^SpectacularNew Zealand

Day 1

We will assemble at London Heathrow,Terminal 3, in the morning in plenty of time to catch our non-stop Singapore Airlines flight to Singapore. Flight SQ 317 is scheduled to depart at 11.00 hours and shortly after take-off lunch will be served. (Passengers who would prefer to fly direct from Manchester to Singapore can take SQ 327, which departs at 10.00 hours. This is available at no extra cost but passengers will not be with a Tour Manager during the flight). Sit back and enjoy one of the world's most advanced in-flight entertainment systems throughout your flight, all on your personal seat back screen. Wine and other drinks with the compliments of Singapore Airlines.
(Meals: Lunch, Refreshments).

Day 2, Singapore - 2 nights

Before landing into Singapore breakfast is served. Our arrival is scheduled for 07.45 hours local time, (07.00 for those from Manchester), and after customs clearance our waiting coach will transfer us to the deluxe Pan Pacific, situated in the heart of Marina Square.Your day has been left at leisure until early evening when we gather for drinks so we may become better acquainted for our forthcoming travels together.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 3

After breakfast we shall take a city tour of Singapore, the "crossroads" of Asia where East meets West and vibrant world trading rubs shoulders with typical tourist pastimes. Sights include Merlion Park for great views of Marina Bay,Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Orchid Gardens within Singapore's botanical gardens. We return to the hotel early afternoon and the rest of your day is at leisure.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 4

A day at leisure prior to our departure for the airport. Perhaps take a river cruise, or maybe visit the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. All our rooms have been booked until 6 o'clock this evening, enabling us to freshen up before our departure. Flight SQ 285 to Auckland is scheduled to depart at 21.00 and shortly after take off, dinner will be served.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 5, Auckland

Breakfast is served before our arrival into Auckland. Our arrival is estimated at 11.40 hours local time, and after the normal immigration procedures we shall transfer to the Auckland Heritage, where the rest of your day is at leisure to spend as you wish.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 6

A free day to explore Auckland, the 'City of Sails', New Zealand's largest and most populous city. Maybe catch a ferry to Devonport, a charming historic seaside village, on the northern shores of Auckland City ? (Meals: Breakfast).

Day 7, Rotorua - 2 nights

Today we make our way to the world-famous thermal region at Rotorua, and centre of the Maori culture. Here we spend our next two nights at the first class Royal Lakeside Hotel, situated in close proximity to the shores of Lake Rotorua.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 8

Sightseeing today includes Rotorua's famous bath house and it's adjacent steam vents.We continue to Te Puia within the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud pools and spurting geysers, before returning to our hotel.Your afternoon is at leisure to spend as you please; perhaps take afternoon tea on the paddle steamer Lakeland Queen, or take a helicopter flight for a bird's eye view of the area.This evening our dinner is followed by an entertaining Maori concert.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 9, Napier - Overnight

After a leisurely start to our day we make our way along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake.Visit the impressive Huka Falls where the Waikato River suddenly narrows to a chasm less then 15 metres across and heaves its vast bulk over an 11 metre ledge to boil furiously in a deep semicircular basin below.We continue to the Art Deco city of Napier, located in an area dominated by orchards and vineyards, where we take a tour of a winery and have the opportunity to sample some New Zealand wine prior to lunch. Home for the night is the delightful Te Pania Hotel, superbly situated on Napier's sea front.
(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch).

Day 10, Wellington - 2 nights

This morning our journey continues south via Hastings and Masterton as we make our way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Upon arrival we shall make our way to Wellington's Intercontinental Hotel where your evening is left at leisure.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 11

Wellington is a vital, vibrant, surprising place. It plays a key role in the cultural and commercial life of the nation. This morning's city tour includes 'the Beehive', New Zealand's Parliament Buildings and Marine Drive. Also included is a guided tour of the Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand. After our tour feel free to stay to explore Te Papa further, or return to the hotel aboard the coach. Your evening is free to dine in one of Wellington's fine eateries.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 12, Nelson - 2 nights

This morning we leave North Island in our wake as we board the ferry for our inter-island cruise to New Zealand's South Island. During the cruise we will enjoy spectacular views as we approach Queen Charlotte Sound. With the possibility of birds and dolphins following, we make our way across the Cook Straight to Picton. Upon arrival we rejoin our coach and make our way to Nelson where the remainder of your day is at leisure.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 13

Nelson is a delight for explorers on foot. Scattered throughout the city are art galleries and workshops, historic buildings and street cafes.Today is left completely free to enjoy all Nelson has to offer.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 14, Franz Josef - 2 nights

