Tour Type: Low Cost Escorted Tour
Duration: 11 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
|
from NZ $2743 pp
|
11 Day Ultimate TranzAlpine North Touring Route:
Tour Description:
Enjoy unique locations and activities throughout New Zealand on this 11 Day Coach Tour holiday. In the North Island visit Auckland, the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, and the thermal wonderland of Rotorua, then on to the South Island stopping at Nelson and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks finishing with the world-famous TranzAlpine train.
Your Ultimate Tranz Alpine North tour includes free time in Wellington and Nelson where you can explore further with optional sightseeing activities such as Zest Wellington Food tours or a day in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Tour Highlights:
Back to top |
Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand and Auckland, New Zealand's City of Sails. You will be met with a smile and transferred to your hotel by a tour representative. As you travel into the city center you will spot Skytower, Auckland's iconic landmark. Your accommodation this evening is less than half a block from this landmark. Stay: Rydges Hotel |
Day
2 |
Auckland – Whangamata
A tour of Auckland, to the summit of Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the downtown city area and waterfront drive, then experience the thrill of sailing aboard a 15m yacht on Auckland Harbour and visiting the Maritime Museum, all before driving to the Coromandel Peninsula. Stay: Breakers Motel (2 nights) |
Day
3 |
Coromandel Peninsula
A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads to Puketui an 1890’s gold mining town and visit a gold mine studded with glow-worms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach. |
Day
4 |
Whangamata – Rotorua
On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a Luge ride with our compliments. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group). Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua |
Day
5 |
Rotorua – Turangi
We head south to the Wairakei Geothermal
Valley, visiting the powerful Huka Falls before
arriving at Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest
lake. Stay: Bridge Lodge |
Day
6 |
Turangi – Wellington
As you travel south the volcanic mountains– Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe dominate
the view. Stop for lunch at Pukaha, Mt Bruce for a chance to get up close with some of New
Zealand’s endangered species. Continuing south
you head over the Rimutaka’s before reaching
the capital city Wellington. Stay: Bay Plaza Hotel |
Day
7 |
Wellington – Blenheim – Nelson
Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, then on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it’s a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts. Stay: Leisure Lodge (2 nights) |
Day
8 |
Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park
Today is at your leisure, take the time to explore
the shops and art galleries which make Nelson
famous. If you would like to explore a little
more your Coach Captain will happily assist
with arranging activities for you. We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park. |
| |
Abel Tasman Day Trip Option
The Abel Tasman National Park is an
amazing part of New Zealand. With an
abundance of wildlife and pristine waters
you can choose from many walking options.
You board a launch that takes you along
the coastline, passing icons such as split
apple rock and a possible local seal or two. Additional cost $NZ 140 per person |
Day
9 |
Nelson – Greymouth
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge – a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery. Stay: Hotel Ashley |
Day
10 |
Greymouth – Christchurch
A morning to enjoy at leisure, visit Shantytown an 1860’s mining town with steam train, horse drawn buggies and working gold claim, or explore the shops and galleries in town. A courtesy transfer is provided from hotel to train station to join the TranzAlpine Train. Through rainforests and past Lake Brunner to Otira in the snowcapped Southern Alps. From Arthurs Pass follow the Waimakariri River and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Stay: Pavilions Hotel |
Day
11 |
Depart Christchurch
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport to join your flight home. |
from NZ $2,743
11 Day Ultimate TranzAlpine North
3
4.0
5
11 Day Ultimate TranzAlpine North Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 11 Day Ultimate TranzAlpine North. |
We were always offered outstanding service and hospitality in NZ. Even when weather prevented us from our first choices, Kirra had exciting options available and the coach captains went out of their way make our wishes possible and our experiences top notch. Their advice was invaluable. Meeting the girls in the Kirra Christchurch office was a great way to finish our time there. Thank you, Kirby, for all of your assistance with our tours and for making it easy for our friend to join us.I can't wait to return to NZ.
