Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
Fly from your homeport to Christchurch where you will be met by a Grand Pacific Tours representative and transferred to your hote. Stay: Heartland Hotel Cotswold (2 nights) (D) |
Day
2 |
Christchurch (Bowls Game)
This morning enjoy a city tour of Christchurch which includes a visit to the International Antarctic Centre. This afternoon you will be transferred to one of the city’s leading bowling clubs where a friendly game has been arranged. Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea with time to mingle after the game before returning to your hotel. |
Day
3 |
Christchurch - Omarama
Depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak.The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama. Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel (B/D) |
Day
4 |
Omarama - Dunedin
Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin, a well preserved Victorian city. Enjoy an informative tour including a visit to Olveston House, a prestigious historic home. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Stay: Mercure Leisure Lodge (B/SD) |
Day
5 |
Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and view the superb collection of flowers, followed by a delightful morning tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Superior Rooms) (B/D) |
Day
6 |
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. Stay: Mercure Resort (2 nights) (B/L) |
Day
7 |
Queenstown (Bowls Game)
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain is available to assist. This afternoon you may choose to enjoy a game of Lawn Bowls (subject to minimum numbers) with superb views overlooking Queenstown. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax, as you are treated to the best of New Zealand's high country cuisine in the Colonel's Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown. (B/SD) |
Day
8 |
Queenstown - Arrowtown - Fox Glacier
Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers. Stay: Heartland Hotel Glacier Country (B/D) |
Day
9 |
Fox Glacier - Arthur’s Pass - Methven
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue onto Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains. Travel to the rural town of Methven, located at the base of Mount Hutt. Stay: Brinkley Resort
(B/D) |
Day
10 |
Methven - Picton - Wellington
Travel along the East Coast to the fishing village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. Stay: Hotel Ibis (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
11 |
Wellington
Today explore this exciting region and enjoy an extensive city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. A highlight will be a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure late this afternoon. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. (B) |
Day
12 |
Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua
Depart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls, then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal region of Rotorua. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
13 |
Rotorua (Bowls Game)
Today begins with a gondola ride to Cableway Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Visit the boiling mud pools and see awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This afternoon partake in another friendly game of Lawn Bowls. This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. (B/D) |
Day
14 |
Rotorua - Auckland - Bay of Islands
This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
15 |
Bay of Islands
This morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Stopover at Otehei Bay before returning via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. This evening enjoy the Culture North Night Show at the Waitangi Treaty grounds. (B/D) |
Day
16 |
Bay of Islands - Auckland
Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel
via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy
a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum
before continuing to Auckland’s North Shore. Stay: Spencer on Byron (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
17 |
Auckland (Bowls Game)
This morning enjoy a city sights tour around Auckland before having some time at leisure. Later this afternoon stroll across to one of Auckland’s finest bowling clubs for a friendly game against the local members. This evening you will be treated to a farewell dinner with your new friends. (B/SD) |
Day
18 |
Depart Auckland
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand Holiday. (B) |
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Click on the icon to download the 18 Day New Zealand Lawn Bowls Tour tour in pdf format. |
