Tour Type: Coach & Fly Tour Tour
Duration: 9 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Auckland
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from NZ $2969 pp
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9 Day New Zealand Vistas Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Auckland - Waitomo- Rotorua
From Auckland travel south through lush Waikato farmland, past Hamilton, to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight we enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert, a quintessential New Zealand experience. Two nights in Rotorua.
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Day
2 |
Rotorua
This morning you will be met at your accommodation for your morning sightseeing tour of this city. Rotorua sits calmly atop some remarkable cracks in the earth's crust - sometimes giving the impression that the town is on fire. This impression is reinforced by the hot mists of Te Puia, roaring geysers and boiling mudpools heated to unbearable temperatures. These contrast with the calm of the marae grounds and the work of the artisans at the Arts and Crafts Institute. Also see the Kiwi House, displaying these rare, native birds. Other highlights on your tour of Rotorua are the native and exotic vegetation at Rainbow Springs, which are world renowned for their pools of tame trout. The Agrodome Farm display features a vital section of New Zealand's agriculture, sheep shearing and a sheep dog display. This afternoon is at your leisure. |
Day
3 |
Rotorua to Wellington
Drive south through exotic forests, past Wairakei's permanent mantle of steam, then to Lake Taupo. The ominous peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu watch over our drive to Waiouru, drop down to the fertile Manawatu plains, past coastal horticultural farms, and rocky seascapes to Wellington. Stay 2 nights in Wellington.
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Day
4 |
Wellington City Tour & At Leisure
A morning tour of the city will take in the Parliament Buildings, Old St Paul’s Cathedral, Mt Victoria and an optional ride on the cable car. The afternoon is yours to relax. |
Day
5 |
Wellington – Picton – Christchurch
Catch the Interislander Ferry across Cook Strait and through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board the Coastal Pacific Train to edge down a narrow coastal strip where the surf pounds the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. Cross the dry North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch where you will overnight. As you will arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day to explore our most 'English' city.
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Day
6 |
Christchurch – Dunedin – Te Anau
Leaving Christchurch, sit back and enjoy the scenery on this full day of coaching. Passing over snow-fed rivers, on past Temuka, home of famous pottery, the white stone buildings of Oamaru, down the rugged Otago coastline to Moeraki Beach, resting place of some incredible boulders the size of cars and perfectly symmetrical! Cross Mt Cargill to Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the South'. Then head across to Te Anau nestled on Lake Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park and famed for its tramping and spectacular scenery. Overnight in Te Anau. Please note this is a long day, and there is no commentary on this leg of the journey.
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Day
7 |
Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown
A full day tour taking in the wonders of the Eglington Valley, Homer Tunnel, Milford Sound and Mitre Peak. A cruise on the Sound is included. Continue north to Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown.
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Day
8 |
Queenstown
Today is completely at your leisure to enjoy the many sights of this alpine resort situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Queenstown offers something for everyone - you can enjoy the quiet beauty and tranquility of this mountain retreat and enjoy several walking trails in the town area. For sheer excitement there is white-water rafting, helicopter rides, the famous jet boats, bungy jumping to pump your adrenalin, and offroad 4WD tours with plenty of river crossings. There are cruises on the lake and a visit to a high country sheep station, and wine tasting tours. You can visit nearby Arrowtown where the main street has been preserved since the 1860's gold rush days and you can try your luck and pan for gold in the adjacent Shotover River. We have included the Skyline Gondola ride in your tour package. |
Day
9 |
Queenstown– Christchurch – Auckland
Travel through the Kawarau Gorge and past Lake Tekapo, then north to to Christchurch where you are transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Auckland. Your flight is included in the tour cost. |
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9 Day New Zealand Vistas Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys.
3 Reviews,
Average Rating 4.0
of 5.
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My parents and I discussed our thoughts on the tour and had me write it. I know the distances were long, but getting in late both days in Christchurch wasn't good. We didn't get to see anything in Christchurch. The other problem was in Auckland on the last day. We had to check out of our room and no place all day long, until pick up that day for the airport. We should have been able to have a room for the day. Also, the Airport isn't that busy and to have a pick up at 6:00 PM for a 10:50 PM boarding is too early. The SF airport is much busier and we don't have to leave 5 hours early for a international flight. The rest of the trip was great with the tours and shows. I would definatly recommend your company.
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Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
Jake Tomlinson (United States)
Tour Date 14/02/2012 |
Excellent trip. Two weeks may not have been enough but the itinerary was fantastic and exceeded our expectation and timeline. At least now, we know areas to focus on our next trip to New Zealand. You are very fortunate to live in a amazingly beautiful country and we are equally as fortunate to have a chance to visit and discover the awesome beauty. Everybody was sooooo friendly, nice and helpful and of course, we overdosed on food which was fresh and intensely flavorful. We will be back.
[More+]
Value For Money
Accommodaton
Tour Pace
Our Service
Heidi & David Nettles (United States)
Tour Date 19/12/2011 |
Thank you for a very good tour. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Our only adverse comment is that we could have done with 2 nights stay in some places so we could see them better rather than arriving late at our destination and leaving early the next morning. i.e. Wellington. Thanks for your help in changing our planned route due to the earthquake in Christchurch.
Peter & Olga Jeffels (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 22/02/2011 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices below are per person. |
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| Stay |
Twin Share |
Single |
Triple |
Breakfasts |
| Motel |
NZ $2,999 |
NZ $3,969 |
NZ $2,859 |
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| Bronze |
NZ $2,969 |
NZ $3,859 |
NZ $2,889 |
NZ $240 |
| Silver |
NZ $3,229 |
NZ $4,289 |
NZ $3,049 |
NZ $280 |
| Gold |
NZ $3,549 |
NZ $4,929 |
NZ $3,279 |
NZ $312 |
| Apartment |
NZ $3,399 |
NZ $4,719 |
NZ $3,089 |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Autumn & Winter Sale! Take $200 per person off the prices shown, if you place your tour deposit this month!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 May 2012 and 31 May 2012
with your tour starting between 1 May 2012 and 30 September 2012 . Subject to availability at time of booking. |
*Prices above are valid 01 November 2011 to 30 September 2012. Prices before or after this period are on request.
*Child discounts apply to children under 11 at the time of travelling. Save 25% if child travelling with two adults and 10% if only 1 Adult and 1 Child are travelling.
*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'. |
Tour Information
This is an independent coach & fly tour and operates daily. |
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Independent New Zealand Coach & Fly Tours
Independent coach & fly tours are
the ideal way to explore New Zealand. We pre-book all your travel arrangements including coach, rail, flights and ferry transport, accommodation, transfers between your transport and accommodation and key sightseeing activities. We can add and take off days in the middle, start or end of your tour and you can choose to add meals and/or pre and post tour accommodation. While the coaches do not have dedicated tour guides, the multi-talented coach drivers provide excellent onboard commentary. You will receive an informative touring wallet which will include brochures, detailed maps, tour vouchers and comprehensive itinerary.
Accommodation Levels
Your coach tour accommodation is in specially chosen properties, centrally located and of a high standard. Choose from 5 levels of accommodation - Motel, Bronze, Silver, Gold & Apartments. All accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking so get in early!
Daily Departures
Our independent coach tours operate daily, using regular airline, coach, train and ferry services. This provides you with excellent flexibility when planning your coach tour start date to coincide with your flights or other holiday arrangements.
General Information
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