[More+]
Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
Angela & Geoffrey Polden (Australia)
Tour Date 04/01/2012 |
I really enjoyed both of the tours in which I participated however I must say that the bus driver, (Dennis), for the first part of our major tour, beginning on the 9th, was so fantastic that he made that part brilliant. He made me feel included from the beginning by individually introducing the new people to the others who had been with him for 5 days. He made an effort to get to know all of the new people, moving our seats each day so that we also got to know everyone else on the tour and at no time did I feel like the odd one out which if I am honest I felt during the first tour we did. I am maybe being a tad unrealistic with that comment in that I do find new situations difficult and while I was travelling with friends they are a couple and therefore I was still one of the 'singles' and a 'newbie' and I very much felt that with everyone except my friends. Our bus driver had developed a fantastic rapport with those who had been touring with him for a number of days before we joined them. They were very much a tight group (most of them being around the same age and older than I am) and it was not always comfortable at meal times especially. Also we didn't have a seat rotation which may have encouraged the clickiness to exist. However I really enjoyed all of the activities we did and the driver's commentary on the bus was good. I think that all of the activities which both tours offered gave a range of choices which was good, choices that included fitness levels, cost and interest. While I was looking forward to the white water rafting (and with some fear I must say) I had to miss out because I was sick. I discovered that there was not really a lot to do at Taupo if you didn't go whitewater rafting! It would be good if an alternative activity was offered as well. While I may still not have been able to do an alternative activity there were others who would have loved it, as would I had I not been ill. Mind you I managed to find a beautiful koru necklace, handmade by a local artist in sterling silver - a lovely find which everyone back at home is commenting on! The service and quality of the meals at Taupo was brilliant! The time out also gave a few of us the opportunity to sit around chatting and getting to know each other and this also proved to be a brilliant thing. On the first tour we sat at small tables for meals and on the second tour we usually had one table which did provide us with more opportunities to get to know each other so I guess that would be one of my suggestions - no small tables if at all possible. The reason I was sick was self inflicted but can serve as a warning for future travellers. While in Rotorua I swam 40 laps in a 40 degree pool! I didn't realise how bad this was for me and it raised my blood pressure causing me to be very light headed and foggy and vomiting! Those hot temperatures are for lolling around only! I was impressed with the way in which people could leave and join at different stages of the tours we did. I am sure that must be a logistical nightmare for you to manage but it meant that many people did what they wanted to do and could hook into a tour of choice. This also gave us the opportunity to meet quite a lot of new friends because our second tour was only small but it kept changing and there were new people to meet. As someone who left mid tour though it was really sad to say goodbye. I didn't feel that closeness with people on the first tour but with the second tour I had two lots of farewells and when we left to go on the TranzAlpine train I felt a sense of loss which surprised me! The TranzAlpine was FANTASTIC and I really want to do it again when it is winter! Finally - Dennis - what a treat he is! He is interesting, entertaining, informative, level headed, fun, interested in people and places, inclusive. Please pass on my regards to him.
[More+]
Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
Tessa Creeley (Australia)
Tour Date 04/01/2012 |
We were impressed with the diverse Country, made all the more interesting and enjoyable by the very good drivers, and tour guides. The accommodation was excellent and varied and always with good service. So sorry to hear that Christchurch was hit by an earthquake and so many people have lost their lives. Probably not want you wanted to hear but having visited and enjoyed the city we felt we had to offer our thoughts and condolences to everyone in NZ.
Vivienne Gregory & Gillian Cuerden (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 10/01/2011 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
|
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 |
| 06 Feb 2012 |
16 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $3155 |
Save $125 |
NZ $3030 |
| 20 Feb 2012 |
01 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $3155 |
Save $412 |
NZ $2743 |
| 27 Feb 2012 |
08 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $3155 |
Save $337 |
NZ $2818 |
| 19 Mar 2012 |
29 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $3155 |
Save $412 |
NZ $2743 |
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.
|
Tour Options & Single Supplement:
Optional extras & single traveller supplement. |
| |
| Single Room Supplement: |
Add |
NZ $800 |
| Abel Tasman Day Walk |
Add |
NZ $140 |
*Optional extra prices above are based on twin share.
*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'. |
|
    |
