14 Day In-Depth New Zealand Independent Tour EX Christchurch Fourteen day scenic coach tour covering both the north & south islands of New Zealand. Starting in Christchurch and ending in Auckland this tour is at a relaxed pace giving you a number of days at leisure in citys for optional sightseeing. Highlights include the TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown, Milford Sound Cruise, Dunedin Wilflife (penguins & seals) Mount Cook, Coastal Pacific Train, Interislander Ferry, sigtseeing in Rotorua including a traditional Maori Hangi, and the Waitomo Glow-worm caves. Trip Type: Independent Tour Tour Duration: 14 Days Priced From: NZ$3,485.00 Starts From: Christchurch Ends At: Auckland Comments: Included: Not Included: Extras: Price: NZ$

Your credit card will be charged in New Zealand Dollars. Other currencies displayed are automatically calculated and are approximate values only. 

Prices valid for travel from 1st September 2011 to 30 September 2012

Hotel accommodation examples | Terms and Conditions

HIGHLIGHTS - included in the fare

• Waitomo Cave Tour
• Maori Hangi & Concert
• Te Puia
• Rainbow Springs
• Agrodome
• Interislander Ferry
• Coastal Pacific Train
• Skyline Gondola
• Taieri Gorge Train *
• Otago Peninsula Tour
• Milford Sound Cruise
• Franz Josef Glacier
• TranzAlpine Train

New Zealand Tour Map

Day 1: Christchurch - Franz Josef
Leaving Christchurch city on The TranzAlpine train, we cross the Canterbury Plains and into the Arthur's Pass National Park. From Arthur's Pass our journey is via an 8.5 km long rail tunnel that has been cut through the heart of the Southern Alps. Once on the West Coast we follow a narrow coastal strip of beech forest with spectacular mountain back- drops south to the glaciers for two nights stay.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier , Bella Vista Motel or similar.

Day 2: Full Day at Franz Josef Glacier
Today we have included a short sightseeing tour with Glacier Valley Eco Tours. You will be taken by shuttle bus to the Franz Josef Glacier viewing point. Visitors can view the glacier after a short 10 minute walk (this walk is not guided).
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier , Bella Vista Motel or similar.

Day 3: Franz Josef - Queenstown
We travel with Newmans coachlines deeper into South Westland taking in the spectacle of Haast Pass, carved by the Haast River and framed by the Southern Alps. Take in the views of many beautiful lakes including Wanaka, Hawea, Dunstan and Wakatipu. Arrive into Queenstown at 4.10pm.
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown, Bella Vista Motel or similar

Day 4: Queenstown - Milford - Te Anau
A full day tour to the World Heritage listed, Fiordland National Park - a truly spectacular region of snow capped mountains, glacier lakes, fiords, waterfalls and dense forest. From Te Anau, travel to the forested Eglington Valley, Mirror Lakes, Homer Tunnel and Chasm before arriving into Milford Sound. Enjoy a one and a half hour cruise of Milford Sound viewing the spectacular waterfalls and Mitre Peak. Arrive into Te Anau approx. 5.00pm.
Accommodation: Distinction Te Anau Hotel, Anchorage Motel or similar

Day 5: Te Anau - Dunedin
High country tussock soon gives way to the lush pastures of Southland and Otago as you travel with Intercity coachlines through Gore and Balclutha arriving in Dunedin by 12.40pm. Afternoon at leisure in Dunedin.
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Alexis Motor Lodge or similar.

Day 6: Otago Peninsula
Morning at leisure in Dunedin. In the afternoon enjoy a cruise with Monarch Wildlife Cruises around the Taiaroa Heads to view the northern royal albatross soaring high above the headlands. Other species to be seen include the blue penguin, sooty shearwater, variable oyster catcher, three species of shag and other sea birds. Disembark at Wellers Rock and transfer by coach to Penguin Place for a guided land tour of the yellow-eyed penguins. Return to the city by coach (approx. 7pm)
Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Alexis Motor Lodge or similar.

Day 7: Dunedin - Queenstown *
This morning travel with Alpine Coachlines in connection with the Taieri Gorge Train on a track & trail journey. Enjoy a sentimental journey over viaducts and through the Central Otago hill country to Pukarangi. From there, travel by coach following the historical Otago goldfields trail before arriving in Queenstown approximately 5pm.
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown, Bella Vista Motel or similar.

Day 8: Full Day in Queenstown
A full day for you to enjoy this fabulous resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of activities including white water rafting, jetboating, bungy jumping, lake cruises, high country sheep station tours and excellent walking trails. Something for everyone.
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown, Bella Vista Motel or similar.

Day 9: Queenstown - Mount Cook - Christchurch
We leave Queenstown and travel with Great Sights through the rugged Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell and then up over the Lindis Pass to the Mount Cook National Park. Time is available for lunch at Mt Cook village (own expense) before continuing to Lake Tekapo. After a brief stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd, our journey continues across the Canterbury Plains to the garden city of Christchurch. Our arrival time is approximately 6.55pm.
Accommodation: Chateau on the Park Hotel, City Centre Motel os similar.

Day 10: Christchurch – Picton - Wellington
Board the Coastal Pacific train for your journey to Picton. See rolling farmland, the beautiful Kaikoura coastline and the rugged Kaikoura mountain range. Upon arrival in Picton, board the Interislander for your scenic cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington, arriving at approx. 4.30pm.
Accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, Ibis Hotel or similar

Day 11: Free Day in Wellington
Today you have a free day to explore New Zealand’s capital city.
Accommodation: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor, Ibis Hotel or similar

Day 12: Wellington - Rotorua
Board your Intercity coach for your journey north out of the capital city, along the Kapiti Coast and over the Manawatu Plain to Palmerston North before skirting the volcanic plateau to Taupo and then on to Rotorua where you arrive at 2.50pm. In the evening join a tour with Mitai for a traditional Maori Hangi (meal) and concert.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Rotorua, BK’s Motor Lodge or similar

Day 13: Full Day in Rotorua
This morning you will tour with Great Sights visiting Te Puia, Rainbow Springs and the Agrodome. You have the afternoon free for optional activities.
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Rotorua, BK’s Motor Lodge or similar

Day 14: Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
Depart Rotorua with GreatSights travelling north to the Waitomo Caves. Visit the Glow-worm Grotto for a spectacular display of tiny lights emitted by these unique life forms deep in the cave grotto. Continue on to Auckland, the 'City of Sails' where your tour terminates at the Sky City coach terminal at 3.10pm.

* During winter (May - September) the track & trail may have a limited service. Should the track and trail not be available, you will travel to Dunedin by coach.