7 Feb AUCKLAND An early morning arrival in Auckland where you will be transferred to the delightful Crowne Plaza Hotel, situated in the very heart of ‘The City of Sails’, your base for the next three nights. The hotel is situated above one of Auckland’s most exciting shopping complexes and only a short stroll from “The Golden Mile”. This afternoon, having had an opportunity to freshen up, you are free to make your first discoveries of the city with its breathtaking waterfront location.

8 Feb AUCKLAND Today we take a comprehensive tour of this sophisticated modern city, bounded by two harbours, the Waitemata and Manukau, which has one of the most stunning city landscapes. Our first stop is to the summit of an extinct volcanic cone, Mount Eden, which affords panoramic vistas of the whole region, and One Tree Hill, where the ‘Father of Auckland’ Sir John Logan Campbell lies. We continue to Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter, where you will be able to learn more about this fascinating frozen continent and its wildlife. Our morning concludes with a stroll through Parnell Village, a favourite shopping area with its quaint Victorian-style shops, boutiques and restaurants.

9 Feb AUCKLAND Auckland provides a wealth of plentiful parks, dozens of white sandy beaches shaded by the Pohutukawa trees and dotted along the coastline are secluded offshore islands. Today you are free to make your own explorations of this convivial city where on a clear day the panoramic views from the Sky Tower, with its glassfronted lifts, is worthy of a visit. For those who wish to venture further, why not experience a day trip to the stunning Bay of Islands.

10 Feb AUCKLAND • ROTORUA We say goodbye to this cosmopolitan city as we travel south by coach to the famous geothermal town of Rotorua, where on arrival you will be able to check-in to the ideally located Heritage Hotel. This afternoon we have arranged a guided walking tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Village where you will be able to share the knowledge and rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people as well as seeing the natural phenomena of boiling mud pools and erupting geysers. To round off the day participate in a Maori hangi (feast) and enjoy some traditional entertainment at your hotel.

11 Feb ROTORUA Today we stroll through Rainbow Springs, set in delightful surroundings of native habitat, where natural pools are home to hundreds of brown and brook trout and where the New Zealand icons, the elusive Kiwi and Tuatara may be seen. We continue to the Agrodome for an interesting farm show where the skills of mustering, shearing, milking and the use of sheep dogs are demonstrated. Close to the Bath House are the Polynesian Pools where a soak in one of the warm steamy mineral pools is highly recommended to relieve you of any aches and pains. The remainder of the day is free to relax or enjoy any of Rotorua’s other attractions.

12 Feb ROTORUA • WELLINGTON Leaving this jewel of the North Island with all its thermal wonders we drive in a westerly direction towards Otorohanga. Here we board our train and after having a number of stops en route, and having travelled on the famous Raurimu Spiral, we arrive in New Zealand’s fine capital, Welllington, situated on the most southerly point of the North Island. The James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor is our base for the next two nights, where you are sure to find a warm welcome.

13 Feb WELLINGTON Wellington is New Zealand’s harbour Capital city. A city of breathtaking views, winding walks, delightful parks and sandy beaches and this morning we give you an all encompassing tour viewing Parliament Buildings, Old Saint Paul’s Cathedral, the Lady Norwood Rose Gardens, the National Art Gallery and Museum. The tour concludes with a cable car ride to Kelburn, where breathtaking views of the blue bowl of the harbour and far reaching aspects of Oriental Bay and other scenic bays can be seen. Our last night on the North Island so why not indulge in an evening drink whilst watching the sun go down.

14 Feb WELLINGTON • PICTON • NELSON This morning we transfer to the comfortable inter-island ferry to journey across magnificent Cook Strait before entering the tranquil waters of Marlborough Sound through the Tory Channel. On arrival in Picton we disembark and board our coach for the fishing-town of Nelson, where the Mediterranean-like climate lends itself to the successful growth of apple and kiwi fruits and the whole of the national crop of hops is grown. Wood carving, pottery and painting are a few of the crafts carried out in this area and this afternoon we follow the trail of some of them. Later in the day we check-in at the Rutherford Hotel for our two night stay.

15 Feb NELSON A day at leisure for you to enjoy relaxing in the hotel or exploring the town of Nelson. The region is home to a large community of working artists, wineries and microbreweries. Enjoy wandering through the historical streets of the town where it is possible to visit and shop at the local artist’s studios and galleries. In the evening, you may choose to dine at one of the waterfront restaurants which serve delicious locally caught seafood.

16 Feb NELSON • BLENHEIM • CHRISTCHURCH Blenheim, situated on the Wairau Plain, is New Zealand’s most important wine growing region and establishment of the Montana vineyards in the late 1960s, which is our first stop today. We then join the TranzCoastal train which winds its way along the Kaikoura coast and as whales congregate close to the shore you may have a glimpse of these fascinating mammals. Early evening arrival in Christchurch with its distinct English elegance, colonial architecture and impressive spires. Your hotel is the delightful centrally located Holiday Inn City Centre Hotel.

17 Feb CHRISTCHURCH This morning we travel to the quaint township of Lyttelton perched on the hillside overlooking the harbour, where once a massive volcano erupted and its crater was filled by the sea. Besides the marine bird life and penguins you are likely to espy, undoubtedly the highlight of the cruise is the sighting of the Hector’s dolphins, the smallest and rarest in the world. Cathedral Square in the heart of the city is dominated by the famous Christchurch Cathedral and from this point it is possible to board an elegant and environmentally friendly mode of transport - the vintage tram - for a unique way of discovering the special ambience of ‘The Garden City’. An evening in Christchurch gives you the opportunity to select one of the many fine restaurants in which to dine.

