Itinerary Details
Independent Naturally New Zealand
Day 1 ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND
• Welcome to New Zealand! The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Today's I-Time Tips
Why not browse the shops and galleries before relaxing in one of Auckland’s many superb restaurants on the water? Sip a glass of local wine or try a craft beer. The choices are endless!
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Day 2 AUCKLAND
• Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour. See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
You may choose to travel to the top of Sky Tower for 360-degree views of the city or take the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island for sandy beaches, beautiful scenery, and fabulous local wines. Your Local Host is available to make recommendations and point you in the right direction.
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Day 3 AUCKLAND–WAITOMO–HOBBITON–ROTORUA
• Travel via motorcoach south to visit Waitomo for an illuminating boat trip through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Then, tour the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films.
• Continue on to Rotorua.
(B,L)
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Day 4 ROTORUA
• Guided sightseeing includes a visit to The National Kiwi Hatchery, Agrodome, where you’ll learn about New Zealand’s sheep industry and to Te Puia, where you’ll explore this geothermal wonderland. The remainder of the day is yours to relax or join in an optional excursion.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Choose to join an optional Maori (indigenous Polynesian people) cultural performance and Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). Other options include a relaxing soak in one of the therapeutic pools at the Polynesian Spa, a magical treetop walk through the Redwoods, or a helicopter tour to see this scenic region by air.
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Day 5 ROTORUA–WELLINGTON
• Fly to Wellington, capital of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to start exploring this vibrant city.
(B)
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Day 6 WELLINGTON
• Guided morning sightseeing tour takes you to see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings as well as scenic views from the top of Mount Victoria. Take in the beauty of the Wellington Botanical Gardens, then drive around the rugged Wellington coastline, discovering hidden bays and some of Wellington’s most popular beaches. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
During your free time, you may want to visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, where interactive displays tell the story of the country’s great heritage and natural wonders. Other choices include a ride on Wellington’s historic cable car, finding a favorite restaurant on Cuba Street, going behind-the-scenes at Weta Workshop to see how some of the world’s biggest films were made, or exploring one of Wellington’s many outstanding hiking trails.
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Day 7 WELLINGTON–CHRISTCHURCH
• Today, fly to Christchurch on New Zealand’s South Island. Included in your stay is a tram pass that takes you around to the “must see” attractions. You are free to get on and off as you wish, and commentary is given by your tram driver. Please note that the pass is good for one calendar day.
(B)
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Day 8 CHRISTCHURCH. EXCURSION TO AKAROA
• Travel to Akaroa, a former French and British settlement where you will have some time to explore the charming village with its colonial architecture, galleries, and cafés.
• Afterward, take a nature cruise on Akaroa Harbour for a chance to see some of the native wildlife, including New Zealand fur seals, the white-flippered blue penguin, and the Hector’s dolphin, one of the smallest and rarest in the world. Return to Christchurch in the late afternoon.
This evening is at leisure.
(B)
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Day 9 CHRISTCHURCH–QUEENSTOWN
• Fly to Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” The remainder of day is at leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for shopping, dining, and sightseeing. Why not take a stroll by the lake and enjoy the sunset this evening?
(B)
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Day 10 QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND
• Enjoy a full-day excursion to Milford Sound. First, travel by motorcoach along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park. View the Mirror Lakes as you pass through Eglinton Valley. From the Homer Tunnel, emerge into Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound cruise for an unforgettable experience. Be on the lookout for wildlife such as dolphins and penguins and enjoy the breathtaking waterfalls and scenery. Return to Queenstown late this evening.
(B,L)
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Day 11 QUEENSTOWN
• Today is yours to explore as much or as little as you wish. Options include a scenic bike riding excursion, an exciting helicopter flight over the Remarkables Mountains, tee up for a round of golf, sip some local wines or just relax with a spa treatment.
(B)
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Day 12 QUEENSTOWN
• Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns.
(B)
Today's I-Time Tips
Perhaps choose a thrilling jet boat ride on the Dart River, visit a local winery to sample some of the region’s best, take a historic steamship across beautiful Lake Wakatipu, shop for souvenirs, or visit some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Your Local Host will be available to make shopping and dining recommendations.
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Day 13 QUEENSTOWN
• Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
(B)
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