Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
A tour representative will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel. Stay: All Seasons, Christchurch |
Day
2 |
Christchurch – Mt Cook – Omarama
Before departing Christchurch enjoy a city sights tour then travel across the Canterbury Plains into MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue at Lake Tekapo before continuing on to Mt Cook National Park and then Omarama. Stay: Country Time Hotel, Omarama |
Day
3 |
Omarama – Dunedin
As your New Zealand holiday continues, follow the beautiful braided Waitaki River east, passing Benmore and Avemore hydro lakes before reaching the Pacific Ocean at Historic Oamaru. En route visit Moeraki Boulders, marvelling at the huge spherical stones, found strewn along a stretch of Koekohe Beach near Moeraki. An early arrival into Dunedin, "The Edinburgh of the South" allows you plenty of time to explore this nature lover's playground. Take the opportunity to experience an optional tour. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Dunedin |
Day
4 |
Dunedin – Lake Manapouri – Te Anau
Travel the peninsula before embarking on Dunedin's famous Lanarch Castle and Gardens, and then cross rich farmlands to Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri (time and weather permitting) before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau. A optional choice tonight is the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, you take a short cruise before exploring this natural wonder. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau |
Day
5 |
Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown
Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys before descending into the Cleddau Canyon and Milford Sound. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and shows such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Time to relax and appreciate your surroundings. Walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm a spectacular waterfall then pause at the Homer Tunnel. If conditions permit, your coach captain may make a short drive into the Lower Hollyford Valley. After your cruise you drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. Stay: Aspen Tanoa, Queenstown (2 nights) |
Day
6 |
Queenstown
A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your coach captain will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola to the Skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous - white water rafting. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries. Tonight is free dining but we recommend that you take the iconic TSS Earnslaw steam boat across Lake Wakatipu and dine at Walter Peak High Country. |
Day
7 |
Queenstown - Wanaka
Head back in time as you travel through areas steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era. First stop Arrowtown, then travel pass picturesque Lake Hayes and pay old Cromwell a visit before arriving at Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. This afternoon is at your leisure and we recommend if the weather is good you take a cruise on the lake or a walk around, your coach captain will be there to assist with optional activities. Stay: Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka |
Day
8 |
Wanaka – Hokitika
Today takes you to Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora into Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the glacier region. (Upon arrival into Fox Glacier there is opportunity to take an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers). Continuing north, you visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where you can see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Stay: Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika |
Day
9 |
Hokitika – St Arnaud
The journey today travels along the scenic
West Coast , with a stop at pancake rocks and
blowholes before heading inland through the
Buller Gorge. On arrival into St Arnaud you will
be treated to an exclusive guided tour of the
region as you learn of the history that makes
this a special spot to spend the night. Stay: Alpine Lodge |
Day
10 |
St Arnaud – Picton – Wellington
Drive to Picton to board the Interislander Ferry. Sail through Queen Charlotte Sound, cross Cook Strait and into Wellington Harbour. A city tour will incorporate the summit of Mt Victoria, the Houses of Parliament & distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, the city centre and Oriental Bay and then there is time to explore the city yourself. Stay: Ibis, Wellington |
Day
11 |
Wellington – Taupo – Rotorua
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island and on a clear day, the South Island. Continue through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls then cross rolling farmland to the central North Island National Park, dominated by the volcanic Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls skirting massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture. Tonight dine at your leisure as Rotorua has an array of choice to dine at. Stay: Kingsgate Hotel, Rotorua (2 nights) |
Day
12 |
Rotorua
Begin with a visit to the Agrodome to see New Zealand's various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration, then this afternoon you have free time for optional activities before tonight's visit to a Authentic Maori village and hangi (meal), followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka. |
Day
13 |
Rotorua – Waitomo – Hamilton
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. At Waitomo a guide will escort your group underground to the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. This afternoon explore Hamilton at your leisure, why not take a stroll through Hamilton gardens or try your luck at the local casino. Your coach captain will help you with optional activities this afternoon. Stay: Hotel Ibis, Hamilton Tainui |
Day
14 |
Hamilton – Bay of Islands
Departing Hamilton, you travel alongside the Waikato River before crossing the Bombay Hills to reach Auckland. Travel north to the Matakohe Kauri museum. Continue to Paihia, in the Bay of Islands, where we meet our local Maori guide who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. A self guided tour through the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay. Stay: Tanoa Hotel, Paihia (2 nights) |
Day
15 |
Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available, you're coach captain will happily assist with details. Why not try a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New Zealand's first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum. |
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Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise Option
Upgrade a night to the new Ipipiri Overnight Cruise. This two day cruise will showcase the past and present of New Zealand's finest sub tropical and maritime destination.
When selecting the Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise your tour itinerary will change slightly and you will not have a full free day in the Bay of Islands. Additional cost $NZ 155 per person. |
Day
16 |
Bay of Islands – Auckland
This morning a launch cruise will take you across the Bay to Cape Brett and the famous "Hole in the Rock". Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth to Auckland. A city tour before you arrive at your accommodation, this afternoon is at your leisure we recommend you visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for superb city and harbour views, the down town area and Waterfront Drive. Stay: Mercure Hotel |
Day
17 |
Depart Auckland
It is farewell to your travelling companions. You will be transferred to Auckland International Airport to join your flight home. |
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