Magnificent New Zealand - Auckland to Christchurch

On arrival in Auckland, meet your representative and enjoy a private transfer to your accommodation. Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbours with sandy eastern shores, dramatic west-coast surf beaches, sheltered blue waters, and emerald islands. Optional experiences include Auckland Sky Tower, Orbit Restaurant Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Dinner Cruise, and Weta Workshop Unleashed Tour.

Travel by coach through rolling green hills to the iconic Hobbiton Movie Set, where the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies were filmed. See Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn while your guide shares behind-the-scenes stories. Enjoy lunch in the Party Marquee before continuing to Rotorua. Optional add-on: Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.

Explore Rotorua's geothermal landscapes, freshwater lakes, native forests, and Maori cultural heritage. Visit Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, one of New Zealand's most colourful and diverse geothermal attractions. In the evening, continue to Te Puia for the Te Po Indigenous Evening Experience with buffet dinner, cultural performance, and hot chocolate with pudding on the geyser terrace.

Depart on your domestic flight to Christchurch. Airfare is not included, and the approximate flight time is 2 hours. Christchurch sits between the deep blue Pacific Ocean and the snow-capped Southern Alps, with inner-city parks, gardens, and the Avon River shaping its relaxed character. Optional activities include Christchurch Tram Dinner, Christchurch Tram Tour, and Punting on the Avon River.

Transfer to Christchurch Railway Station for the Tranz Alpine train journey across the Canterbury Plains, through the Waimakariri River gorge, and into Arthur's Pass National Park. On arrival in Greymouth, transfer to Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes for a short self-guided walk before continuing to your accommodation.

Transfer to Shantytown Heritage Park for a glimpse of New Zealand's gold-rush era before returning to Greymouth for the journey to Glacier Country. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are among the world's most accessible glaciers, with steep valleys marked by the advance and retreat of ice over millennia.

Travel from Franz Josef through wilderness towns, waterfalls, and river scenery on the journey to Queenstown. Surrounded by majestic mountains and dramatic lake views, Queenstown is known as the Adventure Capital of the World. Optional add-on: Skyline Gondola Ride.

Enjoy a free day in Queenstown to choose from the region's many optional experiences. Suggested add-ons include the Glenorchy and Paradise Explorer Tour or the Arrowtown Wanaka Highlights Tour.

Journey into Fiordland, one of the world's last great wildernesses, passing mirror lakes, waterfalls, and glacier-carved scenery on the way to Milford Sound. Board your vessel for a cruise through the fiord, surrounded by towering mountains and sheer cliffs that plunge into the sea. Lunch is included before returning by coach to downtown Queenstown.

Depart Queenstown through Kawarau Gorge and the fruit and wine region of Cromwell, then follow Lake Dunstan and the Lindis Pass into the Mackenzie district. Travel beside turquoise lakes framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the Southern Alps, pause at Mt Cook Village, stop near the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo, and continue to Christchurch.

Arrangements conclude with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport. If time allows, consider an optional visit to the Antarctic Centre before your onward flight.