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Day 1
Auckland/Bay of Islands
Your tour departs from Rydges Auckland Hotel,
Federal Street, City at 7.30am. Cross Auckland’s
distinctive Harbour Bridge to drive north along the
Hibiscus Coast, through Kawakawa to Paihia in the
Bay of Islands. A guided visit to Waitangi with its
Treaty House and Maori war canoe. This afternoon
enjoy a launch cruise on
the Bay crossing the areas world renowned game
fishing grounds to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and
famous “Hole in the Rock”. Return through the inner
islands with their
beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine
life.
Hotel Paihia (2 nights)
Day 2
Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many
optional activities available. Your Coach Captain
will happily assist with details. A full day Tour to
Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point and
Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New
Zealand’s first settlement and visit its original
Church, Mission House and Museum.
Day 3
Bay of Islands/Rotorua
South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth
passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and
its majestic harbour soon comes into view and a tour
will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the
tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for
panoramic views across the city and its two
harbours, the Domain, the central city area, the
Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and
nearby residential suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills
to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its
horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to
Rotorua.
Lake Plaza Hotel (2 nights)
Day 4
Rotorua
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome to see a
display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds
and sheep shearing, Rainbow Springs to see rainbow
and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi.
The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views
over city, lake and mountains and for a little
excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments.
There will be time this afternoon for optional
activities. This evening enjoy a Maori hangi (meal)
with traditionally prepared meats and vegetables
plus conventional dishes and followed by a concert
featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka.
Day 5
Rotorua/Taupo/Napier/Hastings
Visit Whakarewarewa, the Maori Arts and Crafts
Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud,
silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Skirt some of the
worlds largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural
steam is harnessed to generate electricity, view the
Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a
narrow chasm and pause at Lake Taupo, the largest
lake in New Zealand. Continue across the Central
Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, claimed
to be the world’s art deco capital. A city tour will
encompass the Marine Parade and foreshore area plus
many of the city’s art deco buildings. A visit to
the Hawkes Bay Museum is included. A few minutes
drive
to Hastings, the fruit bowl of New Zealand.
Angus Hotel (1 night)
Day 6
Hastings/Wellington
Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as
you pass through Hastings then to Dannevirke and
Woodville for an early afternoon arrival in the
Capital city Wellington. A city tour includes the
summit of Mount Victoria for views over the city and
its Harbour, the Houses of Parliament and
distinctive “Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, the
central city and business area and Oriental Bay.
Also explore the city yourself. Don’t miss Te Papa,
the “Museum of New Zealand” or take a ride
on the famous Cable Car.
Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)
Day 7
Wellington/Picton/Blenheim
Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to
the South Island with views of the City and its
hillside suburbs. Cross Cook Strait into the
sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, bush clad
hillsides remote bays and isolated holiday homes. In
Picton, you are welcomed by your South Island Coach
Captain. Explore Picton
then drive to Blenheim for an afternoon’s
sightseeing and a visit to the Montana Winery for a
complimentary tasting and afternoon tea.
Blenheim Country Hotel (1 night)
Day 8
Blenheim/Kaikoura/Christchurch
Past Lake Grassmere then follow the coastline to
Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching. Over the
Hundalee Ranges and onto the Canterbury Plains to
the Garden City of Christchurch. Visit the
International Antarctic Centre before a city tour
highlighting a strong English influence. See the
parklands and River Avon before boarding the Tourist
Tram for a circuit of the city centre which
showcases all the main points of interest.
Pavilions Hotel (1 night) |
Day 9
Christchurch/Mt Cook/Omarama
Cross the broad Canterbury Plains with the Southern
Alps to the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine
to the barren MacKenzie Country. View the Church of
the Good Shepherd dedicated to the early pioneers of
the region and the Collie Dog memorial overlooking
the milky blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Time for a
spectacular flight over the Southern Alps, lakes and
glaciers with Air Safaris (optional). Visit Mt Cook
National Park, with time to enjoy the scenic majesty
of New Zealand’s highest snow capped peaks before
travelling around Lake Pukaki to Twizel and Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)
Day 10
Omarama/Dunedin
Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the
Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin – the
“Scottish” city. An early arrival allows the choice
of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch
harbour cruise or Newton’s Citibus tour to see the
albatross, penguins and seals. Enjoy the historic
and scenic Taieri Gorge train excursion or explore
the city only a few minutes walk away. This evening
prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional
Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper,
address to the
Haggis and gift.
Cargills Hotel (1 night)
Day 11
Dunedin/Lake Manapouri/Te Anau
Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich
farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and
Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri with its rugged
bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of
Lake Te Anau.
Fiordland National Park Hotel (2 nights)
Day 12
Milford Sound Day Trip
A highlight of any tour. Follow the Eglinton and
Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach to
the roads edge and snow capped peaks tower above.
Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to Milford Sound,
dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you
to the open sea and shows such highlights as the
Bowen and Stirling Falls. Time to relax and
appreciate your surroundings. Walk into the
rainforest to visit The Chasm a spectacular
waterfall then pause at the Homer Tunnel. If
conditions permit, your
Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Lower
Hollyford Valley.
Return to Te Anau.
Day 13
Te Anau/Queenstown
Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the
underground world of rushing water and drift beneath
the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow-worms, an
unforgettable sight. This afternoon drive north to
Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to
picturesque Queenstown. This evening, cruise across
the lake aboard the steamship Earnslaw for dinner in
the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak Sheep
Station.
Rydges Hotel (2 nights)
Day 14
Queenstown
A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort
at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily
advise on the many sightseeing activities available.
We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat
ride, take a Gondola to the Skyline high above, a
tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or
for the adventurous – white water rafting.
Alternatively browse in the many shops and
galleries.
Day 15
Queenstown/Haast Pass/Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in
fascinating history relating to early settlement and
the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture
postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular
mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper
reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora into Mt Aspiring
and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the
coast to the glacier region. Explore the township or
take the optional guided walk to the glacier’s
terminal face.
Fox Glacier Hotel (1 night)
Day 16
Fox Glacier/Christchurch
Time for an optional helicopter flight over the
glaciers then north to Greymouth to visit a
Greenstone (Jade) factory to see craftsmen cutting
and polishing giant boulders to create fine
jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass to
the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch.
Your tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm. |
