Auckland – Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast skimming past the many seaside villages on the Whangaporoa Peninsula. Travel to Matakohe for a visit to the Kauri Park Museum that houses an exceptional display highlighting the region's early settlement and kauri gum industry, which was so important to the region's early development. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia.

On arrival into Paihia we meet our local Maori guide, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands, before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. A self guided tour through the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe, all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bountiful Bay of Islands.

This afternoon you will experience a launch cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett. Cruise past many of the islands of the Bay. Enjoy the views as you cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Your Kirra Tours Coach Captain will meet you at the wharf to transfer to your accommodation this evening.

Optional Extra: Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise Option

Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. A full day Tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New Zealand’s first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum.

Optional: Overnight Cruise on the "Ipipiri" a luxury launch, at $155 per person

Rotorua
An action packed day today with many included sightseeing activities. First a visit to Agrodome, for an exciting and informative insight into the world of New Zealand agriculture, featuring 19 breeds of sheep, sheep shearing, cow milking, lamb feeding and sheepdog demonstrations. Next stop is at Rainbow Springs where you will see pools of brown and rainbow trout and native birds including the Kiwi.

Last activity is the spectacular Skyline Gondola, offering superb views over city, lake and mountains. and for a little excitement, try a Luge ride with our compliments. The Luge is a fun filled ride on a three-wheel cart with a unique braking and steering system providing the rider full control and allowing them to travel as fast or as slow as they wish.

There will be time in the afternoon for optional activities. This evening you are in for a cultural treat with the Tamaki Village Hangi Feast and Concert. Watch in awe as two warriors perform a formal Powhiri (welcome), be thrilled by the Haka (war dance), and see the talented Poi dances. You will even be given the opportunity to try to perform the Haka or the Poi dance. The concert is complemented by mouth-watering buffet selections of Eastern and Western cuisine and divine desserts, including the very 'Kiwi' Pavlova.

Rotorua – Napier - Masterton
Skirt some of the worlds largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity. View the Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm and pauses at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, claimed to be the world's art deco capital. Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmland as you pass through Hastings then to Dannervirke and Woodville for an afternoon stop at Mangatainoka, home to Tui Brewery before continuing on to Masterton for the night.

Milford Sound Day Trip
Today your coach will climb through the Southern Alps, travelling on one of the highest and most scenic state highways in New Zealand. Leave Te Anau and travel through Fiordland National Park, following the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys, passing through the Homer Tunnel to descend into the Cleddau Canyon to magnificent Milford Sound.

You will see for yourself why Rudyard Kipling described Milford Sound as the 'eighth wonder of the world'. Experience Milford Sound from the water, a launch cruise will take you to the Tasman Sea and back, stopping at the raging Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls at The Chasm. A truly exhilarating experience, make sure your camera is fully charged. If time and weather permits your coach captain will explore the lower Hollyford Valley before your return to Te Anau.

Te Anau – Queenstown
This morning travel by boat across Lake Te Anau to explore the fascinating Te Anau caves system on the western shore of the lake. This tour offers an underground adventure that charms visitors of all ages. The tour takes you to a mysterious underground world of rushing water before drifting in silent darkness beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glowworms. From Te Anau travel onto Kingston before hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach New Zealand's adventure capital Queenstown. This evening cruise across the lake aboard the steamship TSS Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Queenstown – Haast Pass/ Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes then on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks.

Drive north along the coast through the flourishing rainforests of the West Coast and Makarora and onto the glorious Glacier region. This is an ideal opportunity for you to experience small town New Zealand in the heart of Westland. The rainforest and surrounding area is so green it will hurt your eyes. (Upon arrival into Fox Glacier there is opportunity to either take an optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face or an optional exhilarating helicopter flight over the glacier) Both these options are at your own expense and are very weather dependant.

Fox Glacier – Christchurch
Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers then north to Greymouth to visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory to see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass to the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch.

Optional: Experience one of the world’s top 6 train trips aboard the TranzAlpine to Christchurch. Additional cost $180 per person from Greymouth.