Tour Type: Independent Coach Tour
Duration: 13 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $3599 pp
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13 Day Scenic South Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
From Auckland travel past the Bombay Hills which signal the end of sprawling city as the lush Waikato pasturelands take you past Hamilton and on to Waitomo caves for a subterranean boat ride under an eerie canopy of glow worm lights. On across the Waikato and the Mamaku Hills to fiery Rotorua. Tonight we enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert a quintessential New Zealand experience. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.
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Day
2 |
At 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. 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 free - there are many activities to attract you. |
Day
3 |
Rotorua - Wellington
Drive south through exotic forests to Wairakei's permanent mantle of steam, then to Lake Taupo. The ominous peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu watch over our drive to Waiouru. Then we drop down to the fertile Manawatu plains, coastal horticultural farms and rocky seascapes to Wellington. Stay 2 nights in Wellington.
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Day
4 |
At Wellington
This morning a half day tour of the city will take in the Parliament Buildings and 'Beehive', Old St Paul's Cathedral, panoramic views of the harbour and city from Mt Victoria and a ride on the cable car. This afternoon is free, perhaps to visit Te Papa Museum or the Museum of City and Sea. |
Day
5 |
Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Catch the Interislander Ferry across Cook Strait and through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island. 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 - Glaciers
Leaving the city on the TranzAlpine we cross the Canterbury Plains and travel into the mountains. Arthur’s Pass and Otira Tunnel lead to the West Coast. Then by coach along the narrow coastal strip of forest with spectacular mountain backdrops takes us south to glacier country for 2 nights stay. Overnight at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships.
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Day
7 |
At Fox (or Franz Josef) Glacier
A whole day is available for optional excursions on the glacier, for bush walks or simply soak up the beauty of snow-capped mountains contrasting with the deep greens of the native bush. Overnight at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier townships. |
Day
8 |
Glaciers - Wanaka
Dense rain forest contrast with rugged coastal vistas as we plunge deeper into South Westland. As Haast River guides you inland through the Haast Pass, you may like to travel part of the way by jetboat. Cross the pass to reach Lake Wanaka in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free. Overnight in Wanaka.
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Day
9 |
Wanaka - Queenstown
A free morning in this peaceful and popular resort. In the early afternoon rejoin the coach through the rugged Kawerau Gorge to Queenstown for two nights stay.
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Day
10 |
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. We have included the Skyline Gondola ride in your tour package. Overnight Queenstown. |
Day
11 |
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
An early start takes you alongside the lake to Kingston, then to Mossburn and Lake Te Anau. Soon you plunge into the beech forests of the beautiful Eglinton Valley then it's on through the Homer Tunnel to the awesome Cleddau Canyon and the steep descent to Milford Sound. A cruise on the Sound to Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak is included. Later today your powerful coach climb back over the divide and returns you to Te Anau. Overnight in Te Anau.
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Day
12 |
Te Anau - Dunedin
This morning cross the Waimea Plains towards the farming community of Gore, then continue across the rolling hill country of Southland and South Otago to Dunedin. Second largest city in the South Island, the cityscape glitters with gems of Victorian and Edwardian architecture - the legacy of the city's gold-rush affluence - First Church, Otago Boys High School and Larnach Castle. Other prominent buildings include Olveston and Dunedin Railway Station. Dunedin is also notable now as centre for ecotourism. Uniquely, the world's only mainland Royal Albatross colony and several penguin and seal colonies lie within the city boundaries on Otago Peninsula. Arrive early afternoon. Overnight Dunedin.
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Day
13 |
Dunedin - Christchurch
Leaving Dunedin, sit back and enjoy the scenery as you drive up the rugged Otago coastline passing Moeraki Beach, resting place of some incredible boulders - giant rocks the size of cars and as symmetrical as pearls. Travel on through Oamaru with its whitestone buildings, Timaru and on past Temuka, home of famous pottery and over braided snow fed rivers reaching Christchurch at approximately 6.40pm. Please note there is no commentary on this leg of the journey. |
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13 Day Scenic South Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys.
