You set off on your flight towards New Zealand. After a stopover, on the second day you continue on to New Zealand for your three-week tour.

Today you land in Christchurch. After clearing immigration, you make your own way to your accommodation by public transport. If you wish, you can book an optional transfer to the hotel. Rest after the long journey and, depending on your arrival time, spend the day as you please. 2 nights in Christchurch.

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Elms Hotel is located in the north-west of Christchurch, so you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre and enjoy a few relaxing hours here. It offers restaurant and bar service. All rooms have a flat-screen cable TV, a fridge, an alarm clock and an iron and ironing board. Hotel facilities: free Wi-Fi, restaurant Room facilities: TV, fridge

Today your tour guide gives you a warm welcome with a “Kia Ora”. After getting to know each other, you join your tour guide on a walking tour of the city. The traces of the devastating 2011 earthquake are still visible in Christchurch. The centre resembles a large construction site, yet the optimism and innovative spirit of the Kiwis are just as visible. Visiting the Quake City Museum, you also learn more about how earthquakes occur and how people deal with this force of nature. After the walking tour, you can spend the rest of the afternoon as you like. In the evening, you all come together for a joint dinner at the hotel, where you can get to know your fellow travellers a little better. (B/D)

Today’s route takes you on to Lake Ohau. On the way, you stop at a family-run farm estate. You gain exciting insights into life and work on the estate and enjoy lunch there. The jewels of the high country are the three large lakes Pukaki, Tekapo and Ohau with their bright turquoise water. No wonder the Church of the Good Shepherd has done without an altarpiece and installed a large window instead. On arrival at the hotel, dinner awaits you. (B/L/D)

1 night · Double room · Half board You stay at Lake Ōhau Lodge amid the impressive high-country landscape of New Zealand’s South Island. The family-run lodge lies secluded on the shore of Lake Ōhau between the Ōhau Range and Ben Ōhau and offers sweeping views of the lake and the surrounding peaks. The region is known for its unspoilt nature and is an excellent base for hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities. The lodge combines a personal atmosphere with the hospitality of a traditional New Zealand country hotel. There are lounge areas with panoramic views, a lounge, a restaurant and a bar. Its secluded location and the surrounding nature make the lodge a special retreat in the Mackenzie Basin. The rooms are simply and functionally furnished. They have a private bathroom and tea and coffee making facilities. Hotel facilities: bar, restaurant, lounge, common areas Room facilities: bathroom with shower, hairdryer, fridge, tea and coffee facilities

Today a mountain pass road takes you across the plateau of the Mackenzie Basin. First you visit the former gold-mining town of Arrowtown. With its Wild West charm, it impresses many visitors and invites you to linger in its cafés and shops. You then continue to Te Anau. In the evening, a natural spectacle of magical beauty awaits you there: you travel by boat through picture-postcard scenery to the Te Anau Caves and into a grotto where countless glowworms shine like a second starry sky. 1 night in Te Anau. (B)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Luxmore Hotel is located just a few metres from Lake Te Anau. The hotel has a fitness centre and its own restaurant. You stay in one of the spacious rooms, all of which have a private bathroom and TV. Hotel facilities: restaurant/bar, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi Room facilities: shower/WC, TV, fridge, hairdryer

The day starts early, as another highlight of the South Island awaits you. Along one of New Zealand’s most scenic roads, you reach what is probably the country’s best-known fjord, Milford Sound. It cuts deep into the forested mountainsides and reveals spectacular sheer cliffs. You experience the dramatic beauty of this landscape best from the water. On board a comfortable ship, you cruise the entire length of the fjord. If you like, you can say hello to the skipper and look over his shoulder as he steers. In the afternoon, you continue to Queenstown. (B)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast The Heartland Hotel Queenstown is set on a rise above the town centre and offers impressive views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Restaurants, shops and the harbour are just a few minutes’ walk away. The alpine chalet-style hotel combines rustic charm with modern comfort – ideal for nature lovers and active travellers. In the hotel restaurant, you can enjoy New Zealand specialities in a cosy atmosphere. A sauna and a lounge with fireplace invite you to relax. The rooms are comfortably furnished with TV, Wi-Fi and private bathroom and offer everything you need for a relaxing stay. Hotel facilities: restaurant & bar, spa & wellness centre, sauna, free Wi-Fi, fitness centre Room facilities: heating, free Wi-Fi, TV, tea/coffee maker, mini fridge, safe, private bathroom with hairdryer Note: On departures with the reverse itinerary, you stay in Queenstown at the Copthorne Hotel Queenstown (4*), set slightly above the town centre with views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, with garden, terrace, restaurant and bar.

