8 Day Northern Escape
Departing Christchurch, travel North up the east coast of the South Island. Cross the Cook Strait by ferry, and continue your journey through the popular tourist destination of Rotorua, then through to the serene Bay of Islands, before finishing your trip in Auckland. 
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Tour Duration: 8 Days
Tour Type: Group coach tour
Tour price per person:
01 Oct 09 - 30 Apr 10 NZ$2190
01 May 10 - 30 Sep 10 NZ$2275***
Optional extras (per person) valid for travel 01 Oct 09 - 30 Apr 10 |
|
| Breakfast (7) Supplement | NZ$135 |
| Dinner (6) Supplement | NZ$195 |
| Single Room Supplement | NZ$535 |
Optional extras (per person) valid for travel 01 May - 30 Sep 10 |
|
| Breakfast (9) Supplement | NZ$180 |
| Dinner (7) Supplement | NZ$240 |
| Single Room Supplement | NZ$705 |
*** Please note that from 01 May 2010 the tour cost will include 1 night pre tour accommodation in Christchurch and 1 night post tour accommodation in Auckland along with airport transfers ***
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Christchurch/Kaikoura/Blenheim
Join the Tranz Coastal train departing Christchurch station at 7.30am (report 7.00am) for a kaleidoscope of scenery, through Christchurch, across Canterbury farmland to the Hundalee Ranges. Follow the Pacific coastline, with the Kaikoura mountains forming a rugged backdrop to the west, passing tiny holiday settlements and Kaikoura, famous for whalewatching. Arrive in Blenheim early afternoon. A short tour of the area includes a visit to Montana Winery. Enjoy a hosted tour of the winery, learn about and taste a range of the famous local wines (purchase if you wish) followed by afternoon tea.
Accommodation: Blenheim Country Hotel (1 night)
Join the Tranz Coastal train departing Christchurch station at 7.30am (report 7.00am) for a kaleidoscope of scenery, through Christchurch, across Canterbury farmland to the Hundalee Ranges. Follow the Pacific coastline, with the Kaikoura mountains forming a rugged backdrop to the west, passing tiny holiday settlements and Kaikoura, famous for whalewatching. Arrive in Blenheim early afternoon. A short tour of the area includes a visit to Montana Winery. Enjoy a hosted tour of the winery, learn about and taste a range of the famous local wines (purchase if you wish) followed by afternoon tea.
Accommodation: Blenheim Country Hotel (1 night)
Day 2 – Blenheim/Picton/Wellington
Drive to Picton, nestled on the shore 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.
Drive to Picton, nestled on the shore 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)
Day 3 – Wellington/Taupo/Rotorua
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island and on a clear day, the South Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. Across rolling farmland to the central North Island National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake and famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls and skirt massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island and on a clear day, the South Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. Across rolling farmland to the central North Island National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake and famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls and skirt massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
Day 4 – 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 Te Puia, 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 a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka.
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 Te Puia, 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 a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka.
Day 5 – Rotorua/Waitomo/Auckland
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. At Waitomo, a guide will escort your group underground to the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the region’s Maori people, then alongside the Waikato River before crossing the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand’s largest city – Auckland. Enjoy a city tour including the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere providing superb city and harbour views, the downtown area and Waterfront Drive.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. At Waitomo, a guide will escort your group underground to the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the region’s Maori people, then alongside the Waikato River before crossing the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand’s largest city – Auckland. Enjoy a city tour including the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere providing superb city and harbour views, the downtown area and Waterfront Drive.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 6 – 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 and visit New Zealand’s birthplace, Waitangi. A guided visit to the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.
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 and visit New Zealand’s birthplace, Waitangi. A guided visit to the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.
Accommodation: Tanoa Hotel Paihia (2 nights)
Day 7 – 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.
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 8 – 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. Your tour will conclude at approximately 5.30pm.
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. Your tour will conclude at approximately 5.30pm.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sightseeing tours of Wellington and Auckland
- Renowned Tranz Coastal Train Journey
- Montana Winery visit with tasting and afternoon tea
- Scenic cruise Picton–Wellington
- Volcanic and Geothermal Region
- Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
- Authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
- Rotorua’s Thermal Wonderland
- Agrodome
- Rainbow Springs and Kiwi House
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Skyline Gondola and Luge ride
- Waitomo Caves
- Auckland’s Skytower
- Matakohe Kauri Museum
- Guided Tour of Waitangi Treaty House and grounds
- Cape Brett Launch Cruise