DAY 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
The Bombay Hills signal the end of the sprawling city and the lush Waikato pasturelands take you past Hamilton and on to Waitomo Caves for a subterranean boat ride under an eerie canopy of lights. On across the Waikato and the Mamaku Hills to fiery Rotorua. We recommend you attend a fascinating Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight (optional). Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

DAY 2: At Rotorua
The half day grand sightseeing tour is included - you will see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon is free - there are many activities to attract you - such as bathing in the thermal waters. For a small additional cost you could stay at a country home tonight. Overnight in Rotorua.

DAY 3: Rotorua -Wellington
Drive south through the exotic forests to Wairakei's permanent mantle of steam, then to Lake Taupo. The ominous peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu watch over our drive to Waiouru.Then we drop down to the fertile Manawatu Plains, coastal horticultural farms, and rocky seascapes to Wellington at 4. 10 pm for an overnight stay. Overnight in Wellington.

DAY 4: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Catch one of the famous ferries to cross Cook Strait and cruise down the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Enjoy the sun decks, bars, cafe and lounges during the cruise. Leaving Picton and Blenheim behind brings an exhilarating ride on the TranzCoastal train edging down a narrow coastal strip where the surf pounds the sheer Kaikoura Ranges. Cross into the dry North Canterbury sheep country. Overnight in Christchurch.

DAY 5: Christchurch - Dunedin
Sit back and enjoy the scenery as you travel across the manicured Canterbury Plains to seaside Timaru, whitestone Oamaru and alongside the rugged coastline to Palmerston. Then it's over Mt Cargill to Dunedin - the Edinburgh of the South. Arrive early afternoon. Overnight in Dunedin.

DAY 6: Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free for optional tours. Now it's the rich farming country of South Otago and Southland as we travel to Balclutha and turn west to Gore. The countryside becomes drier as we reach Lumsden, Mossburn and the first glimpse of Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau.

DAY 7: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
The Fiordland National Park is the venue for today's thrilling 'experience -the beautiful Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys - the beech forests - the Homer Tunnel and the awesome Cleddau Canyon. A cruise on Milford Sound to see the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls is included. Then you climb out of Milford Sound to Te Anau, to travel across country to Kingston where you drive alongside Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Three nights in Queenstown.

DAYS 8 & 9: At Queenstown
Two full days for you to enjoy this fabulous resort - we have included the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic Movie in your tour There are dozens of optional activities as well - thrilling jetboating on the rivers - white water rafting - helicopters through the river chasms - AJ. Hackett's world famous bungy
jumping - cruises on the Lake on the vintage "TSS Earnslaw" - High country sheep stations - gold panning - spectacular walking trails - the list is endless... Overnight in Queenstown.

DAY 10: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Firstly you travel through the rocky and formidable Kawarau Gorge then past Cromwell to climb up and over the Lindis Pass. The plains of the Mackenzie Country lie before us and the Southern Alps to our left as we reach the central lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park. Lunch at The Hermitage or perhaps a ski-plane flight (both optional). Across Burkes Pass to Fairlie, Geraldine and the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch where your tour ends at 6.15 pm.