as these beloved fairy penguins waddle from the ocean to their burrows in the sand around you. You’ll get up close and personal from the special Penguins Plus grandstand. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

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Day 12: MELBOURNE

Cosmopolitan Cool Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore more of this vibrant city on your own. (Breakfast)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Melbourne by exploring the Old Melbourne Gaol, once home to legendary outlaw, Ned Kelly. Linger at a café and enjoy a coffee and wander along the scenic Yarra River or take an optional excursion to see the incredible Great Ocean Road. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

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Day 13: MELBOURNE–QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Bound Board your flight across the Tasman Sea to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” The remainder of the day is at leisure. (Breakfast)

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Day 14: QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD

Sights on the Sound Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Late this evening, return to Queenstown. (Breakfast,Lunch)

NOTE: The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 15 depending on weather and road conditions today.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
PICTURE PERFECT Cruise on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. Experience dense rainforest, towering mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Have your cameras ready for marine life such as playful dolphins, seals, and penguins. It will be a day to remember as you experience New Zealand’s wild side at its absolute best!

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Day 15: QUEENSTOWN

Vineyards & Views A full day at leisure for your own discoveries. (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
SCENIC WONDERS This evening, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and breathtaking views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables Mountains. Make sure to have your camera ready for fantastic photo opportunities.

ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Queenstown with an optional visit to a local vineyard to sample some of the prize vintages or a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River. Other options include a scenic ride across Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship, shopping for souvenirs, or enjoying some fresh seafood at a local restaurant. These and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

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Day 16: QUEENSTOWN–MOUNT COOK

Alpine Adventures Today’s journey brings us to magnificent Mount Cook National Park. Weather permitting, you may wish to join a stargazing program this evening. The Mount Cook region offers some of the darkest skies in the world – perfect for viewing the southern night sky (Breakfast,Dinner)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ACCOMMODATION SPOTLIGHT Spend the evening at the historic Hermitage Hotel, located at the base of Mount Cook. The Hermitage is the perfect base to explore the natural wonders of Mount Cook and has a variety of dining options, unique activities, and genuine kiwi hospitality. Enjoy splendid views, fresh mountain air, and all the modern amenities of this first-class property.

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Day 17: MOUNT COOK–CHRISTCHURCH–ROTORUA

New Zealand Treasures Travel to Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island and then fly to Rotorua, the heart of the Māori culture. (Breakfast)

ENHANCED FREE TIME
LOCAL LIFE This evening, you may wish to join an optional dinner at a New Zealand family’s home or indulge yourself in the relaxing hot springs or massage therapies at the Polynesian Spa.

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Day 18: ROTORUA

Earthly Wonders This morning, enjoy a guided tour and a special visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery. Then, visit the Agrodome to learn more about one of the country’s major industries – sheep! There’s time to watch a sheep shearing demonstration, visit the farmyard nursery, and see the remarkable farm dogs as they demonstrate their ability to respond to commands and keep the sheep in line. Continue to Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area. This evening, enjoy a traditional [LF] Hangi dinner. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
CULTURE & TRADITIONS Explore the ancient Māori culture and learn the history of the area, hear storytelling, be captivated by songs and dance, and experience the famous Haka (war dance). Afterward, sit down in the Wharenui (ancestral meeting house) for an authentic Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones) and be entertained with music and dancing.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CONSERVATION HEROES Only about 5% of all Kiwi birds hatched in the wild survive to adulthood making them endangered. At The National Kiwi Hatchery, you’ll see conservation in action. Known as the national leader in hatching techniques and kiwi chick rearing, you’ll see each stage a kiwi chick goes through before being released into the national parks. 100% of your entry goes straight back to the Kiwi hatching program.

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Day 19: ROTORUA–WAITOMO–AUCKLAND

Glowing Views Depart Rotorua and cross over the Mamakue ranges to the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Then, travel through the green pastoral region of Waikato to Auckland. This evening, why not enjoy a glass of New Zealand’s famous wine while dining at one of Auckland’s world-class restaurants? (Breakfast)

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Your visit to Waitomo Glowworm Caves starts with a guided tour through the limestone chambers, delicate formations, and passages of the cavern. Next, discover an ancient world of 30 million years in the making and marvel at Mother Nature’s light display as you glide silently through the starry wonderland of the Glowworm Grotto. See the lights of thousands of these tiny creatures as they radiate their light in a subterranean world. The glowworm (Arachnocampa Luminosa) is unique to New Zealand making the Waitomo Glowworm Caves an absolute must-do.

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Day 20: AUCKLAND

The City of Sails Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland. See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Tonight, enjoy a festive [LF] farewell dinner. (Breakfast,Dinner)

LOCAL FAVORITE
THE HIGH LIFE Join your Tour Director and fellow travel companions for a festive farewell dinner high atop Auckland’s Sky Tower. Enjoy 360-degree views of the city and harbor below as the dining room rotates once every hour providing a unique experience. The perfect ending to your vacation!

