Tour Type: Low Cost Escorted Tour
Duration: 14 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $3054 pp
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14 Day New Zealand Splendour Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
- Professional Tour Director
- Professional Luxury Coach Driver
- Admissions Outlined in the Itinerary
- Hearty Breakfast Daily (13) (B)
- Exciting Highlight Dinner (1) (HD)
- Hotel Dinners (9) (D)
- Welcome Drink
- Travel Wallet and Map
- Airport Transfers (Day 1 from Auckland Airport – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm; Day 14 to Christchurch Airport – flights anytime)
- Hotel Porterage Included
Included Tour Highlights:
Back to top |
Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
On arrival at the hotel the remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Auckland. Perhaps visit the Sky Tower for spectacular views of the harbour and surrounding volcanic hills. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director followed by dinner. Stay: Mercure Hotel, Auckland (D) |
Day
2 |
Waitomo Caves
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Auckland, then journey south through the Waikato district to Waitomo. At the Waitomo Caves experience a guided tour and boat ride of the incredible Glow-worm Grotto. This afternoon travel to Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a Maori hangi feast and concert for an insight into Maori culture. Stay: Hotel Ibis Rotorua (2 nights) (B) (HD) |
Day
3 |
Rotorua
This morning we visit the Agrodome Sheep Show to enjoy an entertaining look at life on a New Zealand farm. The afternoon is ‘Free Time’ for you to take in all the other activities Rotorua has on offer. Our option tonight is The Realm of Tane, a journey through Maori mythology and our story of creation (own expense). (B) |
Day
4 |
Wellington
En route to Wellington we’ll view the Huka Falls, visit
Taupo and drive along the
shores of New Zealand’s
largest lake. Discover the
alpine scenery of Mt Ruapehu,
Tongariro National Park and
the dairy farms of Manawatu.
Travel along the Kapiti Coast
into the capital city Wellington, for a city tour
with views from Mt Victoria. Stay: Mercure Willis Street, Wellington (B/D) |
Day
5 |
Wellington & Picton
A morning of ‘Free Time’ in Wellington, followed by a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. A photo
opportunity at Parliament
House, then this afternoon we join the inter-island cruise across Cook Strait and into the tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound, before arriving at the pretty fishing village of Picton on the South Island for an orientation tour. Stay: Beachcomber Inn, Picton (B/D) |
Day
6 |
Picton – Christchurch
En route to Christchurch, we’ll get up close and personal with some New Zealand Fur Seals at Ohau Point, watch whales at Kaikoura, (optional scenic Whale Watching flight), travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast and across the Canterbury Plains. A city tour of Christchurch, the ‘most English city’ outside of England, then it’s ‘Free Time’. Stay: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (B) |
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Coastal Pacific Train Option
For a scenic feast journey on the Coastal Pacific train between Picton & Christchurch, with the Kaikoura
Mountain Range on one side and the
rugged Pacific Ocean on the other. Additional cost $NZ 136 per person. |
Day
7 |
Mt Cook
Start the day your way – shop,
ride the Christchurch Tram or
just relax. Later travel over the colourful, patchwork plains of Canterbury. Visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue past Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Time to take an optional scenic flight over this mighty mountain (weather permitting). Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama (B/D) |
Day
8 |
Dunedin
Follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore. From the Waitaki Hydro Power
Scheme and Benmore Dam,
we travel through Oamaru - which is famous for its white stone buildings made of limestone, to Dunedin for a city tour. The
afternoon is yours to explore
Dunedin as you wish - – take a wildlife cruise, visit the cadbury chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge railway. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Dunedin (B/D) |
Day
9 |
Dunedin – Te Anau
After a morning of time to yourself and the opportunity to visit historic Larnach Castle we’ll cross rich fertile sheepfilled farming land to the South Island’s biggest lake - Lake Te Anau and the town of Te Anau. Optional Te Anau Glowworm Caves tour tonight. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau (B/D) |
Day
10 |
Milford Sound
You’ll be awe-struck by great sights from Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, where you will cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Along the way to Queenstown, we’ll see Mirror Lakes, Cleddau valley, The Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls, travel along the Devil’s Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. At Queenstown we’ll have an orientation tour on arrival and enjoy an Alpine dinner with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Stay: Mercure Queenstown Resort, Queenstown (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
11 |
Queenstown
Today is at leisure for you to enjoy the many scenic delights of Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. From wine
and garden tours to jet boat
rides and white water rafting,
Queenstown will keep you
occupied and exhilarated. For
dinner you have the option to
dine at the Skyline Restaurant
on Bob’s Peak. Access is via
the steepest Gondola in the
Southern Hemisphere.
