Tour Type: Premium Escorted Tour
Duration: 18 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $6665 pp
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18 Day Royal Tourer New Zealand Touring Route:
Included Signature Experiences:
- Enjoy Freedom of Choice Touring in Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin, Mt Cook and Christchurch
- Enjoy a Dine Around Dinner in Queenstown
- Enjoy a range of Maori Cultural Touring Experiences with local guides
- Enjoy the services of a dedicated Tour Director and professional Driver
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Enjoy the convenience of the same coach, Tour Director and Driver on both the North and South islands
- Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Bay of Islands overnight cruise option available
- Enjoy a Maori hangi feast in Rotorua with a performance of song and dance
- Cruise across Cook Strait to the south island aboard the Scenic Interislander Ferry
- Ride on the famous TranzAlpine Train, regarded as one of the great train journeys in the world
- Marvel at the impressive Franz Josef Glacier
- Cruise the full length of beautiful Milford Sound
- Discover Mt Cook National Park
APT Guaranteed Inclusions:
- Visit a total of five National Parks
- Enjoy a total of five two night stays
- Visit Matakohe’s Kauri Museum
- Take a dolphin cruise to Cape Brett
- Enjoy a tour of the Waitomo Caves
- Admire the thunderous Huka Falls
- See the beautiful Lake Taupo
- Travel through Tongariro National Park
- Visit the nation’s capital, Wellington
- Visit the whale watching town of Kaikoura
- See Pounamu (jade) being carved in Hokitika
- See the majestic Mitre Peak at Milford Sound
- Travel to Lake Tekapo and visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd
- Travel through Burkes Pass to Christchurch
Accommodation & Meals:
Exclusive Experiences:
- Personalise your coach tour! Exclusive Experiences allow you to choose the activities that best suit you and are included at no extra cost! Choose Your Exclusive Experience!
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Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
Upon arrival in New Zealand, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally-located hotel. With the evening at leisure begin exploring or relax after your journey to Aotearoa, ‘Land of the long white cloud’. Stay: Rendezvous Hotel, Auckland (2 nights) |
Day
2 |
Auckland, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today include an Exclusive Experience by selecting from a choice of options. You might enjoy a trip to visit the Auckland Museum or the Maritime Museum. Possibly take a cruise on Waitemata Harbour on the ‘ Pride of Auckland ’ or an exciting tour through the underwater world and antarctic centre of Kelly Tarlton’s. Alternatively, wander through the Waitakere Rainforest or indulge in a relaxing reflexology massage. There are also a range of Adventure Options to choose from including a sailing excursion on an America’s Cup yacht or a day trip to Waiheke Island. (B/D) |
Day
3 |
Auckland, Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland’s busy harbour bridge this morning and travel along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe’s Kauri Museum, offering an interesting insight in the pioneering history of New Zealand’s Northland region. Then journey to the Bay of Islands and visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the original treaty between the British and the Indigenous Maori people was signed. You’ll also visit the Maori Meeting House and War Canoe. Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
4 |
Bay of Islands, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today enjoy a full day in the beautiful Bay of Islands. We help you discover the region, by offering you the choice of sightseeing from our Freedom of Choice Touring options. You may like to enjoy the Culture North Night Show, take a tour of Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northernmost point. Perhaps experience the life of a bygone era aboard a Tall Ship, including a BBQ lunch. Alternatively you may be interested in going on a dolphin watching adventure; relax with a round of golf at Waitangi overlooking the national maritime park; take a mini-tour of Russell or discover the small town of Kerri Kerri on a half day sightseeing tour. (B) |
Day
5 |
Bay of Islands, Auckland
This morning after breakfast, explore the Bay of Islands on a dolphin watching cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. In these deep-sea fishing grounds, dolphins and schools of fish are frequently seen. Meander through the inner islands, viewing sandy beaches and rocky outcrops, then relax in a secluded bay. Returning to Paihia, your coach will then take you back to Auckland, where tonight you’ll enjoy a special Pacific themed dinner, with quality New Zealand produce at the Rendezvous Hotel. Stay: Rendezvous Hotel, Auckland (B/D) |