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Day 21: AUCKLAND

Until We Meet Again! Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. You may also choose to extend your time in Auckland and explore more on your own. Extra nights are available for purchase. (Breakfast)

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Itinerary: Premium New Zealand Encompassed

Day 1 Auckland

Welcome to the North Island! Your adventure begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s most populated city, fringed with beaches, harbours, volcanoes and farmland. You’ll be collected from the airport and transferred to your hotel. A welcome meeting will take place here at 6pm, where you’ll meet your local leader and the other travellers joining you on this adventure. If you arrive in Auckland with time to spare, you may like to uncover the story of New Zealand rugby during an interactive All Blacks experience where you’ll learn about the heritage of the sport and find out what it takes to wear the famous black jersey. After your meeting, get to know your group over dinner at an atmospheric local bistro in the heart of the city, championing New Zealand producers.

Day 2 Auckland (Waiheke Island)

Leave the bustle of the big city behind and head offshore to Waiheke Island, famed for its sandy beaches and glorious wine. Board a ferry from Auckland – if you’re really lucky you may even see dolphins or orcas along the way. The day will be spent sipping your way around the island, stopping off at three unique wineries to learn about their production methods, and of course tasting the goods yourself. You’ll also enjoy an included lunch on the island, not to mention a few scenic drives with plenty of opportunities for beautiful photos. Return to Auckland in the late afternoon with an evening free for your own discoveries of the city.

Day 3 Auckland via Waitomo & Hobbiton to Rotorua

After breakfast this morning, hit the road and drive to the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, an extensive underground network of tunnels and caverns decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and luminous glow worms. Join a local expert for an in-depth tour of the Ruakuri Cave, descending a spiral entrance to a magical world below. Discover fascinating limestone formations, hear the roar of subterranean waterfalls and learn about the glow worms that light up the caves. Continue to Hobbiton, where the epic Lord of the Rings movies were shot. Take a tour around the set with a local guide, hear stories about the production of these iconic films, explore Hobbit holes and enjoy a drink at the mythical Green Dragon Inn. Finally, travel to Rotorua, where you will spend the evening.

Day 4 Rotorua

Wake up in Rotorua to the unmistakable scent of sulphur coming off the town’s many geothermal pools. After breakfast, pay a visit to Te Puia, over 70 hectares of land within the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, dotted with hot springs, mud pools and geysers. A local expert will take you on a walk to learn about these geothermal wonders, including Pohutu, the largest geyser in the southern hemisphere. Next experience the Kiwi Conservation Centre where you’ll have the chance to observe the beloved nocturnal bird in a darkened enclosure and learn about the sanctuary’s efforts to protect them. Swing by the Ahua Gallery and watch culturally significant Maori carving and weaving demonstrations. Lunch is a treat today - a traditional hangi feast cooked beneath the earth in traditional style. In the evening, perhaps consider an optional tour of the geysers by night.

Day 5 Rotorua to Taupo

Say goodbye to Rotorua and drive on to Taupo, sitting on the shores of Lake Taupo – the largest lake in New Zealand. On the way, visit Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland, where you will walk through thousands of years of geothermal history and volcanic features, including New Zealand's largest mud pool and bubbling basins bursting with vibrant colors. The rest of the day is yours to discover all that this picturesque part of the country has to offer. One of the best ways to enjoy the lake is to get on its waters – speak to your leader to find out about the sustainable sailing and cruising options available to you this afternoon. You may like to try your hand at fishing, or perhaps take a flight over the spectacular Tongariro National Park.

Day 6 Taupo via Tongariro National Park to Ohakune

Today will be spent uncovering the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park, as spiritually significant as it is spectacular. Your leader will guide you on a scenic two-hour walk to the Taranaki Falls, an impressive 20-metre cascade tumbling over volcanic cliffs. Later in the day, head to your Feature Stay accommodation at the Powderhorn Chateau and settle in. The chateau provides a stunning base for the evening, surrounded by the soaring peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro – the views are simply unbeatable.

Day 7 Ohakune to Wellington

This morning, make tracks for Wellington, New Zealand’s trendy capital city. After settling in, hop aboard a private catamaran and get to know the city on an evening cruise around Wellington Harbour. Return to land after an hour and join your group for dinner at a fantastic waterfront restaurant – the perfect chance to reminisce about your North Island adventure.

Day 8 Wellington to Christchurch

This morning, check out of your hotel after breakfast and head to the South Island. You'll take a 1 hour flight to Christchurch. Characterised by snow-capped peaks, giant glaciers and shimmering lakes, there’s no denying that the South Island is one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Once in Christchurch, settle into your accommodation. A meeting will take place in the evening at 6pm to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your adventure, followed by dinner at a local restaurant which encapsulates the culinary culture of the region. Learn about the ethos behind this unique dining spot and enjoy a delicious three course meal which celebrates local producers.

