Day 1 – USA to Auckland
Today you will begin your Swain Destinations customized itinerary. Please note, international air has not been included in this package price.
Day 2 – Cross the International Date Line
Cross the International Date Line, an imaginary line on the surface of the Earth that runs from the North to the South Pole - and defines one calendar day from the next. Crossing the International Date Line adds one day (24 hours) traveling west, and subtracts one day (24 hours) traveling east.
Day 3 – Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand
You will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Auckland, ‘City of Sails’, located between two stunning harbors, enjoys a mild year-round climate. Auckland is the country's most visited region and largest urban area, offering exciting activities and great shopping.
The city lies across a 7-mile wide volcanic isthmus separating two harbors. The Waitemata to the east opens into the Hauraki Gulf, and to the Pacific Ocean. The Manukau Harbour to the west offers many estuaries and surf beaches and opens to the Tasman Sea.
Starting Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Auckland
Day 4 – Auckland to Coromandel to Rotorua Tour
Depart Auckland for a three day experience to visit the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. Your Kiwi hosts make the tour fun, entertaining and filled with knowledge - their love and respect for the mountains, forest coastline and creatures within is evident from the moment you meet them. Travel is in a small group of up to six people.
These three magical days focus on the Coromandel area and are designed to suit many age groups and a wide range of interests. People of any fitness level may enjoy this tour, though please be prepared for the outdoors. (B, L, D)
Day 5 – Auckland to Coromandel to Rotorua Tour
These three magical days focus on the Coromandel area and are designed to suit many age groups and a wide range of interests. People of any fitness level may enjoy this tour, though please be prepared for the outdoors. (B, L, D)
Day 6 – Arrive Rotorua
You will be dropped off at your hotel on completion of your Coromandel tour.
Rotorua is a thermal fantasy-island where geysers of boiling water erupt in the air, mud bubbles in mysterious pools and steam wafts in eerie clouds from the surface of the lake.
Starting Accommodation: Ibis Rotorua
Day 7 – Rotorua to Queenstown (Via Christchurch)
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Queenstown. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Nestled beside the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, at the foot of the Remarkables Mountain Range, Queenstown is a year round resort, where you can be as active as you want, or just leisurely enjoy the magnificent scenery.
Starting Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Day 8 – Milford Sound Tour
An early start as you leave your hotel and coach through some of the most beautiful countryside in New Zealand. On arrival at Milford Sound, board the vessel for a leisurely cruise along the sound to the Tasman Sea. The vessel stops at various points and plenty of time is available to view waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and seals. You may even see dolphins frolic alongside the boat. A picnic lunch is included during the cruise.
Starting Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
(L)
Day 9 – At leisure, Queenstown
At your leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand. Set between the towering Remarkable Ranges and the bottomless Lake Wakitipu, Queenstown has it all - bungee jumping, jet boating, rafting and amazing scenic helicopter flights. You may wish to visit Milford or Doubtful Sound or the old gold mining town of Arrowtown.
Starting Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Queenstown
Day 10 – Coach transfer from Queenstown to Franz Josef
Depart from Queenstown to arrive at Franz Josef around 4.15pm. Sit back, relax and take in the spectacular scenery of Kawarau Gorge, Lake Hawera, Haast Pass and Fox Glacier. A stop is made en route for lunch (own expense).
If you choose the self-drive option, you will drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef at your own pace.
Starting Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel
Day 11 – Franz Josef Glacier Valley Tour
Franz Josef Glacier at its most dynamic! The Glacier Valley Walk takes participants alongside the mighty Waiho River bed following the glaciers path of retreat in this remarkable landscape. Here, learn about the glacier's history, see what is left behind by this majestic giant, and learn the legend of Ka_ Roimata o Hinehukatere. Near the terminal face, cross over the public barriers, and after a brief climb, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the rapidly changing terminal face of the glacier. There has never been a more extraordinary time to visit Franz Josef Glacier. Note that this trip does not take you onto the ice.
Starting Accommodation: Punga Grove Motel
Day 12 – TranzAlpine Train
A point-to-point coach service will transport you from Franz Josef to Greymouth. A stop for lunch is made at Shantytown (own expense) before continuing on to Greymouth to connect with the TranzAlpine train.
Board the TranzAlpine train at Greymouth and farewell the glacier country as you travel through the rugged mountains of the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and on to the 'English' city of Christchurch. The train features panoramic windows for scenic views and a restaurant car to purchase snacks and drinks.
This train is one the most beautiful journeys in New Zealand so don’t forget to bring along your camera! On arrival into Christchurch you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Starting Accommodation: Ibis Christchurch
Day 13 – At leisure, Christchurch
Christchurch, the city of parks and gardens, trees and beauty, is also buzzing with street life. Wine bars, street cafes and exciting entertainments give the central city vitality unique in New Zealand. Christchurch is said to be the most English city outside England. The downtown district focuses on Cathedral Square, where you’ll find buskers, speakers and the eccentric Wizard of Christchurch (who is classified as a living work of art).
You can sedately cruise the Avon River by punt, on its meandering course through town, under many bridges and past historic landmarks, or do your own thing by canoe. Vintage car, horse and carriage, hot air ballooning and guided walking tours are just a few ways to explore the Garden City.
Starting Accommodation: Ibis Christchurch
Day 14 – Christchurch to USA (Via Auckalnd)
You will be transferred to the airport for your departure flights.
