Grand Tour of New Zealand

Arriving into Auckland today, make your way to our centrally located hotel, the Grand Millenium Auckland, you are free for the rest of the day until dinner this evening. You may like to relax at the hotel, or head down to the nearby Viaduct Harbor area of the city for your first taste of life in New Zealand. The hotel has a brasserie and a Japanese restaurant, and about ten minutes' walk away is Queen's Street where there's a great choice of cafés and restaurants where you could sample typical 'Kiwi' cuisine, such as delicious seafood. Or head town to the Viaduct Basin-Harbour area to try a traditional Māori dish, like hāngī - meat and vegetables, slow-cooked in an underground oven in The Māori Kitchen on Queen's Wharf.

• Dinner

After breakfast we set off on a drive north, through scenic farmland on our way to Paihia, known as the gateway to the beautiful Bay of Islands. We stop enroute for a private tour of the fascinating Kawiti Glow Worm Caves, owned and operated by a local Māori family. On a private guided tour, we see thousands of bioluminescent glow worms and breathtaking stalactites and stalagmites. There's free time over lunch before we head off to our next stop.

We continue to the Waitangi Treaty House for a guided tour of this important site of New Zealand's history. The Waitangi Treaty is the country's founding document and was signed in 1840, when the British and around 540 Māori chiefs made a historic agreement, enshrined by law, to protect the Māori and give them equal rights. Here we view the War Canoe, the Meeting House and the famous flagpole. There's time to wander through the grounds of the estate and visit the interactive museum.

From here, we continue by coach to Paihia - arriving late afternoon - where we check into our hotel on the waterfront where we spend the next two nights.

• Breakfast

Today is one of the many highlights of our tour as we enjoy a morning cruise on a luxury catamaran around the spectacular Bay of Islands to rugged Cape Brett. We pass the Cape Brett lighthouse, Motukokako Island, and the famous Hole in the Rock, a stunning geological formation.

There is an option here to stay on board as we anchor on Russell Island, the first permanent European settlement in New Zealand which also has a deep indigenous history. We are at leisure over lunchtime to look around or enjoy a bite to eat, before catching the ferry back to Paihia. On our return trip we pass several remote islands, fringed with golden sand beaches.

The rest of the day is free in this scenic location, you may like to take a swim in the inviting sea or enjoy the facilities at the hotel. For dinner this evening there's a good choice of cuisine at a variety of eating places around the harbor, including fresh fish, Chinese and Italian.

• Breakfast

This morning we drive back to Auckland, the country's most populous city, first inhabited by the Māori people in around 1350. Centuries later, British settlers arrived and the country's wool and gold was exported across the world. Today, Auckland is a buzzing metropolis, with a thriving arts and culture scene.

We take a guided sightseeing tour of the 'City of Sails', enjoying incredible coastal views from Bastion Point, before stopping at trendy Parnell Village, Auckland's oldest suburb. We continue past the lovely bays of the waterfront drive, to the vibrant Viaduct Harbor area where there's free time to explore at leisure. There's a great choice of places to dine and a number of museums and galleries to visit. The New Zealand Maritime Museum on Hobson Wharf is of particular interest, with an intriguing collection relating to the seafaring history, from Polynesian days to the present.

We're transferred back to our hotel and the evening is yours to explore and enjoy. For dinner, in Auckland you are spoilt for choice. Maybe wander down to a waterfront bistro with gorgeous harbor views. Or maybe opt for a rooftop restaurant in the city. Wherever you dine, expect a warm welcome, innovative menus and great service.

• Breakfast

This morning we take a nostalgic ride on the Glenbrook Vintage Railway, New Zealand's premier heritage railway, on a restored steam train. This 1922 line transports us on a round trip to the boundary of the Auckland and Waikato regions.

We then travel by coach through the Bombay Hills and the Waikato Valley before arriving in Rotorua, the spiritual home of the Māori, an area of fascinating geothermal activity and hot springs, and our base for the next two nights. This amazing city is surrounded by a dozen lakes and multiple extinct volcanoes. After an introductory orientation tour, we check into our hotel and this evening is at leisure. Our hotel has three restaurants, offering food from Japanese cuisine to traditional a la carte dining, and there are many other enticing dining options in the town of Rotorua.

• Breakfast

This morning we take a guided sightseeing tour of Rotorua. We continue for a walk in the wondrous Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, one of Rotorua's best-loved natural areas, which has a glorious mix of native undergrowth and exotic Redwood trees, with stunning views. After some time here to soak up the fresh energizing atmosphere, we head to the Blue and Green Lakes whose Māori names are Lake Tikitapu and Lake Rotokākahi and visit Lake Tarawera.

After an afternoon at leisure, we then drive to the fascinating Te Puia Thermal Park for an intriguing, guided tour, and a Māori culture experience where we are introduced to the geothermal activity in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Here we see boiling mud pools, steaming silica terraces, hot springs and geysers including the famous Pohutu Geyser which erupts up to 30 metres high.

