Nights at Destinations:

Nights at Destinations:

Auckland (1), Rotorua (2), Tongariro (1), Wellington (2), Christchurch (2), Franz Josef (1), Queenstown (2), Te Anau (1), Dunedin (1), Mt Cook (1)

TranzAlpine – one of the world’s top train journeys!

Highlights

• TranzMetro, TranzCoastal, TranzAlpine trains; Kingston Flyer Steam Train and The Seasider train
• The Overlander train (subject to seasonal schedule)
• Visit the geothermal region of Rotorua
• Personalized sightseeing in Rotorua, Queenstown, Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin—you choose the activity and we’ll include it
• Tongariro National Park
• Inter-island cruise
• Milford Sound cruise
• Mt Cook & Franz Josef Glacier

Price Includes

• Meet, greet and transfer to and from city hotel on arrival and departure
• Fully-escorted tour from arrival in Auckland
• First class hotels in key locations
• All local taxes
• 25 meals—14 breakfasts (B), 11 dinners (D) (with meal plan) Domestic and International airfare not included.

Country Homestay Option on Day 3 (must be pre-booked)

Note: Itinerary effective 1 Apr 2008. Tours prior follow different itinerary. Ask for details or refer to 2007 brochure.

Day 1: Arrive Auckland, Personalized Sights

On arrival at Auckland Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Overnight: Auckland, SKYCITY Hotel

Day 2: Auckland—Rotorua

Board the Overlander Train this morning. Depart the “City of Sails” and journey south alongside the Waikato River through Ngaruawahia to Otorohanga. Travel to the Waitomo Caves and discover stunning underground scenery as we are guided through ancient limestone caverns and grottos. Tonight enjoy a traditional Hangi (feast) and cultural Maori performance. Overnight: Heritage Hotel, Rotorua for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 3: Rotorua Personalized Sightseeing

Rotorua is New Zealand’s oldest and best-known resort. Enjoy its waters, marvel at its fascinating geothermal activity and experience the region’s Maori culture. Today you choose the activity and we will include it. Visit Rotorua’s icon attractions: the Agrodome Sheep Show, Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Rainbow Springs; enjoy a treatment and soak in a thermal mineral pool at Polynesian Spa; take a half-day Eco thermal tour; or visit the Rotorua Museum and “Realm of Tane.”
Country Homestay option is available tonight (B,D)

Day 4: Rotorua—Tongariro National Park

We continue our journey aboard the Overlander Train through the heart of the North Island. Spend this evening in World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park, at the base of Mt Ruapehu. Overnight: Tongariro National Park, Chateau Tongariro (B,D)

Day 5: Tongariro—Wellington

This morning we head to Featherston through Taihape, the “Gumboot Capital” of New Zealand, the Manawatu Gorge and the Wairarapa region. In Featherston, we visit the Fell Engine Museum before we board the TranzMetro Train for a journey to Wellington, via the 5.4-mile Rimutaka Tunnel. Overnight: Wellington, James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 6: Wellington Sightseeing

Today we take a short stroll to the Wellington Cable Car and ascend to the top to visit the Cable Car Museum and walk around the Royal Botanic Gardens. Rejoin your coach and journey to Mount Victoria for the best views of the city, harbor and surrounding areas. Continue on to Te Papa where our sightseeing tour concludes. The remainder of today is at leisure in Wellington. (B)

Day 7: Wellington—Christchurch

This morning cruise across Cook Strait to Picton, gateway to the stunning South Island, to join the TranzCoastal Train for a spectacular journey. Overnight: Christchurch, Holiday Inn City Centre (B,D)

Day 8: Christchurch—Franz Josef

This morning board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train. Travel through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the magnificent Southern Alps. Continue south, view spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. There’s an opportunity for a scenic flight over this breathtaking region (own expense, weather permitting). Overnight: Franz Josef, Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (B,D)

Day 9: Franz Josef—Queenstown

See spectacular scenery as you journey along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Queenstown. Tonight enjoy our dining choice in Queenstown, where you choose from one of four restaurants and we’ll include it! Cruise to Walter Peak to the Colonel’s Homestead or ride the gondola to the Skyline Restaurant. Or dine at your hotel or a local restaurant. Overnight: Queenstown, Novotel Gardens Hotel for 2 nights (B,D)

Day 10: Queenstown Personalized Sightseeing

Queenstown is an exhilarating, year-round, alpine resort. Today you choose from a selection of activities and we’ll include it! A double-decker bus tour; a tour of award-winning wineries; an exhilarating jetboat ride or a relaxing garden tour. Perhaps the “Safari of the Scenes” tour, a 4WD adventure into Skippers Canyon or a leisurely walk around Lake Wakatipu— the choice is yours! (B)

Day 11: Queenstown—Milford Sound

This morning take a nostalgic trip back in time aboard New Zealand’s famous vintage steam train, The Kingston Flyer. On arrival into Milford, join our cruise boat for an amazing journey on the most famous and accessible of the grand glacier-carved fiords. Overnight: Te Anau, Luxmore Resort (B,D)

Day 12: Te Anau—Dunedin Personalized Sights

Travel across the South Island to Dunedin, the “Edinburgh of the South.” This afternoon you choose the activity and we will include it. Visit the Speights Brewery & Heritage Center where they brew the popular Speights Ale, head to the Otago Peninsula to see the Royal Albatross Colony, or check out New Zealand’s “Larnach Castle” for a tour and stroll around the gardens. Or join the Taieri Gorge Train and journey through the heart of Otago. The choice is yours! Overnight: Dunedin, Dunedin City Hotel (B,D)

Day 13: Dunedin—Mt Cook

Board the Seasider Train for a journey along the East Coast. Disembark at Palmerston and continue on to Oamaru before turning inland and journey into New Zealand’s high country and Mt Cook National Park. Try a guided walk or scenic flight over this alpine region (weather permitting, own expense). Overnight: Mt Cook, The Hermitage Hotel (B,D)

Day 14:Mt Cook—Christchurch

Visit picturesque Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Travel through Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains, crossing the braided Rakaia River, en route to Christchurch. Overnight: Christchurch, Holiday Inn City Centre (B,D)

Day 15: Personalized Sights, Depart Christchurch

This morning discover Christchurch with your selection of activity, before its time for your transfer to the airport and your onward flight. (B)

Departure Dates
2008: Apr 4; Sep 12; Oct 3, 17, 31; Nov 21; Dec 5
2009: Jan 9; Feb 6, 20; Mar 6, 13

Note: All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change.