Essential New Zealand - 10 D / 9 N

Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand, the youngest country on Earth! On arrival in Auckland, ''The City of Sails'', you will be welcomed by your Southern Travels representative and transferred to your hotel.Auckland is a blend of islands, Polynesian culture, glistening harbors and modern city environment.The rest of the evening is at leisure for you to explore the city on your own and discover why it is one of the best places in the world to visit.

See first-hand why Auckland is regarded as one ot the best cities in the world to live in, as you join this half day tour around the central city and picturesque suburbs. Our journey begins with a short trip over the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore before returning to the central city to visit Queen St and the Auckland Viaduct. We continue on through the Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, situated on a 62,000 year old volcano to Parnell Village for our morning tea stop. The historic buildings of Parnell have been transformed in to a trendy shopping area featuring many boutiques, antique, craft and specialty shops. Following this brief stop our tour will then take you along the scenic waterfront route of Tamaki Drive to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, in Mission Bay. A memorial to the first Labour Prime Minister of New Zealand and the founder of the welfare state. Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park has panoramic views over Whenua Rangatira, Auckland city and Waitemata Harbour. This park is a popular wedding and tourist venue, with formal gardens and perfect venue for flying a fabulous array of colourful and creative kites. The tour then returns back downtown.

Travel from hotel in Auckland to hotel in Rotorua, en route guided tour of Waitomo Glowworm Caves .Leaving Auckland in the morning we travel through the lush farmland of the Waikato and King Country regions. Drive past Rangiriri, the location of an historic Maori Land Wars site. On arrival in the small town of Waitomo enjoy a guided tour through the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves with their amazing stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations. We finish the tour with a silent boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto - a subterranean cavern lit up by the lights of thousands of tiny glowworms. We then continue our journey this afternoon by driving to Rotorua, through the forested Mamaku Ranges, and the beautiful Fitzgerald Glade where the roadside trees arch overhead to form a tunnel of natural greenery. Rotorua is a compact package of natural beauty, from forested hills, and geysers (that spout up to 50 feet into the air) to mud stream vents and has the combination of beauty and excitement. On arrival in Rotorua you will check into your hotel and relax in this perfect paradise.

This morning explore Rotoruas geothermal wonderland and discover the unique culture of New Zealand’s Maori people. Enjoy a guided tour of Te Puia Thermal Reserve and see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Continue to Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife before proceeding to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the sheep industry. Enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert. Experience the welcome ceremony before you enter the Maori village, with crackling open fires in front of traditional houses. You will hear traditional Maori instruments and watch the daily activities of days gone by. Enjoy a display of haka song and dance that a Rangiatea culture group performs.

This morning, transfer to the Rotorua airport for your flight to Christchurch. On arrival in Christchurch, transfer and check into your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Transfer from hotel in Christchurch to hotel in Queenstown, en- route visit Mt. Cook.Today, Travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing on to New Zealand’s highest mountain - Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the Alpine Resort of Queenstown.

The full day is at leisure. Almost everywhere you turn in this tourist capital of the South Island, you are hit with another postcard scene... beautiful Lake Wakatipu, snowcapped mountain peaks, canyon gorges with rushing rivers, mountain forests and abundant wildlife and the list goes on! Why not bungee jump from the top of the world''s best-loved Bungee site, the Kawarau Bungee Centre (optional), take a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship (optional) Or let your adrenal rush as you zoom down the river on a Jet Boat Ride (optional). You also have an option of taking an optional Skydive and experiencing the thrill & excitement of Parachute jumping

This morning, follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breathtaking man made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound.Take an unforgettable cruise aboard a Milford Sound Red Boat to experience the pristine scenery, towering peaks, waterfalls and marine and bird life. Sail past the incredible Mitre peak, Bowen Falls, Stirling Falls and Seal point. Milford Sound is a world-renowned natural wonder. Nowhere else in Fjordland do the mountains stand so tall, straight out of the Sea. Luxuriant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls and waterfalls tumble hundreds of meters to the sea below. In Maori legend, this landscape was created by Tu Te Raki Whanoa, a godly figure who carved the fiords with a magical daze. Without doubt, Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is his finest creation. Whatever the fords mood - brooding and wet, or tranquil in the sunshine - it will inspire you.

The full day is at leisure. Almost everywhere you turn in this tourist capital of the South Island, you are hit with another postcard scene... beautiful Lake Wakatipu, snowcapped mountain peaks, canyon gorges with rushing rivers, mountain forests and abundant wildlife and the list goes on! Why not bungee jump from the top of the world''s best-loved Bungee site, the Kawarau Bungee Centre (optional), take a cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw steamship (optional) Or let your adrenal rush as you zoom down the river on a Jet Boat Ride (optional). You also have an option of taking an optional Skydive and experiencing the thrill & excitement of Parachute jumping!!

Today you will be transferred to Queenstown Airport for your flight back home. We trust that you enjoyed your Vacation. Please do give us your valuable suggestions on feedback@southerntravels.in.