We visit the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute where young Māori are learning the traditional carving and weaving skills of their ancestors. Later, we enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner including food from the hangi (traditional Māori method of cooking), followed by a cultural performance of song, traditional chant, and dance. Our evening ends with dessert, served in the geothermal valley which is bathed in coloured light. We are then transferred back to our hotel in Rotorua.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we enjoy another highlight of our tour. After driving to Hamilton across the Mamaku Mountain Ranges, we board the renowned Northern Explorer for one of the world's greatest rail journeys. The route takes us into 'King Country', the area once ruled by Māori kings, and from panoramic windows we can see the volcano Mount Pinogia in the distance. We pass Te Kuiti, the sheep shearing capital of the world, and cross the Waiteti viaduct, built in 1887. We then travel through New Zealand's distinctive valleys, hills and hillocks, the landscape of Hobbiton in Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings' We experience the fantastic Raurimu Spiral, a masterpiece of 19th century railway engineering, and pass the Volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park.

After following rivers, entering gorges and crossing more viaducts, we finally reach the coastline of soft sands and crashing waves, with views across the Tasman Sea to Kapiti Island. On a clear evening, we may be lucky to experience a sensational sunset before arriving in the city of Wellington. We are transferred to our hotel in the heart of the city, and you have a free evening ahead.

• Breakfast

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of Wellington, New Zealand's capital, a stunning and cosmopolitan harbor city that sits at the southernmost point of the North Island. Our tour ends at the beautiful Wellington Botanic Garden, a verdant oasis with a mixture of native and exotic plant species and a Treehouse Visitor Centre. There's free time here before using our included cable car ticket to make the return journey to the city and our hotel. There's also the option of visiting the Wellington Chocolate Factory for a tour and tasting.

With a free afternoon there are many more places to explore, and one suggestion is to take the free shuttle to Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary for a guided tour (payable on admission). Alternatively, visit the wonderful Te Papa National Museum, meaning 'the Treasure Box' in Māori language, which offers an insight into all things New Zealand - from natural history and Māori culture to European settlement. For dinner this evening, the area around our hotel offers a variety of eating places.

• Breakfast

We board the Interislander ferry this morning for a journey across Cook Strait, a stretch of ocean that serves as a passageway between New Zealand's North and South Islands. We arrive in the picturesque port town of Picton, in the heart of the calm Marlborough Sounds, where we have free time over lunch, and you may choose to spend it in one of the inviting waterfront cafés in the sheltered harbor.

We then join the Coastal Pacific Train for another memorable rail journey - heading south to Christchurch. With incredible views of the Marlborough region and the farmlands of the North Canterbury Plains, we travel along a stretch of track where the ocean stretches out on one side and mountains rise towards the sky on the other.

We arrive in Christchurch this evening, a handsome port and the largest city in the South Island, where we spend the night. This cultural city is known for its contemporary cuisine such as Euro-Asian and there are many interesting eating places to choose from this evening.

• Breakfast

With a free day in Christchurch stretching ahead, there are many ways to enjoy it, and you have a day pass on the city's historic tram to use at your leisure. Besides its striking modern architecture and some of the oldest buildings in the country, there are green spaces to explore. Maybe visit the city's Botanic Gardens, or the urban park on the banks of the Avon River.

Known for its unique culture, the city offers street art to fine art. You could visit the Christchurch Art Gallery, whose Māori name is Te Puna o Waiwhetū, or the Centre for Contemporary Art.

Another option is to ride the Christchurch Gondola, for panoramic views across the city and Lyttelton Harbor. From here you can look out towards the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, beautiful Pegasus Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. If you'd like to venture outside of the city, you could choose to take a wine tour of the nearby Waipara Region.

As New Zealand's second largest city your dining options are endless, and Christchurch has a reputation for wholesome, healthy food and friendly hospitality.

• Breakfast

After breakfast we leave Christchurch to continue by coach for a beautifully scenic journey to Twizel, in the vast alpine landscape of Mount Cook National Park. Our journey takes us through Fairlie, an attractive rural town, before crossing the mountainous Burke's Pass. We arrive in the lakeside town of Tekapo, where we make a short stop, with time for lunch or to visit the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd, set against a striking mountain backdrop on the shores of the lake. We also see Lake Pukaki, a stunning alpine lake with icy blue waters.

We arrive in Mount Cook National Park, a dramatic terrain of ice and rock, in the form of immense glaciers and soaring mountains, including New Zealand's highest alpine mountain, also known as Aoraki. We arrive in the afternoon and spend the night here in Twizel, a charming town nestled in stunning surroundings. Eating options here include Asian, Thai and Indian food, a lively bistro, and several casual dining venues.

