Board your express coach for a full day journey from Auckland to Wellington. Follow the Waikato River southwards through dairy farmland around Hamilton. Travel the shores of Lake Taupo, along the Desert Road, skirt around Mt Ruapehu and then descend from the central plateau to Wellington. Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

Day 2: In 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 3: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch

Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch. Stay 2 nights in Christchurch.

Day 4: At Christchurch 

Today enjoy the surroundings of this very 'English' city. We have included a ticket for the lovingly restored Tram that runs a circular route through the city centre.

Day 5: Christchurch - Dunedin

Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru  to Dunedin  “the Edinburgh of the South”. Arrive early afternoon. Stay 1 night in Dunedin. Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey. Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey.

Day 6: Dunedin - Taieri Gorge - Queenstown

This morning is at your leisure for optional sightseeing. This afternoon board the Taieri Gorge train for a journey through spectacular gorges and over historic viaducts to Pukerangi where you join your coach for the remainder of the journey to Queenstown. Arrive in Queenstown in the evening. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 7: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

An early start around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. 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. Return to Queenstown arriving evening.

Day 8: At Queenstown

Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping.  

Day 9: Queenstown - Glaciers

Travel to Cromwell and on through the Southern Lakes district to the Haast Pass. As you travel into the remote Westland region, you may like to take a jet boat ride.  Travel north, through dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards the glaciers. A shuttle will take you to view one of these massive rivers of ice. Stay 1 night in Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.

Day 10: Glaciers - Christchurch