7 Reviews,
Average Rating 4.1
of 5.
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I would like to take this opportunity to thank your tour consultant Toni for her great services. We have been preparing this trip since Nov 2010 and during the past few months, Toni has helped us with a lot of enquiries. Tonis' fast response and helpfulness is greatly appreciated. Keep up the good work! Thank you! There is one area I would like to highlight, tour package costs are quoted in one lump sum. I requested to see the breakdown of how we derived this amount but I was told that it is not possible. It might be the company rules but as a customer we would like to a see the breakdown of the total costs. Hope Relaxing Journeys take this into consideration. Transfers, accomodation and tour were well organized. There were no problems encountered during the trip. I enjoyed the 18 days trip to the South and North island. Thank you Relaxing Journeys!
Maryse Yeow (Singapore)
Tour Date 08/09/2011 |
Kia Ora, well, what can I say? It was everything I hoped for and more; my best holiday. Everything ran like clockwork; as previous reports state, the voucher system worked, coaches/shuttles on time, drivers were friendly and knowledgeable, hotel check-in/out smooth. The accommodation was good, although the Grand Mercure Oakridge at Wanaka (lovely spa pools and wonderful massage!) was a bit far out of town (3km and up a hill) but I did walk in and back. Mixed batch of weather but even when raining it was warm/humid. The excursions included in the tour were great; some of them were a little rushed due to time constraints but gave a taster of New Zealand life and history ? something to expand upon on a return visit to this wonderful country! The only thing I didn't accomplish as planned was a guided glacier walk at Franz Josef due to heavy rain where all activities were cancelled, so on to Plan B - quad biking and what fun that was. I took advantage of an extra day in Queenstown at New Year and went on the Shotover Jet (exhilarating); had a 3hr Flying Fox eco zip wire down the mountain (didn?t know education could be such a laugh); and did my first sky dive, tandem of course, (to use an over-used word it was awesome - amazing views, scary but at the same time liberating). I added on some extra tours: Lord of the Rings day tour ? although the set has been dismantled, still great to stand where it had been filmed and ?play? with the props (swords, clubs and flags); a day?s sailing around Auckland harbour ? great ?hands on? fun; but the most recommended was the Bay of Islands day tour which comprised a short flight to and from Auckland, a 3hr whale/dolphin watching cruise and free time to explore the picturesque town of Russell. This tour was the hardest to achieve due to the conditions and I make special mention and thanks to the staff at Salt Air, especially Grant, Lyn and Sarah, who went out of their way to get me to the Bay of Islands. On this note I would mention the New Zealanders themselves ? such lovely, helpful people. Being a solo (and female) traveller I was initially apprehensive of undertaking this holiday but my ?fears? were unfounded and I would definitely do it again, although any future holiday now has a lot to live up to! New Zealand threw up some unplanned events - earth tremors and a landslide, both small but unforgettable - it all added to the experience. I can't thank Toni enough for putting it all together for me (and Leeza for her assistance while I was in New Zealand). I sincerely hope it's not too long before I return to the ?Land of the Long White Cloud?.
Sue Gellett (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 20/12/2010 |
Hi Toni, I've just got back to the UK, having stayed on in NZ with friends after completing the tour of South Island which you set up for me. Everything worked out really well. From the outset I found the Relaxing Journeys website easy to navigate. You responded quicky to my requests and payment was very easy on the site. My travel documents were at my destination when I arrived and witout exception all the bookings and arrangments were in place. I kept thinking I'd go to a hotel or for the plane and they wouldn't have my details but that wasn't the case at all! The voucher system worked really well. Of the hotels, the Copthorne in Queenstown was lovely, the Scenic Hotel Franz Joseph I at first thought was a bit run down but in fact the room was spacious, bed comfy and Earth Organics toiletries a treat. The breakfast room was lovely too. I coldn't remember having requested the Sudima in Christchurch but should have picked this up earlier if not satisfied. It meant I didn't have time in Christchurch. I did go to the Antartic Centre which I liked and in fact the Sudima was very nice. I ate at their restaurant which had the best veggie menu I'd come across all trip. I thought the TransAlpine Train journey was OK but not that special - possibly more dramatic in winter - just a personal thought. Both flights were great. So I had a great time thanks and would happily travel with Relaxing Journeys again or recommend your company.