Today is at your leisure. Queenstown is not short of things to do. If you prefer something peaceful and close to nature, you can take the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak, 450 metres high, and enjoy the view of the town from the panoramic restaurant. Several hiking trails also start here. If you are looking for more adventure, Queenstown offers some of the most unusual activities for adrenaline junkies, from jet boat rides to paragliding and rafting. Watch the daredevils bungee jumping, for example, or opt for a helicopter flight or a mountain bike tour yourself. (B)

After breakfast, you continue from Queenstown, south of the New Zealand Alps, towards Fox Glacier. If you wish, you can take a helicopter flight over Fox Glacier (optional, bookable locally, weather permitting). To get there, you cross the southernmost and lowest pass of the Southern Alps: the Haast Pass. On the drive over the Haast Pass, you pass the picturesque glacial lakes Hawea and Wanaka. Very close to Fox Glacier lies the best-known of New Zealand’s mirror lakes: Lake Matheson. Here you take a beautiful walk around the lake, with the path leading through forest and bushland to wonderful viewpoints. In calm weather, you can admire a perfect reflection of the mountain landscape in the water. You spend one night at the glacier. (B)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Heartland Hotel awaits you right next to the South West World Heritage Park. The hotel impresses above all with its view of the mountain landscape and its unique location. You stay in one of the spacious rooms, all of which have a private bathroom. Hotel facilities: restaurant/bar, lounge, free Wi-Fi Room facilities: shower/WC, TV, hairdryer, fridge

This glacier descends astonishingly low, reaching almost into the rainforest zone. Fox Glacier lies about 23 km south of Franz Josef Glacier. The glaciers are unique on our planet, as there are normally no glaciers in this climate zone. They descend into rainforest-covered valleys to an altitude of only 250 metres above sea level. The first Maori knew Franz Josef Glacier as Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (the tears of the avalanche girl). Legend has it that the girl lost her lover, who was killed in a fall from one of the surrounding peaks. Her flood of tears froze into the glacier. Punakaiki, in the heart of Paparoa National Park, is your next stop. On the coast, depending on the tides, you marvel at the Pancake Rocks. The sea has shaped the rocks so that they resemble stacked pancakes. 1 night on the West Coast. (B)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The Scenic Hotel Punakaiki is just 300 m from the magnificent Pancake Rocks and Blowholes and is a comfortable, eco-friendly hotel. The rooms have tea and coffee facilities, a fridge and satellite TV. Round off the evening with a cool drink in the Club Bar. Hotel facilities: restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi Room facilities: tea and coffee facilities, minibar, TV

Driving along the west coast, you gaze in amazement at the wild Tasman Sea. Your route takes you via the coal-mining town of Westport. Here you stretch your legs on a walk to a small seal colony. Your route then continues to Nelson, in the north of the South Island and known for its golden beaches. (B)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast You stay at the 4-star Saxton Lodge in the suburb of Stoke between Nelson and Richmond. The lodge is located directly opposite the Saxton Field sports and leisure complex and is a good base for exploring the Nelson Tasman region. The centre of Nelson is about a 15-minute drive away, Richmond around 5 minutes. The lodge combines personal service with modern facilities. There is a garden, a restaurant with dining room, barbecue facilities, a fully equipped shared kitchen and free Wi-Fi. The rooms are modern and feature a shower/WC, air conditioning, TV, fridge, tea and coffee making facilities and a balcony or terrace. The compact furnishings and quiet location make for a pleasant stay. Hotel facilities: restaurant, shared kitchen, garden, free Wi-Fi Room facilities: air conditioning, TV, fridge, tea and coffee facilities

