2018

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2019

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• Guaranteed Departure Start Date: 07 Jan 2019 End Date: 23 Jan 2019 Brochure - Twin Share: Brochure - Single: Our Savings: Our Price: Request Quote
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• Guaranteed Departure Start Date: 04 Feb 2019 End Date: 20 Feb 2019 Brochure - Twin Share: Brochure - Single: Our Savings: Our Price: Request Quote
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• Guaranteed Departure Start Date: 17 Jul 2019 End Date: 02 Aug 2019 Brochure - Twin Share: Brochure - Single: Our Savings: Our Price: Request Quote
• Guaranteed Departure Start Date: 30 Sep 2019 End Date: 16 Oct 2019 Brochure - Twin Share: Brochure - Single: Our Savings: Our Price: Request Quote

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Tour Itinerary - Day by Day

• Day1

  Arrive Christchurch

  On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred from the airport to your hotel. Meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and dinner.

  Stay: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch (D)

• Day2

  Christchurch - Franz Josef

  First up this morning you'll board the TranzAlpine, one of the top 6 train journeys in the world. This spectacular journey takes you across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. Later, visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. Next stop is Franz Josef Glacier – a rare, still advancing glacier (optional scenic flight available).

  Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Graham Wing), Franz Josef (B, D)

• Day3

  Franz Josef - Queenstown

  Travel through the Haast Pass, view Thunder Creek Falls, take a rainforest walk. Then it's a trio of lakes – Wanaka, Hawea, Dunstan. Next is Cromwell and its stone fruit and Arrowtown on the Arrow River. On arrival in Queenstown, the adventure-capital, an orientation tour completes your day.

  Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Queenstown (2 nights) (B)

• Day4

  Queenstown ‘Free Time’

  Explore exciting Queenstown your way – from wine and garden tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard New Zealand's oldest steamship, the TSS Earnslaw, to Walter Peak Station for a carvery Highlight Dinner at the Colonel's Homestead. An entertaining afterdinner farm show provides a glimpse into highcountry farm life. Why not join in a sing-a-long on your cruise back to Queenstown. (B, HD)

• Day5

  Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau

  Travel along the Devil's Staircase and the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. You'll be awestruck by great sights from Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, one of the world's most amazing places, where you'll cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. En route you'll drive through the hand-made Homer Tunnel to the abundant photo opportunities afforded by the Mirror Lake, Pop's Lookout, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Then return to Te Anau. Tonight you have the option to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves.

  Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau (B, D)

View Full ItineraryTotal 17 Days

Day6

Te Anau - Dunedin

We'll cross sheep-filled farming land to Dunedin founded by Scottish settlers, for a city tour. The afternoon is yours to explore Dunedin as you wish – take a wildlife cruise, visit the Cadbury Chocolate Factory or ride the historic Taieri Gorge Railway.

Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, Dunedin (B, D)

Day7

Dunedin – Omarama

After a morning of time to yourself and the opportunity to visit historic Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only authentic castle. Travel through Oamaru which is famous for its white stone buildings made of limestone. Follow the Waitaki River, passing hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore on to Omarama.

Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama (B, D)

Day8

Omarama - Christchurch

Soak up the alpine scenery of Mt Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain. You may wish to take an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). This afternoon stop at Lake Tekapo and view the Church of the Good Shepherd, then continue over the colourful Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Stay: Ibis Hotel, Christchurch (B)

Day9

Christchurch - Picton

Travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast to Kaikoura, famous for its whales (optional Whale Watching flight). We'll get up close and personal with some New Zealand's Fur Seals at Ohau Point. Pass the Grassmere Salt Works then travel to the pretty seaside town of Picton.

Stay: Beachcomber Inn, Picton (B, D)

Day10

Picton - Wellington

We'll cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington for a city tour with views from Mt Victoria. 'Free Time' then we visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum. Tonight experience the local cuisine for yourself.

Stay: Travelodge, Wellington (B, D)

Day11

Wellington - Rotorua

Travel along the Kapiti Coast, through the dairy farms of Manawatu to Tongariro National Park and discover the alpine scenery of Mt. Ruapehu. Visit Taupo and drive along the shores of New Zealand's largest lake. View Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station.

Stay: Hotel Ibis Rotorua (2 nights) (B)

Day12

Rotorua

This morning we visit the Agrodome Sheep Show to enjoy an entertaining look at life on a New Zealand farm. The afternoon is 'Free Time' for you to take in all the other activities Rotorua has on offer. Perhaps visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park, abundant with Rainbow Trout and native fauna including the kiwi, or Te Puia where you can join a tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve with a Local Guide (own expense). Enjoy an evening of fun and laughter and gain an insight into traditional Maori culture followed by a delicious buffet dinner, at the Tamaki Maori Village. (B, HD)

Day13

Rotorua - Waitomo Caves - Auckland

This morning travel through lush Waikato farmland to Waitomo Caves. See the amazing underground Glow Worm Grotto by boat and walk through the limestone caves. Later you'll follow the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, into Auckland. Enjoy picturesque views of the cityscape and of Auckland's North Shore from Bastion Point. This evening celebrate your holiday at a dinner with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.

Stay: VR Queen Street, Auckland (B, D)

Day14

Auckland - Bay of Islands

Over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, through Orewa and the scenic Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park. There's time to explore Whangarei, the northern-most city in New Zealand then it's off to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and, weather permitting, through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands – see deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays and keep your eyes peeled for the marine life.

Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort (Garden View), Bay of Islands (2 nights) (B, D)

Day15

Bay of Islands ‘Free Time’

Today is free for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands at your own pace – perhaps take a coach trip to Cape Reinga, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach, enjoy a guided sea-kayaking trip or a day of sailing. Tonight is at leisure so why not dine at a local restaurant. (B)

Day16

Bay of Islands -Auckland

You have the opportunity to visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve, where New Zealand's founding document was signed. You'll have time on your own to take in highlights such as the magnificent Maori War Canoe (Waka) and Marae (Meeting House). This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.

Stay: VR Queen Street, Auckland (B)

Day17

Depart Auckland

Your Holiday concludes this morning after breakfast. You'll be transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. (B)

• Click here to download the 17 Day New Zealand Magic (2017/2018) PDF
• Click here to download the 17 Day New Zealand Magic (2018/2019) PDF

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Tour Reviews

View all 12 reviews of this tour from past clients of Relaxing Journeys, averaging 4.5 out of 5.

• 5I just wanted to thank you for your assistance in booking our coach tour of New Zealand with AAT Kings. Thanks to your organisation everything went as clockwork with regard to the airport transfers and the 2 extra nights accommodation. The tour was hectic but it needs to be to cover as much as it does. I would recommend this tour to anyone who wants to see as much of New Zealand as possible in a little over 2 weeks.

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  Anthony Bray (United Kingdom) - 15/02/2016

• 4We thought the tour was very well planned and everything was well executed. Great trip, would use Relaxing Journeys again.

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  Jill Stoffer (United States) - 19/10/2015

• 4We really enjoyed the trip and had a great time. The only thing we thought could have been improved was the optional extras. Being winter, the shorter daylight hours made it difficult and in some instances, impossible to offer some of the activities. It was not until we were on tour that this became apparent - however, this could be an oversight on my part and perhaps I didn't read the information thoroughly enough.

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  Brenda Floyd (Australia) - 22/06/2015

• 4We enjoyed our NZ experience very much. Our tour director, Clarke Hitori, was very helpful and accommodating to travellers' needs, and taught us much about NZ and Maori culture. He took good care of all of us! Pat O'Regan was an experienced driver, and always felt safe in his hands. Kia Ora.

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  John Larme (Australia) - 19/02/2015

• 5We both loved the tour. It was well organized and yet gave us free time in a number of places. Mark, our tour Director, was extremely knowledgeable and loved showing you his country. The only down side was that Mark talked a bit too much which ended up making you tune out, and possibly miss some of the more important information. Our coach driver, Trent, was fantastic. He was an extremely good driver, especially considering the size of the coach we were on (a 39 seater) and the narrow roads through most of the country. Both of the guys were extremely great in helping people off the coach and doing everything that they could possibly do to make our trip fantastic. We also appreciated the fact that the start times were not too early.

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  John & Pat McCormack (Canada) - 09/02/2015

• 4I had a great time on the tour! I would highly recommend it. I did say that several of the accommodations were not so nice but that was balanced out by those locations that were excellent - like the Bay of Islands. The other mention is the fabulous tour director who was spot on at all times, willing to share his experience in life, knowledge of his country and heritage. Thanks again Vale! Perhaps the pace was a bit fast but that is expected in a 17 day tour. I would recommend the longer ones when a bit more time is allowed in some of the stops. I would travel again with AAT Kings.

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  Shirley Pretty (Canada) - 02/02/2015

• 5I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The tour leader has a lovely personality and made everybody feel good and happy. The driver was very cautious on the roads, very polite and knowledgeable on every topic. I can recommend this tour to everybody wanting to travel to New Zealand.

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  Ulrike Peters (United States) - 20/01/2014
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5Tour Manager and Driver were really helpful and informative. The actual tour covered a good breadth of what NZ has to offer. The scenery was simply breath taking. Everything seemed to be handled and organised which meant no stress on my part. I loved it!
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Zobia Arif (United Kingdom) - 02/09/2013
4Excellent tour. If like me you want to see as much of New Zealand as possible as it is a once in a lifetime trip, as it was for me, this is the tour for you. Rather hectic at times. New Zealand is a beautiful country. I went on a Jet boat and on a helicopter ride not bad for someone who is nearly 80! At the other end of the scale my 7 year old grandson thoroughly enjoyed the trip especially the trip to the Maori Village. Our Tour Director Alan and our driver Val were both excellent and extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I would thoroughly recommend this tour which was very well organised. Hope this is helpful.
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Doris, Chris, Eun Mi & James Pearson (United Kingdom) - 29/10/2012
4Check-in 14-00pm and check-out 10-00 is a bad system in NZ Hotels and at least in one case misused. We arrived at Heartland Hotel Cotswold (06-02-2912) at about 12-15 pm. I was told from the reception desk that your room will be ready by 2-00 pm. But few other passenger arrived soon after me were given their room key instantly. At about 13-15 pm I requested at the reception f to check whether the room is ready, then he just gave me the key. The person at the reception desk should have gave me the key as soon as it came to his possession. I was not happy about it. Otherwise things was well organised and gone on very well all the way.
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Amal Chakravorty (India) - 06/02/2012
5New Zealand was fantastic! It was organised well by AAT Kings and Relaxing Journeys. Booking process was smooth and we got the best price. Queries were answered and dealt with promptly. The tour covered a large part of New Zealand. Only part we struggled with was the early starts as there was a lot to do in the day. Best part of the tour was Queenstown and a small town of Picton. The worse part (there was a small part) - our tour director changed for the last few days of the tour and she was not organised. We had been spolit by Jo and Murray (driver) for 14 days that when Iris came on board, it was disaapointing.
Jayshree Kerai (Australia) - 20/01/2011
5I had a great time in New Zealand. All the arrangements went like clockwork. Will definitely recommend you to anyone that wants to travel to New Zealand. Thanks.
Ian Clark & Gertrud Klaiber (United Kingdom) - 03/01/2007

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