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NEW ZEALAND IN DEPTH

Day 1 - Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 2 - Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.

Day 3 - Arrival in Auckland, New Zealand. This afternoon, choose one of the following activities. Perhaps take a trip to the top of the Sky Tower, visit the Auckland Museum, enjoy a half-day Auckland city sightseeing tour, explore Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, visit Auckland's Maritime Museum, cruise aboard the Pride of Auckland, or relax with a Bliss Royal Reflexology treatment.

Day 4 - Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua. This morning we leave the "City of Sails" and travel south through the rich dairyland of the Waikato Province to the WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Here we experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns, including the magnificent Cathedral Cave. Join a silent boat ride and glide through a mystical grotto, carved by an underground river over thousands of years and lit by thousands of tiny glowworms. Emerge into daylight and continue to Rotorua. Tonight, enjoy a traditional HANGI DINNER followed by an authentic MAORI CONCERT. (B,D)

Day 5 - Rotorua. Country Homestay Option. Rotorua is New Zealand's oldest and best-known resort. Today we give you the opportunity to select your activity. Choose to visit Rotorua's icon attractions: Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts & Crafts Institute and the Agrodome Sheep Show. Perhaps relax at the Polynesian Spa with a spa treatment and leisurely soak in a natural thermal mineral pool, explore Rainbow Springs and Kiwi Encounter, enjoy a half-day ecothermal tour, or explore the Rotorua Museum. This evening, choose to join our country homestay option and spend a night with a local family. (B,D) Note: Space is limited and must be requested at the time of booking.

Day 6 - Rotorua - Wellington. Today we follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island. See the spectacular Huka Falls, mouth of the mighty Waikato River, and tranquil Lake Taupo, the water-filled crater of an ancient volcano. We travel south and cross the vast volcanic plateau of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. The three mountains at the heart of the park - Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu - have cultural and religious significance for the Maori people. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, and journey to the top of Mount Victoria. Enjoy a stunning panoramic view of this busy cosmopolitan city and its sparkling harbor. (B,D)

Day 7 - Wellington - Blenheim. This morning, enjoy a brief city sightseeing tour, that includes the Parliament Buildings before an opportunity to visit Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand. This afternoon we join our CRUISE for the journey across Cook Strait to the South Island, renowned as one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Sail from scenic Wellington Harbour across Cook Strait and through the breathtaking natural beauty of Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Rejoin our motorcoach and travel to Blenheim, where tonight we enjoy a winery tour and tasting followed by dinner at the renowned Montana Brancott Winery Estate. (B,D)

Day 8 - Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch. Today is a spectacular scenic journey between mountain and sea. Travel through Marlborough, a region with an international reputation for white wines. Arrive in the thriving seaside settlement of Kaikoura for unique whale-, seal-, and dolphin-watching experiences. Journey between the Pacific Ocean and rugged Kaikoura Ranges, through North Canterbury to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island and renowned as the "Garden City." Upon arrival we enjoy a brief city sightseeing tour, then the afternoon is at your leisure to explore the English flavor of this pretty city. (B,D)

Day 9 - Christchurch - TranzAlpine Train - Franz Josef. This morning, board the TRANZALPINE TRAIN for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Enjoy stunning scenery as we journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys, and across the country's greatest mountain range, the magnificent Southern Alps. Continue along the dramatic west coast by motorcoach. View the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier. Nowhere in the world's temperate zones are glaciers as accessible as here. There may be the opportunity to enjoy an optional scenic flight over this incredible region, weather permitting. (B,D)

Day 10 - Franz Josef - Haast - Queenstown. Enjoy a day of incredible scenery as we travel along the west coast through a world of mountains and glaciers, limestone landscapes, tranquil lakes, raging rivers, and rare bird and plant life. At Haast, experience a unique RIVER SAFARI, capturing breathtaking views of the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley, flanked by towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and dense temperate rainforest. Follow the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the action-packed alpine resort of Queenstown. Tonight, choose from one of four restaurants for dinner. (B,D)

Day 11 - Queenstown. Queenstown is an exhilarating, year-round alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. Today we have a selection of activities for you to choose from. A Queenstown "Double-Decker Explorer" tour, an "Original Wine Tour" of some of the award-winning local wineries, an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Shotover River, or a relaxing garden tour might be for you. Perhaps the "Safari of the Scenes" tour, an adventure into Skippers Canyon by 4WD, might appeal, or a leisurely walk around Lake Wakatipu on a "Lakeshore Forest and Bird Walk." (B)

Day 12 - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau. More beautiful scenery today as you travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has the elite status of belonging to UNESCO's World Heritage Parks. CRUISE on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water's great depths. This afternoon we have a relaxing drive to the tranquil settlement of Te Anau. (B,D)

Day 13 - Te Anau - Dunedin. Travel across the South Island to Dunedin. The city was settled by the Scottish in 1848 and is now renowned as the "Edinburgh of the South." This afternoon, choose your activity. Perhaps take a tour of Speights Brewery and Heritage Centre, where they brew the popular Speights Ale, or a visit to the Otago Peninsula to see the Royal Albatross Colony. Consider exploring Penguin Place to spot the "Hoiho," rare yellow-eyed penguins, or maybe explore Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle with its beautiful gardens. (B,D)

Day 14 - Dunedin - Oamaru - Mount Cook. Journey north to Moeraki Beach with its unusual boulders. Stop at Oamaru, a historic town renowned for its distinct cream limestone buildings. Continue inland past beautiful glacier-fed lakes of incredible color. We continue our journey into New Zealand's highland and MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK, named after the highest peak in New Zealand. Consider an optional scenic flight over this awe-inspiring alpine region, weather permitting. (B,D)

Day 15 - Mount Cook - Christchurch. This morning we stop at beautiful Lake Tekapo and visit the picturesque stone Church of the Good Shepherd. Leaving the High Country we travel through the vast Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B,D)

Day 16 - Christchurch - Departure. This morning, choose from a range of exciting activities. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the Antarctic Centre, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch Tram, and Christchurch Gondola; take a leisurely trip on the Avon River or a bike ride around Christchurch City; or maybe wander through some of Christchurch's local gardens. Later, transfer to the airport for departure. Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)