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  9 Day New Zealand Alpine Delights

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Independent Touring in New Zealand

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

On arrival in Auckland you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy time at leisure to explore the “City of Sails.” Overnight: Auckland

Day 2: Auckland—Waitomo—Rotorua

Travel south to Rotorua via Waikato, to the Waitomo Caves for lunch. Enjoy a guided tour of the famous Glow Worm grotto. Continue via Lake Karapiro to Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. Overnight: Rotorua for 2 nights (L,D)

Day 3: Rotorua Sightseeing

Today experience all Rotorua has to offer. Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mud pools and shooting geysers and the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. Next, Agrodome Sheep Show and Rainbow Springs Nature Park—a showcase of flora and fauna and endangered species. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 4: Rotorua—Christchurch

Fly to Christchurch (flight not included), the “Garden City,” where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. We suggest visiting the Arts Center, Botanic Gardens or International Antarctic Center (optional, own expense). Overnight: Christchurch

Day 5: Christchurch—Mt Cook—Queenstown

Today travel south across the Canterbury Plains and through the MacKenzie Country via Lake Tekapo. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and continue to Mt Cook National Park. Consider a scenic flight over some of New Zealand’s finest alpine scenery. Continue on to the Lindis Pass, and through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. Overnight: Queenstown for 3 nights

Day 6: Milford Sound Day Excursion

Travel to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. View the Mirror Lakes as you continue through the Eglinton Valley. Join your Milford Sound Red Boat cruise for an unforgettable experience, and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord. Return to Queenstown.

Day 7: Queenstown at Leisure

Today is at leisure to explore Queenstown—New Zealand’s renowned Alpine Resort. Choose one of the many excursions or adventure activities (own expense) or relax and soak up the scenery.

Day 8: Queenstown—Franz Josef

Travel via the Haast Pass, past Lakes Wanaka and Hawea, through the Westland National Park to Franz Josef, arriving approximately 4:10pm. We suggest a scenic helicopter flight or guided tour (own expense) to view the glacier more closely. Overnight: Franz Josef

Day 9: Franz Josef—Christchurch

Today travel to Greymouth to board the TranzAlpine Train to Christchurch, where your tour concludes.

Departs: Daily

9 Day Alpine Delights - Price per person (land only)
1 Apr 08–31 Mar 09 SEAT IN COACH Twin Single Breakfast Supp.
Standard $2048 $2840 $156
First Class $2152 $2980 $172
Deluxe $2320 $3308 $192
1 Apr 08–31 Mar 09  SELF DRIVE Twin Single  
Standard $1680 $2880  
First Class $1764 $3068  
Deluxe $2028 $3496  
Note: Airfare from Christchurch–Rotorua not included. Extra night prices available on request. Pre/post-tour accommodation available. Self-Drive option does not include vehicle insurance. Tour can be reversed to begin in Auckland. All prices, itineraries and routings are subject to change. Please call for our current prices.

Tour Code: RC18

Other New Zealand Independent Tours:

22 Day Royal Escorted
23 Day Spectacular Australian New Zealand
15 and 21 Day South Pacific Highlights
21 Day Highlights of Australia & New Zealand
15 Day Red Center Top End
14 Day Australia Escorted Tour
13 Day Highlights of Australia
13 Day Barrier Reef Island Wanderer
11 Day  Top End & Ancient Kimberly
10 Day Country and Coast
17 or 14 Day Highlighter
15 Day New Zealand Explorer
15 Day Grand Rail Experience
14 Day New Zealand Panorama
12 Day New Zealand Rail Discovery
12 Day Scenic Sights
9 Day New Zealand Alpine Delights
9 Day Southern Tourer


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