From South to North, the Tranz Alpine Northern Explorer is a showcase of New Zealands unique beauty. See the pancake rocks, enjoy wine tasting at an authentic New Zealand winery, and Maori hangi. 11 Days of Kiwi culture and scenery.

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Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)

 

Day 2 – Christchurch/Greymouth
Join the famous Tranz Alpine train, departing from Christchurch Station at 8.15am (report 7.45am) crossing the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps to Greymouth. Visit Shantytown, a restored gold-mining town of the 1860’s where you pan for gold and ride on the steam train, all at no extra cost.

Accommodation: Hotel Ashley (1 night)

Day 4 – Blenheim/Picton/Wellington
Drive to Picton, nestled on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds, to board the Interislander ferry. Sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait into Wellington Harbour for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Capital City. A city tour will incorporate the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour, the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive “Beehive”,Wellington Cathedral, city centre 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)

Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)

Day 6 – Rotorua
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, the Kiwi and other native birds. Visit Whakarewarewa, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve, with boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. 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.

Day 8 – Auckland/Bay Of Islands
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe and the Kauri museum telling the story of the Kauri tree and the regions early settlement, the displays are superb and their story fascinating. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia, where we meet our local Maori guide, a descendant of the original settlers to the region, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. A self guided tour through the famous treaty house and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.

Accommodation: Tanoa Hotel Paihia (2 nights)

Day 10 – Bay of Islands/Auckland
A launch cruise will take you across the Bay and world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock”. Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Shortly Auckland city and Harbour come into view.