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 – Franz Josef Glacier
Hugging the coastline of the West Coast, as
you come closer your view will be dominated by
the towering Southern Alps, highlighting your
journey to Franz Josef. Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef |
Day
11 |
Franz Josef – Wanaka
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. On arrival in Wanaka you’ll have a choice of activities
between a launch cruise that will take you across
the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve,
then an informative bush walk with refreshments.
Alternatively if adrenalin is what you are after
then experience an exhilarating jet boat ride
along the Clutha River.. Stay: Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort |
Day
12 |
Wanaka – Queenstown
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group). Stay: Rydges Hotel (3 nights) |
| |
3 Day Hollyford Track Walk Option
This 3 day/2 night walk is a spectacular
journey, which takes in diverse scenery
from dense forest to untouched beaches.
The highlights are the walking back in time
through beech forests, crossing Fiordlands
longest swing bridge, jet boating along the
Hollyford River before finishing with a scenic
flight into Milford Sound to rejoin your group
on Day 15.
Additional cost $NZ 1,580 per person, twin share. Read More> |
Day
13
to
14 |
Queenstown At Leisure
The next two days are at your leisure whilst in
the adventure capital. You can either sit back,
relax or your Coach Captain is available to assist
with any optional activities you would like to do.
(B/D) (Dinner on Day 16 is not included allowing
the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your
choice.) |
Day
15 |
Queenstown – Milford Sound
Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. Stay: Milford Mariner |
Day
16 |
Milford Sound – Dunedin
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world
with a glimpse every so often of a passing seal
or penguin. You return to shore to follow the
rugged and remote mountains as they change to
lush green countryside as you approach Dunedin,
the ‘Edinburgh of the South.’ Tonight prior
to dinner you will be treated to a traditional
Scottish Haggis Ceremony. Stay: Cargills Hotel (2 nights) |
Day
17 |
Dunedin
A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun! |
Day
18 |
Dunedin – Mt Cook
This morning visit Olveston House, Dunedin’s
majestic historic home. Travel north stopping to
view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore
Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing the
hydro lakes until you reach Mt Cook National
Park and village, amidst New Zealand’s highest
mountains. This afternoon visit the Tasman
Glacier where you will be amazed by the floating
icebergs in the nearby lake. Stay: Hermitage Hotel |
Day
19 |
Mt Cook – Christchurch
Visiting Lake Tekapo, view the Church of the Good
Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial. Continue
onto Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch for a city and surrounds tour. Stay: Pavilions Hotel |
Day
20 |
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. |
