South Island Tours
North Island Tours
Popular Attractions
From Christchurch
From Queenstown
From Wellington
Resources
20 Day Ultimate New Zealand Group Tour
Trip Type: Group Coach Tour
Tour Duration: Twenty Days
Start From: Auckland
End At: Christchurch
Tour price per person:
NZ$6,175
Single Room Supplement NZ$2,105
Abel Tasman Day Tour add NZ$155 per person
Hollyford Track Walk add NZ$1,680 per person
Comments:
Included: Coach travel, airport transfers, 19 nights accommodation (3 star hotels), dining inclusion - 18 breakfast, 14 dinners and some activities where specified in the itinerary such as:
Skytower, Yacht Sailing on Auckland Harbour, Exclusive Kiwi Dundee Full Day Tour, Agrodome Sheep Show, Skyline Skyrides & Luge Ride, Rainbow Springs, Te Puia Thermal reserve, Maori Hangi & Concert,
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 | |
| Abel Tasman Day Tour | NZ$155 |
Extras:
- Itinerary
- Departure Dates
- Terms and Conditions
Day 1 – Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! You will be met at Auckland Airport and transferred to your hote. Dinner this evening is at your own arrangements.
Welcome to New Zealand! You will be met at Auckland Airport and transferred to your hote. Dinner this evening is at your own arrangements.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 2 – Auckland/Whangamata
Your tour departs from Rydges Auckland Hotel,
Federal Street, City at 8.15am. A tour of
Auckland, to the summit of Skytower, at
328 metres the tallest building in the Southern
Hemisphere, the downtown city area and
waterfront drive, then experience the thrill
of sailing aboard a 12m yacht on Auckland
Harbour and visiting the Maritime Museum,
all before driving to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Accommodation: Breakers Motel (2 nights)
Day 3 – Coromandel Peninsula
A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads toPuketui an 1890’s gold mining town and visit a gold mine studded with glow-worms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach.
A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads toPuketui an 1890’s gold mining town and visit a gold mine studded with glow-worms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach.
Day 4 – Whangamata/Rotorua
On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a luge ride with our compliments. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the kiwi. Visit Te Puia, the maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditional prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (1 night)
On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a luge ride with our compliments. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the kiwi. Visit Te Puia, the maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditional prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (1 night)
Day 5 – Rotorua/Turangi
We head south to the Wairakei Geothermal Valley, visiting the powerful Huka Falls before arriving at Lake Taupo. Option this afternoon for a White water rafting trip (additional cost) on the Tongariro river (grade 3). This comes highly recommended
We head south to the Wairakei Geothermal Valley, visiting the powerful Huka Falls before arriving at Lake Taupo. Option this afternoon for a White water rafting trip (additional cost) on the Tongariro river (grade 3). This comes highly recommended
Accommodation: Bridge Lodge Turangi (1 night)
Day 6 – Turangi/Wellington
As you travel south the volcanic mountains - Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe dominate the view. Stop for lunch at Pukaha, Mt Bruce for a chance to get up close with some of New Zealand's endangered species. Continuing south you head over the Rimutaka's before reaching the capital Wellington.
Accommodation: Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)
As you travel south the volcanic mountains - Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe dominate the view. Stop for lunch at Pukaha, Mt Bruce for a chance to get up close with some of New Zealand's endangered species. Continuing south you head over the Rimutaka's before reaching the capital Wellington.
Accommodation: Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)
Day 7 – Wellington/Blenheim/Nelson
Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it’s a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts.
Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it’s a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts.
Accommodation: Leisure Lodge (2 nights)
Day 8 – Nelson or Abel Tasman
National Park
We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving in Nelson at 5.00pm. Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunanui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas.
We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving in Nelson at 5.00pm. Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunanui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas.
Day 9 – Nelson/Greymouth
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge – a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery.
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge – a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery.
Accommodation: Hotel Ashley (1 night)
Day 10 – Greymouth/Franz Josef
Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Franz Josef. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, or a helicopter flight and snow landing.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef (1 night)
Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Franz Josef. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, or a helicopter flight and snow landing.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef (1 night)
Day 11 – Franz Josef/Wanaka
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka a choice of two afternoon activities. Either a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you. Alternatively a very picturesque walk along a track beside the Clutha River as it flows from Lake Wanaka to a picnic spot. Enjoy light refreshments and a thrilling jet boat excursion on the river tailored to suit – full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between.
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka a choice of two afternoon activities. Either a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you. Alternatively a very picturesque walk along a track beside the Clutha River as it flows from Lake Wanaka to a picnic spot. Enjoy light refreshments and a thrilling jet boat excursion on the river tailored to suit – full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort (1 night)
Day 12– Wanaka/Queenstown
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group). You have 2 choices for the next three days and Kirra Tours enthusiastically recommend:
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group). You have 2 choices for the next three days and Kirra Tours enthusiastically recommend:
OPTION 1:
The Hollyford Track Guided Walk
Today enjoy the sights, sounds and activities of Queenstown plus attend a pre-walk briefing.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Today enjoy the sights, sounds and activities of Queenstown plus attend a pre-walk briefing.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 13 – Queenstown/Pyke Lodge
By coach to the beginning of the Hollyford Track, follow ancient Maori footsteps through beech forests, past impresive waterfalls to reach Pyke Lodge. Walking 17kms.
By coach to the beginning of the Hollyford Track, follow ancient Maori footsteps through beech forests, past impresive waterfalls to reach Pyke Lodge. Walking 17kms.
Day 14 – Pyke Lodge/Martins Bay Lodge
See the beautiful reflections on Lake Alabaster before crossimg Fiordlands longest swing bridge to board your jet boat along the Hollyford River and onto lake McKerrow to reach Martins Bay. Walking 12kms.
See the beautiful reflections on Lake Alabaster before crossimg Fiordlands longest swing bridge to board your jet boat along the Hollyford River and onto lake McKerrow to reach Martins Bay. Walking 12kms.
Day 15– Martins Bay Lodge/Milford Sound
This morning explore Martins Bay Spit, a famous landmark seperating the Hollyford Valley and powerful tasman Sea. Learn about the diversity of this truly remote area before taking an afternoon scenic flight into Milford Sound to rejoin your tour group for the Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise.
Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night)
This morning explore Martins Bay Spit, a famous landmark seperating the Hollyford Valley and powerful tasman Sea. Learn about the diversity of this truly remote area before taking an afternoon scenic flight into Milford Sound to rejoin your tour group for the Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise.
Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night)
OPTION 2:
At leisure in Queenstown
Jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count – enjoy. Dinner day 13 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (3 nights)
Jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count – enjoy. Dinner day 13 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.
Accommodation: Rydges Hotel (3 nights)
Day 13 and Day 14 also at leisure.
Day 15 – Queenstown/Milford Sound
Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.
Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night)
Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.
Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night)
Day 16 – Milford Sound/Dunedin
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. 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: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (2 nights)
Day 17– Dunedin
A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun!
A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun!
Day 18 – Dunedin/Omarama
Visit Olveston, Dunedin’s majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama.
Visit Olveston, Dunedin’s majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama.
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)
Day 19 – Omarama/Mt Cook/Christchurch
Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand’s highest mountains. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch.
Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand’s highest mountains. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch.
Accommodation: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Day 20 – Christchurch/Home
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to join your flight home.
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to join your flight home.
General Terms & Conditions:
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.
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.
