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Trip Type: Group Coach Tour
Tour Duration: 10 Days
Start From: Christchurch
End At: Auckland
Tour price per person:
01 May 2012 - 30 Sep 2012 NZ$3,110
01 Oct 2012 - 30 Apr 2013 NZ$3,325
Single room supplement
NZ$730 per person (01 May - 30 Sep 2012)
NZ$740 per person (01 Oct 2012 - 30 Apr 2013)
Price includes daily breakfast and dinner (excluding 1st night)
Included: Coach travel, airport transfers, accommodation (3 star hotels), dining inclusion - 9 breakfast, 8 dinners and some activities where specified in the itinerary such as:
TranzCoastal Train, Brancott Winery Tasting and Afternoon Tea, Interislander Ferry, TePapa Museum, Agrodome Sheep Show, Te Puia Thermal Reserve, Tamaki Village & Hangi, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Entry to Skytower, Kauri Museum, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Hole in the Rock Cruise.
Not Included: Expenses of a personal nature such as beverages, travel insurance, laundry, optional sightseeing, lunches and morning or afternoon teas are not included in the tour cost.
| Optional Extras Per Person | |
- Itinerary
- Departure Dates
- Terms and Conditions
Welcome to New Zealand! You will be met at Christchurch Airport and transferred to your hotel.
Please note dinner is at your own arrangements for this evening.
Join the Coastal Pacific train. Follow the Pacific coastline, with the Kaikoura Mountains forming a rugged backdrop to the west. Arrive in Blenheim early afternoon. Enjoy a hosted tour of Brancott Estate Winery, learn about and taste a range of the famous local wines (purchase if you wish) followed by afternoon tea.
Accommodation: Heartland Hotel Blenheim (1 night)
Drive through the last of the vineyards passing dairy farms which merge with forestry land. Continue north to Picton, a quaint village settled on the shimmering shores of the Marlborough Sounds. Leave the South Island bound for the North Island onboard the Interislander Ferry. Sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound with its sheltered waterways and remote bays, across Cook Strait and into Wellington Harbour for spectacular views of New Zealand's Capital City.
A city tour takes you to the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour, the Houses of Parliament and distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, the city centre and Oriental Bay. There is ample time for you to explore the city yourself. Don't miss Te Papa, the "Museum of New Zealand" or take a ride on the famous Cable Car. Your Kirra Tours Coach Captain will be happy to assist you with any additional sightseeing.
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island. On a clear day you may glimpse a last look at the South Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. Cross rolling farmland to the Volcanic Plateau and Tongariro National Park, dominated by the three volcanoes - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro & Mt Ngauruhoe. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, famous for trout fishing.
Stop at the Huka Falls, where the Waikato River is squeezed through a 20 metre wide gorge and gushes into a beautiful sapphire pool. Pass through the Wairakei Geothermal area and power station en route to Rotorua. Whether seeking to experience Maori culture, geothermal sights or adventure activities, your Kirra Tours coach captain will be happy to assist with any optional sightseeing.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome Sheep show, then a visit to Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve, with boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Time for optional activities this afternoon before a Maori hangi (meal), followed by a concert featuring maori songs, chants and the stirring haka.
Cross to the Waikato region. At Waitomo, a guide will escort your group to the limestone caverns and glowworm grotto. Travel north, crossing the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand's city - Auckland. A city tour will visit the summit of Skytower for superb city and harbour views, the downtown area and Awterfront Drive.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and drive north 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 descendent 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, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.
Day 8 – 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. ** There is the option of upgrading to an overnight cruise, ask at time of booking
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. Shortly Auckland city and Harbour come into view.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 10 – Auckland/Home
It is farewell to your travelling companions. An Auckland airport transfer is included in the tour price if required.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.
