Day 1: Auckland, New Zealand

Your tour starts in Auckland.

Day 2: Auckland - Bay of Islands

Begin your day with a city tour of Auckland visiting the America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial, Queen Street and the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Next, travel north to the Bay of Islands. This sun-soaked region boasts more than 144 islands and warm waters with abundant marine life.

Day 3: Bay of Islands

Today you’ll take a cruise through the bay’s famous Hole in the Rock and views of the Cape Brett Lighthouse before you explore Paihia independently.

Day 4: Bay of Islands - Matakohe - Home Stay^

Visit Matakohe in the agricultural heartland of the North Island. Make a stop at the Kauri Museum to discover the story of the famous giant kauri tree. Later, make yourself right at home when a New Zealand family welcomes you for the night!^

Day 5: Rotorua

Today, you’ll find yourself amid the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua and experience the Maori traditions. Enjoy the chance to view the famous Kiwi bird which is now on the endangered species list. Tonight, experience an authentic Hangi dinner celebration.

Day 6: Rotorua - Napier

After arriving in the city of Napier, which boasts some of the greatest Art Deco architecture in the world, enjoy a guided tour. This afternoon, take advantage of time at leisure.

Day 7: Napier - Wellington

Travel through the rolling countryside of the North Island on your journey to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

Day 8: Wellington

Take a walking tour of Wellington visiting the main sights and Te Papa Tongawera Museum. The remainder of your day is at leisure.

Day 9: Wellington - Picton - Blenheim, Marlborough

Today you’ll sail across Cook Strait and arrive in Picton on the South Island for lunch before travelling along the coast to the picturesque village of Havelock. Upon arrival in Blenheim, you’ll visit a local winery for a tasting and dine at the cellar door bistro.

Day 10: Blenheim

Enjoy the morning at leisure before visiting a family-owned winery in the Marlborough region for a tasting and tour.

Day 11: Blenheim - Punakaiki

Today you’ll travel through the heart of the South Island and further along the rugged coast to Punakaiki. Upon arrival at your hotel you will have free time to explore the area before dinner.

Day 12: Punakaiki - Franz Josef Region

Continue your journey along the stunning coastline to the Franz Josef Region. Along the way, make a stop in Hokitiki to meet the skilled carvers who work with the West Coast pounamu – New Zealand greenstone – at a local jade shop.

Day 13: Franz Josef - Queenstown

Before departing Franz Josef you may opt to see the glacier from a flightseeing tour. After crossing the Haast Pass, arrive in Queenstown. Tonight board the cable car for a ride up to the Skyline restaurant where you will enjoy dinner and fantastic views of Queenstown. After dinner, choose to take a seat at a cultural show; enjoy star gazing with a naturalist. Or, if you are feeling more adventurous, give the luge a try!

Day 14: Queenstown

Set off towards the beautiful 19th-century gold rush settlement of Arrowtown. Take time to explore before stopping at a local winery for a tasting of their award-winning wine and a fabulous lunch. Later, return to Queenstown for some free time.

Day 15: Queenstown

Today is a free day to explore Queenstown.

Day 16: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau

Today you’ll travel through ancient beech forest via the Homer Tunnel. During a cruise of the beautiful Milford Sound, you will see why this fjord is one of the most visited sights on South Island. Following your cruise, enjoy an overnight stay on the southern shores of Lake Te Anau.

Day 17: Te Anau - Dunedin

Travel to Dunedin, on the southeast coast of New Zealand. Visit the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland breeding location in the world for these magnificent birds.

Day 18: Dunedin

This morning you’ll see Larnach Castle as well as Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest public road. You may choose to embark on an optional trip on the spectacular Taieri Gorge Railway.

Day 19: Dunedin - Mt. Cook Region

Journey through unspoiled wilderness and arrive at Mt. Cook National Park, where permanent icefields and glaciers blanket the ragged peaks. You may choose to take a nature walk or enjoy an optional glacier flightseeing tour.

Day 20: Mt. Cook - Christchurch

This morning, visit a working farm and see a sheep shearing demonstration. Get to know these New Zealand farmers over a home-cooked morning tea. Later, enjoy some free time to explore Christchurch on your own.

Day 21: Christchurch

Embark on a short tour of Christchurch this morning before some free time. Tonight, visit the region’s earliest home, Riccarton House, and
enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 22: Christchurch

Your tour ends in Christchurch

Collette brochure price from £2939

Travel 55 discount price from £2734

Telephone Collette Holidays on 0800 804 8700 and quote Travel 55 code NYC2