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 - as such bathing in the thermal waters. For a small additional cost you could stay at a country home tonight.

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. Stay 2 nights in Wellington.

DAY 4: At Wellington
A whole day to explore the capital city - we have included a half day city tour this morning - this covers the Parliament Buildings, the "Beehive", Old St Pauls Cathedral, city and harbour panoramas from Mt Victoria and a ride on the Cable Car. The National Museum, Art Gallery and Wellington Zoo are all worth visiting. Wellington is noted for its live theatre, art and cultural activities and its variety of restaurants. Overnight in Wellington.

DAY 5: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Catch one of the famous ferries to cross Cook Strait and cruise down the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Fitton. 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 6: Christchurch - Glaciers Leaving the city on the TranzAlpine Express we cross the Canterbury Plains and travel into the mountains. Arthurs Pass and Otira Tunnel lead to the West Coast. Then by coach along the narrow coastal strip of forest with spectacular mountain backdrops takes us south to glacier country for 2 nights stay. Overnight Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers.

DAY 7: At Fox (or Franz Josef) Glacier
A whole day is available for optional excursions on the Glacier for bush walks or simply soak up the beauty of snow-capped mountains contrasting with the deep greens of the native bush. Overnight Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers.

DAY 8: Glaciers - Wanaka
Dense rain forest and the abode of the rare and graceful Kotuku (white heron), contrast with rugged coastal vistas as we plunge deeper into South Westland. The Haast River guides us inland to the gates of Haast and then over the Pass to reach Lakes Hawea and Wanaka in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Wanaka.

DAY 9: At Wanaka and Wanaka - Queenstown
A free morning in this peaceful and popular resort. In the early afternoon rejoin the coach through the rugged Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown for two nights stay.

DAY 10: At Queenstown
A full day 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 -A.J. Hackett's world famous bungy jumping - cruises on the lake on the vintage "TSS Earnshaw" - high country sheep stations - gold panning - spectacular walking trails - the list is endless... Overnight in Queenstown.

DAY 11: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
An early start takes you alongside the lake to Kingston, then to Mossburn and Lake Te Anau. Soon you plunge into the beech forests of the beautiful Eglinton Valley then it's on through the Homer Tunnel to the awesome Cleddau Canyon and the steep descent to Milford Sound. A cruise on the Sound to Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak is included. Later today your powerful coach climbs back over the divide and returns you to Te Anau. Overnight in Te Anau.

DAY 12: Te Anau - Dunedin
After leaving the splendour of Fiordland you cross the fertile Southland Plains through Gore and Balclutha to South Otago. Then it's northwards to the Edinburgh of the south, Dunedin for your overnight stay in this city where gothic and modern buildings mix university and town. Afternoon free for optional tours. Overnight in Dunedin.

DAY 13: Dunedin - Christchurch
Leave Dunedin to climb over Mt Cargill and on to the quietWaitati Inlet as you follow the coast to whitestone Oamaru and Timaru another hour further north. Then it's across the Canterbury Plains built up by the many rivers flowing from the Southern Alps on your left. Christchurch and the reluctant end of your tour is reached at 6.30 pm.