Dinner options include
the Kiwi Haka Maori Show. (B) |
Day
12 |
Fox Glacier
Enjoy a visit to Arrowtown, a colourful township steeped in local history. Next is Cromwell and its
sensational stone fruit. Then
it’s a trio of lakes – Lake
Dunstan, Lake Hawea & Lake Wanaka. Travel through Haast Pass which winds its way through Mount Aspiring National Park and dramatic mountain and forest scenery. View Thunder
Creek Falls and take a rainforest
walk. Continue north along the coastal road to Fox Glacier – a rare, still advancing
glacier. (optional Fox Glacier
scenic flight). Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier, Fox Glacier (B/D) |
Day
13 |
Christchurch
Visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade), for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration first up. Travel through Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, before heading back to Christchurch. Stay: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (B/D) |
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TranzAlpine Train Option
Experience one of the world’s top 6
train trips aboard the TranzAlpine to Christchurch. Additional cost $NZ 185 per person from Greymouth or $NZ 135 per person from Arthur’s Pass. |
Day
14 |
Depart Christchurch
Today is yours, take your time exploring Christchurch – the Garden city – famous for its gardens and being the most english city outside of England. See Hagley Park and the Canterbury Museum – just make the most of it – it’s your last chance to experience New Zealand before we transfer you to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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Click on the icon to download the 14 Day New Zealand Splendour tour in pdf format. |
from NZ $3,054
14 Day New Zealand Splendour
23
4.0
5
14 Day New Zealand Splendour Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 14 Day New Zealand Splendour. |
First and foremost, a word of thanks to your staff (Ms Kirby) for being so helpful and prompt response to our queries. This was our first time booking and going on a tour via the internet. Ms Kirby was very attentive and thorough in attending to us. We are most pleased and happy with the services provided by her. As for the tour, it was really relaxing and not stressful. There was ample time provided to us for sightseeing and resting. We were equally impressed that the hotel rooms (especially the bathrooms) were clean and tidy. As for NZ, it is really a very beautiful country and scenic. Pictures alone do not do justice and one has to personally experience or see it for themselves. Overall, it was really an enjoyable trip and we would like to take this opportunity to thank you Relaxing Journeys and staff for a wonderful job.
Yvonne Cheah (Australia)
Tour Date 01/11/2011 |
Kerry and I thoroughly enjoyed our tour of New Zealand. Our guide Lu Tyree was excellent and our bus driver Darryl was a very good driver as well as a lovely person to have a conversation with. Our accommodation and our meals were very good. Everything was well organised and there were plenty of comfort stops, even allowing good natured tolerance for any latecomers.
Lesley & Kerry Cooke (Australia)
Tour Date 12/07/2011 |
What can I say... you have beautiful country, great people. We really enjoyed everything. Special thanks to the tour director Niarey and our driver Murray from AAT Kings. And of course we got to meet nice people in the group. And also many thanks to you Georgina.
David & Racheli Bander (Israel)
Tour Date 12/04/2011 |
Thank you to Relaxing Journeys. My husband and I, along with some friends enjoyed our tour of North and South Islands of New Zealand in Feb/March this year to celebrate my 50th birthday. All the worries of organising everything was taken care of and our trip was enjoyable, but very tiring, Our tour guides were marvelous.
