New Zealand Coastal Expedition with Islands to Adventure Escape

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Embark on a tour of Wellington, taking in the spectacular sights of the city and bay on a cable car ride up to the lookout where you will discover the Botanical Gardens featuring unique native and exotic plants in the beautifully landscaped gardens, and discover New Zealand’s national museum – Te Papa Tongarewa; journey behind the cinema curtain with the Academy Award-winning team at Weta Workshop; visit Zealandia, also known as the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a wide range of birds including the native kiwi, tui, kaka and bellbird.

Today, enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice activity.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Enjoy a delightful Marlborough gourmet tour, visiting two of the regions stunning wineries and a chocolaterie; be fascinated at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a renowned museum in Blenheim known for its immersive and captivating exhibitions featuring restored aircraft from the two world wars followed by a visit to a local brewery; explore the beauty of Queen Charlotte Sound on a Zodiac with your knowledgeable expedition team.

Cruise through the winding waterways, secluded bays and admire the stunning lush green scenery of Marlborough Sounds as you make your way to the seaside town of Picton.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Discover the scenic beauty, history, nature and culture of Akaroa in one complete comprehensive tour. Visit some of the most important historic sites such as Takapuneke, the site of the Brig Elizabeth Te Rauparaha massacre, Onuku Marae, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, and Britomart Monument, the place of the British declaration of sovereignty.

Experience fascinating natural sites like the Heritage Park that provides stunning views over Akaroa, the Wildside Project, a community-driven collaboration for predator control and the protection of native species, and the internationally renowned Hinewai Reserve. Visit Barrys Bay Cheese, who produced its first cheddar in 1895 when it was just one of nine small, family-owned dairy cooperatives dotted around Banks Peninsula and remains one of the last traditional cheese makers on the Peninsula.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Board the TranzAlpine Train to travel through the snowcapped Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass and witness the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island, enjoy lunch in an old village before returning by coach; enjoy the serenity and scenic views of Christchurch’s parks, gardens and buildings as you glide along on the Avon River on a punting tour; or take in the city highlights and explore the rebuilding of historic Christchurch post the devastating 2011 earthquakes, followed by a visit to the International Antarctic Centre, an educational and immersive experience, located in a unique, working Antarctic campus, home to the New Zealand, United States and Italian Antarctic programs.

Today, enjoy your selected Freedom of Choice activity in and around the beautiful South Island city of Christchurch. Home to almost 400,000 people, Christchurch is a picturesque city graced with 1,200 parks and gardens, earning it the title of New Zealand's garden city.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Enjoy an orientation drive through Dunedin that will introduce you to a well-preserved Victorian city. Soak up the grandeur of its architecture, from the classical ANZ Bank to the buildings surrounding the Octagon, an eight-sided plaza that forms the core of Dunedin's lively business district. Visit the iconic Larnach Castle, built in the late 19th century by prominent businessman and politician William Larnach and known as one of New Zealand’s finest examples of Victorian architecture. Boasting intricate detailing, the castle features a unique blend of Gothic and styles with beautiful views of the Otago Peninsula. Afterwards, explore the peninsula further and discover its picturesque bays and stunning views at every turn. The peninsula is home to diverse wildlife including albatrosses, sea lions and penguins and offers a memorable experience in the heart of the South Island. Finish the day with a visit to Penguin Place, a conservation reserve located on the peninsula dedicated to protecting the endangered yellow-eyed penguin – native to New Zealand and one of the rarest penguin species in the world.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

After breakfast, board your coach to Wanaka, a charming town nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island with stunning natural landscapes and the beautiful Lake Wanaka surrounded by majestic mountains. Explore Arrowtown with your Tour Director, a historic gold mining town in the Otago region and the gateway to the nearby Southern Alps. Explore the preserved heritage buildings and boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. With its vibrant atmosphere and stunning landscapes, Queenstown is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy dinner at your hotel tonight.

Stay: Three Nights, Crowne Plaza Queenstown with Lakeview Rooms or Novotel Queenstown Lakeside with Alpine View Rooms

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™

Perhaps visit several local sites where The Lord of the Rings trilogy was filmed. Alternatively, set out on a Skippers Canyon adventure or a river safari along the beautiful Dart River. A tour of the country’s premier wine-producing region is a tempting option, as is a leisurely cruise over the waters of Lake Wakatipu.

Enjoy the flexibility of how to spend your day with a range of Freedom of Choice activities on offer. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner tonight at Stratosfare Restaurant, taking the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak which offer’s breathtaking panoramic views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown.

• Breakfast
• Dinner

Your New Zealand tour concludes after breakfast.

• Breakfast