North & South Discovery – Summer

Itinerary :

Day 1: Auckland: Welcome to New Zealand! You’ll arrive in the largest city in New Zealand that is set between two harbors with gentle sandy shores on the east coast and black sand, wild surf beaches on the west coast. Get transferred to your hotel by a private vehicle & check-in. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Auckland.

Day 2: Auckland-Hobbiton-Rotorua: Depart Rotorua and embark on a guided tour to the Hobbiton Movie Set, a working farm that was transformed into The Shire from Middle-Earth for the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit movies. See where the movies were filmed as your tour guide shares behind-the-scenes tales. You’ll see sights like Hobbit Holes, the Mill, and The Green Dragon Inn, and learn how farmland was transformed into a living, breathing piece of Middle-earth. After exploring Hobbiton, tuck into a delicious lunch at The Green Dragon Inn before continuing on to Rotorua. Your guide will escort you around the set, pointing out intricate detailing, highlighting the most famous locations and explaining how the movie was made. Finish with a visit to the Green Dragon Inn for a beverage and a sumptuous lunch at the Party marquee before heading on to Auckland. Overnight in Auckland. (L)

Day 3: Rotorua: Today embark on a spectacular tour of Rotorua, where you will get spectacular views of geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. It is also a region immersed in fascinating Maori myths and legends. Later in the afternoon, get transport to Te Puia for a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the geothermal valley. Also enjoy a Hangi Dinner overlooking the valley and geyser, followed by a 40 minute cultural performance. The evening culminates with hot chocolate and pudding on the geyser terrace. Overnight in Rotorua. (D)

Day 4: Rotorua – Queenstown: Today depart from Rotorua on your domestic flight to Queenstown (flight not included). Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town. After Check in, you can enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Queenstown.

Day 5: Queenstown – Milford – Queenstown: Today’s breathtaking drive passes mirror lakes, magnificent waterfalls, and water-sculpted rocks. Explore Milford Sound, a New Zealand treasure carved by ice age glaciers that is famously described as the eighth wonder of the world. On arrival, board your vessel for a cruise of the fiord surrounded by towering mountains and cliffs that plunge into the sea. Feel the refreshing spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces before returning to shore. Lunch is Included. Return to downtown Queenstown. Overnight in Queenstown. (L)

Day 6: Queenstown – Mt Cook – Christchurch: This Morning, while departing Queenstown your driver guide will begin the journey out of Queenstown through the stunning Kawarau Gorge and fruit and wine growing region of Cromwell. The journey includes beautiful views of Lake Dunstan and meanders through the dramatic Lindis Pass. Travel the vast plains of the Mackenzie district, alongside magnificent turquoise blue lakes, framed by Aoraki Mt Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps to Mt Cook Village where you have some free time. Make a stop close to the popular Church of the Good Shepherd sitting in solitude on the banks of Lake Tekapo before continuing through the amazing countryside to Christchurch. Overnight in Christchurch

Day 7: Christchurch: Your tour concludes today with a departure transfer to Christchurch Airport for your flight to next destination.