Day 1 - 2 UK-Christchurch

After taking your included VIP door-to-door travel service to the airport, depart in the evening and fly to Christchurch, arriving on the morning of day three.

Day 3 Christchurch

Transfer to the 4-star Distinction Christchurch Hotel (4Q) where you spend the next two nights.

Day 4 Christchurch

Enjoy an included tour that visits the innovative Re:START shopping area and New Brighton Pier. Enjoy a punting trip on the River Avon, then spend the afternoon at leisure before a welcome dinner. B, D

Day 5 Christchurch to Queenstown

Drive to Queenstown (300 miles, six hours), to the self-styled adventure capital of the world where you spend the next three nights at the 4-star Copthorne Lakefront Resort (4Q). B, D

Day 6 Queenstown

Step aboard for a cruise on Milford Sound, a fjord-like inlet of stunning beauty with forest-clad peaks, tumbling waterfalls and wildlife that includes dolphins and seals. Enjoy lunch onboard during your cruise. B, L

Day 7 Queenstown

Enjoy a day at leisure to relax, perhaps explore independently or join an optional excursion. This evening visit Skyline, where you will take the Skyline Gondola and ride to the summit of Bob's Peak, with amazing views over the mountains, lake, and city, and where you can look forward to dining. B, D

Day 8 Queenstown to Franz Josef

Drive alongside the Karawua Gorge, past glacial lakes to the village of Franz Josef (218 miles, five hours), at the foot of the glacier of the same name. Spend the night at the 4-star Scenic Franz Josef Glacier Hotel (3Q). B

Day 9 Franz Josef to Hokitika

Perhaps join the Glacier Valley Walk this morning, which follows the glacier’s retreat through dense woodland, accompanied by a local guide. Then head to Hokitika Gorge, divided by the bright bluegreen waters of the river (85 miles, two hours).

Check in to the 3-star Beachfront Hotel Hokitika (3Q). B

Day 10 Hokitika to Nelson

Travel to Nelson, a beachside city on the shores of Tasman Bay (198 miles, four hours).

Spend two nights at the 4-star Heritage Rutherford Hotel (4Q). B

Day 11 Nelson

Enjoy a day at leisure today to explore independently or relax. Alternatively, perhaps join an optional excursion to Abel Tasman National Park, a glorious coastal region of secluded coves, bays and white-sand beaches. B

Day 12 Nelson to Picton to Wellington

Transfer to Picton and board the Interislander Ferry for the North Island (three hours).

The ship sails through the sheltered waterways of Marlborough Sounds and across the Cook Strait to Wellington. Take an included sightseeing tour of the city and spend the night at the 4-star Grand Mercure Wellington (4Q). B

Day 13 Wellington to Tongariro National Park

Travel to Whakapapa Village in the heart of Tongariro National Park (180 miles, three hours and 30 minutes). This diverting, barren and beautiful landscape is dominated by three active volcanoes, one of which doubled as Mount Doom in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings!

Spend the night at the 4-star Chateau Tongariro (4Q). B, D

Day 14 Tongariro National Park to Rotorua

Enjoy a scenic drive around Lake Taupo and visit Huka Falls, where water from the lake plunges into the Waikato River.

Continue to Rotorua (104 miles, two hours and 15 minutes), and visit the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to see the Pohutu, or 'big splash', geyser. You'll also see a replica Maori village and visit an arts and crafts centre.

Spend two nights at the 4-star Distinction Rotorua (4Q). B

Day 15 Rotorua

Spend the day at leisure. Tonight you'll visit the Tamaki Maori village to experience the culture of New Zealand's first settlers, with a ceremonial performance and a traditional hangi dinner. B, D

Day 16 Rotorua to Waitomo to Auckland

Visit Waitomo Caves and take a short boat ride on the subterranean river there, where blue glow-worms dangle from the ceiling.

Continue to Auckland (140 miles, three hours), for two nights at the 4-star Rydges Auckland Hotel (4Q). B

Day 17 Auckland

Look forward to a half-day tour of Auckland, which includes a visit to the Pukekawa volcano and the Auckland Museum. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner. B, D

Day 18 Auckland to UK

Travel to the airport for your overnight flight to the UK. B

Day 19 UK

Arrive in the UK this morning for your included VIP door-to-door travel service home.