• Breakfast

On Day 14 we leave the Mount Cook National Park and travel to Te Anau, the gateway to New Zealand's Fiordland - a breathtaking and popular destination with many natural wonders. Our route takes us past the summit of the beautiful Lindis Pass, along the impressive Clutha River, besides stunning Lake Dunstan and the immense Kawararu river gorge with its dramatic suspension bridge.

Arriving this afternoon, we check into our hotel, then your afternoon and evening is free to explore. You may like to visit the Fiordland cinema to see a film about the local area. Because of its proximity to the beautiful Fiordland National Park, the town of Te Anau attracts tourists from all over the world, and there are many local restaurants to choose from this evening.

• Breakfast

Today is certain to be an unforgettable experience, as we set out after breakfast on a full-day coach excursion into the world-acclaimed Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area and one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere, featuring ancient fjords, towering forests, and craggy mountains. Enroute, we stop at the spectacular Mirror Lakes, two deep blue lakes framed by a striking mountain backdrop, before continuing through the scenic Hollyford valley.

We arrive at Milford Sound, the most famous of the ancient glacier-carved fjords in this area. Here we see lush rainforest valleys where waterfalls cascade over sheer granite cliffs to the sea below. We enjoy a peaceful cruise across the serene water, with a boxed lunch served on board. After our cruise we continue by road, travelling via the scenic Eglinton Valley and the incredible Homer tunnel, hewn from solid granite to our lakefront resort hotel in Queenstown. This popular destination offers more magnificent scenery, a picturesque lake and soothing hot springs, as well as a great selection of places to eat.

• Breakfast, Lunch

After a free morning in Queenstown, we are taken on a guided sightseeing tour of the city. We visit historic Arrowtown, the site of a gold rush in the 1860s and a 'Lord of the Rings' filming location. We continue to the Gibbston Valley Wine Cave, where we take a look around the deep underground cellars before tasting some of the delicious wines.

Next, we board a fabulous vintage steamship, TSS Earnslaw, for a cruise across azure Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's longest lake. Sailing since 1912, this is the oldest passenger carrying steam ship in the Southern hemisphere. We pass an impressive range of snow-capped mountains called the Remarkables and Cecil Mount. Mooring up at the Colonel's Homestead, we then enjoy a barbecue dinner at the Walter Peak High Country farm, followed by a demonstration of farming activities. After this, we rejoin our ship for a night-time sailing back to Queenstown to our hotel for the night.

• Breakfast, Dinner

On Day 17, you have a day to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Known as New Zealand's adventure capital, you could take the gondola up to Bob's peak, a towering ridge with great views across the town and for miles around. Or you may like to visit the tranquil Queenstown Gardens, a haven of native and exotic trees, with a lake and formal gardens, just five minutes' walk from the busy town along a peninsula. You could opt for a hike along the coastline, or maybe indulge in a spa experience at the Onsen Hot Pools, in a spectacular setting overlooking the Shotover River. Booking ahead for treatments at the spa is recommended.

The town has an excellent food and drink scene and an exciting choice of restaurants and cafés which offer fresh and healthy dishes, some with a creative twist.

• Breakfast

We travel by coach to the Franz Josef Glacier, on a scenic journey through Kawarau Valley Gorge to Cromwell. We pause at Jones Family Fruit Stall, known for its excellent goods. There's free time here, and you may like to buy some fresh produce, honey, preserves or gifts, or indulge in a delicious real fruit ice cream. You could also walk through the orchards and see the lovely rose and dahlia gardens.

We continue into New Zealand's breathtaking Glacier Country, passing a ski-resort town called Wanaka on the scenic shores of Lake Wanaka, crossing the Haast Mountain Pass through the Southern Alps, then descending to the river and towards the coast, through natural rainforest, passing lakes and the Fox Glacier. We arrive in Franz Josef, also known as Waiau, a small town close to the Franz Josef Glacier where we check into our scenic hotel. Spending one night here, we are within sight of the dramatic glacier.

• Breakfast

Today we visit Hokitika, the center for New Zealand jade. We look around the Hokitika Greenstone Factory, where the local stone is crafted into striking Māori-style jewelry and ornaments of modern and traditional design. We then head into the town of Greystone, where there's free time over lunch.

Our journey continues as we travel inland by coach to Arthur's Pass, in the heart of the Arthur's Pass National Park for a highlight of our holiday. From here, we board the famous TranzAlpine train for a journey through New Zealand's scenic Southern Alps back to Christchurch. We travel across towering viaducts, through spectacular gorges and river valleys, then across the fertile Canterbury Plains, and into the city of Christchurch. After being transferred to our hotel we enjoy a final farewell dinner with our group.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Your New Zealand adventure comes to an end today and you are free to make your way to the airport for your flight home. If your flight isn't until later in the day, spend the morning relaxing at our hotel, or exploring Christchurch independently. Among the city's many attractions is the International Antarctic Centre, where visitors can learn how explorers have survived in harsh environs over the centuries and see some indigenous blue penguins.

• Breakfast