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Royal New Zealand

(20 days, Auckland - Christchurch, 2011)
Royal New Zealand
A 20 day tour from Auckland to Lake Tekapo, experiencing the best New Zealand has to offer, including Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Milford Sound and Mount Cook National Park.
Your 20 day Royal New Zealand tour begins in Auckland where there are plenty of attractions to visit including the city’s beautiful harbour. Next you will head north, driving through the picturesque Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe and Omapere. From Omapere you will visit the historical Bay of Islands before enjoying a cruise across the bay to Cape Brett Lighthouse, through the famous Hole in the Rock. Next stop is Rotorua where you will see the Pohutu Geyser, which shoots boiling water up to 30 metres into the air. You will then spend time discovering the art deco city of Napier in Hawke’s Bay wine country and the nation’s capital, Wellington, before cruising across Marlborough Sounds to New Zealand’s South Island. Your South Island adventure begins in Franz Josef where you will witness the amazing Franz Josef Glacier, a gorgeous landscape carved by ice and a living reminder of the last Ice Age. You will then visit Queenstown, Te Anau and Dunedin enjoying the beauty of the Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, the Glow Worm Caves and have the opportunity to stay the night with a local family along the way. Finally you will travel to Lake Tekapo, visiting the famous Moeraki Boulders and experience the spectacular peaks, glaciers and permanent snowfields of Mount Cook National Park.

So much more with Scenic
Included Scenic Enrich

  • Your local Maori guide will take you to meet Tane Mahuta, the largest kauri tree in New Zealand for an intimate encounter to learn how the tree is inter-twined with the lives of the local Maoris
  • On arrival into the Bay of Islands your Maori guide will tell you stories of the history of the bay along with their personal family history
  • Visit Longlands Homestead, a working dairy farm, for a tour by the farm host followed by a delicious home cooked lamb roast lunch
  • Sample fine New Zealand wines and enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the award winning Mission Estate Winery
  • Cruise across the Marlborough Sounds in comfort onboard the InterIslander Ferry in the Kaitaki Plus Lounge, Exclusive to Scenic Tours. Enjoy breakfast and continuous hot and cold snacks and beverages
  • Visit the fascinating Sir Edmund Hilary Centre at Aoraki Mount Cook Village
  • Highlight Event to end your tour starts with drinks and canapés followed by a private dinner at Peppers Bluewater Resort in Lake Teka

Included Scenic Free Choice Activities

  • In Auckland, sail an America’s Cup yacht; or explore Waiheke Island; or search for whales on a high speed catamaran; or visit Waitakere Ranges; or cruise Auckland Harbour; or take an Auckland sightseeing tour; or enjoy Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter; or visit Sky Tower (must be pre-booked)
  • In the Bay of Islands, sail on Lion New Zealand; or take a lunch cruise; or tour Russell and Pompallier; or enjoy a full day tour to Cape Reinga; or swim with dolphins (weather permitting); or play a round of golf; or cruise to the Poor Knight Islands; or fishing in the bay
  • In Rotorua, visit the Agrodome Sheep Show & Rainbow Springs; or take an amphibious duck tour; or enter Te Puia Thermal Reserve; or relax at the Polynesian Day Spa; or take a thrilling 4WD safari adventure; or visit the unique Buried Village; or explore Rotorua Museum; or tour Whakarewarewa Village
  • In Queenstown, tour local country gardens; or tour local wineries; or jetboat through the Shotover Canyon; or take a Southern Lakes 4WD tour; or tour historic Skippers Canyon; or relax onboard the Million Dollar Cruise; or enjoy a therapeutic massage or foot revitalisation
  • In Dunedin, take a guided tour of Lanarch Castle; or visit Speight's Brewery; or see the yellow-eyed penguins; or visit the Albatross breeding centre

Included Scenic Dining

  • 34 superb meals including, 19 Full Breakfasts – hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 1 Highlight Lunch – three course table d’hôte (HL), 5 Highlight Dinners – buffet and three or four course table d’hôte (HD) and 9 Dinners – buffet and three to four course table d’hôte (D)