Debbie & Gordon Harrigan (Australia)
Tour Date 25/02/2011 |
A very enjoyable experience.We were accompanied by experienced and informative staff (Sue and Eugene) whose expertise was called on as we were due in Christchurch the day after the earthquake! The tour showed off the natural beauty of New Zealand in all its contrast and variety. Hotels were well chosen and comfortable, the driving excellent and the commentary was always interesting. We would have liked more 2 day stops at the same hotel , but realise that may have compromised the range of locations offered. Altogether, though, a wonderful experience!
Wendy & David Bastable (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 18/02/2011 |
This was a good comprehensive introduction to New Zealand. We saw many places of interest on both North & South Island. The tour guide & driver were both very helpful. The hotels were of reasonable standard, and the food was generally fine. Overall we thought it was good value for money.
Pauline & Andy Carter (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 08/02/2011 |
We thought New Zealand was delightful. The scenery was wonderful and the people very friendly. We would thoroughly recommend this tour. Generally, we were looked after very well. However, in order to give constructive and honest criticism, we would make the additional comments: 1) The seating rotation should have begun at the start of the tour, even though the bus was not completely full at the start. There are at least three prime viewing seats on the bus, and if the decision is to bypass the rotation as stipulated, then we should move three seats each day rather than one. It would have shared the prime seats more equally. 2) The hotel in Wellington was 'quaint' to say the least. The blankets and linen in room 306 gave the impression of being hurriedly purchased at the local charity shop, and completely mismatched in size and colour. But we slept well and otherwise the hotel was good. 3) At Franz Josef the hotel was good apart from the dining/breakfast arrangements, which were completely inadequate to deal with the number of guests. 4) At Queenstown we found the food plentiful at the Skyline Restuarant, but the quality did not live up the price in our opinion. The imposition of a time limit was also irritating.
Clare Bannister & Will Riseborough (Australia)
Tour Date 04/02/2011 |
We really enjoyed our tour and thought there was super great organization, hotel we very nice, food was wonderful. No complaints at all.
Sharon & John Brusegard (United States)
Tour Date 01/02/2011 |
We had a wonderful time on our tour last month. Nellie and Megan were absolutely flawless. They looked after us & passed on so much about NZ & the food was good. The only hiccup was the hotels without a/c. There were 2 - apart from that I would recommend this trip. We learnt so much and saw a lot in such a short time . I would do it again. Anyone who complains about the trip is hard to please. Well done!
Sonia & Rudi Matas & Sante & Jackie Angeli (Australia)
Tour Date 11/01/2011 |
My wife and I enjoyed this tour very much. We found it a well planned and executed tour. The itinerary, optional tours, hotel accomodation, meals, coach & other arrangements were very much to our satisfaction. The coach driver Meagan was very skilled at her job and made sure the ride was very comfortable. The tour director Niarey, was very efficient and dedicated to her job and did her best to ensure the tour was enjoyed by everyone. Her knowledge of the areas visited was very impressive. Our sincere thanks to these two hardworking staff members from AAT Kings for a most enjoyable and trouble free coach tour. Thanks also to Georgina from Relaxing Jouneys for the help received with the reservation.
Ananda Disanayake (Australia)
Tour Date 16/11/2010 |
From the pickup at Auckland airport to the last day, every item on the itinary was taken care of, exactly as it was described. That's a big deal when you are in a new country for the first time. Speaking of the itinerary, I don't think you could have scheduled a better selection of cultural icons, spectacular scenery and balance of free time to do a little discovery on our own. Our tour guide Clarke was knowledgeable and amusing as he talked his, and our, way around this amazing and friendly country. Murray, our driver was professional and helpful. Even better, we never had a moment of fear while he was navigating those cliff-hanging roads. Phew! The only suggestion I might make is that approximate drive times each day be included in the itinary description. There is a lot of coach time on this tour and it would be nice to know how much time is to be spent on the bus. That is a minor quibble and my husband and I were very impressed by the beauty of New Zealands springtime countryside.
