New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of 2 main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. Capital Wellington, on the North Island, is home to Te Papa Tongarewa, the expansive national museum. Wellington’s dramatic Mt. Victoria and the South Island’s Fiordland and Southern Lakes stood in for mythical Middle Earth in Peter Jackson’s "Lord of the Rings" films.
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NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean consisting of 2 main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciation. Capital Wellington, on the North Island, is home to Te Papa Tongarewa, the expansive national museum. Wellington’s dramatic Mt. Victoria and the South Island’s Fiordland and Southern Lakes stood in for mythical Middle Earth in Peter Jackson’s "Lord of the Rings" films.
Sovereign: Queen Elizabeth II (1952)
Governor-General: Sir Jerry Mateparae (2011)
Prime Minister: John Key (2008)
Land area: 103,734 sq mi (268,671 sq km); total area: 103,737 sq mi (268,680 sq km)
Population (2014 est.): 4,401,916 (growth rate: 0.83%); birth rate: 13.4/1000; infant mortality rate: 4.59/1000; life expectancy: 80.93
Capital (2011 est.): Wellington, 410,000
Largest cities: Auckland, 1.452 million
Monetary unit: New Zealand dollar
Languages: English, Maori, NZ Sign Language
DAY 1 - ARRIVE AUCKLAND
On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, collect your rental vehicle and continue to your hotel.
DAY 2 - AUCKLAND - BAY OF ISLANDS
Travel north over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and along the Hibiscus Coast. The journey continues through Whangarei, Northland’s only major city, before arriving in the beautiful Bay of Islands. (B)
DAY 3 - BAY OF ISLANDS
Today is at leisure to enjoy the Bay of Islands and Northland. You might like to book an optional Cape Reinga & 90 Mile Beach day tour or take time to explore Kerikeri. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)
DAY 4 - BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND
At leisure this morning to further explore this beautiful region. Later this afternoon return to Auckland. (B)
DAY 5 - AUCKLAND - ROTORUA
Farewell the ‘City of Sails’ as you travel south to reach the market garden area of Pukekohe. Continue through Hamilton - New Zealand’s fourth largest city and the fertile Waikato region to the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua. This afternoon is free in Rotorua to add optional activities if you choose. (B)
DAY 6 - ROTORUA - NATIONAL PARK
Leaving the Thermal City behind, drive to Taupo, home of New Zealand’s largest lake and the majestic Huka Falls. Take some time to explore Taupo and the lake before driving around the edge of Lake Taupo and into the Tongariro National Park. (B)
DAY 7 - NATIONAL PARK
Today is at leisure to explore the Tongariro National Park and the many walking tracks in the area, including the world-famous Tongariro Crossing. If you wish to take this walk, Flag can arrange suitable transfers to/from the start/finish of the track (not included in the tour price). (B)
DAY 8 - NATIONAL PARK - WELLINGTON
Departing the Central Plateau, head south through farmlands to the capital city, Wellington. (B)
DAY 9 - WELLINGTON - NELSON
Return your rental car this morning in Wellington to take the Interislander Ferry to Picton. Travel through the Marlborough Sounds and enjoy the scenic view from the ferry. On arrival in Picton, collect your rental car and continue through the Queen Charlotte Drive to Nelson. (B)
DAY 10 - NELSON
Today is at leisure to explore Nelson and the nearby Abel Tasman National Park. (B)
DAY 11 - NELSON - GREYMOUTH
Travel through the picturesque Nelson lakes district to reach the rugged West Coast. You may want to visit the pancake rocks at Punakaiki enroute to Greymouth. (B)
DAY 12 - GREYMOUTH - GLACIER REGION
Farewell Greymouth and continue south along the West Coast to reach the glacier region. Entry to Glacier Hot Pools is included. (B)
DAY 13 - GLACIER REGION
A full day at leisure to explore this magnificent glacier region. Optional activities include a scenic flight or guided walk on one of the glaciers. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)
DAY 14 - GLACIER REGION - QUEENSTOWN
Depart the Glacier Region today through spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to Haast Pass, gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park. Follow the shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka to Queenstown, arriving late in the afternoon. (B)
DAY 15 - QUEENSTOWN
A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)
DAY 16 - QUEENSTOWN - TE ANAU
Depart Queenstown this morning for the short journey to Te Anau. Enjoy a free day in Te Anau today. Optional activities include travelling via the world famous Milford Sound or an excursion to the Te Anau glowworm caves. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)
DAY 17 - TE ANAU - DUNEDIN
Leave Te Anau this morning for a drive through historical Central Otago to the Scottish influenced city of Dunedin. (B)
DAY 18 - DUNEDIN
You may wish to take an optional tour to Otago Peninsula this afternoon to visit Larnach Castle or view the resident penguin or albatross colonies. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)
DAY 19 - DUNEDIN - CHRISTCHURCH
Depart Dunedin and travel north to the Garden City of Christchurch. This afternoon is at your leisure in Christchurch. (B)
DAY 20 - DEPARTURE DAY
Your arrangements conclude today on the return of your rental car. (B)
INCLUSIONS:
- A choice of accommodation options : 3*/4*/5* As per your choice and budget
- Breakfasts Daily at all hotels
- All sightseeing entry fees included (as mentioned in each itinerary)
- A choice of transport options : By Coach or Self Drive ( Vehicle options are available as per budget )
- All applicable hotel taxes
EXCLUSIONS:
- Airport improvement fee.
- Meals and attractions unless otherwise stated.
- Transfers, unless otherwise specified.
- No Porterage
- VISA, Air Tickets & Baggage Charges
- No Domestic Airfare is included (Can provide quote as separate cost per person)
- No International Airfare is included (Can provide quote as separate cost per person)
- No Lunch & Dinner (Can provide quote as separate cost per person, per meal, per day)
- Any Costs not included/mentioned in itinerary
- Tips and/or Gratuity not included (Suggested tip of approx. USD 2.00 per person per day)
- 4.50% Govt Service Tax
- All optional tours can be added to your itinerary at extra cost
- Extension night option also available in all the cities at extra cost
- Customized Itinerary with freedom and flexibility can be organized as per your request
- Can upgrade to PVT tours & Transfer