Day 3. Saturday March 29, 2025 Rotorua
Tour of Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Cultural Center.
After lunch attend the afternoon show at the Agrodome.
Our evening adventure is a hangi and concert at Tamaki Maori Village.
Accommodations: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua.
Day 4. Sunday March 30, 2025 Rotorua to Wellington
Today we travel south, making stops at the Wairakei geothermal power station observation area,
the spectacular Huka Falls on the Waikato River, Lake Taupo and the Volcanic Plateau Visitors' Center.
Then it's on to Wellington, the capitol city.
Accommodations: Bay Plaza Hotel, Wellington.
Day 5. Monday March 31, 2025 Wellington
Today's visits include the New Zealand Parliament, the Cathedral Church of St Paul, and Wellington Botanical Gardens.
There is free time to visit Zealandia - the Karori Sanctuary, Te Papa National Museum and other places as you choose.
Accommodations: Bay Plaza Hotel, Wellington.
Day 6. Tuesday April 1, 2025 Wellington to Picton to Kaikoura
This day begins by making the three-hour crossing to the South Island on the InterIsland Ferry.
Lunch in the beautiful seaside town of Picton.
Then on to Kaikoura on the east coast of the South Island
Accommodations: Sudima KK Hotel, Kaikoura.
Day 7. Wednesday April 2, 2025 Kaikoura to Waipara to Christchurch
Travel down the east coast and onto the Canterbury plains to Waipara, to the farm home of Tony & Isobel Whyte.
Here we get to learn something of New Zealand's farming industry and view antique farm equipment.
A short ride takes us to a local Waipara winery. Then on to Christchurch,
Accommodations: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch.
Day 8. Thursday April 3, 2025 Christchurch
In the morning we will explore Christchurch and experience its recovery from major earthquakes in 2010 and 2011.
Optional activities for the rest of the day will include visiting the Christchurch museum and botanical gardens, the Art Center,
the International Antarctic Center, ride the city tram, or take the gondola up the port hills, and more.
Accommodations: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch.
Day 9. Friday April 4, 2025 Christchurch to Tekapo to Twizel
Traveling across the Canterbury Plains, we make our way into the McKenzie country, making stops
at the Tin Shed (woollen goods), Barkers in Geraldine (bakery & fruit products) and Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki.
We will also have opportunity to learn about the massive Mckenzie basin power project.
Accommodations: Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel.
Day 10. Saturday April 5, 2025 Aoraki Mt Cook
Today we drive into the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park for a day of exploring.
Activities to choose include a boat tour on the Tasman glacier, 4WD tours, guided or independent walks / hikes,
exploring the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center Museum, or taking in a show in the full dome planetarium.
Dinner is in the world renowned Alpine Restaurant at The Hermitage.
Accommodations: Distinction Mackenzie Country Hotel, Twizel.
Day 11. Sunday April 6, 2025 Twizel to Queenstown
After crossing the Lindis Pass, we travel through the Clyde Valley into Cromwell, the heart of
fruit growing country, with a stop at Mrs Jones fruit stand. From there we wind our way through the Kawarau Gorge and into
beautiful Queenstown. Accommodations: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown.
Day 12. Monday April 7, 2025 Queenstown
Optional morning activity: Weather permitting - A flight over the Southern Alps to Miford Sound.
There take a launch trip out to the Tasman Sea at the entrance to beautiful Milford Sound. Return to Queenstown.
A free day (or afternoon if taking the Milford flight/cruise) to explore this adventure-rich area.
Accommodations: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown.
Day 13, Tuesday April 8, 2025 Queenstown
A free day with optional activities including: hiking, parasailing, a jet-boat ride, biking, shopping,
visiting Lord of the Rings sites, and more. (This is the backup day for the Milford flight - weather dependent).
Early evening we steam up Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak High Country Station
for a grand celebratory dinner.
Accommodations: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown.