Tour Type: Low Cost Escorted Tour
Duration: 17 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Auckland
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from NZ $4330 pp
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17 Day Classic New Zealand Explorer Touring Route:
Tour Description:
Explore New Zealand on this 17 Day New Zealand Explorer Coach Tour incorporating two of New Zealand's premier rail experiences in the South Island - the spectacular TranzAlpine and TranzCoastal journeys. Enjoy a fantastic holiday, experiencing 'must see' destinations and enjoy unique activities over 17 days.
Special highlights include Christchurch, the Mt Cook region, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Queenstown, the Marlborough Wine region, Wellington, Rotorua, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Bay of Islands. During the course of the tour you will also have free time in Dunedin, Queenstown, Rotorua and Paihia (Bay of Islands) to experience some of the unique and regional optional sightseeing activities.
Tour Highlights:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to New Zealand! You will be met with a smile and transferred to your hotel accommodation by a tour representative. En route you will see why Christchurch is aptly named "The Garden City" passing beautiful gardens and the impressive Hagley Park on the way to your hotel. Tonight meet your New Zealand Tour travelling companions at Welcome Drinks hosted by a tour representative. Stay: Pavilions Hotel |
Day
2 |
Christchurch – Mt Cook – Omarama
As you leave the most English city outside of England, your coach captain will highlight the main attractions of the city of Christchurch. From the arable plains travel inland to the rolling green pastures of Geraldine and onto the semi barren land of MacKenzie Country. In the heart of the MacKenzie Basin Tekapo is nestled on shores of azure Lake Tekapo. You will visit The Church of the Good Shepherd, quite likely the most photographed church on your South Island Tour.
There is an opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (optional). From Tekapo continue on your New Zealand Coach Tour to Mt Cook National Park, home of the majestic Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Here you have an opportunity to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre - a tribute to New Zealand's greatest explorer and world renowned mountaineer. Travel back down the valley along the shores of Lake Pukaki, through Twizel (the town of trees) before arriving at your destination, Omarama, nestled in the velvet type tussock covered hills of the Lindis range. Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel |
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. These boulders are grey-coloured concretions which have been exposed through shoreline erosion from black mud stone coastal cliffs that back the beach.
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 at least one of these optional tours - combine a Monarch Harbour Cruise with a Newton's Citibus tour, and see penguins, albatross and seals.
Alternatively take a nostalgic trip on the Taieri Gorge Train, leaving from Dunedin's historic Railway Station. Maybe you would rather visit Cadbury World and Speights brewery, both options filling you one way or the other. Your coach captain will be more than happy to assist with any bookings. This evening prior to dinner, you are treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony complete with the address to the Haggis, bag pipes and a bonnie wee dram. Stay: Cargills Hotel |
Day
4 |
Dunedin – Lake Manapouri – Te Anau
This morning visit the historic Olveston House and feel as though you have stepped back to the early 1900's to experience the opulence of a bygone era. Then it is back to the present as you travel south west over rich fertile farmlands, through the agricultural service towns of Balclutha, Gore, and other small villages.
As you proceed inland past wind turbines and deer farms and across rural farmland, if weather and time permit, visit the mysterious Lake Manapouri, (the Lake of Many Islands), before reaching Lake Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland. Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel |
Day
5 |
Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown
Leaving Te Anau, your coach will travel on one of the highest and most scenic state highways in New Zealand through Fiordland National Park, following the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys. Pass through the Homer Tunnel before descending into the Cleddau Canyon and magnificent Milford Sound. Experience Milford Sound, the eighth wonder of the world, from the water as a launch cruise takes you to the Tasman Sea returning via the raging Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls. A truly exhilarating experience.
Return through Te Anau to Kingston before hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. This evening's dinner is up the Skyline Gondola where you dine atop Bob's Peak overlooking Queenstown. Enjoy 220 degree breathtaking panoramic views of The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. Stay: Rydges Hotel (2 nights) |
Day
6 |
Queenstown
A day to explore the many delights of this stunning alpine resort. Try the world renowned Shotover Jet, an excursion to Skippers Canyon in search of gold, Double Decker coach to quaint Arrowtown, or even a bungy jump. Alternatively, explore Queenstown's many boutiques and galleries - your coach captain will be more than happy to assist with any optional sightseeing. |
Day
7 |
Queenstown – Haast Pass - Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes then on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining 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, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks.
Drive north along the coast through the flourishing rainforests of the West Coast and onto the glorious Glacier region. This is an ideal opportunity for you to experience small town New Zealand in the heart of Westland. The rainforest and surrounding area is so green it will hurt your eyes. (Upon arrival into Fox Glacier there is opportunity to either take an optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face or an optional exhilarating helicopter flight over the glacier).
Both these options are at your own expense and are very weather dependant. 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. Snow capped 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 greenstone cut from 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, snow capped 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 Coastal Pacific 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 Brancott Estate 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: Scenic Hotel Marlborough |
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 takes you to the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour, the Houses of Parliament and distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, the city centre and Oriental Bay. There is ample time for you to explore the city yourself. Don't miss Te Papa, the "Museum of New Zealand" or take a ride on the famous Cable Car. Your coach captain will be happy to assist you with any additional sightseeing. Stay: Bay Plaza Hotel |
Day
11 |
Wellington – Taupo – Rotorua
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island. On a clear day you may glimpse a last look at the South Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. Cross rolling farmland to the Volcanic Plateau and Tongariro National Park, dominated by the three volcanoes - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro & Mt Ngauruhoe. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, famous for trout fishing.
Stop at the Huka Falls, where the Waikato River is squeezed through a 20 metre wide gorge and gushes into a beautiful sapphire pool. Pass through the Wairakei Geothermal area and power station en route to Rotorua. Whether seeking to experience Maori culture, geothermal sights or adventure activities, your coach captain will be happy to assist with any optional sightseeing. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights) |
Day
12 |
Rotorua
An action packed day today with many included sightseeing activities. First a visit to Agrodome, for an exciting and informative insight into the world of New Zealand agriculture, featuring 19 breeds of sheep, sheep shearing, cow milking, lamb feeding and sheepdog demonstrations. Next stop is at Rainbow Springs Park where you will see pools of brown and rainbow trout and native birds including the Kiwi.
Last activity is the spectacular Skyline Gondola, offering superb views over city, lake and mountains. and for a little excitement, try a Luge ride with our compliments. The Luge is a fun filled ride on a three-wheel cart with a unique braking and steering system providing the rider full control and allowing them to travel as fast or as slow as they wish.
This evening you are in for a cultural treat. Watch in awe as two warriors perform a formal Powhiri (welcome), be thrilled by the Haka (war dance), and see the talented Poi dances. You will even be given the opportunity to try to perform the Haka or the Poi dance. The concert is complemented by mouth-watering buffet selections of Eastern and Western cuisine and divine desserts, including the very 'Kiwi' Pavlova. |
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. During your guided tour you'll take in the spectacular Glow-worm Cave with its majestic and ornate cave decorations, the deep limestone shaft known as the Tomo and the equally magnificent Cathedral Cavern.
On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the region's Maori people, then travel alongside the Waikato River and cross the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand's largest city - Auckland "the City of Sails". A city tour will give a feel for the city. Visit the summit of the Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for superb city and harbour views, the down town area, Waterfront Drive and The Domain. Stay: Rydges Hotel |
Day
14 |
Auckland – Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge for the drive north along the scenic Hibiscus Coast with its numerous beach front holiday settlements, and on to Matakohe for a visit to its museum that houses an exceptional display highlighting the region's early settlement and kauri gum industry, which was so important to the region's early development.
Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia, where we meet our local Maori Guide, a descendant of the original settlers to the region, 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. Your coach captain will happily assist with all details. We highly recommend a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point. At Cape Reinga you view the blending of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and an understanding of the Maori myths and legends of the area, go sand boarding down the giant sand dunes and travel along Ninety Mile Beach the highway of the north. |
Day
16 |
Bay of Islands – Auckland
This morning a launch cruise takes you through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett. Cruise past many of the islands of the Bay, keeping a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life as you make your way past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic Hole in the Rock - hold your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space into the Grand Cathedral Cave.
Head back into the sheltered waters of the bay. Upon reaching Paihia, board your coach and bid farewell to the Bay of Islands. Your journey will take you south past scenic native forests and sub-tropical bush, before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge and arriving into Auckland City. Stay: Rydges Hotel |
Day
17 |
Depart Auckland
It is farewell to your new found friends and travelling companions. You will be transferred to Auckland International Airport in ample time to join your flight home. This completes your New Zealand Holiday. We look forward to seeing you back here in the future. Safe travels. |
from NZ $4,330
17 Day Classic New Zealand Explorer
6
4.0
5
17 Day Classic New Zealand Explorer Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 17 Day Classic New Zealand Explorer. |
We both had a really wonderful time in New Zealand and Kirra looked after us very, very well. We would recommend it to everyone. Everything went very smoothly. Food and accommodation were very nice. Lovely country - but didn't see any of the thousands of rabbits we were told by Hugh, our south island tour driver and honest Kelvin, our driver in the north. Loved Queenstown, Dunedin, Wellington, Milford Sound, Russell and the Bay of Islands. Bus tripping (for us novices) was great.