Journey south this morning along the Heritage Highway to the rugged West Coast. Visit Punakaki (Pancake Rocks), an incredible maze of limestone rocks with booming blowholes stacked high above the sea. We continue along the West Coast, via Hokitika and Hari Hari travelling alongside striking wild scree-scarred terrain as we make our way to Franz Josef Glacier situated in the Westland National Park.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 15

Today is left completely free to absorb the beauty of Franz Josef. For those that so wish we shall drive to the Franz Josef Glacier terminal where you will have the opportunity to walk to the glacier face. Weather permitting you may also take an optional scenic flight (at an additional cost) over the awe-inspiring Alpine region.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 16, Queenstown - 3 nights

Magnificent scenery unfolds today as we drive across the Haast Pass, one of the most exciting scenic roads ever built, and the main divide of the Southern Alps. Travel along the shores of Lake Wanaka and Hawea as we make our way to the popular resort of Queenstown, nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Home for the next three nights is the Gardens Hotel Queenstown, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 17

A free day to enjoy as you please. There are many activities available in Queenstown. Maybe go horse riding, white water rafting or take a four wheel drive safari over old mining tracks. For those requiring an easier day a gardening tour could be more suitable or perhaps just stroll around this lovely township.This evening we relive a bygone era cruising on Lake Wakatipu aboard the vintage steamer 'Earnslaw'. We cruise to Walter Peak Homestead where we enjoy our evening meal before returning back to Queenstown aboard Earnslaw.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 18

Your last day in Queenstown has again been left free to spend as you please, either flex the plastic with a little retail therapy, or take a gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak for a magnificent panoramic view of Queenstown.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 19, Te Anau - 2 nights

First stop today is Arrowtown with its picturesque tree lined streets and miners cottages preserved as they were during the 19th century gold rush era. Later, visit the Kingston Flyer, an old steam locomotive. If the train is operational we may have the opportunity for a ride (at a small additional cost). Mid afternoon we arrive at Te Anau where we check in at the Te Anau Hotel situated adjacent to the shores of Lake Te Anau. Evening at leisure.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 20

Today we visit Milford Sound which undoubtedly will be one of your holiday's many highlights. Here we take you on a launch trip on The Sound, viewing Mitre Peak and magnificent Bowen Falls. Stops are made en route to view various points of interest such as the Mirror Lakes and the Chasm, and late afternoon we return to Te Anau for dinner and a further night.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 21, Mount Cook - 2 nights

Leaving Te Anau, we travel through the historic gold mining region of the Kawarau River Gorge to the famous fruit-growing region of Cromwell. We skirt the shores of Lake Dunstan, created by the mighty Clyde hydro dam, completed in 1994. Pass through the golden tussock country of the Lindis Pass and through the rugged high country landscape of the MacKenzie Country. Follow the shores of the beautiful glacier-fed Lake Pukaki prior to arriving at the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and the world renowned Hermitage Hotel.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 22

Mount Cook is New Zealand's highest peak at 3754 metres, or 12,316 feet.Today is yours to enjoy amongst magnificent surrounds. Why not explore many of the area's designated walks? Weather permitting you may also take an optional scenic flight (at an additional cost) over New Zealand's awe-inspiring Southern Alps. A helicopter flight would take you around the peaks of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman and would make a glacier landing on one of the three main glaciers.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 23, Christchurch - 3 nights

After breakfast, we depart Mount Cook village and travel along the Tasman River to Lake Tekapo where we view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd.This tiny church enjoys a magnificent view from its altar window over the lake to Mount Cook. Our travels continue through the farming region of Fairlie and later through Canterbury's patchwork plains en route to South Island's largest city, Christchurch.The Millennium Christchurch, our hotel for our final three nights in New Zealand, is centrally located in Cathedral Square, in the heart of the city.
(Meals: Breakfast).

Day 24

A day at leisure to explore Christchurch at your own pace. You may wish to travel further afield to the original French settlement of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula, or travel north to Kaikoura for the chance of spotting the mighty Sperm Whales? There's so much to see and do, enjoy your day! (Meals: Breakfast).

Day 25

Often described as 'the most English City outside England', Christchurch is a wonderful city with a great deal of character and so much to see.Your day is yours to enjoy. This evening join your travelling companions for a farewell dinner.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 26

Mid to late morning we shall leave for Christchurch airport in time to catch this afternoon's flights via Singapore to London Heathrow and to Manchester. The estimated departure time is 14.00 hours and during our flights meals will be served and all drinks are with the compliments of Singapore Airlines.
(Meals: Breakfast, Dinner).

Day 27

Before our arrival breakfast is served. Flight SQ 322 arrives into London Heathrow,Terminal 3 at 05.30 hours, whilst SQ 328 arrives Manchester,Terminal 2 at 06.20 hours. After clearing customs it is time to say "Farewell" to our new-found friends, bringing our New Zealand adventure to an end.
(Meals: Breakfast).