Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
On arrival at Auckland Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel. 
 
Day 2  - Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua (350 km)   
                  
Travel south past rolling green hills and pastureland to the Waitomo Caves region. Beneath the surface of this ancient limestone region lies a labyrinth of caves and underground rivers.  Expert guides provide historical and geographical commentary before you drift silently in a boat under the milky way of millions of glow worms on the cavern roof above you.  Continue through farmland and forest until the distinctive smell of sulphur and constant steam drifts let you know you are in tempestuous, geothermal Rotorua.  
 
Day 3 - Rotorua   (Dinner)
 
Experience Māori culture at Te Puia and take a tour through a thermal valley full of forceful geysers and bubbling mud pools. View woodcarving and weaving schools and see how these ancient arts are being passed on to a new generation.  Explore Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park, where you can get up close to the native flora and fauna. Then see New Zealand's agricultural industry in action at the Agrodome, a working farm where you can view a sheep shearing display and sheep dog trials.  This evening enjoy a memorable night of culture, song and dance followed by dinner cooked the traditional Maori way on hot stones underground.
 
Day 4  - Rotorua – Queenstown (BY AIR) 
Today you be transferred to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Queenstown (FLIGHT INCLUDED – hand luggage only). On arrival in Queenstown you will be transferred to your accommodation. 
 
 
Day 5 - Queenstown - Milford Sound – Queenstown (580km)      (Lunch)
 
A full day journey into the heart of Milford Sound. Experience the world famous fjord, rich in dense rainforest, glacier carved valleys and beautiful waterfalls. Journey across the Southern Alps, past the stunning Mirror Lakes and Eglinton Valley, a place of ancient alpine forest and gushing waterfalls. At Milford Sound, board your scenic cruise to see the wonders of Mitre Peak, glacier-scarred rock walls and waterfalls that tumble through valleys and crash into the sea far below.  Later today return to Queenstown. 
 
Day 6 - Queenstown 
 
The resort town of Queenstown is exciting, sophisticated and fantastically scenic.  Today is free to enjoy the many sights and activities on offer in Queenstown.
 
Day 7 - Queenstown -Mount Cook -Christchurch (594km) 
 
This morning travel through a mixture of high country tussock, farmland and snow capped mountains.  A small side trip takes you to Aoraki, Mt Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain where you can explore the village and soak up the view.  Pass exquisite, turquoise Lake Tekapo and braided river crossings before the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains lead you to Christchurch.
 
 
Day 8  - Christchurch  
 
Transfer to Christchurch Airport for your departure today.