12-Day Charming New Zealand

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Today, you'll leave Auckland and journey past rolling green hills to Waitomo for a tour through an underground wonderland of caves decorated with galaxies of glowworms. Then, you'll head to Matamata where a delightful slice of Middle Earth awaits you at Hobbiton. Finishing off a visually fulfilling day, you'll continue along the Thermal Explorer Highway and through a green oasis lined with lush tree ferns to Rotorua, the geothermal destination like nowhere else!

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A place to feel the earth's power, Rotorua is surrounded by a fascinating geothermal landscape with its unique steam vents, spouting geysers and bubbling mud pool set alongside freshwater lakes and majestic native forests. Besides geothermal activity, Rotorua is a hub of Maori culture in New Zealand, home to a living Maori village and the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, you can learn about Maori culture, enjoy traditional workshops and dine on delicious authentic food whilst here.

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There’s a bit of everything on today’s drive. The road to Taupo will keep you entertained with its unusual, volcanic geography and refreshing tracts of pine forest. You'll follow the eastern edge of Great Lake Taupo to meet the long, straight Desert Road and enjoy amazing views of Tongariro National Park's volcanoes. As you drive south, the landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys. Finally, the stunning Kapiti coastline leads you into New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington.

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Set between a sparkling harbour and rolling green hills, the compact city of Wellington is best explored on foot. Situated at the tip of New Zealand's North Island, Wellington is not only the capital but also one of the coolest cities in New Zealand. The compact city is a vibrant and powerful mix of culture, history, nature and cuisine, all surrounded by stunning scenery. Great shopping, arts culture, cafes and restaurants are all within minutes of the city’s untouched nature spots.

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New Zealand's North and South Islands are separated by three hours of sensational scenery and ocean-fresh air. Departing Wellington this morning, your ship will ferry you across the Cook Strait, past the beautiful beaches, bays and coves of the Marlborough Sounds to the historic port town of Picton. From here, the Pacific Coast Road to Christchurch presents one of New Zealand's most dramatic drives with breathtaking mountains on one side and a wild pounding ocean on the other.

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The road from Christchurch to Dunedin that you'll take today is lined with breathtaking beaches and fascinating geology. Dunedin and its surroundings are a vibrant mix of heritage and wildlife. Set amidst a magical landscape edged by the sea, Dunedin City has the finest examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. Beyond the city, the Otago Peninsula boasts an array of native wildlife with penguins, albatross, seals and sea lions.

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Today’s journey takes you through Central Otago, a powerful landscape with weathered ancient mountains and fast flowing rivers. Magnificent vistas and majestic mountains dominate this compact alpine resort town and with such an expansive natural physical environment it is not surprising that Queenstown has been described as the "Adventure Capital of the World".

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Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s most exciting destinations, a hub of adventure surrounded by famous landscapes, renowned vineyards and gold mining history. Today is a free day to enjoy some of the endless optional activities on offer. In Queenstown, you can experience activities such as skiing, 4x4 driving, golf and ziplining. Water sports like kayaking, jet boating and river rafting are the perfect way to enjoy Queenstown’s beautiful lakes.

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Today’s scenic journey takes you to the West Coast, a wild and untamed place known for its rivers, rainforests, glaciers and geological treasures. Here, mighty rivers of solid white ice, relics of the world’s last ice age, tumble down the rocky valleys. After checking into your hotel, you can head to the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools, nestled in lush rainforest. Three main pools weave their way through the rainforest offering a superb place to relax and rejuvenate.

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Today, the coastal road north from Fox Glacier to Christchurch offers beautiful rivers, unique rail bridges and great views of the wild West Coast. After travelling through the historic town of Hokitika, you'll drive eastwards, through the spectacular scenery of the Arthurs Pass National Park, the highest pass in the Southern Alps, to Christchurch. In Christchurch, you'll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to absorb this town and enjoy your final night.