Inspiring Journeys 22 Day The Long White Cloud 2019/20

Arrive Christchurch

On arrival in Christchurch, you will be transferred by private car to your hotel. Spend some time at leisure to relax or explore on your own. Perhaps visit the International Antarctic Centre or Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s only open-range zoo. In the evening you will meet your journey Director for a welcome reception.

Accommodation: Hotel Montreal

Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & hotels

Christchurch to Franz Josef

Today it's all aboard the TranzAlpine train. Rated as one of the world's great scenic railway journeys, you'll travel in comfort across the Canterbury Plains through the southern Alps. From Arthur's Pass, visit the small town of Hokitika, the heritage and cultural centre of the West Coast, and meet local greenstone (jade) carver for a jewellery demonstration. Later we continue to Franz Josef. Your eco-friendly accommodation is set amid native bush, with an emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation. This evening, why not enjoy Franz Josef's local geothermal hot pools or perhaps massage?

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & hotels

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the day exploring Franz Josef and the glacier country

Today you’ll explore Franz Josef Glacier with your Local Expert Guide on an interpretive tour. This afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to take an optional scenic flight over the Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers and Mt. Cook (weather permitting).

Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat

Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & hotels

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Franz Josef to Queenstown

This morning it's time for an adventure as we travel in a purpose-built fully enclosed river jet boat and journey down the Haast River. After a lunch stop at Makarora, we head to Queenstown, taking time to stop to explore the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown on the Arrow River, with an orientation tour on arrival. Tonight, dinner is included at your hotel.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Queenstown

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Queenstown

Explore exciting Queenstown your way! Take the opportunity to encounter a Queenstown legend and ride the Shotover Jet Boat or venture out on a 4WD Skippers Canyon Scenic Tour. If laid-back and relaxed is more your idea of fun then join a Wine Tour and sample some of Central Otago's award-winning wines, or visit our native birds at Queenstown's Kiwi Birdlife Park. Your AAT Kings Travel Director will assist you in booking all of your chosen optional experiences. This evening, enjoy a memorable Highlight Dinner at one of Queenstown's fine dining restaurants, against the backdrop of the beautiful snow-capped Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Queenstown

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast

Another day to experience Queenstown

Make the most of your extended stay in Queenstown. Why not sit back and enjoy a peaceful cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealands oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station Otherwise, you could simply relax, shop or enjoy time at one of the many cafes and restaurants while soaking up the alpine views.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Queenstown

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Queenstown to Milford Sound

Travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau on the shores of the South Island's largest lake. Later you'll travel through the rainforest of World Heritage Fiordland National Park, sighting glaciers and mountain ranges before driving through the hand-hewn Homer Tunnel to the amazing Mirror Lake. Afterwards, walk to see the Chasm on your way into Milford Sound and take some time to kayak this majestic fiord, considered by many as the Eighth Wonder of the World (Optional Experience - own expense). Tonight stay at the magical Milford Sound Lodge, with views of the Cleddau Valley.

Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge

Accommodation type: Motels - premium

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Milford Sound

Wake up to the startling beauty of Milford Sound. Board the Southern Discoveries vessel for a half day exploration of Milford Sound, often called the "eighth natural wonder of the world". Sail out to the Tasman Sea, looking for wildlife along the way, for a visit to the Underwater Observatory and the opportunity to go sea kayaking in Harrison Cove. This afternoon learn more about breathtaking Fiordland National Park with an informative talk by a local expert.

Accommodation: Milford Sound Lodge

Accommodation type: Motels - premium

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Milford to Dunedin

Leave the majestic Fiordland National Park for the picturesque South Otago.  Travel through the musical town of Gore, before arriving in Dunedin.

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

A day in Dunedin

This morning visit Larnach Castle, learn about its colourful history and take in the breathtaking views from the Tower including a 360° view of Dunedin, Otago Peninsula and out to the Pacific Ocean. After this wonderful tour, the day is yours to explore and discover Dunedin. Your tour director can help with any recommendations or bookings you would like to make.