Gary & Kay Holmes (Australia)
Tour Date 03/04/2011 |
I enjoyed the tour immensely, it was a marvelous experience. The only grumble was that the hotel in Greymouth wasn't half as nice as it should have been.
John Atkinson (New Zealand)
Tour Date 13/02/2011 |
Thank you so much Relaxing Journeys for an amazing time. We thought the tour was fantastic from the first moment being collected from the airport to the end. The driver in the South island made us all feel really welcome and comfortable and made it easy to integrate with others on the tour. The changing of seats was particularly helpful I felt. We thought the South island in particular was amazing, scenery, activities, helicopter ride to glazier, hiking in Queenstown, Haggis in Dunedin & scenery up the East coast. All hotels were really nice and friendly, dinners and breakfasts were top of the range we thought. Activities at night were fun and varied! We thought the North island was great also, very different! We lost touch with a few people we had shared the tour with up until that point (including the bus driver!) so it was like starting again - a second holiday! Rotorua amazed us with its uniqueness - smell and volcanoes! Auckland was nice, lots to do, shopping etc, Bay of islands was a contrast to Auckland, really nice! You've treated us great, I would recommend you to anyone. You in particular Georgie were really helpful at the start answering all our questions. We were worried about handing over so much money over the internet as this is the first time we've done something like this - but you made us feel at ease from the start and we knew we could trust you. Thank you also for reducing the cost of our trip as we were traveling in a group of 3 and didn't want our friend to have to pay the single person hotel supplement - you sorted this out for us and she only shared for 1 week of the 15 days which was great! Thanks Goergie for everything, you, your company and your country for a trip of a lifetime - and not an overly expensive trip of a lifetime either! Thank you.
Thomas & Josephine Cantwell & Florance Martin (Ireland)
Tour Date 14/09/2009 |
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 |
We had a great time, coach was very comfortable and good commentary from Trevor. All accommodation and meals were very acceptable and met some very nice people. Over all a 9 out of 10. The only complaint we had was at Dunedin, the day tour we booked, the Nature tour where we supposed to have seen the castle gardens, Albatross and seals colony, we only got to see the seals as the bus left early, not at 2.30 as scheduled, so by the time they got other transport was getting late. We would have asked for a refund but time did not allow. We would recommend your tour to other people.
Leigh & Kerry Fleming (Australia)
Tour Date 04/04/2009 |
I had to email you to thank you for the wonderful trip you organised for us. Words cannot describe the friendliness we encountered both on our tour and also the people we met. Your country is beautiful. Every day I left the hotel to travel around the country I thought nothing can top the previous day but each day seemed to be better than the last. Being Irish I have always heard about the hospitality of the Irish but in my opinion no country could compete with New Zealand when it comes to hospitality. Everything on the tour that could be done was, and no hassle booking in or out of hotels. For me and my sister Anne it was definitely the best holiday we ever had. Our trip ended with the beautiful wedding of my niece on Waiheke Island and my son came from Australia and liked the country so much is going to apply for a visa to work. Once again thank you very much for all your help. You may hear from me again because I would love to go back to your country.
Eileen Lee & Anne Brady (Ireland)
Tour Date 25/01/2007 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Hot Seat Deals! Unbeatable Savings Exclusive to Relaxing Journeys!
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 |
19 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $5189 |
Save $319 |
NZ $4870 |
| 12 Feb 2012 |
28 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $5189 |
Save $319 |
NZ $4870 |
| 19 Feb 2012 |
06 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5189 |
Save $319 |
NZ $4870 |
| 02 Mar 2012 |
18 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $5189 |
Save $319 |
NZ $4870 |
| 18 Mar 2012 |
03 Apr 2012 |
|
NZ $5189 |
Save $516 |
NZ $4673 |
| 08 Apr 2012 |
24 Apr 2012 |
G |
NZ $5189 |
Save $516 |
NZ $4673 |
| 06 May 2012 |
22 May 2012 |
|
NZ $4755 |
Save $425 |
NZ $4330 |
| 05 Aug 2012 |
21 Aug 2012 |
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NZ $4755 |
Save $190 |
NZ $4565 |
| 16 Sep 2012 |
02 Oct 2012 |
G |
NZ $4755 |
Save $190 |
NZ $4565 |
| 30 Sep 2012 |
16 Oct 2012 |
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NZ $4755 |
Save $190 |
NZ $4565 |
Note: Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart. The majority of departures above will proceed. We will confirm the status of your preferred 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 $1,275 |
*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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