Maggie Paris (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 03/02/2010 |
The planning was impeccable. It's nice to have all the vouchers printed out like a cheque book and in chronological order. This made it so much easier for us. The service provided from Great Sights tour was excellent. We'll also like to make a special mention for Nomad Safaris Tour for the half day Safari of the Scenes tour in Queenstown. It was by far one of the highlights of the entire trip, and they did did not disappoint, especially our guide Brent. Overall, it's been a great experience.
Andy Poh & Kexin Hoe (Singapore)
Tour Date 09/12/2009 |
I had a wonderful time on the tour. All the hotels were great. The people who did their jobs at reception, etc., were friendly and helpful. The sight-seeing was truly wonderful. I would give a top recommendation to anyone else wanting to take this tour. It went by far too fast, but that was by my choice. If I had it to do over again, I would have opted to take twice as much time, as I had to make choices to leave out a few things. Each person who was picking me up was right on time, which made things that much more enjoyable. All the drivers (except the first one) were quite friendly and informative. They were proud of their home and extremely knowledgeable about the places on the trip. Also, all of the food was anywhere from good to outstanding! Thanks again for your part in planning this vacation of a lifetime!
Judy Mayes (United States)
Tour Date 27/10/2008 |
Thank you so much for arranging our recent holiday in NZ. We had a fantastic time, and were very impressed by the efficient organisation-everything was so smooth and hassle free. You even arranged for the weather to be perfect! The bus drivers were wonderful, the hotels good (especially 526 George Street in Dunedin) and the included excursions were excellent. We also went ice hiking at Fox Glacier, bathed at the Polynesian Spa in Rotorua, sailed on the SS Earnslaw at Queenstown, and visited the Royal Albatross Centre at Dunedin. These were very good too. I think the highlight of the holiday was walking on the ice at Fox Glacier, though watching a male albatross fly down and feed his chick took some beating.
Anne & Hugh Sainsbury (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 15/05/2008 |
You were right! That was a wonderful trip. Thank you so much, you got us exactly what we wanted, given the short amount of time we had available. We enjoyed NZ tremendously. What a beautiful country, and how friendly and relaxed the people are! (Australia has nothing to this!) We are definitely coming back for another visit, and this overview has helped us know which areas we would like to focus on next time. The hotels were all wonderful, but I have to say that Invercargill's Ascot Park hotel, though perhaps not as gorgeously flashy as, say, the one in Wellington, is probably still our favorite. Good choices, thanks! We're definitely going to be recommending your agency and planning to our friends for when they look southward, and we do appreciate all the time you took helping us make these long-distance plans. You made it so easy and simple to get from one point to another and we didn't have to worry about a thing. And we bought some All Blacks gear to show our Kiwi support :)
Yasmin & Stefan (United States)
Tour Date 03/02/2008 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices below are per person. |
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| Stay |
Twin Share |
Single |
Triple |
Breakfasts |
| Motel |
NZ $3,599 |
NZ $5,099 |
NZ $3,399 |
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| Bronze |
NZ $3,969 |
NZ $5,699 |
NZ $3,699 |
NZ $300 |
| Silver |
NZ $4,369 |
NZ $6,449 |
NZ $4,119 |
NZ $350 |
| Gold |
NZ $4,639 |
NZ $6,999 |
NZ $4,299 |
NZ $390 |
| Apartment |
NZ $4,169 |
NZ $6,099 |
NZ $3,729 |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Autumn & Winter Sale! Take $300 per person off the prices shown, for tours departing before 30th September! 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.
*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 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 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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