Accommodation: Distinction Dunedin Hotel

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast

Dunedin to Christchurch

Travel up the East coast of the South Island returning to Christchurch for an in-depth sightseeing tour.

Accommodation: Hotel Montreal

Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & hotels

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Christchurch to Wellington

Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast this morning to Kaikoura, where sperm whales can often be seen not far from shore. Pass the pink tinged crystallisation ponds of the Lake Grassmere Salt Works, then travel to pretty seaside fishing village of Picton. Later cross the Cook Strait to the North Island where you have a city sightseeing tour taking in New Zealand's parliament buildings, and a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Tonight, enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Accommodation: Sofitel Wellington

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Free Day to Explore Wellington

You have a day at leisure to see the sights of your choice. Perhaps take a tour of Parliament or venture to Weta Workshop, the home of the special effects wizards whose work features in many blockbuster movies. Enjoy the cafe lifestyle in the capital city or simply shop till you drop, there is something in Wellington for everyone!

Accommodation: Sofitel Wellington

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast

Wellington to Hawke's Bay

Travel through the fertile farming land of Wairarapa on to Napier in Hawke's Bay. Enjoy time to relax after the day's adventures before joining your journey director for dinner at your hotel.

Accommodation: Porters Boutique Hotel

Accommodation type: Boutique lodges & hotels

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Hawke's Bay

Join a local guide for a city tour. You'll see several types of Art Deco architecture, the style in which Napier was rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1931. This evening, enjoy wine-tasting and dinner at one of the region's renowned wineries.

Accommodation: Porters Boutique Hotel

Accommodation type: Boutique lodges & hotels

Meals included: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner

Hawke's Bay to Rotorua

Travel past Lake Taupo and visit spectacular Huka Falls before you arrive in Rotorua. Visit Whakarewarewa Living village for insights into the lives of the Maori community and their special bond with this ancient land. This evening, enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and concert at Tamaki Maori Marae.

Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside Rotorua

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Explore Rotorua

Your first stop today is Rotorua's natural splendour Rainbow Springs Nature Park.  Next up, ascending to the Redwoods Treewalk, enjoy an elevated view of these redwood giants from a series of 23 suspension bridges linking the majestic trees, a completely unique perspective.

Accommodation: Novotel Lakeside Rotorua

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast

Rotorua to Auckland

Begin your day with a dazzling show during an exclusive five-star Eco Glowworm experience. Later in Auckland, get your bearings during a city tour, then spend the rest of the day at leisure to explore.

Accommodation: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & hotels

Meals included: Breakfast

Auckland to the Bay of Islands

This morning depart Auckland City and travel north over the Harbour Bridge past the sprawling suburbs of the North Shore of Auckland. Then continue to the Waipoua Forest, home to the largest Kauri tree in existence, Tane Mahuta (over 2,000 years old). You'll take a break before a Maori guide walks you through the native bush and explains the history and legend behind the mighty Kauri. Then head to your waterfront resort in the heart of the Bay of Islands and tonight its dinner at the resort.

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Bay of Islands Sights

This morning you'll take a ferry across the harbour to historic Russell and enjoy a guided tour of the first European settlement in New Zealand. A local guide will also take you on a walking tour of the town. Later, why not visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve, where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. As you stroll through the reserve, you will see highlights such as the Waka - Maori War Canoe and an intricately carved Marae or Meeting House. (Optional Experience - own expense). Tonight, you are free to dine as you wish.

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands

Accommodation type: Hotel 4 star

Meals included: Breakfast

Bay of Islands to Auckland

This morning experience spectacular scenery as you cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous "Hole in the Rock" formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands - see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes peeled for the marine life. Later, you'll have some free time in Paihia before you travel back to Auckland. Celebrate tonight with new-found friends at a farewell dinner.

Accommodation: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour

Accommodation type: Luxury Lodges & hotels

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Farewell From Auckland and Transfer to Airport

Say farewell to your fellow travellers as your Inspiring Journey comes to an end and you'll be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight.