Day 1: Depart the United States for Auckland.

Day 2: Lose a day in flight crossing the International Date Line.

Day 3: Arrive Auckland
“Haere mai” – Welcome! You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Meet fellow Grandtravelers at lunch, then, relax on the “Pride of Auckland” while sailing on the Waitemata Harbour. Learn a thing or two about sailing or simply sit back and enjoy the view. The evening is open for you to explore the “City of sails”. Skycity Hotel (L)

Day 4: Auckland to Paihia
After a leisurely morning, depart by motorcoach for Paihia, the center of New Zealand’s colonial history. On arrival in Paihia, you are joined by a local Maori guide who will take you on a tour of the Waitangi Treaty House; the sight where the British and Maori signed an 1840 agreement giving the British Commonwealth governorship of the country. Waterfront Suites (B,L)

Day 5: Paihia and the Cape Reinga
Climb aboard a Dune Rider 4 x 4 for a full day tour. Dig for shellfish along Cape Reinga, a sacred Maori spot at the tip of the peninsula. Cruise 90 Mile Beach (really only about 60 miles long!) in the 4 x 4, boogie board down the towering sand dunes, and visit the Cape Reinga Lighthouse. Spread out a picnic lunch on the beach and search for shells. Enjoy an early dinner at a classic fish and chips restaurant before returning to Paihia. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Paihia to Auckland
Discover the Bay of Islands and cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock. If you are lucky, curious dolphins will pop up alongside your boat. You are guaranteed to spot marine life at lunchtime, as the waterside restaurant boasts an enormous saltwater aquarium, in addition to spectacular views of the bay. Return to Auckland after lunch and have the remainder of the day at leisure. Skycity Hotel (B, L)

Day 7: Auckland
After breakfast, experience Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. Glimpse marine life up close through the 120-yard-long transparent tunnel. Follow the footsteps of explorer Robert Falcon Scott as you enter a replica of his 1911 Antarctic hut at McMurdo Sound. Frolicking in the white wilderness is a colony of sub-Antarctic penguins. From your snowcat, have a fantastic view of the birds. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 8: Auckland to Rotorua
Travel this morning into Waikato, an area of rolling hills dotted with dairy farms, to the charming village of Waitomo. Explore the ancient Ruakuri Caves which contain glowworms that illuminate the underground caverns like a starry night sky. Learn how a Maori chief discovered the caves. Have lunch at a nearby restaurant before continuing on to Rotorua, land of geysers and thermal baths. Heritage Hotel (B, L)

Day 9: Rotorua
Discover the kiwi, New Zealand’s unique bird, and learn firsthand about efforts to save this national symbol from extinction. Grandkids will have the opportunity to Zorb! Zorbing involves rolling downhill cushioned inside a huge inflated ball that travels at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour! Later meet your Maori guide for a private tour of Te Puia, a geothermal valley of shooting geysers and bubbling mud. At the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, watch Maori artisans at work who will share their weaving and carving skills with you as you create your own masterpiece. (B)

Day 10: Rotorua to Queenstown
Fly today to Queenstown, adventure capital and the home of bungee jumping. Dress warmly for your special jetboat transfer from the airport to the Queenstown pier. Enjoy pizza at the popular Cow Restaurant, warming up by the open fire before lunch is served. Afterwards, check into your ideally located hotel and have the remainder of the day free to explore this lovely lakeside town. Crowne Plaza Hotel (B,L)

Day 11: Queenstown
The day is open for you to explore the adventure tourism capital of New Zealand. Most may seize the opportunity to ski in July! Coronet Peak, located only 25 minutes from town, offers terrain suitable to all levels of ski and snowboard enthusiasts. Take a lesson or take off on your own – the day is yours to enjoy on the mountain. Others may elect to explore the city center where a number of shops and restaurants welcome both locals and visitors. (B)

Day 12: Queenstown
Spend the morning on a 4-wheel drive excursion through landscapes that were featured in the “Lord of the Rings” movies. After lunch, board a motor coach to visit the Kawarau Gorge Bungee Center. Learn about the history of bungee jumping before watching others take the plunge! Return to Queenstown for a free evening. (B)

Day 13: Depart New Zealand
The morning is at leisure before gathering for a farewell lunch. Depart for Auckland mid-day to catch your early evening flight to the U.S.A. (B, L)

Rates are per person based on a minimum of two person sharing a room.  See Terms and Conditions.
Adult/Child double	$6,195
Adult/Child triple	$5,895
Airfare to and from Auckland is not included.  Grandtravel is happy to assist in making air travel arrangements.