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Day 1 – Welcome to Auckland
On arrival at the airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to the 5-star Hotel Grand Windsor by Sofitel. The rest of this day is yours to relax, enjoy and explore as you wish.
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Day 2 – Discover Auckland
Auckland is a most extraordinary city comprised of 50 islands, 3 lovely harbors, 2 mountain ranges and 48 volcanic cones! After breakfast, this morning’s sightseeing includes a guided tour of the highly regarded Auckland Museum. Located in one of the country’s finest heritage buildings, the museum tells the story of New Zealand, from award-winning natural history exhibits to galleries that explore New Zealand’s cultural origins. From the top of the Sky Tower, you’ll have breathtaking 360° views of the city with its vibrant harbors and spectacular coastal scenery. This evening, you’ll enjoy a welcome dinner at your stylish hotel. Meals B+D
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Day 3 – From Auckland to Rotorua
Set out this morning on a scenic journey to the rural town of Matamata, where a working sheep farm was transformed into Hobbiton for the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Enjoy a guided stroll through the pastoral Shire and see more than 40 unique Hobbit residences including Bag End. In the afternoon, continue to Rotorua for a guided tour of the Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Marvel at the geysers, steaming springs and bubbling mud pools that reveal the powerful geothermal forces at work in this remarkable valley.
Check in to the inviting Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel where you’ll have time to refresh before dinner. Later this evening, we’ll take you to the Polynesian Spa Complex where you can take a relaxing dip in the hot geothermal pool overlooking Lake Rotorua. Meals B+D
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Day 4 – Rotorua to Queenstown
This morning’s tour of Rotorua is highlighted by the farm show at the Agrodome, set on 350 acres of lush agricultural land. This entertaining and highly informative 1-hour show features 19 breeds of New Zealand sheep and remarkable working dogs that have been expertly trained keep the farm’s livestock in line! Then transfer to the airport for your included flight to Queenstown where you’ll be escorted to the 5-star St. Moritz Hotel for the start of our 9-day Spectacular New Zealand journey. Meals B+D