Freedom Holidays New Zealand

Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua

Travel south through lush Waikato farmland to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glowworms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert.  Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

At Rotorua

This morning see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the Te Puia thermal area, tame trout and Kiwi at Rainbow Springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. Your afternoon is free - there are many activities to enjoy.

Rotorua - Wellington

Drive south through to Wairakei - wreathed by steam, then to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, and cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Road past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. Continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington.  Stay 1 night in Wellington.

Wellington - Picton - Christchurch

Cross Cook Strait by ferry,to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch. As you arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day in our most 'English' city. Stay 1 night in Christchurch. 

Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown

Cross the Canterbury Plains, over Burkes Pass to the glacial lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park. Optional lunch at the Hermitage or perhaps a scenic flight.  Cross the spectacular Mackenzie Country bounded by the Southern Alps to the Lindis Pass. Pass the stone fruit growing area of Cromwell and through the Kawarau Gorge with its historic gold mines to Queenstown. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown. 

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown

An early start around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Depart Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening. 

At Queenstown

Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping.  

Queenstown - Glaciers

Travel to Cromwell and on through the Southern Lake district to the Haast Pass.  Travel north, through dense rain forest broken by rugged coastal vistas, towards the glaciers. A shuttle will take you to view one of these massive rivers of ice*. Stay 1 night in Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships, consider staying an extra day.

*Due to shorter daylight hours, this mat not be available over winter.

Glaciers - Christchurch

Travel north along the narrow, bush clad, coastal plain past Hokitika, to Greymouth. Board the renowned TranzAlpine train and travel through the Otira Tunnel, over Arthurs Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch, arrive early evening. 

This tour operates in reverse from Christchurch - see 'New Zealand Majesty'.