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Day 1 Christchurch - Dunedin

This morning take delivery of your rental vehicle. Depart Christchurch travelling along side the Southern Alps crossing the Canterbury Plains and over New Zealand’s finest salmon rivers before entering Oamaru. You may wish to visit Oamaru's collection of fine whitestone buildings, which prelude the picturesque Blue Skin Bay. Follow the coastline to Port Chalmers prior to reaching Dunedin. This afternoon you may wish to join the Tareri Gorge Railway New Zealand’s spectacular historic rail journey - crossing giant viaducts and passing through ever changing scenery.

Day 2 Dunedin - Queenstown

This morning is free to explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula with its abundant wildlife. Traverse Saddle Hill to Mosgiel and the Taieri Plains. Round Lake Waihola before heading inland and climbing up the Manuka Gorge to the arid Central Otago. Pass the orchards of Roxburgh and Alexandra. Wind along the side of the rocky Kawerau Gorge before passing Lake Hayes to reach Queenstown.

Day 3 Queenstown

A free day to explore New Zealand’s premier resort. The range of activities are extensive. Suggested activities include a Skippers Canyon excursion, a Lake Wakatipu cruise on the Earnslaw and a ride on the Shotover Jet. The daring may consider parapenting off Bob’s Peak, white water rafting, or a thrilling bungy jump. Included in the holiday is Bob’s Peak gondola ride (and light refreshments) which has magnificent views over Lake Wakatipu.

Day 4 Queenstown - Glaciers

Farewell Queenstown and retrace your route down the Kawarau Gorge. Arriving Cromwell journey past Lakes Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka. Entering the Westland forest the highway climbs to the summit of Haast Pass. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls and lofty peaks the route crosses the Haast River to join the coast. Pass serene lakes and virgin forests to reach the Glaciers.

Day 5 Glaciers - Christchurch

Time allows a morning glacier visit. Crossing numerous rivers and through tall stands of beach forest reach Greymouth. Return your rental car and board the TranzAlpine train, - one of the World's premier rail trips. Pass Lake Brunner and through dense bush to arrive at Otira. Exiting the tunnel at Arthur's Pass the railway hugs the banks of the Waimakariri River before reaching the plains and Christchurch.

Day 6 Christchurch - Wellington

Board The TranzCoastal train and travel over the North Canterbury countryside. Traverse the Hundalee Hills to join the coast near Kaikoura. This fishing village is well known for its crayfish [lobster] and more recently whale watching. Continue north along the rugged seashore before heading inland. Pass through the Wairau Valley, famous for its grape growing, prior to reaching the port of Picton. Board the Interislander and sail through the beautiful valleys of Marlborough Sounds, across Cook Strait and into Wellington Harbour. On arrival up lift your rental car for the North Island section of your travels..

Day 7 Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua

Travel north to the Kapiti Coast famous for its Island bird reserve. Continue along the base of the Tararua Ranges and over the Manawatu River. Climbing to the Volcanic Plateau with its 9000 ft. peak, Mt. Ruapehu. Pass by Tongariro National Park’s imposing Volcanoes before descending to Lake Taupo. While in Taupo we suggest you visit the famous geothermal power stations and Huka Falls. Continuing on, travel through huge pine forests to reach Rotorua.

Day 8 Rotorua

Today is free to discover this spectacular wonderland. Suggested sights include a visit to the geothermal areas, farm shows and a Maori Concert at a marae ( meeting ground ). The more adventurous may consider a Mt. Tarawera excursion or whitewater rafting trip. Rotorua boasts an extensive range of attractions.

Day 9 Rotorua - Auckland

The morning will be free for additional sightseeing. Departing Rotorua traverse the Mamaku Ranges and descend to the lush Waikato farmland to arrive in Hamilton. (You may consider deviating South to the Waitomo Caves). Follow the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest waterway, to Auckland.

Prices are valid until 30 September 2008