Beginning in Auckland, head south towards Rotorua, where you can see the amazing thermal reserves. Fly from Rotorua to Christchurch, which begins your tour of the South Island. Much diversity to be had on this 10 day tour, with an option of additional days in the Bay of Islands available. 
Tour Duration: 12 Days
Tour Type: Group coach tour
Tour price per person:
01 May 10 - 30 Sep 10 NZ$2795
01 Oct 10 - 30 Apr 11 NZ$3062
Optional extras (per person) |
|
| Breakfast (11) Supplement | NZ$220 |
| Dinner (8) Supplement | NZ$276 |
| Single Room Supplement | NZ$854 |
The airfare Rotorua - Christchurch is not included in the tour cost. You will need to arrange this yourself.
Click here for tour dates
Welcome 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 departs from Rydges Hotel at 11.30am with a city tour visiting the
summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building
in the Southern Hemisphere, for panoramic views
across the city and it’s two harbours, Domain,
downtown city area and Waterfront Drive with its
numerous yacht marinas. Travel across the Bombay
Hills to the lush farmlands of Waikato, noted
particularly for dairy farming and horse studs.
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration. See pools of brown and rainbow 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.
Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve, with boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Transfer to Rotorua Airport for your flight to Christchurch. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure. The “Garden City” has lots to offer. A stroll along Worcester Boulevard and a circuit of the city centre on the Tram will highlight much of interest – Victoria Square, the Cathedral, and Christs College. (Flight not included)
Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
A city sights tour will highlight the main attractions of Christchurch before travelling across the Canterbury Plains into MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue at Lake Tekapo. Opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (optional), before continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Admire the majesty of Mt Cook before travelling on to Omarama.
Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin the “Scottish” city. An early arrival allows for a choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton’s Citibus tour to see albatross, penguins and seals. Board the Taieri Gorge Railway or explore the city yourself. 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)
Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri before arriving at Lake Te Anau. (Time and weather permitting)
Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Return to Te Anau and on to Mossburn, then skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant, where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (2 nights)
A day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort. Try the famous Shotover Jet, an excursion to Skippers Canyon or a steamer cruise aboard the historic Earnslaw. Alternatively, explore Queenstown’s many boutiques and galleries – your Coach Captain will be pleased to advise.
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 and visit the National Park Headquarters or take the optional guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (1 night)
Time this morning for an optional Helicopter flight over the glacier then on to Franz Josef. The snowcapped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass glades of dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Now join the Tranz Alpine train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Through lush rain forests to Otira, the high snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps, the rugged Gorges of the Waimakariri river and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Day 12– Christchurch/Home
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before making your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to join your flight home..
(included in tour cost)
- Sightseeing tours of Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin
- Thermal Wonderland of Rotorua
- Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
- Authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
- Volcanic and Geothermal Region of the North Island
- World renowned Mt Cook Region
- Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
- Massive manmade Hydro Electric schemes
- The might of Milford Sound
- Spectacular Southern Lakes Region
- Dinner at Skyline Restaurant
- Remote National Parks of Westland and Fiordland
- West Coast Glaciers
- Visit Greenstone (Jade) Factory
- Renowned Tranz Alpine Train journey
- Auckland’s Skytower
- Agrodome
- Rainbow Springs and Kiwi House
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Skyline Gondola and Luge ride (Rotorua)
- Olveston House
- Milford Sound Launch Cruise
For itinerary please refer to the Bay of Islands extension details (here)