17 Day Ultimate Festive Season

This morning visit the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. Afterward embark on a city tour of Christchurch discovering its rich history and culture. This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely ride aboard the Christchurch Tram. This evening is free to explore Christchurch’s culinary scene. Staying in Hotel The George 5 Star Accommodation The George Christchurch typifies luxury at every level. Located in the heart of Christchurch and within closeproximity to the picturesque Hagley Park and River Avon. The only luxury 5-star boutique hotel in Christchurch with a one-to-one staff to guest ratio, guaranteeing impeccable service. The modern, soothing and relaxing rooms provide everything for a memorable visit with sumptuously comfortable beds and furnishings, elegant white tiled bathrooms, generous toiletries, and room amenities to ensure you will have the most blissfully comfortable stay. Meals included: Breakfast

Depart Christchurch and travel south to Oamaru, famous for its limestone before arriving into Dunedin. Staying in Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel (2 nights) 4.5 Star Accommodation 2024 Travellers Choice Winner and ranked in the top 20 of all hotels in NZ on TripAdvisor. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel is elegant, luxurious and located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. The ideal combination of style and functionality. These air-conditioned Dunedin Studios offer a cloud-like super king bed and modern ensuite bathroom with a luxurious dual fixture walk-in rain shower plus complimentary Distinction toiletries. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Merry Christmas! Enjoy a leisurely start to the day before experiencing an informative city tour of Dunedin including a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle. On a guided tour you will hear the tragic and scandalous tales that make up the castle’s history. Enjoy time to stroll through this Garden of International Significance followed by a delicious Christmas Dinner in the Grand Ballroom. Staying in Hotel Distinction Dunedin Hotel 4.5 Star Accommodation 2024 Travellers Choice Winner and ranked in the top 20 of all hotels in NZ on TripAdvisor. The Distinction Dunedin Hotel is elegant, luxurious and located in the rejuvenated and vibrant Warehouse Precinct in the heart of the city. The ideal combination of style and functionality. These air-conditioned Dunedin Studios offer a cloud-like super king bed and modern ensuite bathroom with a luxurious dual fixture walk-in rain shower plus complimentary Distinction toiletries. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Speciality Dinner

Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Today you may like to visit the Te Anau Glowworm Caves (optional). Staying in Hotel Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas 4 Star Accommodation Surrounded by extensive, colourful gardens and a short stroll to the spectacular Lake Te Anau, this elegant 4 star hotel and villa accommodation sets the tone for your stay in one of the world’s most breathtaking regions. You will stay in a spacious and superbly appointed room. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is at leisure to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown (2 nights) 4 Star Plus Accommodation Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless. Set on the scenic slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers an alpine charm. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax. Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown with many optional activities available. You may wish to enjoy the thrill of a jet boat ride or a heritage tour of the scenic Skippers Canyon. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delicious gourmet barbecue dinner featuring a menu of seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. Staying in Hotel Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown 4 Star Plus Accommodation Queenstown, New Zealand’s mountain playground, is one of the great alpine regions of the world and the charming Rendezvous Heritage Queenstown Hotel calls this place home - the resort offers a hotel experience certain to leave you breathless. Set on the scenic slopes of Ben Lomond Mountain, Rendezvous Heritage Hotel Queenstown offers an alpine charm. Crafted from centuries-old schist stone and cedar, this comfortable and sophisticated Queenstown hotel is the perfect place to relax. Unwind in a room where timeless charm meets contemporary comfort with all the essentials thoughtfully considered making every stay feel effortlessly relaxed. Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner

