Tour Type: Independent Coach Tour
Duration: 14 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $ pp
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14 Day Gourmet New Zealand 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. Overnight in Rotorua.
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Day
2 |
Rotorua - Taupo
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 drive south past the steam fields of Wairakei to Lake Taupo in the centre of the North Island. Overnight at Taupo.
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Day
3 |
Taupo – Napier
A guided tour will take you to the mighty Huka Falls, Wairakei, the Aratiatia Rapids and the Craters of the Moon. In the afternoon head east across the Rangitaiki Plains to the wine producing region of Hawkes Bay. Stay 2 nights in Napier.
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Day
4 |
Napier
Explore the history and architecture of art deco Napier this morning on a guided walk. This afternoon you will join a wine tasting tour visiting a number of boutique and established wineries. |
Day
5 |
Napier – Wellington
Travel south through the Manawatu Gorge to Palmerston North and along the rugged Kapiti Coast to our capital city, Wellington. An evening tour takes in Parliament Buildings, Old St Paul’s Cathedral and Mt Victoria. Overnight in Wellington.
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Day
6 |
Wellington – Picton – Blenheim
Cross Cook Strait by ferry through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton and travel on to Blenheim boasting one of the sunniest climates in New Zealand. This town has more than 20 wineries within driving distance of the town - famous worldwide for the Marlborough sauvignon blanc produced in the area. Enjoy your wine tasting tour here. Overnight in Blenheim.
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Day
7 |
Blenheim – Kaikoura
Continue south to Kaikoura, the road skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Kaikoura hosts New Zealand’s most diverse range of seabirds and creatures and is well know for Whale Watching tours. It is also reknown for it’s seafood, with a festival being an annual event. Overnight in Kaikoura.
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Day
8 |
Kaikoura to Christchurch
Your coach will travel through the Waipara wine producing district and North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch our most ‘English’ city. Stay 2 nights in Christchurch.
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Day
9 |
At Christchurch
You will enjoy a full day tour to the settlement of Akaroa, on the Banks Peninsula. Originally settled by the French, Akaroa boasts a myriad of café’s amongst it’s unique French colonial arcitechure. Visit a boutique cheese factory enroute. |
Day
10 |
Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin – "the Edinburgh of the South". We would recommend a visit to the Cadbury factory or a Speights Brewery Tour. Overnight in Dunedin. Please note there is no commentary on this leg of the journey.
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Day
11 |
Dunedin – Taieri Gorge – Queenstown
This morning is at your leisure for optional sightseeing. Board the Taieri Gorge Train for a journey through spectacular gorges and over historic viaducts to Pukerangi where you join your coach for the remainder of the journey to Queenstown. Arrive in Queenstown in the late evening and stay for 3 nights. |
Day
12 |
At Queenstown
Today you will be taken on a guided tour of some of the boutique vineyards that have recently developed in this harsh landscape, becoming known for it’s fine Pinot Noir wines. Lunch at a boutique winery is included. |
Day
13 |
At Queenstown
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the many sights of Queenstown. This world renowned alpine resort 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. |
Day
14 |
Queenstown – Mt Cook – Christchurch
Through the Kawarau Gorge with it’s historic gold mines, then past the stone fruit growing area of Cromwell to the Lindis Pass. Cross the spectacular Mackenzie Country bounded by the Southern Alps to the glacial lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park. Optional lunch at the Hermitage or perhaps a ski plane flight. Continue north through Burkes Pass, Fairlie and Geraldine to Christchurch where your tour ends at 6.15pm. |
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Diane Fletcher (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 19/10/2006 |
Thank you. We had a great time on the Gourmet Tour. We plan to come back in the next three years. You provided us with superior service. Thank you again.
Floyd Brock (United States)
Tour Date 15/04/2006 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices below are per person. |
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Twin Share |
Single |
Triple |
Breakfasts |
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
Save $NZ 200 per person off the retail price shown for summer 2011 departures!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 September 2010 and 30 September 2010
with your tour starting between 1 February 2011 and 30 April 2011 . Subject to availability at time of booking. |
*Prices above are valid until 31 August 2011. Prices beyond this date on request.
*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 tour and operates daily. |
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Independent New Zealand Coach Tours
Independent coach tours are
the ideal way to explore New Zealand. We pre-book all your travel arrangements including coach, rail 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. You also choose the level of accommodation that suits you best, from 3 star to 5 star! 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 4 levels of accommodation - Motel, Bronze, Silver & Gold. 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 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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