Royal New Zealand

From south to north, the spectacular natural wonders never cease. With turquoise waters, ancient forests, sweeping mountainscapes and epic glaciers, New Zealand is and always will be, breathtaking.

Start on the South Island in Christchurch, a city reimagining itself. Experience the amazing TranzAlpine railway and stand in awe before the Franz Josef Glacier. Soak up the adrenaline of Queenstown and savour the beauty of Milford Sound. During your time on the North Island, enjoy a glimpse into the world of the creative geniuses from Weta Workshop, who have dreamt up films like the Lord of the Rings trilogy in Wellington, while in Rotorua, marvel at the bubbling geothermal activity. Explore the ‘City of Sails’ and sail across Auckland Harbour, a beautiful way to end your 19 days of delight and exploration.

What's Included:

• Return flights from Birmingham
• 15 nights accommodation the rest in flight
• 26 Meals - 15 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 9 dinner
• Overseas transfers
• Private chauffeur driven door-to-door transfers

Day 1 - UK - Christchurch

Fly with a world-renowned airline from a choice of UK airports.

Meals: on board meal service and complimentary bar service.

Day 2 - In Flight

Relax as you fly towards your destination.

Meals: on board meal service and complimentary bar service.

Day 3 - Arrive Christchurch

Kia Ora and welcome to Christchurch for a two-night stay. The wonder of New Zealand begins here, celebrate the start of your journey with a welcome dinner.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 4 - Christchurch

Go punting on the Avon River, take a Botanic Gardens Tour or a city tour of Christchurch. Alternatively, visit the seaside town of Akaroa or the International Antarctic Centre – the choice is yours.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Christchurch - Franz Josef

Join the TranzAlpine this morning for your rail journey across the Southern Alps. Visit the home of New Zealand’s native greenstone, Hokitika. Stand in wonder at Franz Josef Glacier with its ever-changing face before your overnight Special Stay.

Optional Helicopter Flight - Take a helicopter flight over Franz Josef or Fox Glacier and experience the wonder of a landing in this natural alpine landscape (additional expense, please book prior to departure).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 - Franz Josef - Queenstown

Enjoy a ride on the Haast River Jet boat before you arrive in Queenstown for your two night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Queenstown

Wilderness and adventure beckon on the Dart River, or enjoy a guided tour of local wineries. Alternatively, feel exhilarated on the Shotover Jet or take a 4WD Safari of the Scenes tour exploring ‘The Lord of the Rings’ filming locations. Or you could opt for a guided tour through Skippers Canyon, or a guided walk around the lake edge.

Take a steamship cruise on TSS Earnslaw and enjoy dinner at Walter Peak, or ride the Skyline Gondola and dine overlooking Queenstown. Alternatively, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8 - Queenstown - Te Anau

In the darkness of the Te Anau caves, see the shimmer of thousands of glow-worms.

Experience a special screening of ‘Ata Whenua – Shadowland’. Also known as ‘Fiordland on Film’, this short movie takes you on an unforgettable journey over the World Heritage-listed wilderness.

Your base for your two night stay is Te Anau.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 - Te Anau

Travel to Fiordland National Park to witness the spectacular beauty of Milford Sound. Stand in awe of the towering cliffs, peaks and waterfalls.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 10 - Te Anau - Mt Cook

See the fertile, sheep-filled farming land of Central Otago en route before soaking up the alpine landscape of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park. Enjoy a Special Stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 11 - Mt Cook - Christchurch

Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Travel through the patchwork countryside of the Canterbury Plains before arriving back in Christchurch for an overnight stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Christchurch - Wellington

Drive along the spectacular East Coast where rugged mountains meet the ocean. Travel in the ferry’s premium lounge across the Marlborough Sounds to start your discovery of the North Island. Discover the nation’s capital city Wellington with your two night stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13 - Wellington

Take an in-depth journey of Te Papa to discover the treasures and stories of New Zealand’s land and people, or join a walking tour all about food. Alternatively, learn the secrets behind movie magic with the team from Weta Workshop, responsible for movies like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy and ‘King Kong’.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 14 - Wellington - Rotorua

Visit the magnificent Lake Taupo, before experiencing the force of nature at Huka Falls. Your base for the next two nights is Rotorua.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Rotorua

Be amazed by Rotoura’s geothermal activity during a visit to Te Puia.

Enjoy New Zealand’s famous sheep show and meet a Kiwi of the feathered kind, or take an amphibious duck tour of Rotorua’s city and lakes. Alternatively, relax in the geothermal pools, or enjoy wine-tasting and the skyline gondola.

Tonight, immerse yourself in Mãori traditions at an authentic hangi dinner.

Optional Flight - Take a flight to Mt Tarawera including a volcanic landing (additional expense, please book prior to departure).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 - Rotorua - Auckland

Enjoy the scenery of the rolling hills and farmlands of the Waikato region. Visit the Hobbiton™ Movie Set before arriving in the ‘City of Sails’ Auckland this afternoon for your two night Special Stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 - Auckland

Choose from a range of Auckland’s iconic attractions – enjoy an exhilarating sail on an authentic America’s Cup yacht or explore the wine and cuisine of Waiheke Island. Alternatively, take a leisurely harbour cruise, discover the black sand beaches of the West Coast or join a small group sightseeing tour of Auckland.

Later, look forward to your farewell dinner at Orbit 360 Restaurant at Sky City.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18 - Auckland - UK

It’s time to bid a fond farewell to your new friends and the wonders of New Zealand. After breakfast you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: On board full meal service and complimentary bar service.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 19 - Arrive UK

Welcome home.