Day : 1
Arrive Auckland (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Welcome to the New Zealand's invigorating North Island hub. On arrival in Auckland, transfer to your hotel (flights to arrive prior to 4pm) and settle in to one of the world's most liveable cities. This evening, join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and dinner at your hotel.
Day : 2
Auckland Sightseeing
Number of Days : 1
Immerse yourself in Auckland's intoxicating charm this morning as you embark on a city sightseeing tour to Mission Bay. Ascend to Bastion Point to admire views of the city skyline and Auckland Harbour, which you'll have an opportunity to explore later on board a cruise. Sit back and relax, as you experience first-hand why Auckland justifiably earns its reputation as the City of Sails.
Day : 3
Auckland - Rotorua
Number of Days : 1
Your Trafalgar Highlight today is a visit to Lance and Bridgette O'Sullivan's dairy farm, where you'll 'Connect with Locals' and discover New Zealand's horse racing traditions over a sumptuous country-style Be My Guest lunch. This evening, 'Dive into Culture' at the Tamaki Family Marae, complete with a tasty Hangi Regional Meal with wine and powerful Māori cultural performance revealing the rituals and traditions of this ancient culture.
Day : 4
Rotorua - Christchurch
Number of Days : 1
Encounter New Zealand's indigenous creatures that find sanctuary alongside the crystal-clear mineral springs of Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Join a 'Local Specialist' who will help you spot shy kiwi amongst the native bush, ferns and trees. From here, 'Dive into Culture' when you journey to Te Puia to meet the local Māori community at Whakawerawera for an introduction to their gift from the gods - the bubbling geysers, mud pools and thermal springs of Rotorua. A Māori 'Local Specialist' will show you New Zealand's largest geyser before you board your flight to Christchurch.
Day : 5
Christchurch - Franz Josef
Number of Days : 1
Journey across the Canterbury Plains and snow-capped Southern Alps on board the TranzAlpine, one of the world's most scenic rail journeys. Admire the vivid hues of greenstone (jade) during a visit to Hokitika for an exclusive jewellery carving demonstration with a 'Local Specialist' master carver. Continue to the luminescent icy depths of the Franz Josef Glacier, which you may choose to explore by air on an Optional Experience scenic flight (weather permitting).
Day : 6
Franz Josef - Queenstown (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Journey across Haast Pass, along the pebbled shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea and past Thunder Creek Falls. Savour the juicy flavours of apricots, peaches, plums in Cromwell, New Zealand's stone fruit capital, then visit the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown before arriving in Queenstown, where an orientation tour completes your day.
Day : 7
Milford Sound Cruise
Number of Days : 1
Travel south over the Devil's Staircase and along the tranquil shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, the gateway to South Island's spectacular fiords. Continue through the ancient forests of Fiordland National Park, driving past peaks and glaciers and through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to capture the startling natural beauty of Cleddau Valley and Mirror Lake. A journey filled with pinch-me moments awaits as you take to the tranquil waters of Milford Sound, enjoying a soul-stirring encounter with this wonder of nature and lunch on board before returning to Queenstown for an evening at leisure.
Day : 8
Queenstown Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Push your boundaries and indulge your inner adventurer on one of Trafalgar's Optional Experiences. You could ride the Shotover Jet boat, take a minibus excursion through Skippers Canyon or simply explore Queenstown on your own. This evening, join your Travel Director for dinner at The Boatshed set in the historic New Zealand Railways Shipping Office built in 1936. Restored and relocated to its lakefront setting, The Boatshed, with its spectacular views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range, is the perfect venue for your exclusive Farewell Dinner.
Day : 9
Depart Queenstown
Number of Days : 1
Your holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You will be transferred to Queenstown Airport for your onward flight (flights anytime).