Take the time to enjoy all the stunning beauty that surrounds you in New Zealand. From day one this tour will not disappoint, with an insight into the traditional Maori culture in Rotorua, a tour of the nation's capital, including parliament buildings, world renowned TranzAlpine train and the lakeside settlement of Wanaka.

Day 1: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin “the Edinburgh of the South”. Arrive early afternoon. Today enjoy your Speights Brewery Tour. Stay 1 night in Dunedin. Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey.

Day 2: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free for optional tours. Continue across the rolling hill country of South Otago and Southland. After the farming community of Gore, head across the Waimea Plains towards Fiordland. Stay 1 night in Te Anau.

Day 3: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Depart Milford Sound back to Te Anau, then turn north, following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Stay 2 nights in Queenstown.

Day 4: At Queenstown
Today is at your leisure in this fabulous alpine resort - we have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping.

Day 5: Queenstown - Wanaka
It is a short drive through the Kawarau Gorge to Lake Wanaka. The rest of the day is at your leisure, perhaps to visit Puzzling World or the Fighter Pilots' Museum. Stay 1 night in Wanaka.

Day 6: Wanaka - Glaciers
Travel north, through dense rainforest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards the glaciers. Stay 2 nights in Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.

Day 7: At the Glaciers
A whole day is available for optional excursions on the Glacier, for bush walks or simply soak up the beauty of snow-capped mountains contrasting with the deep greens of the native bush.

Day 8: Glaciers - Christchurch
Travel north along the narrow, bush clad, coastal plain past Hokitika, to Greymouth. Board the renowned TranzAlpine train and travel through the Otira Tunnel, over Arthur's Pass and across the Canterbury Plains. Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 9: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
The TranzCoastal train passes through North Canterbury sheep country to Kaikoura, where the track skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific, before turning inland to Picton and the Marlborough Sounds. Cross Cook Strait by ferry to reach the North Island. Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 10: At Wellington
A morning tour of the city will take in the Parliament Buildings, Old St Paul's Cathedral, Mt Victoria and an optional ride on the cable car. This afternoon is free, we recommend a visit to Te Papa our national Museum.

Day 11: Wellington - Rotorua
Travel north along the rugged Kapiti coastline, to the fertile plains of the Manawatu. Cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Road, past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. Skirt Lake Taupo, to the resort town of Taupo nestled on it's northern shores. Pass Wairakei - wreathed by steam to reach Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 12: At Rotorua
This morning - see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. Your afternoon is free  there are many activities to enjoy.

Day 13: Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
Travel to Waitomo for a tour of the limestone caves.  Cruise below a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue north alongside the Waikato River to Auckland. You arrive late afternoon.

This tour also operates in reverse from Auckland