Travel to Arrowtown, an old goldmining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to the township of Fox Glacier. Next you visit Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel. Staying in Hotel Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef 5 Star Accommodation Legacy Te Waonui Hotel Franz Josef is truly luxurious and can be found in an area of native rainforest which has been carefully preserved. All the guest room balconies look out into the rainforest, which contains mature trees up to 20m high. Guests get a real sense of seclusion and privacy during their stay. Lavishly appointed guest rooms, generously proportioned and featuring the highest standard of room amenities, such as your own personal pillow menu, natural wool mattress underlay and high-speed Internet access. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. On arrival into the elegant city of Christchurch, your Ultimate Coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Staying in Hotel The George 5 Star Accommodation The George Christchurch typifies luxury at every level. Located in the heart of Christchurch and within closeproximity to the picturesque Hagley Park and River Avon. The only luxury 5-star boutique hotel in Christchurch with a one-to-one staff to guest ratio, guaranteeing impeccable service. The modern, soothing and relaxing rooms provide everything for a memorable visit with sumptuously comfortable beds and furnishings, elegant white tiled bathrooms, generous toiletries, and room amenities to ensure you will have the most blissfully comfortable stay. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikōura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you will board your ferry. Travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington. This evening enjoy a pre-dinner drink to toast the New Year with your fellow travellers. Staying in Hotel InterContinental Wellington (2 nights) 5 Star Accommodation Adjacent to Wellington’s waterfront, InterContinental Wellington is the most centrally located and experienced global five-star hotel in New Zealand’s capital city. It is the seamless and personal service of the team that makes your Wellington accommodation and travel experience truly memorable. In your room you will enjoy an enriching stay featuring walk-in showers, with handheld and rain shower heads, digital lighting controls and much more. Feel rejuvenated in the morning after a tranquil night’s sleep on your king bed inspired to uncover the New Zealand capital. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting edge technology brings these stories to life through the eyes of New Zealanders who found themselves in extraordinary circumstances. Reboard your coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements. Staying in Hotel InterContinental Wellington 5 Star Accommodation Adjacent to Wellington’s waterfront, InterContinental Wellington is the most centrally located and experienced global five-star hotel in New Zealand’s capital city. It is the seamless and personal service of the team that makes your Wellington accommodation and travel experience truly memorable. In your room you will enjoy an enriching stay featuring walk-in showers, with handheld and rain shower heads, digital lighting controls and much more. Feel rejuvenated in the morning after a tranquil night’s sleep on your king bed inspired to uncover the New Zealand capital. Meals included: Breakfast

Depart Wellington and view the snow-capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Staying in Hotel Regent of Rotorua (2 nights) 5 Star Accommodation The Regent of Rotorua is an exquisitely designed oasis of understated elegance located in the Rotorua city centre, featuring contemporary decor with a touch of opulence. The rooms offer a taste of glamour including king beds, leather headboards, sumptuous linens and down pillows/duvet. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today begins with a gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua where spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment and education that is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Free time is available this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Māori Hāngi and Concert. Staying in Hotel Regent of Rotorua 5 Star Accommodation The Regent of Rotorua is an exquisitely designed oasis of understated elegance located in the Rotorua city centre, featuring contemporary decor with a touch of opulence. The rooms offer a taste of glamour including king beds, leather headboards, sumptuous linens and down pillows/duvet. Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty between the indigenous Māori tribes and the British settlers. Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (2 nights) 4 Star Accommodation Any time of year is ideal for escaping to the Bay of Islands in the ‘Winterless North’, and this property, situated at the entrance to the seaside town of Paihia, is the perfect resort-style retreat. The island-influenced architecture with expansive sub-tropical gardens, water features, extensive guest facilities and easy walking access to Paihia’s main local attractions makes this 4-star Hotel a standout. Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning you will explore the scenic beauty of the Bay of Islands. Cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’, keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life. On return to Paihia, enjoy a free afternoon where a range of optional activities are available, or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. This evening is also at leisure, you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional). Staying in Hotel Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands 4 Star Accommodation Any time of year is ideal for escaping to the Bay of Islands in the ‘Winterless North’, and this property, situated at the entrance to the seaside town of Paihia, is the perfect resort-style retreat. The island-influenced architecture with expansive sub-tropical gardens, water features, extensive guest facilities and easy walking access to Paihia’s main local attractions makes this 4-star Hotel a standout. Meals included: Breakfast

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including selected beverages with your newfound friends. Staying in Hotel Crowne Plaza Auckland 4 Star Plus Accommodation Set in the vibrant heart of downtown Auckland, Crowne Plaza Auckland offers a truly magnificent experience infused with kiwi charm. Explore the enchanting ‘city of sails’ from the inside out thanks to the great location. After an exciting day of sightseeing, retreat to the comfort of your spacious room, meticulously designed to cater for the modern traveller. Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner