Best of New Zealand with Sydney

Welcome to Aotearoa, Māori for “land of the long white cloud.” Your room is available for immediate check-in. A pre-night is not required for early check-in. Please schedule your flights to arrive by 4:30pm in order to attend this evening’s welcome briefing and dinner.

AUCKLAND–BAY OF ISLANDS Time & Tides Start your day with a sightseeing tour of Auckland, the “City of Sails.” See bustling Queen Street, the city’s oldest park, Auckland Domain, and historic Parnell Village. Continue to the Bay of Islands, known for its stunning beauty and history. Before arriving at your resort, visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House. (B,D) TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL GEMS The Waitangi Treaty House, or Busby House as it is sometimes known, was the site of some of the most important events in New Zealand’s history. It is here in 1840, New Zealand’s founding document was signed. Enjoy the interactive exhibits, see Māori cultural performances, stroll through the lush gardens, and visit the inspiring art gallery and carving studio; all with stunning views over the Bay of Islands.

BAY OF ISLANDS Seas the Day This morning, embark on a sightseeing cruise. The remainder of the day is at leisure. You may wish to stroll the beach, explore some of the island’s historic attractions, shop for souvenirs, or just relax at your hotel. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Take in stunning views as you glide through the islands along the Rakamangamanga Peninsula to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. According to Māori legend, local warriors used to paddle through the Hole in the Rock in their canoes before departing for battle. If water dripped on them from the cave’s room, it was a good omen. Keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and other marine life during your cruise, and have your camera ready as you get up close to the action. Make an island stop to give you time to stroll along the white sand beach or walk to the top of the hill for scenic views of the Bay of Islands.

BAY OF ISLANDS–ROTORUA Abundant Adventure Today, travel through the Bay of Plenty region to Rotorua, home to geothermal wonders, adventure activities, and a thriving Māori culture (B)ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE This evening, you may wish to join an optional outing to experience an authentic Māori village and culture performance, followed by a delicious Hangi dinner (roasted meats and vegetables cooked underground with hot stones). You might even be asked to join in a Haka, the traditional war dance of the Māori.

ROTORUA The Living Earth This morning starts with a guided tour and visit to the National Kiwi Hatchery. Next, visit Te Puia, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area. This afternoon is at your leisure. You may wish to relax in a natural hot spring, zipline through the forest, or board a floatplane for flightseeing of this beautiful region. This evening, join a [LF] New Zealand family for dinner in their home, a unique opportunity to interact with a local family and immerse yourself in New Zealand culture. Before the evening is over, you’ll feel like part of the family. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCONSERVATION HEROES Only about 5% of all Kiwi birds hatched in the wild survive to adulthood, making them endangered. At The National Kiwi Hatchery, you’ll see important conservation work in action.TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS At Te Puia, explore New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland, featuring dramatic geysers, bubbling mud pools, and silica terraces. See Pohutu, the largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere, erupting, learn how Māori use the steam to cook their food, and visit the Māori Arts and Craft Institute to see traditional carving and weaving performed before your eyes.

ROTORUA–MARTON–WELLINGTON Wild & Woolly Travel south today through rolling farmlands and pass massive Lake Taupo. After lunch, continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. (B,L) LOCAL FAVORITECOUNTING SHEEP In New Zealand, sheep outnumber people 16 to 1. We’ll make a stop in the historic rural town of Marton, where we’ll visit a [LF] local farm and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch. During your time here, take a tour of the farm, see the animals, and learn about the importance of the sheep industry to the local economy.

WELLINGTON New Zealand Treasures Our day begins with a sightseeing tour of Wellington. Take a scenic cable-car ride, visit the beautiful botanic gardens, see the famous Beehive and Parliament buildings, and enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city and harbour from the top of Mount Victoria. You’ll also spend time at Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. The remainder of the day is yours to explore on your own. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS Meaning “the treasure box” in Māori, Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum. Here you can explore the great stories of this country, Māori culture, heritage, and history. Learn about WWI, see a colossal giant squid, enjoy hands-on displays, and experience New Zealand’s many landscapes.

Fly to Christchurch located on New Zealand’s south island. Christchurch was named after the city in England that has the same name and has a history of English heritage. A sightseeing tour highlights some of Christchurch’s famous landmarks and spectacular gardens. This evening is at leisure.

Today, take one of the world’s great train journeys aboard the scenic TranzAlpine. Spend the next two nights in the small town of Franz Josef, located at the base of the impressive Franz Josef Glacier.

FRANZ JOSEF Ice Sculptures This morning, explore this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage area. Admire incredible views of the Franz Josef Glacier on a locally guided tour. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTSCENIC WONDERS The Franz Josef Glacier Viewpoint Walk takes you through some breathtaking landscapes. Learn about the glacier’s history, see what is left behind this majestic giant, and learn the legend of Ka Roimata O Hine Hukatere. After a short walk to the Glacier Viewpoint, be rewarded with spectacular views. ENHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE with an optional scenic flightseeing or helicopter tour, relax in one of the glacier hot pools, spend time at the West Coast Wildlife Centre, or pick up a picnic lunch and just take in the gorgeous scenery. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus.

FRANZ JOSEF–QUEENSTOWN Vineyards & Views Our journey today takes us along the coast and the Tasman Sea. Climb through rainforests and over Haast Pass to arrive in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World.” Upon arrival, enjoy a tour and a tasting at a local [LF] winery. Tonight, you’re free to enjoy dinner at one of Queenstown’s many restaurants or cafes and sample some of the regional wines. (B)LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES The Gibbston Valley of New Zealand is known for high-quality wines including Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Rose, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. We’ll visit New Zealand’s largest wine cave and the region’s oldest vineyard at Gibbston Valley Winery. As one of the region’s founding wineries you’ll taste some of their premium wines, explore the wine cave, learn about the founding of the vineyard, and enjoy a beautiful setting.

QUEENSTOWN. EXCURSION TO MILFORD SOUND Sights & Sound Today, travel into scenic Fiordland National Park. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has been named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was famously described by author, Rudyard Kipling, as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Late evening return to Queenstown. (B,L) NOTE: The excursion to Milford Sound may happen on Day 13 depending on weather and road conditions today. TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Cruise on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. Experience dense rainforest, towering mountains, glaciers, and waterfalls. Have your cameras ready for marine life such as playful dolphins, seals, and penguins. It will be a day to remember as you experience New Zealand’s wild side at its absolute best!

QUEENSTOWN Timeless Tales & Traditions Enjoy a full day at leisure in one of New Zealand’s prettiest towns. Tour some of the sights used to film The Lord of the Rings trilogy, shop for souvenirs, or take a thrilling jetboat ride on the dart river. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner.(B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE This evening, take a scenic gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak where you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner and breathtaking views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkable Mountains. Make sure to have your camera ready for fantastic photo opportunities.

QUEENSTOWN–SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA On To Australia Today, depart Queenstown and fly to vibrant Sydney, Australia’s capital city. (B)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE Sydney is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is home to home to first-class restaurants, beautiful beaches, grand shopping arcades, and top tourist attractions such as the Sydney Opera House and the Taronga Zoo.

SYDNEY Spectacular Sydney This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Your Local Host will have suggestions for additional sightseeing, dining, and shopping. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHT CITY SIGHTS Today’s sightseeing includes an Opera House and Harbour Bridge photo stop. Visit the historic Rocks District, and a visit to stunning Bondi Beach, considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Sydney.

SYDNEY Sights & Sounds A full day to enjoy more of this beautiful city. (B)ENCHANCED FREE TIME EXPLORE MORE in Sydney with an optional trip to the Blue Mountains, a cruise around Sydney Harbour, time to soak up the sun on nearby Manly Beach, or a thrilling climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This and more options are available throughout your tour at MyGlobus. Your Tour Director and your GlobusGO mobile app have all the tips and guidance to enjoy your free time.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.