Included Scenic Free Choice Dining

  • In Auckland, dine at Eight Restaurant; or Barolo Restaurant
  • In Rotorua, experience a traditional Hangi and Cultural Show; or dine at the Atlas Café and Restaurant
  • In Queenstown, cruise onboard the TSS Earnslaw historic steamship, then dine at Walter Peak Station; or ride the gondola to the Skyline Restaurant; or dine at Lombardi’s Restaurant; or dine at Threesixty Restaurant
  • In Te Anau, enjoy a buffet dinner at Hilights Restaurant, or relax and dine café style at Bailiez Café, or enjoy a delicious Japanese dinner

Included Scenic Special Stays

  • The Langham Hotel, Auckland, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Copthorne Oriental Bay Hotel, Wellington – Superior Harbour View Rooms, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Distinction Luxmore, Te Anau – Deluxe Rooms, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Peppers Bluewater Resort in Lake Te Anau, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef Village
  • M Gallery Hotel St Moritz, Queenstown – One Bedroom Suites*, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
    (*Guests requiring twin share rooms will be accommodated in Deluxe Lake View Rooms)

Included Scenic Highlights

  • Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director at a welcome briefing followed by dinner
  • Visit the fascinating Kauri Museum
  • Stay overnight at Omapere, the undiscovered jewel of New Zealand
  • Enter the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
  • Cruise across the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and (weather permitting) through the Hole in the Rock
  • Visit Huka Falls, the Wairakei Steam Valley and Lake Taupo
  • Stay overnight in the quaint Art Deco township of Napier
  • Visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum for a guided tour
  • Cruise across the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds onboard the InterIslander Ferry
  • Visit the undiscovered west coast of the South Island
  • Stay overnight in the village of Franz Josef and view the mighty glacier
  • Take an exhilarating jetboat ride on the Haast River in Mount Aspiring National Park
  • Visit the picturesque town of Wanaka
  • Relax and enjoy a second day of Scenic FreeChoice Activities in Queenstown, Exclusive to Scenic Tours
  • Cruise the full length of stunning Milford Sound
  • Cruise across Lake Te Anau and enter the Glow Worm Caves
  • Visit the unusual Moeraki Boulders
  • Included visit to Mount Cook National Park to view the spectacular peaks (weather permitting), glaciers and permanent snowfields
  • Visit the picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd

Day 1: Auckland (D)
Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival you will be met at the airport by your Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your luxury hotel. Tonight meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a private welcome briefing followed by dinner.
Two Night Special Stay: Auckland
Day 2: Auckland (FB)
Today is an Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity day where you choose what you would like to do, at no extra cost. Choose from: (1) Sail on an America’s Cup yacht - no experience necessary; or (2) explore beautiful Waiheke Island; or (3) cruise in search of dolphins and whales on a high speed catamaran; or (4) visit Waitakere Ranges, walk in the rainforest and along the west coast’s black sand beaches; or (5) cruise Auckland Harbour including morning tea; or (6) discover Auckland on a small group sightseeing tour; or (7) enjoy Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World; or (8) visit Sky Tower, New Zealand’s tallest man made structure (Must be pre-booked).
Day 3: Auckland - Omapere (FB,D)
This morning head north, driving along the picturesque Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe where you will tour the fascinating Kauri Pioneer Museum. Learn about the history of the Kauri tree before continuing to Waipoua Forest. Included SCENIC ENRICH at the mighty Tane Mahuta tree, meet your local Maori guide, who will entertain you with legends of the Maori culture of this region. Continue to Omapere and your accommodation set on the shores of Hokianga Harbour. Relax and enjoy the spectacular views before a delicious BBQ dinner at the hotel with entertainment by local musicians.
Overnight Stay: Omapere
Day 4: Omapere - Bay of Islands (FB,D)

Included SCENIC ENRICH today meet your knowledgeable Maori guide who will delight you with stories about the history of the Bay of Islands, before visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where in 1840 the founding document of New Zealand as a nation was signed. This afternoon Included is your cruise across the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett Lighthouse and through the famous Hole in the Rock (weather permitting).
Two Night Stay: Bay of Islands

Unique, Boutique & Luxury - Upgrade your accommodation to spend two nights at the Bay of Islands Lodge (additional expense)

Day 5: Bay of Islands (FB)
Today is an Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity day where you choose what you would like to do, at no extra cost.  Choose from: (1) Lion NZ, the ultimate day sailing in the bay; or (2) a scenic lunch cruise around the beautiful bays; or (3) a cruise and tour of historic Russell and Pompallier; or (4) a full day tour to the country’s northernmost tip, Cape Reinga; or (5) cruise and swim with dolphins (weather permitting); or (6) play a round of golf at Waitangi Golf Club; or (7) enjoy a Perfect Day cruise to the Poor Knight Islands; or (8) try your hand at fishing in the bay.
Day 6: Bay of Islands - Auckland (FB,HD)
Relax and enjoy the view and a leisurely morning before heading south to Auckland. Included tonight is a SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining evening.  Choose from: (1) Eight – the newest dining sensation in Auckland; or (2) Fine Italian cuisine in Barolo Restaurant (limited availability).
Overnight Special Stay: Auckland
Day 7: Auckland - Rotorua (FB,HL)

Included today is your SCENIC ENRICH visit to Longlands Homestead, a working dairy farm, for a tour by the farm host followed by a home cooked roast lamb lunch.  Afterwards travel to Rotorua for an afternoon of leisure 
Two Night Stay: Rotorua

Unique, Boutique & Luxury - Upgrade to Hamurana Country Estate or Treetops Lodge & Estate (additional expense).

Day 8: Rotorua (FB,HD)
Today is an Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity day where you choose what you would like to do at no extra cost.  Choose from: (1) Enjoy the Agrodome Sheep Show and then see the rare Kiwi at Rainbow Springs; or (2) an amphibious duck tour of Rotorua’s city and lakes; or (3) enjoy a tour of Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Maori and Crafts Institute; or (4) relax in the geothermal pools of the Polynesian Day Spa; or (5) take a thrilling 4WD safari adventure; or (6) visit the unique Buried Village; or (7) visit Rotorua Museum; or(8) Whakarewarewa Village.   Tonight is an Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining evening.  Choose from: (1) Tamaki Village Hangi and Cultural Show; or (2) dinner at the Atlas Café and Restaurant.
Day 9: Rotorua - Napier (FB,HD)
Included today are visits to Huka Falls, Wairakei Steam Valley and Lake Taupo. Continue to the coastal township of Napier and your hotel located on the beachfront.  Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring this quaint Art Deco town. SCENIC ENRICH highlight Included tonight is a private wine tasting followed by dinner at the award winning Mission Estate winery.
Overnight Stay: Napier
Day 10: Napier - Wellington (FB,D)
This morning depart Napier and head south to Wellington, the nation’s capital. Included on arrival is your guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum. Enjoy free time at leisure or relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the city and harbor from your hotel.
Overnight Special Stay: Wellington
Day 11: Wellington - West Coast of South Island (FB,D)
Included this morning is your cruise across Marlborough Sounds to Picton on New Zealand’s South Island. SCENIC ENRICH onboard you will have exclusive access to the Kaitaki Plus Premier lounge where you can enjoy continuous hot and cold snacks along with complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, internet, newspapers and magazines. Arrive to the South Island for a scenic drive through the Wairau Valleyand across to the West Coast.
Overnight Stay: West Coast of South Island 
Day 12: West Coast - Franz Josef (FB,D)
Travel along the spectacular West Coast to Hokitika and enjoy some free time to explore this former gold mining town.  Continue to the charming village of Franz Josef for an Included visit to view the awesome Franz Josef Glacier, a stunning landscape hewn by ice and a living remnant of the last Ice Age. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore this pristine area at your own pace.  Tonight stay at the luxurious Te Waonui Forest Retreat, a lodge style hotel that has been built to respect and preserve the surrounding environment.
Overnight Special Stay: Franz Josef
Day 13: Franz Josef - Queenstown (FB)

A highlight today is your Included exhilarating jet boat ride on the mighty Haast River in Mount Aspiring National Park. Included is a stop to visit picturesque Lake Wanaka before continuing to Queenstown.
Three Night Special Stay: Queenstown

Unique, Boutique & Luxury - Upgrade to stay at Evergreen Lodge (additional expense).

Day 14: Queenstown (FB,HD)
Today is an Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity day where you choose what you would like to do.  Choose from: (1) a tour of local country gardens followed by morning tea; or (2) enjoy a guided tour of local wineries with lunch; or (3) take an exhilarating ride through Shotover Canyon in a jet boat, or (4) see the scenery of the Southern Lakes region on a 4WD tour; or (5) enjoy a scenic guided tour to historic Skippers Canyon; or (6) relax onboard the legendary Million Dollar Cruise; or (7) an indulgent therapeutic massage or foot revitalisation. Tonight is an Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining evening.  Choose from: (1) a cruise on Lake Wakatipu onboard the TSS Earnslaw historic steamship, then dine at Walter Peak Station; or (2) ride the gondola to Skyline Restaurant and dine overlooking Queenstown; or (3) enjoy a relaxing gourmet dinner at Lombardi’s Restaurant; or (4) dine at Threesixty Restaurant.
Day 15: Queenstown Free Day (FB)
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Southern Alps, Queenstown is recognised as New Zealand’s premier visitor destination. Today you have the chance to explore Queenstown at your own pace.
Day 16: Queenstown - Te Anau (FB,HD)

Enjoy the beauty of the Fiordland National Park. Included today is an unforgettable cruise on Milford Sound, the most accessible of Fiordland’s magnificent glacier-carved fiords. Tonight stay in the heart of Te Anau at your modern hotel.  Tonight is an Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Dining evening.  Choose from: (1) a delicious buffet dinner at Hilights Restaurant; or (2) a casual café style dinner at Bailiez Café; or (3) authentic Japanese cuisine. 
Overnight Stay: Te Anau

Glow Worm Caves -Opportunity this evening to see the Glowworm Caves at Te Anau. Glow Worm Caves are included at no extra cost but must be pre-booked.

Day 17: Te Anau - Dunedin (FB,D)

Travel this morning to Dunedin, a university city of Scottish heritage and New Zealand’s oldest city. This afternoon enjoy your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE activity - choose from: (1) a guided tour of Larnach Castle and it’s magnificent gardens; (2) a trip to see the famous Yellow-eyed penguins; or (3) visit the Albatross Centre and see these magnificent birds in a natural habitat; or (4)  a guided tour of Speight’s Brewery.
Overnight Stay: Dunedin

Home Stay -Alternatively we offer you the opportunity to experience the warmth and hospitality of a local family during an overnight Home Stay. Home Stays are included at no extra cost but must be pre-booked.

Day 18: Dunedin - Lake Tekapo (FB,D)
This morning head north for an Included visit to the famous Moeraki Boulders, before arriving at Lake Tekapo.  Relax and enjoy dinner at the Resort tonight.  
Two Night Special Stay: Lake Tekapo
Day 19: Lake Tekapo (FB,L,HD)
A highlight today is your Included visit to Mount Cook National Park to view the spectacular peaks (weather dependent), glaciers and permanent snow fields. SCENIC ENRICH Included is entry into the fascinating Sir Edmund Hilary Centre. This afternoon visit the Church of the Good Shepherd situated on Lake Tekapo's edge. SCENIC ENRICH Tonight enjoy a private cocktail party and farewell dinner. 
Day 20: Lake Tekapo - Christchurch - Tour Ends (FB)
Your tour concludes today and you are transferred* to the airport for your homeward flight (please book flights from 2pm onwards). 

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.

At a glance

Duration
20 Days
From
$
per person twin share
Dates