Day
6 |
Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Hangi Feast
Leaving the ‘City of Sails’ we travel south to Waitomo Caves and experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns. Join a silent boat ride and glide through a mystical grotto lit by thousands of tiny glow-worms. Emerge into daylight and continue to Rotorua and tonight immerse yourself in traditional Maori hospitality and culture as you enjoy a Maori hangi feast and performance of song and dance. Stay: Holiday Inn Rotorua (2 nights) (B/FD) |
Day
7 |
Rotorua, Freedom of Choice Touring
After enjoying a hearty breakfast, personalise your sightseeing with your chosen Freedom of Choice Touring activity. For an overview of the wonderful sights of this great town, the Rotorua Icons option will take you to the Te Puia Thermal Reserve where you’ll visit some of the famous geo-thermal geysers that are world renowned icons of New Zealand. Or you may like to visit Kiwi Encounter, a working nursery and hatchery of the unique Kiwi bird. Perhaps visit Wai-O-Tapu, New Zealand’s largest boiling mudpool, including Lady Knox Geyser. For fans of the blockbuster series, ‘Lord of the Rings’, you may like to enjoy the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour and see where your favourite scenes were filmed. If you are after something more adventurous, perhaps go on a 4WD Bush Safari. Or relax with a round of golf or a 30 minute spa treatment in the thermal springs at Rotorua’s Polynesian Spa. (B/D) |
Day
8 |
Rotorua, Wellington
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island and view Wairakei Steam Valley, where thermal energy is harnessed in the world’s second largest geothermal power plant. Visit the mighty Huka Falls and Lake Taupo before travelling south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park on our way to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. Stay: Amora Hotel, Wellington (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
9 |
Wellington, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today enjoy a full day to explore the nation’s capital. Exclusive to a Premier Escorted Tour, choose from our selection of Freedom of Choice Touring activities in and around Wellington. Perhaps tour the sights of Wellington on a highlights tour which includes a guided tour of the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa; the Old Parliament buildings and the Old St Paul’s Cathedral. For those with an interest in all things nature, perhaps visit Zealandia: Karori Eco Sanctuary, where you can learn of New Zealand’s incredible natural history and renowned conservation projects. Or you might like to take a half day ‘Lord of the Rings’ tour where you’ll visit seven of the best set locations in the Wellington area. If you’ve ever had a fascination for all things celestial, then a visit to the Carter Observatory and Planetarium is for you, see a digital planetarium show as well as a range of multi-media exhibits. (B) |
Day
10 |
Wellington, Kaikoura, Christchurch
This morning say goodbye to the North Island when you step aboard the Interislander ferry to cruise across Cook Strait and through the stunning Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sound’s to Picton. Here, rejoin your coach and travel to the quaint fishing town of Kaikoura, famous for its whale watching, nestled at the foot of majestic mountains, which are snow capped for many months of the year. Continue travelling along the central east coast to the gateway of the South Island, Christchurch. Stay: Christchurch, Rydges Hotel (B/D) |
Day
11 |
TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef
This morning after breakfast, board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train for a trip through breathtaking landscapes to Arthurs Pass. Voted one of the top train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine is known as New Zealand’s Great Rail Adventure. Cross the vast patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains before climbing up into the Main Divide. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and continue to Hokitika by coach. Here you will have the opportunity to see Pounamu (jade) being carved into beautiful jewelry and other items. You’ll also visit the ancient glacial scenery and take in the rain forest surrounding Franz Josef Glacier, a sweeping shelf of ice, said to be the tears of a Maori princess pining for her lost love. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (B/D) |
Day
12 |
Franz Josef, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner
Enjoy a day of incredible scenery as you travel along the banks of the Haast River, capturing views of the towering peaks, waterfalls and rainforest of the Haast River Valley. Arrive in Queenstown, where this evening you’ll choose from four different eateries in which to dine in. You may like to board the TSS Earnslaw and cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm for ‘The Great Kiwi Carvery’ at the Colonel’s Homestead. Or take a gondola ride up to the Skyline Restaurant. Finz is another option for those who are after fresh seafood and a rotisserie style restaurant. Alternatively, try Avantis, an Italian restaurant offering casual dining. Stay: Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (2 nights) (B/FD) |
Day
13 |
Queenstown, Freedom of Choice Touring
Queenstown is an exhilarating, year round, alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the Southern Alps, the scenery is simply majestic. Today you have a selection of Exclusive Experiences to choose from. Wineries in this area are gaining an international reputation, so you may like to choose a wine tour that will give you the opportunity to taste some local vintages. For pure fun, jump on board a Double Decker bus to explore Queenstown and quaint Arrowtown. If you are a thrill seeker then an exciting jetboat ride might be more your style. Alternatively stroll around the shores of Lake Wakatipu on a guided forest and bird walk or a journey into the hills behind Queenstown would take you on a fascinating exploration of the film locations that feature in the Lord of The Rings movies. (B) |
Day
14 |
Milford Sound Cruise, Te Anau
Follow the Remarkables Mountain Range and trace the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Fiordland National Park. Journey along the Milford Road and wind down the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys, then through the Homer Tunnel into Milford Sound. We board our Red Boat and cruise the length of this fiord and see Mitre Peak rising from the waters. View waterfalls, dense rainforest and towering mountains in this World Heritage listed area. This afternoon we drive to the tranquil settlement of Te Anau. Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas (B/D) |
Day
15 |
Te Anau, Dunedin, Freedom of Choice Touring
Journey through rolling Southland countryside to the city of Dunedin. This afternoon you choose an Exclusive Experience and we will include it. Perhaps jump aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway Excursion, or view the magnificent Royal Albatross or Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies on the Otago Peninsula. Stay: Dunedin City Hotel (B/D) |
Day
16 |
Dunedin, Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice Touring
Departing Dunedin, journey north to see the unusual Moeraki Boulders. Stop at Oamaru, renowned for its distinctive cream limestone buildings, then continue inland passing beautiful glacier-fed lakes of incredible color. Arrive in the heart of MacKenzie Country, surrounded by majestic mountain scenery and wide open tussock grasslands. Then journey into New Zealand’s highland and Mt Cook National Park, which was awarded World Heritage status in recognition of its qualities and rare beauty. View Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain at 12,516 feet above sea level. On arrival, join your selected Exclusive Experience touring activity, with options including a guided walk through the national park or stargazing with expert astronomy guides. Stay: The Hermitage (B/D) |
Day
17 |
Mt Cook, Christchurch
Leaving the spectacular snow-capped mountains of Mt Cook National Park behind, travel by coach to picturesque Lake Tekapo. Here, you’ll pay a visit to the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of locally gathered stone and oak. Later, travel through Burkes Pass to Christchurch and tonight swap tales of your holiday with fellow travellers at your final dinner together. Stay: Christchurch, Rydges Hotel (B/D) |
Day
18 |
Depart Christchurch, Freedom of Choice Touring
Choose from our range of touring activities in Today choose from our range of Freedom of Choice Touring activities in Christchurch. Your options in Christchurch include the International Antarctic Centre, which provides a powerful, exciting and interactive experience about life in Antarctica. For a relaxing morning before flying out, you may like to go Punting on the Avon, where a Venetian style gondola will take you on a guided cruise along the Avon River, past the unique sights of Christchurch city. For those with the whole day available, the Must See Four takes you to four of Christchurch’s best attractions including the International Antarctic Centre, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, Air Force Museum and a ride on one of Christchurch’s historic trams (your choice will be dependant upon the time of your flight today, enquire for details). Perhaps extend your stay with a post night accommodation. Your 18 Day tour concludes with a transfer to the airport to meet your onward flight.