Lois & Fred Tibben (United States)
Tour Date 26/10/2010 |
We had an absolutely wonderful tour of New Zealand, the Tour Guide, Marty, and his driver, Julian, were brilliant. We couldn't have asked for anything more. All the hotels we stayed at were fabulous and everything worked like clockwork each time we arrived at the next hotel. A highlight of the trip for us was flying over the Mt Cook area in a helicopter and actually landing on the snow. Also an absolute highlight was Queenstown - what a place. All the side trips we did were terrific also. Couldn't fault a thing, it was all wonderful.
Bev & Robert Thompson (Australia)
Tour Date 04/05/2010 |
A very well organised sightseeing tour which we both enjoyed. It really was a first class cultural experience which gave us an invaluable insight into the life and times and geography of this interesting country. Lots of useful local and background information presented in a most amusing style by our tour captain. We were fortunate in having some friendly and interesting travelling companions. Hotels, food and service generally very good, some hotels are in really excellant locations. Would love to come back and see some more of this amazing place!
Tony & Christine Sykes (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 12/03/2010 |
We thoroughly enjoyed our 14 day tour with AAT Kings who ensured we saw everything of interest on our route. This was largely due to the excellent Tour Director Marty P. and the excellent coach driver Paul L. Marty's informative, entertaining and humorous talks delivered in his clear diction. That together with his fun entertainments while travelling such as quizes and the Speights adverts endeared him to our coach party. He was also in complete control of all aspects of the logistics and kept everyone very well informed. The professional driving skills of Paul on some very difficult bends made for a smooth journey allowing us to relax and enjoy the wonderful scenery. They made a great team but surprisingly had not often worked together before. The quality of the hotels we stayed in was variable. The Mercure in Auckland although providing a great view at the welcoming reception dinner, provided very little protection from the street noise outside in the early hours of the Saturday. They need to provide triple glazing it would seem. Sleep was therefore disrupted on our first night which was not a good start with so much travelling ahead of us. The hotels at Picton and Queenstown were particularly good unlike the Fox Glacier hotel which provided a poor standard of room. Perhaps better is available at Franz Josef Glacier resort? A number of men on the tour were golfers and although we heard a lot about the NZ golf courses we did not have the chance to play any. One of us did however make his own arrangements quite inexpensively to hire clubs and play the 9 hole course near Queenstown airport so consideration could be given to offering transport from the hotel to there as one of the optional events in Queenstown. I should also like to mention Georgie Walpole who provided great assistance during our booking and in answering our subsequent questions. Kia Ora!
John & Alison Mowat (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 05/02/2010 |
Thank you very much we had an enjoyable tour.We had a great tour guide who had an exceptional knowledge of the country and an excellent driver. Everything was carried out to time and according to schedule hence we were able to make best use of our time. New Zealand is a beautiful place and we enjoyed the South Island very much. The accomodation provided was great with the exception of Wellington and the food was fantastic. Thank you Georgie for all your help in organising the tour for us and we would gladly recommend to you our friends.
Bernadette & Charles Wirasinha (Australia)
Tour Date 25/01/2010 |
This was what you can truly call a dream holiday! Every aspect of it was excellent - sightseeing, accommodation, a very helpful and knowledgeable tour guide with great sense of humour and not to forget - a skillful and professional driver. I would definitely visit the country again!
Marianna Birbeck (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 19/01/2010 |
An excellent tour. So much was packed into the 2 weeks, and all of it worth seeing-especially the scenery of South Island. The tour leader was excellent-displaying a huge knowledge of the country and the driver and bus were similarly so, which meant that everything went so smoothly. One small complaint is that the visit to the Franz Josef glacier was too short ( 30 mins), and I considered this to be a major attraction of the tour, so I was disappointed.
Terry Weir (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 05/01/2010 |
Everything was very good. Our tour was excellent. Ted (Tour Director) and Paul (Driver) were exceptional. Your country is extremely beautiful. Most hotels were very good - I think it was the Wellington one that was a little bit 'tired', but service was always good. I loved the location of the one in Christchurch. I would certainly recommend that one. Food was usually very good. I put on weight, so that should answer that question. Lastly, your service was also very good. I will recommend you if I know of anyone looking to do a tour of New Zealand. Many thanks.
