Tour New Zealand, Milford Sound Tours, South Island, Rotorua, Nelson, Queenstown
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29 ROYAL TOURER NEW ZEALAND Day 8. Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Freedom of Choice. Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of New Zealand's North Island this morning. View the Wairakei Steam Valley, then Visit Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, before travelling across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park to Wellington. This evening, after checking into your hotel, discover a range of tantalising local flavours with a choice of three tempting restaurants in which to dine. Two Night Stay: Amora Hotel Wellington. B, FD Day 9. Wellington. Discover the delights of the New Zealand capital with an extended stay. After breakfast, set off on a sightseeing tour taking you to the city's best-loved landmarks and sights, including New Zealand's national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa. Afterwards, ride Wellington's iconic Cable Car, gaining a fresh perspective of this coastal city. B Day 10. Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch. This morning, step aboard the Interislander ferry to cruise across Cook Strait and through the stunning waters of Marlborough and Queen Charlotte sounds to Picton. Rejoin your coach and travel to the coast as you head for the quaint fishing town of Kaikoura. Continue travelling along the central east coast, to Christchurch. Stay: Christchurch, Commodore Hotel BD Day 11. Christchurch, TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef Glacier. Board the TranzAlpine train for one of the world's greatest rail adventures. Journey through the striking patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, before travelling across the magnificent Southern Alps within Arthur's Pass National Park. Disembark at Arthur's Pass and travel by coach to Hokitika. Here, you'll enjoy the opportunity to see pounamu (jade) being skilfully carved into pieces of jewellery. Afterwards, continue along the dramatic New Zealand west coast to Franz Josef, where you'll take in the dramatic terrain and icy surrounds of the striking Franz Josef Glacier. Sitting at just 250 metres above sea level, Franz Josef is quite unique as it is one of just three glaciers in the world that descends into temperate rainforest. Its low altitude creates a spectacular environment, where stunning ice formations are Milford Sound Auckland Picton Rotorua Christchurch Wellington Oamaru Queenstown Dunedin Haast Arthur's Pass Te Anau Kaikoura Lake Tekapo Mt Cook Hokitika Waitomo Taupo Franz Josef Glacier Bay of Islands Tongariro National Park 2 1 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 1 Coach Cruise Cruise route TranzAlpine Train No. of nights stay National Park juxtaposed against the lush canopy of the surrounding forest. Arrive later at your luxury eco-resort where you will enjoy a delectable four-course degustation dinner this evening. APT HIGHLIGHT! Stay: Franz Josef Glacier, Te Waonui Forest Retreat. B, FD Day 12. Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Freedom of Choice. Enjoy a day of truly breathtaking scenery as you travel along the Haast River. Arrive in Queenstown, the country's 'adventure capital', where you'll choose from four tempting restaurants. Perhaps sample the delicious fresh produce at waterside Finz seafood restaurant, or take a scenic gondola ride to the Skyline Restaurant. You may prefer to cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a vintage steamboat, or dine amid the stylish surrounds of the Elements Restaurant. Two Night Stay: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside. B, FD Day 13. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice. Today you can personalise your Queenstown experience with our exciting touring options. Perhaps embark on a Safari of the Scenes tour, and visit several local sites where the popular Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed as you discover the great affinity between the cinematic landscapes of New Zealand and that of Middle-earth. Thrill-seekers may enjoy an exhilarating ride on the famous Shotover Jet Boat, a Skippers Canyon adventure, or a river safari along the shimmering waters of the Dart River. New Zealand is rightly famous for its many vineyards and rich wines, and a tour of the country's premier wine-producing region is a tempting option. Other activities include a 4WD experience at Mt Nicholas, a bird walk through surrounding wilderness, or the leisurely 'Million Dollar Cruise' across the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu. B Thrill-seekers can enjoy a raft of adventures in Queenstown Be enthralled by the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier