Day 4 – Hobbiton
Lord of the Rings fans prepare to yell “I’m going on an adventure!” This morning we visit Hobbiton, film set for Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy movies.  Whether you can quote the movies word-for-word, or you don't even know what a Hobbit is, everyone comes away enjoying this insight into the fantasy land of Middle Earth. We’ll enjoy lunch and then its on to Rotorua.

Day 5 – Wai O Tapu; Te Puia; Hangi
New Zealand's first people, the Māori, have a strong presence in the geothermal town of Rotorua. We have special connections for a more intimate and genuine experiences mot enjoyed by most other tours. Visit Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, Te Puia and an exclusive family homestead where we enjoy lunch with a local Māori family. We'll conclude our Māori immersion day with a Hangi - their traditional dinner and performance.

Regent of Rotorua (2 nights)  https://regentrotorua.co.nz/ 

Day 6 – Flight; Oamaru; Blue Penguins
A morning flight takes us from Rotorua to Christchurch on the South Island (flight included). Then we’ll drive south across the Canterbury Plains, crossing New Zealand’s longest bridge over a braided river to the Victorian heritage town of Oamaru. This evening after dinner we’ll visit Blue Penguins, the world’s smallest, in their natural environment. We'll observe as they return from their day’s fishing and learn about conservation efforts from the colony guides.

Poshtel (1 night)  https://poshtelnz.com/ 

Day 7 – Moeraki Boulders; Wine Tasting
Today is a another beautiful day for scenery as we head west to picturesque Queenstown. Our first stop is at Moeraki where large mysterious boulders line the beach. We then head inland to the heart of the Central Otago Wine Region. Enjoy some friendly hospitality and a gourmet kiwi lunch at Ophir. Otago is the world’s most southerly wine region and we’ll discover what makes this the ideal place for Pinot Noir at a local winery. In the early evening we arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world.

Day 8 – Queenstown 
Milford Sound
The amazing scenery continues today as we make a day trip to Milford Sound. Stunning views greet us at every bend, all the way to the climax of the Sound itself. We’ll take various stops for photographs and short hikes along the way. At Milford we enjoy a 2-hour nature cruise with commentary from a local guide. We cruise the full length of the fjord, admiring waterfalls, rainforest, towering peaks, and wildlife. We’ll return to Queenstown in time for dinner and perhaps a beautiful sunset.

Day 9 – Queenstown 
Free Day
Today is a vacation from our vacation. You have the full day at leisure in Queenstown. There are plenty of options available, including cruising on an old steamboat on Lake Wakatipu, mountain biking, luge riding, or jet boating.

Ramada Queenstown Central (2 Nights)  https://ramadaqueenstowncentral.co.nz/ 

Day 10 – Lake Wanka
Leaving Queenstown, we make a short drive to the Wanaka. We’ll stop at Lake Wanaka for a visit with a local artist and then skirt the western side of Lake Hawea, climbing gradually up and over Haast Pass. There will be stops for short walks along the way, and we’ll arrive in Franz Josef township in the early evening, where we’ll dine together.

Day 11 - FJ Glacier; Lake Matheson
This morning we'll make a short drive to the Franz Josef Glacier Valley. Hike on a couple of short trails and see the glacier in the far distance (weather permitting). Later in the afternoon we have a longer guided nature walk around beautiful Lake Matheson to learn more about New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna.

Scenic Hotel (2 Nights)  https://www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz/franz-josef/scenic-hotel-franz-josef-glacier/?utm_source=Google+My+Business&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Scenic+Hotel+Franz+Josef+Glacier+GMB 

Day 12 – Hokitika and Transalpine scenic train
Travelling up the west coast this morning we’ll arrive in the town of Hokitika, famous as a center for greenstone (jade) carving. We learn about the importance of greenstone to the Maori and its cultural significance today. We’ll meet master carvers who will have pre-shaped stones that we get to polish and take home as our taonga (treasure) from the whenua (land) of Aotearoa (New Zealand). In the afternoon we wave goodbye to our bus and board the train to Christchurch. One of the world’s great train rides, we travel in comfort through chiseled alpine mountains while crossing deep gorges and ice-fed rivers, arriving in the evening.

Day 13 – Quake City; Dinner
This morning we start with a short walk to Quake City. This unique multi-sensory attraction informs, engages, and educates visitors about the region’s earthquakes. Your afternoon is free. Christchurch is known as the ‘Garden City’ due to its many parks and gardens. Tonight we’ll share memories of our tour and toast new friends at our final dinner together.

Day 14 – Tour Over After Breakfast  
Imprint will assist with airport transfers.

Fable Hotel (2 Nights)  https://www.fablehotelsandresorts.com/hotels/fable-christchurch?utm_source=googlebusinessprofile&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google+Business+Profile OR
Muse Art Hotel  https://themusehotel.co.nz/