16 Day Vista Tour
A very relaxing and supremely comfortable tour around New Zealand's scenic and activity highlights.
North Island Tour includes: Thermal Wonderland of Rotorua, scenic cruise Wellington-Picton
South Island tour includes: spectacular Kaikoura Coast, world renowned Mt Cook Region, the amazing West Coast fiords and glaciers.
Many other areas are also featured.
Click on the button above to receive more details about this tour - departure dates, prices etc.
Tour Duration: 16 Days
Tour Type: Group coach tour
Tour price per person:
01 May 10 - 30 Sep 10 NZ$3350
01 Oct 10 - 30 Apr 11 NZ$3818
Optional extras (per person) |
|
| Breakfast (15) Supplement | NZ$307 |
| Dinner (12) Supplement | NZ$420 |
| Single Room Supplement | NZ$1115 |
| Tranz Alpine Train Option add | NZ$174 |
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
Welceom to New Zealand. You will be met at Auckland Airport and transferred to your hotel.
Welceom to New Zealand. You will be met at Auckland Airport and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 2 – Auckland/Rotorua
Your tour begins in the North Island in Auckland from Rydges Hotel at 11:30am.
A city tour visiting the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for panoramic views across the city and its two magnificent harbors, the Domain, the downtown city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas. Travel across the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato Region noted particularly for its dairy farming and internationally recognised horse studs. Cross the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua, centre of Maori culture for the region and a thermal wonderland.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
Day 3 - Rotorua
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration. See pools of rainbow and brown trout at Rainbow Springs Park and even 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. Time for optional activities this afternoon before a Maori hangi (meal) with selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration. See pools of rainbow and brown trout at Rainbow Springs Park and even 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. Time for optional activities this afternoon before a Maori hangi (meal) with selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Day 4 – Rotorua/Taupo/Napier
Visit Te Puia, 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 Hawkes Bay Museum is included.
Accommodation: Tennyson Hotel (1 night)
Visit Te Puia, 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 Hawkes Bay Museum is included.
Accommodation: Tennyson Hotel (1 night)
Day 5 – Napier/Wellington
Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings, 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 Harbour. See the Houses of Parliament and distinctive “Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, the central city 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.
Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings, 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 Harbour. See the Houses of Parliament and distinctive “Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, the central city 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.
Accommodation: Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)
Day 6 – Wellington/Picton/Blenheim
Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise from the North Island to the South Island with spectacular views of the City left behind. Sail across 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 that will highlight the district's many scenic attractions and some of its world renowned wines. A visit will be made to Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Blenheim (1 night)
Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise from the North Island to the South Island with spectacular views of the City left behind. Sail across 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 that will highlight the district's many scenic attractions and some of its world renowned wines. A visit will be made to Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Blenheim (1 night)
Day 7 – 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.
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.
Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Day 8 – 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.
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)
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.
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)
Day 9 – 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. Board the 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.
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. Board the 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.
Accommodation: Cargills Hotel (1 night)
Day 10 – Dunedin/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. (Time and weather permitting)
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (2 nights)
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. (Time and weather permitting)
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (2 nights)
Day 11 – 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 to Bowen and Stirling Falls. Time to relax and appreciate your surroundings, walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm a spectacular waterfall, or to the entrance of Homer Tunnel. If conditions permit, your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Hollyford Valley. Return to Te Anau late afternoon.
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 to Bowen and Stirling Falls. Time to relax and appreciate your surroundings, walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm a spectacular waterfall, or to the entrance of Homer Tunnel. If conditions permit, your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Hollyford Valley. Return to Te Anau late afternoon.
Day 12 – 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 High Country Farm.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (2 nights)
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 High Country Farm.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (2 nights)
Day 13- 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.
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 14 – 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, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the magnificent glacier region.
Upon arrival into Fox Glacier there is opportunity to either take an optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face or an optional helicopter flight over the glacier.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Hotel (1 night)
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, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the magnificent glacier region.
Upon arrival into Fox Glacier there is opportunity to either take an optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face or an optional helicopter flight over the glacier.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Hotel (1 night)
Day 15 – 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.
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.
Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Day 16 – Christchurch/Home
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to join your flight home.
HIGHLIGHTS
(included in tour cost)
(included in tour cost)
- City Highlightss Tours in Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
- Entry to Skytower
- Entry to Agrodome
- Entry to Rainbow Springs Park
- Entry to Skyline Skyrides & Luge Ride
- Entry to Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Visit Huka Falls
- Entry to Hawkes Bay Museum
- Visit Te Papa Museum
- Interislander Ferry Crossing
- Montana Winery Tasting & Afternoon Tea
- Entry to International Amtartic Centre
- Christchurch Tram Ride
- Scottish Haggis Ceremony
- Entry to Olveston House
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Entry to Te Anau Glowworms Cave
- Visit to Greenstone (Jade) Factory
- Maori Hangi & Concert in Rotorua
- Cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm & Dinner in Queenstown