You will stay in hotels such as the Island Pacific Hotel in Hong Kong, the City Life Hotel in Auckland, the Sudima Hotel at Lake Rotorua, the Bay Plaza Hotel in Wellington, the Elms Hotel in Christchurch, the Fox Glacier Hotel near the Fox Glacier, the Gold Ridge Hotel in Queenstown, the Heritage Gateway Hotel in Omarama and the Latimer Hotel in Christchurch.
Our hotels in New Zealand are comfortable, medium grade and centrally situated with restaurant and bar. Rooms have private shower and toilet, TV, telephone and tea and coffee-making facilities.
In Fiji, you will stay at the Warwick Hotel on the main island. All of the rooms in the hotel have a Telephone-International Direct Line, Local & Satellite Television, Coffee Maker, Air Conditioning, Refrigerator with mini bar, Radio and piped music, Hairdryer, Hot & Cold water, Shower and Bath, All rooms have private balconies overlooking either Mountain Views or Ocean Views, Daily turndown services, VCR in Warwick Club rooms and suites only, Iron & ironing Boards and In Room Safes.
Your Resort
New Zealand, roughly the same size as Great Britain, passes through a range of latitudes from the floral northlands to the rugged tip of South Island. Many excursions are included in the price with breakfast every day to set you up for all the sightseeing ahead!
DAY 1
Meet your travelling companions in the executive lounge prior to your scheduled flight to Hong Kong.
DAY 2
On arrival in Hong Kong, transfer to your hotel for a two night stay. Enjoy a welcome drink.
DAY 3
Take an included half day sightseeing tour of Hong Kong Island which includes Victoria Peak for its superb views, Repulse Bay and Aberdeen, famous for it floating community; visit the New Territories; or cross the Pearl River to Macau. A ride on the Star Ferry is must to view the city from a spectacular vantage point. Alternatively stroll through the busy streets, shop for bargains and soak up the atmosphere.
DAY 4
We transfer to the airport for our flight to Auckland, New Zealand
DAY 5
We arrive in Auckland and continue to our hotel for a two night stay. You are at leisure to rest and relax after your flight, before we meet up for a welcome drink and dinner this evening.
DAY 6
The sparkling city of Auckland is the largest in New Zealand, situated on North Island in the spectacular Gulf of Hauraki. After our included city tour, you are free to explore the ‘City of Sails’.
DAY 7
The warm, emerald green North Island was shaped originally by the fire of volcanoes, and evidence of this remains in the thermal springs surrounding Rotorua, which is your destination today. En route you will travel through Ngaruawahia, home of the Maori Queen, and Hamilton, to the world-famous Waitomo Caves. Here there will be an included guided tour of the amazing glow worm grotto. An optional flight by either float plane or helicopter will be available over Mount Tarawera Volcano. Two nights’ accommodation has been arranged in Rotorua.
DAY 8
Morning included visit to Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to view the extraordinary boiling mud pools and spouting geysers. Optional afternoon excursion to the Agrodome to see a display of working sheep dogs and a visit to Rainbow Springs to view the rare flightless Kiwi bird, the national emblem of New Zealand. Alternatively you can relax in one of the thermal baths in Rotorua. This evening we have included a visit to a Maori Concert and Hangi; a meal cooked in centuries-old fashion by underground steam.
DAY 9
Drive south through the Wairakei Valley, past the spectacular Huka Falls to stunningly beautiful Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s wonderful capital city, which enjoys a beautiful setting on the southern tip of North Island. We have included a city tour on arrival. Overnight accommodation has been arranged.
DAY 10
Today you will sail from North Island to South Island. The crossing takes approximately three hours as you sail through the picturesque Cook Strait to Picton. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in the Picton or Blenheim area for an overnight stay at the Picton Beachcomber or similar. Blenheim is in Marlborough Province, renowned the world over for its fine foods and wine, including the awardwinning Sauvignon Blanc. This evening you will be treated to a dinner, including wine. South Island is sparsely populated and provides a complete escape from modern living. Here amongst the grandeur of snow-capped peaks, still fjords and rugged coastline you will find a welcome and a generosity to strangers that has disappeared elsewhere.
DAY 11
Today you will drive along the Kaikoura coast to the delightful city of Christchurch, often called the most English city outside England. En route (subject to the season) you may be lucky and have the opportunity to enjoy some whale watching. On arrival in Christchurch you will be taken on a city tour before transferring your hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 12
Today you will take the Tranz Alpine Express on a spectacular journey into the Southern Alps. It is the highlight of any visit to New Zealand and we have included it in the price. All the way from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass, the South Island’s highest railway station, you will be delighted by the contrasting scenery of the snow-capped Southern Alps and majestic gorges. At Arthur’s Pass you will rejoin your coach and continue south to the magnificent scenery and glaciers of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier regions. There is the opportunity to join a twin glacier helicopter flight with a landing on the glacier. Your overnight hotel will be near the Fox Glacier.
DAY 13
Today you will continue through Westland National Park and along one of the most exciting and scenic roads ever built. You will cross Clark Bluff and the Haast River Bridge before continuing to Queenstown for a three night stay.
DAY 14
We include an exciting excursion to Milford Sound today, one of the most beautiful locations in New Zealand. The tour takes you to Te Anau, the gateway to Fjordland National Park. You then continue through the lush beech forests of the Eglinton Valley and the eroded glacial canyons of the Hollyford Valley, before arriving at Milford Sound itself. There will be a cruise (weather permitting) on the Sound before returning by coach.
DAY 15
Explore Queenstown at your leisure or take an optional excursion; ride on a jet boat, cruise on Lake Wakatipu or take a gondola ride for spectacular views over Queenstown.
DAY 16
Depart Queenstown for another scenic drive to Mount Cook, at 12,000ft the highest peak in New Zealand and famed for its pristine symmetry. Optional scenic flights will be available. Continue to Omarama for an overnight stay.
DAY 17
This morning you will cross Burkes Pass and continue to Lake Tekapo. You will then continue across the Canterbury Plains to return to Christchurch. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel for a two night stay.
DAY 18
Today will be free to explore the city and finish any last minute shopping. Included this evening will be a farewell dinner and drink.
DAY 19
You will transfer to Auckland for an overnight stay before departing for Fiji the next day.
DAYS 20 - 23
When you arrive in Fiji, the next few days will be yours to enjoy entirely at your own leisure. You can relax at the hotel, on the beach, or explore the surrounding area of the Hotel.
DAY 24
Transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to the UK. By re-crossing the International Dateline you gain time and arrive in the UK the next day.
DAY 25
Arrival in the UK.