Day 9 Christchurch / Greymouth / Punakaiki

Take a morning stroll with your leader around some of the landmarks of Christchurch. Next set off for Punakaiki, driving through Arthur’s Pass and Castle Hill – the spectacular mountain scenery may look familiar, as parts of The Chronicles of Narnia movie were filmed against this dramatic backdrop. After lunch in Moana, enjoy a short stop at Lake Brunner, the largest lake in the northwestern South Island of New Zealand. Spend the afternoon in Greymouth, stopping into a boutique studio to learn about the prized west coast jade known locally as Pounamu (Greenstone). Then continue to Monteith's Brewery, considered the original home of New Zealand craft brewing, for a tour and tasting. Arrive at Punakaiki Resort by late afternoon. Situated in Paparoa National Park, the resort is adjacent to the beautiful Punakaiki beach and the magnificent Pancake Rocks and Blowholes - the perfect spot to reflect and relax.

Day 10 Hokitika / Franz Josef

After breakfast, explore the Punakaiki Rocks and Blowhole before the drive to Franz Josef. Along the way, stretch your legs at the charming west coast town of Hokitika, and enjoy an exhilarating treetop adventure on a walk through the ancient Rimu and Kamahi tree canopy. In the afternoon, take a private ranger-guided tour of the West Coast Wildlife Centre, home of the official breeding programme for the world's rarest kiwi, the Rowi. Also keep an eye out for tuatara, a reptile endemic to New Zealand. Arrive at your Franz Josef accommodation by evening.

Day 11 Franz Josef

Begin your day with a self-guided walk to see the icy wonderland created by the Franz Josef Glacier, one of the steepest glaciers in New Zealand. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you may like to join an optional heli-hiking tour and get even closer to this incredible glacier. Other optional activities include kayaking, a scenic cruise on Lake Mapourika or a soak in the hot tubs at Franz Josef.

Day 12 Makaroa / Wanaka

Depart Franz Josef for the picturesque resort town of Wanaka, the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park, located in the Otago region. Stop along the way at Makorora and visit the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust, an organisation which strives to protect and restore indigenous biodiversity. After lunch, take a guided walk with a local ornithologist and ecologist to enjoy the vibrant hue of the aptly named Blue Pools that feed the Makarora River. Keep an eye out for endangered birds as you learn about how the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust is working to reduce predators and save some of New Zealand’s rarest species. Arrive in Wanaka by later afternoon, and settle in to your home for the next two nights - a homestead built on the site of a former sheep station. Located next to the resplendent Wanaka Station Park on the shores of Lake Wanaka, and a short stroll from Wanaka township, you'll be perfectly placed to enjoy all this charming town has to offer.

Day 13 Wanaka

Enjoy a sleep in or perhaps start your day with a hike up Mt Iron for a view over Lake Wanaka and the surrounding peaks. Today's experience is one of the real highlight's of your trip. Central Otago is a region well known for food and wine, and today you will visit the spectacular Criffel Station for a chef-guided tasting and foraging tour, followed by a delicious lunch, washed down with some excellent Central Otago wines.

Day 14 Milford Sound

Depart Wanaka for the drive to Te Anau. Along the way, take in a spectacular scenic drive across the Crown Range and by the shores of Lake Wakatipu. After lunch, continue on to your embarkation point for your Feature Stay, an overnight cruise surrounded by the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound, also known by its Te Reo (Maori) name Piopiotahi. Aboard your purpose-built vessel, enjoy a full length journey of the fjord out to the Tasman Sea, with the possibility to see wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins. You will also have access to a specialist guide with information on the fjord's history and natural environment. For those who are keen, kayaking and/or small boat tours allow a truly immersive experience of this special place. Finish your day with a delicious three-course dinner before settling down in your cosy cabin.

Day 15 Milford Sound / Te Anau / Queenstown

After a leisurely onboard breakfast surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery, you’ll disembark and travel to Queenstown with plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs along the way. After another stop in pretty Te Anau for lunch, you’ll arrive in plenty of time to check into your boutique hotel in Queenstown.

Day 16 Arrowtown / Queenstown

Today is the grand finale of your trip. In the morning, take an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Kimi Akau (Shotover River), deep into the spectacular Shotover Canyons. Speeding over water as shallow as 10cm, this is an amazing white water experience, operated by the Ngai Tahu, Maori people who have a centuries-old connection with this land. Continue on for a leader-led walk through historical Arrowtown, then enjoy a wine tasting at Gibbston Valley. Perhaps toast the end of your journey with a New Zealand-inspired gin & tonic or glass of Otago wine at a bar & restaurant with arguably the most spectacular views in all of Queenstown.

Day 17 Queenstown

Your New Zealand adventure ends this morning after breakfast. As this trip spends very little time in Queenstown, we recommend you spend an extra day or two here if you want to experience all the town has to offer. Your booking agent will be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

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"Remember that happiness is a way of travel - not a destination."
Roy M. Goodman
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