Departing Auckland, travel north to the picturesque Bay of Islands. After this, travel south through the North Island, then across Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry, to the South Island of New Zealand. Follow the east coast southwards, through the popular whale-watching destination of Kaikoura, and on to Christchurch, the Garden City. 
Tour Duration: 10 Days
Tour Type: Group coach tour
Tour price per person:
01 May 10 - 30 Sep 10 NZ$2150
01 Oct 10 - 30 Apr 11 NZ$2346
Optional extras (per person) |
|
| Breakfast (9) Supplement | NZ$184 |
| Dinner (7) Supplement | NZ$246 |
| Single Room Supplement | NZ$736 |
Welcome to New Zealand! You will be met at Auckland Airport and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 2 – Auckland/Bay of Islands
Your tour departs from Rydges Hotel, Federal
Street, City at 7.30am. Cross Auckland’s
distinctive Harbour Bridge to drive north along
the Hibiscus Coast, through Kawakawa to
Paihia in the Bay of Islands. A guided visit to
Waitangi with its Treaty House and Maori war
canoe. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on
the Bay crossing the areas world renowned
game fishing grounds to the Cape Brett
Lighthouse and
famous “Hole in the
Rock”. Return through
the inner islands with their beautiful sandy
beaches, sparkling waters and marine life.
Accommodation:
Tanoa Hotel Paihia (2 nights)
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.
South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth, passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and its majestic harbour soon comes into view and a tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m, the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the central city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato, noted for its horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and sheep shearing, Rainbow Springs to see rainbow and brown trout and 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. There will be time this afternoon for optional activities. This evening enjoy a Maori hangi (meal) with traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes and 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 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 the Hawkes Bay Museum is included. A few minutes drive to Hastings, the fruit bowl of New Zealand.
Accommodation: The Tennyson Hotel (1 night)
Day 7 – Napier/Wellington
Orchards and vineyards give way to lush
farmlands as you pass through Hastings then
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 its Harbour,
the Houses of Parliament and distinctive “Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, the central
city and business 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 8 – Wellington/Picton/Blenheim
Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to
the South Island with views of the City and its
hillside suburbs. Cross 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 and a visit to the Montana Winery
for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea.
Accommodation:
Blenheim Country Hotel (1 night)
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. Your tour will conclude at approximately 5.30pm.
Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Day 10 – Christchurch/Home
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your flight.
(included in tour cost)
- City Highlights Tours in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
- Entry to Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Hole in the Rock Cruise
- Entry to Skytower
- Entry to Agrodome
- Entry to Rainbow Springs Park
- Entry to Skyline Skyride & Luge Ride
- Entry to Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Visit Huka Falls
- Entry to Hawkes Bay Mesum
- Visit Te Papa Museum
- Interislander Ferry Crossing
- Montana Winery Tasting
- Entry to International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch Tram Ride
- Maori Hangi & Concert in Rotorua