Robyn Cole (Australia)
Tour Date 01/12/2009 |
This had to be without a doubt, the best holiday I have ever been on! Our tour director Julie was fantastic, she knew so much about New Zealand and it history I was enthralled by everything we were told. The places we visited were extraordinary and so beautiful that when I look at my photos I am still stunned. The tour was extremely well organised and the extra excursions were extremely good value for money. I cannot thank Relaxing Journeys and AAT Kings tours enough for all their efforts to make this a dream come true. Thank you!
Michelle Lee (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 22/09/2009 |
It was an absolutely amazing trip. The amount of knowledge and information that our tour guide Campbell provided us made the trip even that much better. I definitely pleased that we decided to travel New Zealand with a bus tour as we felt we learned so much more about the country. I have recommended this trip to everyone I speak to and maybe one day they will have the opportunity to visit New Zealand for themselves.
Joanne & Mike Kyne (Canada)
Tour Date 13/03/2009 |
The trip was fantastic!! New Zealand is absolutely stunning. The scenery is beyond description - 'Beautiful' doesn't do it justice. The bus trip was wonderful-no stress, good hotels, and our tour guide JP was very helpful, knowledgeable and very funny. You weren't kidding about the weather! I wore everything from a hat and gloves (got snow!) to shorts on the trip. Very unpredictable...like Canada! Luckily, I was well equipped because of your advice. People I met on the trip were wonderful. Mostly from Australia and England. Very funny. They were older than me (I am 42) and the average age was 70. Regardless, I had more fun with them that I do with people my own age! Absolutely loved Milford Sound and Queenstown. I had a coffee at the Viaduct in Auckland as you advised and 'cheered' you with my cappuccino. I swear. Take care and thanks again for making my trip wonderful. Hard to get back to work. Guess I have to pay for the trip! All the best, Nadine.
Nadine Yazgi (Canada)
Tour Date 25/11/2008 |
I had a great time on my South Island journey. I was especially pleased with the logistic arrangements, everything was so handy and I havew to say it is very useful for travellers who don't want to drive on their own but still manage to travel from point to point. Thanks Toni for the expertise & advice. It was actually my first time using an on-line service to plan the tour from overseas. Everything went so well and I enjoyed it very much. I'd recommend your service to my friends!
[More+]
Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
Campbell Harris (New Zealand)
Tour Date 01/01/2008 |
Firstly to say congratulations for putting on such a great tour. Kerry's wealth of knowledge and stories kept us informed and entertained and well worth the sometimes early starts. It was a great way to see New Zealand for the first time and it certainly lived up to its reputation. Well done all.
Cuffie Family (United States)
Tour Date 10/01/2007 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $145 per person off the brochure price for this tour. Exclusive to Relaxing Journeys. Deposit this month to qualify!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
Tour
Starts |
Tour
Finishes |
Tour
Status |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
SPECIAL |
OUR
PRICE |
| 03 Feb 2012 |
16 Feb 2012 |
|
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 07 Feb 2012 |
20 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 10 Feb 2012 |
23 Feb 2012 |
|
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 14 Feb 2012 |
27 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 17 Feb 2012 |
01 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 21 Feb 2012 |
05 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 24 Feb 2012 |
08 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 28 Feb 2012 |
12 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 02 Mar 2012 |
15 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 06 Mar 2012 |
19 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 09 Mar 2012 |
22 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 16 Mar 2012 |
29 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 03 Apr 2012 |
16 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
| 10 Apr 2012 |
23 Apr 2012 |
|
NZ $3199 |
Save $145 |
NZ $3054 |
*Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart.
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Tour Discounts & Supplements:
Optional extras, single traveller supplement & multiple traveller discounts. |
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| Single Supplement: |
Add |
NZ $1,030 |
| Child Discount: |
Save |
NZ $640 |
| Frequent Traveller: |
Save |
NZ $160 |
| Triple Discount: |
Save |
NZ $160 |
| Concession Cards: |
Save |
NZ $90 |
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'. |
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