Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Leave Los Angeles this evening for your flight across the Pacific Ocean to New Zealand.

Day 2 
In flight over the International Date Line.

Day 3 
You arrive in Auckland this morning, and after clearing customs and immigration take a domestic flight to Christchurch on the South Island, arriving late in the afternoon. Transfer to your hotel.

Day 4
Enjoy a day in this charming and lively city by the Avon River with its trademark 'English' architecture, street side cafes and shops. Spend the night in Christchurch.

Day 5
Early this morning board the famous TranzAlpine train. The scenic train journey travels between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth, arriving around noon. Pick up your rental car and travel south along the spectacular West Coast to reach the Glaciers. Spend two nights in this area.

Day 6
Here in ‘Glacier Country’ you will find the two mighty ice rivers of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, unsurpassed views of New Zealand's two highest mountains Mt. Cook and Mt. Tasman and the low land rainforest of Westland National Park.

Day 7
Leave the Glaciers and drive inland towards Lake Wanaka. Crystal clear lake waters lap the shores of Wanaka town and the feet of the Southern Alps, which are home to winter ski fields and the dramatically alpine Mount Aspiring National Park.

Day 8:

This morning carry on further south and out of glacier country, finding yourself enshrouded by dense rainforest populated by the rare and graceful Kotuku trees. Following the Haast River, proceeding inland and around scenic lakes on a memorable drive to Te Anau.

Day 9

Travel alongside the grand Lake Wakatipu to Fjordland and the beautiful Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys. The Homer Tunnel and the awesome Cleddau Canyon are a prelude to a cruise on the magnificent Milford Sound. Upon arrival join a 1 ½ hours scenic cruise on Milford Sound (departure at 11am). Then drive to Queenstown where you will spend the next two nights.

Day 10

A full day to enjoy this fabulous area:  There are dozens of optional activities as well – thrilling jet boat runs on the narrow rivers, white water rafting, helicopter rides through the river chasms, bungee jumping, spectacular walking trails or cruises on the lake – the list is almost endless! A great way to end the evening - a ride on the Skyline Gondola up to Bob's Peak for panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, dinner and the Kiwi Haka Show - all included in your tour price. Please arrive at the Skyline Gondola departure point by 5pm.

Day 11
Return you rental car at the airport and fly from Queenstown via Auckland to Fiji, arriving late in the afternoon. You will be met and transferred to an airport hotel.

Day 12 and 13
In the morning transfer to Lautoka, where you will board the Blue Lagoon cruise ship, your home for the next two nights.  The Yasawa Islands are known for their tranquil lagoons and picturesque beaches. The islands stretch for almost 50 miles and their remoteness, about 4 hours sailing from the mainland, ensures they retain their tranquility and traditional charm where local villages are almost exactly the way they were for many, many years. The many islands offer a daily changing vista with a range of coral cays, lagoons, turquoise seas, pure white beaches and spectacular bays as your cruise ship stops at a different one each day. A variety of itineraries allow island explorations, beach activities, visits to remote Fijian villages and swimming and snorkelling in some of the most pristine waters in Oceania.

Relax with a cocktail from the island bar on the open Skydeck and enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and islands. The middle deck includes a lounge bar with DJ Station and wide screen TV. The lower deck features a comfortable dining saloon while a swimming pool in the stern is a great place to relax and refresh yourself. Each cabin features a private bathroom, TV/DVD/audio system, vanity, hair dryer, soft towels and fragrant soaps. All are above the waterline and feature large windows.

Day 14
The ship arrives back in Lautoka late in the afternoon. After disembarkation you will be transferred to your hotel. Spend the last night at a beach resort.

Day 15
Enjoy a free day in Fiji. Later this evening transfer to the airport for your flight back to Los Angeles. Flying against the International Date Line, you arrive on the same day in the US.

Baggage allowances / fees