Today is at your leisure in and around Nelson. You can explore the town and harbour of Nelson at your own pace. If you wish, you also have the opportunity to take an optional excursion to the varied Abel Tasman National Park and roam the park on your own. The park is known for its small bays and turquoise water glittering in New Zealand’s sunniest region! A bus takes you from Nelson to Kaiteriteri Beach, and from there you continue by water taxi. On the coastal track, you can take an easy hike to the sandy beach at Anchorage (easy, 10 km, approx. 4 hrs, +/- 150 m in altitude). Along the way, you cross the suspension bridge over Falls River. With a bit of luck, you will see seals or penguins (optional, bookable locally). (B)

On the way to Picton, you remember that Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough Sounds is among the best in the world. Blenheim is the centre of the local wine region. Look forward to a tasting at one of the many wineries. In Picton, you have some time for lunch before the Interislander ferry takes you on one of the most beautiful crossings in the world in the afternoon. During the three-hour crossing, you pass through Cook Strait, which connects the Tasman Sea with the Pacific Ocean, and the Marlborough Sounds, a peninsula criss-crossed by waterways. In fine weather, enjoy the impressive panorama from the deck. Having arrived on the North Island, towards the end of the day you visit the Zealandia sanctuary. Your tour guide does not join you this evening; instead, you are accompanied by a local English-speaking guide who knows the sanctuary like the back of their hand. Armed with torches and treading softly, you may be lucky enough to spot New Zealand’s mascot here: the kiwi. This refers neither to the fruit nor to the New Zealanders themselves, who are nicknamed Kiwis, but to the small, comical, flightless bird that is native here. Across 225 hectares of forest, you explore the original flora and fauna of the islands and listen to the melodies of the bush. 1 night in Wellington. (B)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The ibis Wellington is centrally located on Featherston Street, making it an ideal base for reaching the city’s main sights comfortably on foot. The harbour, the Parliament buildings and numerous restaurants, cafés and shops are close by. The hotel restaurant on the ground floor serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The hotel’s rooms are functional and comfortable. Facilities include air conditioning, TV, tea and coffee maker and a fridge. Hotel facilities: free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar, 24-hour reception Room facilities: shower/WC, air conditioning, TV, desk, coffee/tea maker, fridge, kettle

In the morning, you explore Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Wellington bubbles over with energy and joie de vivre. The city offers cultural attractions, historic sights and a maritime urban flair, set in impressive natural surroundings that you get to know on a walking tour. You then leave Wellington and travel to Tongariro National Park, where you have some free time in the evening after checking in at the hotel. (B)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast The 3-star Park Hotel Ruapehu borders directly on the large and impressive Tongariro National Park. The hotel’s spacious outdoor area offers a unique view of the three volcanoes that characterise the national park. The cosy rooms are equipped with armchairs, a TV and a fridge. Treat yourself to some time out in the whirlpool or visit the hotel restaurant and bar to enjoy a seasonal menu. Hotel facilities: free Wi-Fi, restaurant, bar Room facilities: bathroom with shower/WC, TV, tea and coffee facilities, hairdryer

