Tour Type: Premium Escorted Tour
Duration: 18 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $6575 pp
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18 Day New Zealand Adventure Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
- Professional Tour Director
- Professional Luxury Coach Driver
- Admissions Outlined in the Itinerary
- Full Buffet Breakfasts (17) (B)
- 'You are invited' Lunch (1) (L)
- Exciting Highlight Dinner (3) (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 18 to Christchurch Airport – flights anytime)
- Hotel Porterage Included
Included Tour Highlights:
- Skyline Gondola with stunning views over Lake Rotorua
- Sample wine and enjoy dinner at Marlborough Winery
- Experience the Scottish heritage of Dunedin at Larnach Castle
- Discover the sights of Christchurch on the Christchurch Tram
- Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve
- Cruise through the 'Hole in the Rock'
- Experience a Maori Hangi and Concert
- View the mighty Huka Falls
- Explore Rotorua's geothermal wonderland with a local Maori guide at Te Puia
- Visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum
- Scenic Interislander Cruise
- View mighty Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak
- Cruise on the spectacular Milford Sound
- Enjoy a day at leisure in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital
- View magnificent Franz Josef Glacier
- Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station
- See the Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki
- Discover the beauty of the Southern Alps on-board the TranzAlpine Train
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Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
Meet and transfer from the airport to
your hotel. On arrival the remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Auckland. Perhaps you would like to visit Auckland Zoo, Kelly Tarltons or the Sky Tower? This evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travellers. Stay: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. |
Day
2 |
Auckland – Bay of Islands
We cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge, then settle back and take in the amazing scenery of the Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the magnificent Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park. We have time to explore Whangarei, the northernmost city in New Zealand then it’s off to Paihia and the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Reserve which has great historical importance as this is where New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed. You will have time to explore the Reserve and take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe and traditional meeting house. Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Bay of Islands (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
3 |
Bay of Islands 'Free Time'
Today is free for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands at your own pace – perhaps take a coach trip to Cape Reinga, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach; dolphin watch, catch a ferry
to Russell, enjoy a guided sea-kayaking trip or a day of sailing. Tonight is at leisure – why not dine at a local restaurant? (B) |
Day
4 |
Bay of Islands - Auckland
This morning take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands – see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes out for marine life. This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland, the City of Sails Stay: Stamford Plaza, Auckland (B/D) |
Day
5 |
Auckland – Waitomo Caves - Rotorua
After an Auckland City Sights Tour, we
trace New Zealand’s longest river – the
Waikato – to the famous Waitomo Caves and discover the incredible Glow-worm Grotto on an underground boat trip. On arrival in Rotorua an orientation tour
takes in views of Lake Rotorua. Enjoy a special cultural evening featuring a Maori concert and Hangi feast. You will be greeted with a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, called a Powhiri, before experiencing a night of authentic traditional culture and entertainment and a delicious Hangi feast. Stay: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, (2 nights) (B)(HD) |
Day
6 |
Rotorua
A ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with stunning views over Lake Rotorua starts our day followed by an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome’s Sheep Show. Visit Te Puia and be accompanied by a local Maori guide for a tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. This afternoon there is free time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour. (B) |
Day
7 |
Rotorua - Wellington
From the mountains to the sea. View the Huka Falls. Visit Taupo and drive along the shores of its lake. Travel through the alpine scenery of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park, Manawatu & the Kapiti Coast. On arrival in Wellington we have a city sights tour, and take in the panoramic views from the top of Mt. Victoria. Stay: Novotel Capital, Wellington (B/D) |
Day
8 |
Wellington - Blenheim
A morning to explore Wellington your way. Visit Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, with time to discover it yourself. Later, join the Interislander Cruise across Cook Strait and tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. On to Picton then Blenheim for a city tour. Tonight we’ll enjoy a tour, dinner and tasting at Georges Michel Wine Estate, a family owned and run winery in the heart of the Marlborough region. Stay: Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim (B)(HD) |
Day
9 |
Kaikoura - Christchurch
On the way to Kaikoura we pass the
Grassmere Salt Works and see New
Zealand Fur Seals at Ohau Point. Visit Kaikoura where you can take an optional whale watching flight (own expense), then we head
to Christchurch through the Canterbury
Plains. A city orientation tour ensures you
maximize your ‘Free Time’. Stay: Novotel, Christchurch. |
Day
10 |
Mt Cook
Discover the sights of Christchurch this morning on the Christchurch Tram. Then you’re free to
go shopping or relax. Visit Morelea Farm, a typical working sheep farm to discover an authentic taste of New Zealand Country life. You are welcomed into the home of your hosts Angie and Stan to enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch on their 300 hectare garden and gain an insight into the day to day operation of farm life. Continuing our
travels we see Lake Tekapo and Lake
Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good
Shepherd and soak up the spectacular
alpine scenery of Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain and you have the chance to take a spectacular optional scenic flight (weather permitting). Stay: MacKenzie Country Inn - Deluxe Rooms, Twizel (B/D)
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Day
11 |
Dunedin
On our way to Dunedin we see the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme, Benmore Dam and the famous white limestone buildings of Oamaru. At Dunedin we tour the city, then you’ve got the afternoon to yourself - take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway. Stay: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin (B/D) |
Day
12 |
Dunedin – Te Anau
This morning enjoy a guided tour of New Zealand’s only castle - Larnach Castle and its gardens. Then we head to Te Anau across
fertile farming land to the shores of Lake
Te Anau, the largest lake in the South
Island. Tonight, if you choose to, you can
see the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Stay: Distinction Hotel, Te Anau (B/D) |
Day
13 |
Milford Sound
Today is a feast for the senses. Be wowed
and awestruck by the beauty of the World
Heritage Fiordland National Park. Keep
your camera close by as we see Mirror
Lakes, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, The
Chasm, the hand-made Homer Tunnel,
Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and stunningly
photogenic Milford Sound. The Devils Stair
Case and Lake Wakatipu pass us by. We
arrive at Queenstown for an orientation
tour and group photo. The dinner option (own expense)
tonight is the Skyline Restaurant on Bob’s
Peak – sensational views over Queenstown
and a bonus Kiwi Haka Maori Show,
plus you’ll ride the steepest Gondola in the
Southern Hemisphere just to get there! Stay: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (2 nights) (B) |
Day
14 |
Queenstown
Explore Queenstown at your leisure today. You could take an exhilarating jet boat ride or go white water rafting. For the less adventurous there are wine
and garden tours. Tonight board the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station where you experience an entertaining sheep shearing demonstration, some friendly Kiwi hospitality and a sumptuous carvery dinner. (B)(HD) |
Day
15 |
Queenstown – Franz Josef
Colourful Arrowtown is our first stop today to discover the rich gold mining history and browse through the delightful shops. See the Kawarau Gorge before stopping in Cromwell for the opportunity to taste fresh stone fruit. Later pass Lake Dunstan, New Zealand's largest man made lake before views of Lakes Hawea and Lake Wanaka. Travel over the Haast Pass to the West Coast. View the mighty Thunder Creek falls and take a short bush walk. Enjoy the scenery of the towering mountains and the sparkling Tasman Sea along the coastal road to Franz Josef Glacier - the world’s most accessible glacier. Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat (B/D) |
Day
16 |
Franz Josef – Punakaiki
Explore Franz Josef Glacier – take an optional flight (weather permitting) or a glacier hike! Then we depart for Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. It’s on to Punakaiki where we’ll view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. We overnight at our exclusive eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront. Stay: Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki (B/D) |
Day
17 |
TranzAlpine - Christchurch
Enjoy time at leisure before travelling via Greymouth to Arthur's Pass where we climb aboard the TranzAlpine – one of the top 6 train journeys in the world – and travel through the picturesque Southern Alps to Christchurch. From our carriage we enjoy views of lush beech rainforest before descending over spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. We travel through sixteen tunnels and five viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing 73 metres. Stay: Novotel, Christchurch (B/D) |
Day
18 |
Depart Christchurch
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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Click on the icon to download the 18 Day New Zealand Adventure tour in pdf format. |
from NZ $6,575
18 Day New Zealand Adventure
2
4.5
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18 Day New Zealand Adventure Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 18 Day New Zealand Adventure. |
We thoroughly enjoyed the tour, good fun and informative. The coach was very clean and comfortable. The tour director Ted Ratahi and driver Tamati Tehua were excellent. Ted was so enthusiastic and knowledgable. The tour was very well organised and we were always given clear directions. The hotels and meals were excellent. Activities included in the tour were very good. The scenery and places we visited were spectacular. We would certainly recommend this tour to others.
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Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
Garry Cummins (Australia)
Tour Date 07/01/2012 |
Hi, arrived home after a fantastic trip. The tour operator, ATT Kings were excellent, as was the standard of accommodation. Our courier Alan and driver Paul made this trip a wonderful experience. We will not forget New Zealand, the sites the friendly people and the stunning scenery. Once again our thanks for all the arrangements running like clockwork.
Brian & Sylvia Polner (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 19/02/2007 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $310 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 |
| 11 Feb 2012 |
28 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $6885 |
Save $310 |
NZ $6575 |
| 03 Mar 2012 |
20 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $6885 |
Save $310 |
NZ $6575 |
| 10 Mar 2012 |
27 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $6885 |
Save $310 |
NZ $6575 |
| 07 Apr 2012 |
24 Apr 2012 |
|
NZ $6885 |
Save $310 |
NZ $6575 |
*Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart.
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Tour Discounts & Supplements:
Optional extras, single traveller supplement & multiple traveller discounts. |
| |
| Single Supplement: |
Add |
NZ $1,880 |
| Child Discount: |
Save |
NZ $1,375 |
| Frequent Traveller: |
Save |
NZ $345 |
| Triple Discount: |
Save |
NZ $345 |
| 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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