(B) |
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Click on the icon to download the 18 Day Royal Tourer New Zealand tour in pdf format. |
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from NZ $6,665
18 Day Royal Tourer New Zealand
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18 Day Royal Tourer New Zealand Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 18 Day Royal Tourer New Zealand. |
Thank you for this opportunity to express our views on the tour. We had a wonderful time on our tour overall, some places and meals better than others but nothing that was absolutely awful. We really enjoyed the itinerary although we have decided if we come back that maybe a longer tour that incorpoates some more rest days may be better. However I think we both found the staff and the people in general were so helpful everywhere that we went. The scenery was spectacular and I have so many pictures to paint I don't know where to start. We would like to say a very special thank you to our tour director Barry Owen who's commentary and anecdotes made everything so very interesting and especially for all his patience when things got so chaotic after the eartquake at Christchurch. Also to our driver Royal from Johnsons who was an amazing driver all the time but excelled himself when getting us out of the earthquake area. APT did a magnificent job of getting us accommodation at short notice when we missed our flights and Air New Zealand pulled out all the stops to get us home. We really cannot thank everyone enough. Please could you pass on these thanks to the relevant people. It was certainly a holiday that we will never forget for so many reasons and we look forward to travelling with you again, as we intend to go to Australia in 2013.
Kim & Diane Martin (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 06/02/2011 |
Our trip in New Zealand was wonderful. Both the coach driver, Dennis and the tour guide, Arthur, were amazingly knowledgeable and gave us a real insight into the way of life in NZ. We learnt so much about your beautiful country, hotels were good and very good and food mostly good too. Many thanks for a memorable and relaxing holiday.
Peter & Jennifer Shepherd (Australia)
Tour Date 24/12/2010 |
People make holidays, so a BIG thank you to Craig, for all your help on the internet booking. Everything went as planned. Our tour guide & driver were excellent. We enjoyed our 2 day stays the most. We saw so much & I think it would be better if possible, pricewise to make more 2 day stop overs. The long ferry delay to the South Island & the subsequent cancellation of the evening events was disappointing. However, it was a brilliant tour of NZ. Thank you.
Jane Fisher & William Baskett (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 28/01/2009 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save up to $390 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 |
20 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $7795 |
Save $390 |
NZ $7405 |
| 07 Feb 2012 |
24 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $7795 |
Save $390 |
NZ $7405 |
| 12 Feb 2012 |
29 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $7795 |
Save $390 |
NZ $7405 |
| 17 Feb 2012 |
05 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $7795 |
Save $390 |
NZ $7405 |
| 24 Feb 2012 |
12 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $7795 |
Save $390 |
NZ $7405 |
| 02 Mar 2012 |
19 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $7795 |
Save $390 |
NZ $7405 |
| 16 Mar 2012 |
02 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $7795 |
Save $390 |
NZ $7405 |
| 30 Mar 2012 |
16 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $7795 |
Save $390 |
NZ $7405 |
| 13 Apr 2012 |
30 Apr 2012 |
|
NZ $7795 |
Save $390 |
NZ $7405 |
| 20 Apr 2012 |
07 May 2012 |
|
NZ $7795 |
Save $390 |
NZ $7405 |
| 11 May 2012 |
28 May 2012 |
G |
NZ $7015 |
Save $350 |
NZ $6665 |
| 08 Jun 2012 |
25 Jun 2012 |
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NZ $7015 |
Save $350 |
NZ $6665 |
| 13 Jul 2012 |
30 Jul 2012 |
G |
NZ $7015 |
Save $350 |
NZ $6665 |
| 10 Aug 2012 |
27 Aug 2012 |
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NZ $7015 |
Save $350 |
NZ $6665 |
| 07 Sep 2012 |
24 Sep 2012 |
G |
NZ $7015 |
Save $350 |
NZ $6665 |
| 21 Sep 2012 |
08 Oct 2012 |
G |
NZ $7015 |
Save $350 |
NZ $6665 |
*Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart.
*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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Tour Notes
Solo travellers, airport transfers, pre & post accommodation |
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Solo Travellers
For the solo traveller, you can either register to have a twin share room with another single traveller of the same gender to save costs, or you may opt to pay for a single supplement to guarantee a room of your own.
Airport Transfers
From the moment you touch down a friendly smile awaits. Our Meet and Greet Representatives ensure you are welcomed in true Kiwi style. Return airport to hotel transfers are provided.
Pre & Post Accommodation
As some flights arrive late at night and others depart early morning, extra nights are highly recommended to allow yourself time to relax before commencing your coach holiday. To extend your stay, simply select the number of extra nights you wish to spend when you make an enquiry. Read More> |
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