Trip Type: Group Coach Tour
Tour Duration: Twelve Days
Start From: Auckland
End At: Christchurch
Tour price per person:
01 Oct 10 - 30 Apr 11 NZ$3070
01 May 11 - 30 Sep 11 NZ$2947
Included:
Not Included: The airfare Rotorua - Christchurch is not included in the tour cost. You will need to arrange this yourself.
| Optional Extras Per Person | |
| Breakfast (11) Supplement | NZ$226 |
| Dinner (8) Supplement | NZ$277 |
| Single Room Supplement | NZ$835 |
- Itinerary
- Departure Dates
- Terms and Conditions
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..
For the group tours advertised on our web site, we use a very reputable New Zealand travel company known as Kirra Holidays. They have been proudly showing overseas visitors New Zealand's many scenic and cultural delights for over 40 years.
General Information about Kirra Tours:
Each tour has a Coach Captain that acts as both driver and guide. He will share with you his in-depth knowledge of New Zealand, its history, culture and lots of special anecdotes. He will also advise on optional activities and where to find a shopping bargain.
Included in the tariff is a travel kit which includes a strong travel bag, a distinctive ticket wallet containing your itinerary, hotel list, baggage labels, all necessary vouchers, maps and sightseeing information. Your travel kit will be presented to you at the beginning of your tour in New Zealand.
Kirra carry a minimum of 15, and a maximum of 48 on any one tour, using 3-3.5 star hotels.
All prices advertised are in New Zealand dollars and GST inclusive.
Single Travellers:
If travelling alone on a group tour you have the choice of paying the twin share rate and then Kirra with link you up with another single traveller (of the same sex), or pay the single supplement to guarantee yourself a single room.
Cancellation fee’s:
• After the booking has been confirmed, and up until 45 days prior a fee of NZ$150 per person will apply.
• Between 44-21 dyas prior to your travel departure date, 20% of the total price will apply.
• Between 20 and 11 days of your travel departure date, 50% of the total price will apply.
• Within 10 days of your travel departure date 100% of the total price will apply.
Pacific Travel reserves the right to alter fares, amend itineraries or to cancel tours. Pacific Travel shall not be held responsible for any loss or damage to luggage or personal effects and/or damage resulting in death or personal injury which may arise whilst on tour with Pacific Travel or its nominated suppliers.