Tour Type: Low Cost Escorted Tour
Duration: 17 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Auckland
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from NZ $4490 pp
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17 Day New Zealand Explorer Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
- Quality Twin Share Accommodation
- Driver Guide & Luxury Coach Transport
- Admissions Outlined in the Itinerary
- Breakfasts (13) & Dinners (12)
- Meet & Greet and Airport Transfers
- Travel Kit including travel bag, ticket wallet, maps and itinerary
Tour Highlights:
Back to top |
Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to New Zealand! We will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel. Stay: Pavilions Hotel |
Day
2 |
Christchurch – Mt Cook – Omarama
A city sights tour
will highlight the main attractions of Christchurch before travelling across the Canterbury Plains into the MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue at Lake Tekapo. Opportunity to fly over the Southern
Alps with Air Safaris (optional), before continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Admire the majesty of Mt Cook before travelling on to Omarama. Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel |
Day
3 |
Omarama – Dunedin
Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin – the “Scottish” city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Perhaps you'd like to join a cruise of the beautiful Otago Harbour and Taiaroa Head, along with a scenic bus tour of the Otago Peninsula with Monarch Harbour Cruises. You can also include a guided tour of the award-winning Yellow Eyed Penguin Reserve or Royal Albatross Centre. Enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge Train excursion or explore the city only a few minutes walk away. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift. Stay: Cargills Hotel |
Day
4 |
Dunedin – Lake Manapouri – Te Anau
Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri with its rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau. Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel |
Day
5 |
Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown
Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Claudu Valley to reach majestic Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Return to Te Anau and on to Mossburn, then skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant, where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed. Stay: Rydges Hotel (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. |
Day
7 |
Queenstown – Haast Pass/ Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass 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. Explore the township or take the optional guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face. Includes Breakfast. Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier |
Day
8 |
Fox Glacier – Greymouth – Christchurch
Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glacier then on to Franz Josef. Snowcapped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Now join the TranzAlpine Train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Through rainforests to Otira, snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps, the rugged Gorges of the Waimakariri river and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Stay: Pavilions Hotel |
Day
9 |
Christchurch – Kaikoura/ Blenheim
Join the TranzCoastal train for a kaleidoscope of scenery across fertile Canterbury farmland through the Hundalee Ranges. Follow the Pacific coastline, with the Kaikoura mountains forming a rugged backdrop to the west, passing tiny holiday settlements and Kaikoura, famous for whale-watching. Arrive in Blenheim early afternoon. A short tour of the area includes a visit to Montana Winery. Enjoy a hosted tour of the winery, learn about and taste a range of the famous local wines (purchase if you wish) followed by afternoon tea. Stay: Blenheim Country Hotel |
Day
10 |
Blenheim – Picton – Wellington
Drive to Picton, nestled on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds, to board the Interislander Ferry. Sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, sheltered waterways, remote bays and isolated holiday homes. Across Cook Strait and into Wellington for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Capital City. A city tour will incorporate the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour, the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive “Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, city centre and Oriental Bay. Also explore the city yourself. Don’t miss Te Papa, the “Museum of New Zealand” or take a ride on the famous Cable Car. Stay: Bay Plaza Hotel |
Day
11 |
Wellington – Taupo – Rotorua
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island and on a clear day, the South Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. Across rolling farmland to the central North Island National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake and famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls skirting massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights) |
Day
12 |
Rotorua
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and sheep shearing, Rainbow Springs to see rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments. There will be time this afternoon for optional activities. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal) with traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes and followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka. |
Day
13 |
Rotorua – Waitomo – Auckland
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. On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the region’s Maori people, then alongside the Waikato River before crossing the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand’s largest city – Auckland. A city tour will visit the summit of Sky Tower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for superb city and harbour views, the downtown area and Waterfront Drive. Stay: Rydges Hotel |
Day
14 |
Auckland – Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe and the Kauri museum telling the story of the Kauri tree and the regions early settlement, the displays are superb and their story fascinating. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia and visit New Zealand’s birthplace, Waitangi. A guided visit to the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay. Stay: Hotel Paihia (2 nights) |
Day
15 |
Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. 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. |
Day
16 |
Bay of Islands – Auckland
A launch cruise will take you across the Bay
and world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape
Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock”.
Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for
the journey south through Whangarei and
Warkworth passing the satellite tracking
station. Shortly Auckland city and Harbour
come into view. Stay: Rydges Hotel |
Day
17 |
Depart Auckland
It is time to say farewell to your travelling companions. You will be transferred to Auckland International Airport to join your flight home. |
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Click on the icon to download the 17 Day New Zealand Explorer tour in pdf format. |
Our 15 day tour of New Zealand as provided by your company through Kirra tours was excellent. We enjoyed the sceneries, company, food, accommodations of our trip. The itinerary was very, very excellent and we couldn't ask for more. Our experiences make us breathless and in awe on the beauty of your country. We love both the South and the North. We will definitely recommend your company to my friends for their trip to New Zealand and Australia. We are already looking forward for an Australian tour somewhere where the Uluru or Ayers Rock is located. And of course we will definitely take your company to arrange our tour. Thank you so much and we wish you and your company more business. Keep up the good work.
Mervyn & Flor Norris (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 06/07/2009 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
|
Tour
Starts |
Tour
Finishes |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
SPECIAL |
OUR
PRICE |
| 05 Sep 2010 |
21 Sep 2010 |
NZ $4490 |
|
NZ $4490 |
| 12 Sep 2010 |
28 Sep 2010 |
NZ $4490 |
|
NZ $4490 |
| 19 Sep 2010 |
05 Oct 2010 |
NZ $4490 |
|
NZ $4490 |
| 24 Sep 2010 |
10 Oct 2010 |
NZ $4490 |
|
NZ $4490 |
| 26 Sep 2010 |
12 Oct 2010 |
NZ $4490 |
|
NZ $4490 |
| 03 Oct 2010 |
19 Oct 2010 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 10 Oct 2010 |
26 Oct 2010 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 17 Oct 2010 |
02 Nov 2010 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 24 Oct 2010 |
09 Nov 2010 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 31 Oct 2010 |
16 Nov 2010 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 07 Nov 2010 |
23 Nov 2010 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 14 Nov 2010 |
30 Nov 2010 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 21 Nov 2010 |
07 Dec 2010 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 28 Nov 2010 |
14 Dec 2010 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 05 Dec 2010 |
21 Dec 2010 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 12 Dec 2010 |
28 Dec 2010 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 19 Dec 2010 |
04 Jan 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 26 Dec 2010 |
11 Jan 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 02 Jan 2011 |
18 Jan 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 09 Jan 2011 |
25 Jan 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 16 Jan 2011 |
01 Feb 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 23 Jan 2011 |
08 Feb 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 30 Jan 2011 |
15 Feb 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 06 Feb 2011 |
22 Feb 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 13 Feb 2011 |
01 Mar 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 20 Feb 2011 |
08 Mar 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 27 Feb 2011 |
15 Mar 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 06 Mar 2011 |
22 Mar 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 13 Mar 2011 |
29 Mar 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 20 Mar 2011 |
05 Apr 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 27 Mar 2011 |
12 Apr 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 03 Apr 2011 |
19 Apr 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 10 Apr 2011 |
26 Apr 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 17 Apr 2011 |
03 May 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
| 24 Apr 2011 |
10 May 2011 |
NZ $5075 |
|
NZ $5075 |
Note: The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart. We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
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Tour Options & Single Supplement:
Optional extras & single traveller supplement. |
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| Single Room Supplement: |
Add |
NZ $1,205 |
*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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