In the morning, you set off towards Waimangu Valley, where the immense power of the earth awaits you. On the way, you stop at Huka Falls for a short visit to the imposing waterfalls. On arrival in Waimangu Valley, you have time to take a leisurely look at the geothermal landscape full of bubbling mud pools and colourful lake terraces created by underground volcanic activity. In the afternoon, on a boat trip on Lake Rotomahana, you enjoy the scenery of the lake and the surrounding geothermal landscape. You then continue to Rotorua. The town is known for the volcanic activity taking place beneath the earth’s surface. Steaming pools, boiling lakes and coloured ponds are everywhere. But Rotorua is also a stronghold of Maori culture, with its striking carvings and red-painted wooden houses. In the evening, you are a guest in a village modelled on a traditional one and created as a meeting place to bring the culture, history and traditions of the Maori to life for visitors in a vivid and authentic way. Look forward to a very special cultural evening, which you attend without your tour guide. You are welcomed with a “powhiri”, the traditional Maori ceremony, and then learn about Maori history first-hand. The cultural performances and explanations are in English and offer authentic insights into Maori traditions and life. During the traditional “hangi” dinner, you are entertained with songs and dances from Maori history, and to finish you can enjoy the traditional war dance, the “haka”. 1 night in Rotorua. (B/D)

1 night · Double room · With breakfast Welcome to the Sudima Lake Rotorua Hotel, a retreat on the shores of picturesque Lake Rotorua. The hotel offers you an ideal location for exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area and experiencing Rotorua’s cultural diversity. The hotel impresses with its simple yet modern architecture and comfortable ambience. The rooms are stylishly furnished and offer you a restful retreat after an eventful day. In the hotel restaurant, you are treated to a selection of delicious dishes prepared with fresh regional ingredients. The bar offers a cosy atmosphere in which to relax with refreshing drinks. The hotel also has a heated pool. Hotel facilities: 24-hour reception, restaurant, bar, free Wi-Fi, spa Room facilities: WC/shower, air conditioning, TV

Today you first drive along the Thermal Explorer Highway to Thames. There you can have a look around the tranquil town and have time for lunch. After the break, the scenic route takes you on to Coromandel, where you arrive in the afternoon. After your arrival, take a short walk and let the day come to a relaxed end. (B)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast Welcome to the Anchor Lodge in Coromandel Town, an idyllic retreat that offers you a good location for exploring the natural beauty of the region. The Anchor Lodge impresses with its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming hospitality. The rooms are cosily furnished and offer all the comfort you need for a restful stay. Enjoy the view from your own balcony or terrace. The lodge also has a barbecue area where you can prepare your own meals and enjoy them outdoors. Relax in the heated pool or end the day in the whirlpool. Hotel facilities: free Wi-Fi, sauna Room facilities: hairdryer, TV, safe, air conditioning

Today you go on an excursion on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. On the way, you stop at the popular Hot Water Beach. Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from the depths of the earth and rises to the surface through the golden sand at Hot Water Beach. The peninsula is a true hiking paradise, as the region offers rich nature and scenic variety. During your exploration, discover the picturesque bays and breathtaking beaches of the peninsula. The region is also home to many local artists and craftspeople, who warmly invite you to visit their studios. (B)

Today you drive over the Bombay Hills and across the green Hauraki Plains to Auckland. After your arrival, the afternoon is at your leisure. Stroll through the city’s streets or relax in one of the many parks. Do you know Auckland’s landmark, the Sky Tower? This evening, look forward to dinner in the tower’s restaurant with a magnificent view of the city and the sea. (B/D)

2 nights · Double room · With breakfast In the heart of Auckland’s business district, just a few minutes’ walk from SkyCity and 10 minutes from Viaduct Harbour, you will find the Auckland City Hotel. Your hotel has 138 modern rooms with a desk, fridge and tea and coffee facilities. Enjoy authentic Malaysian cuisine at the Mustard Seed Café & Restaurant. Hotel facilities: restaurant, free Wi-Fi Room facilities: fridge, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi

After breakfast, you discover New Zealand’s largest city on a half-day city tour. Your tour guide introduces you to various highlights of the city, such as the modern harbour area and the significant Bastion Point. After returning to the hotel around midday, it’s time to say goodbye to your tour guide. In the afternoon, you have one more opportunity to explore the city according to your own preferences. (B)

Now it’s time to say goodbye. In time for your flight home, you make your own way to the airport by public transport. If you wish, you can book an optional transfer from your hotel to the airport. From here, you fly home via your stopover. (B) After three impressive weeks at the other end of the world, you arrive at your home airport on day 21.