18 Feb CHRISTCHURCH • PUNAKAIKI An early morning transfer to board the train for one of the great rail journeys of the world. The TranzAlpine, with its panoramic windows, departs from the hub of the south and weaves its way across the vast and flat Canterbury Plains before ascending into the Southern Alps, where spectacular alpine and river scenery unfolds, to Greymouth. Here we re-board our coach and travel north to Punakaiki to see the unusually formed Pancake Rocks and blowholes, a vivid display of the effect of the ocean on limestone rocks. Our hotel this evening is the Punakaiki Resort.

19 Feb PUNAKAIKI • FRANZ JOSEF Shantytown lies a few kilometres south of Greymouth and here you will take a short nostalgic journey and steam experience along the tranquil Infants Creek railway, through delightful native bush where you can see a working saw-mill and a Gold Claim, where you can pan for gold. Hokitika, known for its greenstone (New Zealand jade) is our next stop today before travelling to the Westland National Park with its alpine peaks, lakes and forests. This is home to two of New Zealand’s most impressive glaciers, the Franz Josef and Fox - unique in their location in the midst of a rainforest and close to the Tasman Sea. After an enjoyable day we arrive at the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier. Why not revel in the views across the glacier river valley whilst enjoying an evening meal in the grand dining room.

20 Feb FRANZ JOSEF • QUEENSTOWN Today as we head south you should find this to be one of the most impressive and rewarding drives to experience, firstly the remarkable coastal scenery before heading inland to Mount Aspiring National Park, dominated by New Zealand’s ‘Matterhorn’, Mount Aspiring. The Haast Pass links the glacier-renowned region with the Southern Lakes of Otago, once rich in gold, providing dramatic contrasts from lush vegetation to arid tussocked landscape and where you may catch a glimpse of the cheeky native parrot (Kea). We continue our day passing the glacial lakes of Wanaka and Hawea before arriving in Queenstown, the stunning South Island resort. We are sure you will enjoy your stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, excellently positioned in the centre of town.

21 Feb QUEENSTOWN Leaving this harmonious setting we skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu and arrive at Kingston in time to catch the steam locomotive, The Kingston Flyer, for a short journey to Fairlight. We then return to Queenstown to relax in this celebrated southern resort, dominated by the rugged Remarkables Mountain Range, so-called due to their constantly changing colours. Queenstown offers a wealth of outdoor activities, en route to Coronet Peak you can view the birth-place of bungy jumping and marvel in the beauty of the surrounding mountains, cruising on Lake Wakatipu on a vintage steamship and, for those who prefer a more leisurely pursuit, why not try your hand at gold panning or take a ride on the Skyline Gondola providing unforgettable vistas of this truly magnificent scenery.

22 Feb QUEENSTOWN • MILFORD SOUND • TE ANAU An incomparable highlight is a journey into Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound, once described by Rudyard Kipling as the “eighth wonder of the world” and we continue to this captivating region. A cruise on the Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak, and out to sea is an unforgettable experience. The Distinction Te Anau Hotel provides a relaxing ambience for your stay this evening.

23 Feb TE ANAU • DUNEDIN This morning we depart for Southland’s largest town, Gore, where in the Hokonui Hills the illicit brewing of whisky once took place. Our day progresses to the glorious city of Dunedin with its rich Scottish heritage and strong University influence. Your hotel during your stay in this all-embracing city is the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, where tonight the true Scottish influence can be experienced in a typical soiree.

24 Feb DUNEDIN • PUKERANGI • DUNEDIN This morning we enjoy a scenic harbour cruise during which we may have the opportunity for wildlife sightings. This cruise is followed by a visit to the Albatross Centre. We return to Dunedin and this afternoon take a trip on the Taieri Gorge Railway, an experience never to be forgotten. The dramatic scenery unfolds with precipitous escarpments and graceful viaducts spanning giant ravines, where you will be in awe of the workmanship of the pioneers of bygone days.

25 Feb DUNEDIN • CHRISTCHURCH This morning we return to Christchurch, stopping off en route to view the Moeraki Boulders. These are huge, spherical stones up to three metres in diameter, which are formed in ancient sea floor sediments and scattered over the sandy beaches. On arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred to the Holiday Inn City Centre after which you are free to meander through the streets in the convivial and relaxed atmosphere, where punting on the River Avon depicts a very English way of life.

26 Feb CHRISTCHURCH • AUCKLAND • HONG KONG Today we transfer to Christchurch Airport for your flight to Auckland, where you will connect with your Air New Zealand international flight to HONG KONG.

27 Feb You arrive at Hong Kong International Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel, Holiday Inn Golden Mile for a three night stay in this vibrant and exotic location.

28 Feb HONG KONG We have a half day tour of Hong kong Island today to 'get us started' - after that we are on our own to relax or 'live it up' depending just how knackered we are after a month's tour of New Zealand. Wish us luck!

1 March HONG KONG free day at our leisure

2 March HONG KONG to LONDON Today we have an early start to get to Hong Kong Airport for our flight to London. Arrival at London Heathrow Airport where THT staff will greet us and transfer us to Titan HiTours transport for our journey home by taxi.

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