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Day 1 Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Upon arrival into Auckland, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel in the
in the heart of the city, between the vibrant Viaduct Harbour and the new Wynyard Quarter. A guaranteed early check-in time has been organized for this morning. Spend the afternoon enjoying the fashionable viaduct and vibrant marina areas – a bungy jump off the iconic Sky Tower or thrilling walk around the ledge comes highly recommended (with the appropriate safety gear, of course).
Day 2 Auckland - America’s Cup Sailing Experience
The America’s Cup is the world’s oldest international sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta. Once onboard, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in sailing one of these incredible grand prix racers. Take the helm, trim on the grinders or just sit back and enjoy the action as you sail down the sparkling Auckland Harbour.
Day 3 Auckland to Rotorua (361km / 224mi)
This morning, get an early start to pick up your rental car and drive to Waitomo, the location of the famous glowworm caves in New Zealand. Joining up with Black Water Rafting Co., you’ll journey deep underground and board a raft through the dark, glowworm-studded caves. Abseil, climb, jump off waterfalls and push your limits – once you’re done, you’ll drive on to Rotorua, the geothermal wonderland and a sacred place for New Zealand’s Maori people.
Day 4 Rotorua
Today you’ll embark on a full-day geothermal tour of Rotorua. Weaving through volcanoes, geysers, mud pools and hot springs, you’ll learn all about volcanology, New Zealand’s flora and fauna, and the Maori history of Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland. From here, take a walking tour through the hot water springs and hot lakes of Waimangu Valley, then unwind in a hot mineral rock pool at the world-renowned Polynesian Spa.
Day 5 Rotorua to Christchurch
Having successfully conquered the North Island’s adventures, it’s time to take on the South. Take a short flight (not included) from Rotorua to Christchurch and arrive to the South Island. Once you settle in, take a walk around this fascinating place and explore exactly why it’s become known as the Garden City.
Day 6 Christchurch to Franz Joseph (381km / 236mi)
Begin your journey today through the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps and the temperate rainforests of the wild west coast. Stopping at Hokitika, you can shop for famous jade and discover unexpected delights in the small roadside huts along the way. Once you’re satisfied, continue south to Fox Glacier, your home (and thrilling challenge) for the next two nights.
Day 7 Franz Josef Glacier Heli-hike
Get ready to take things up a notch, as today you’ll enjoy a guided walk on a glacier. Join The Helicopter Line on a heli-ride up to the top of the massive Franz Josef Glacier and hike its surface with the help of expert guides and equipment. From crevasses and caves to the unspoiled splendor of clean blue ice, immerse yourself in unique surroundings and breathe in the crisp, cool air, then get back in the helicopter for another ride to the bottom.
Day 8 Franz Josef to Queenstown (350km / 217mi)
Drive down the west coast and through Haast Pass, stopping for some short hikes to Thunder Creek Falls, the Blue Pools, and more. Continuing on to Queenstown the views are absolutely breathtaking, so sit back, relax and enjoy the journey. Upon arrival to Queenstown, you’ll find majestic views of the Remarkables Ranges and Lake Wakatipu.
Day 9 Milford Sound Fly/Nature Cruise/Fly with lunch Day Trip
Explore the Milford Sound from both air and water by boarding a plane for a scenic 40-minute flight over the Southern Alps. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to the Milford Sound Visitor Centre for a cruise. Ride the full length of the fjord to the Tasman Sea to stand in awe of dramatic landscapes, and keep your camera handy to capture wildlife photos of seals, dolphins and penguins when in season. An informative commentary is provided as part of the cruise, and the wheelhouse is open to join and speak with the skipper. Complimentary lunch, tea and coffee is provided on the cruise. The return flight back to Queenstown takes a different path so that passengers experience further dramatic scenery before arriving at Queenstown Airport. From here, you’ll take your return transfer back to the hotel.
Day 10 Queenstown – Adrenaline Junky Day
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for – a day with four adrenaline-pumping excursions packed in one after the next. Your first stop is the Kawarau Bridge (the location of the first commercial bungy jump) where you’ll arrive to a cheering crowd and have your chance to partake in tradition. Next stop is the world-famous Shotover River, where you’ll embark on an exhilarating jet boat ride through white foaming waters. Swapping your boat for a helicopter, fly over Skippers Canyon and board a white water raft; this wild and untamed river is the definition of unspoiled grandeur and breathtaking scenery.
Day 11 Depart Queenstown
After 10 non-stop days of exhilarating adventure, it’s time to say goodbye to this beautiful country. Drop off your rental car at the airport, catch your outbound flight, and begin your journey home.