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| Day by Day Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch |
Welcome to New Zealand. You will be greeted at Christchurch Airport and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Pavilions Hotel |
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| Day2 - Christchurch / Mount Cook / Omarama |
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 A city sights tour will highlight the main attractions of Christchurch before travelling across the Canterbury Plains into the MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue at Lake Tekapo. Opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (optional), before continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Admire the majesty of Mt Cook before travelling on to Omarama.
Overnight: Heritage Gateway Hotel. |
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| Day3 - Omarama / Dunedin |
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Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin - the "Scottish" city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton's Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals. Enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge train excursion, or just explore the city only a few minutes walk away. This evening prior to dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.
Overnight: Cargills Hotel. |
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| Day4 - Dunedin / Lake Manapouri / Te Anau |
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Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri before arriving at Lake Te Anau (time and weather permitting).
Overnight: Distinction Luxmore Hotel |
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| Day5 - Te Anau / Milford Sound / Queenstown |
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Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Return to Te Anau and on to Mossburn, then skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant, where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed.
Overnight: Rydges Hotel (2 nights) |
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| Day6 - Queenstown |
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 A day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort. Try the famous Shotover Jet, an excursion to Skippers Canyon or a steamer cruise aboard the historic Earnslaw. Alternatively, explore Queenstown's many boutiques and galleries - your Coach Captain will be pleased to advise. |
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| Day7 - Queenstown / Haast Pass / Fox Glacier |
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Pass picturesque Lake Hayes then on to an area steeped in fascinating history elating to early settlement and the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the magnificent glacier region.
Upon arrival into Fox Glacier there is opportunity to either take an optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face or an optional helicopter flight over the glacier.
Overnight : Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier |
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| Day8 - Fox Glacier / Greymouth |
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Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glacier then on to Franz Josef. Snowcapped Southern Alps dominate the Skyline as you pass dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Next is Shantytown, a restored goldmining town of the 1860's where you pan for gold, ride on the steam train at no extra cost.
Overnight: Hotel Ashley. |
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| Day9 - Greymouth / Blenheim |
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 View the unusual rock formations and blowholes at Punakaiki and pass Charleston, a former goldmining township. Follow the Buller River through the Buller Gorge and on to Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Follow the Long Wairau Valley to Blenheim. 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.
Overnight:Heartland Hotel Blenheim |
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| Day10 - Blenheim / Picton / Wellington |
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Drive to Picton, nestled on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds, to board the Interislander ferry. Sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, sheltered waterways, remote bays and isolated holiday homes. Across Cook Strait and 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 new "Museum of New Zealand" or take a ride on the famous Cable Car.
Overnight: Bay Plaza Hotel. |
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| Day 11 - Wellington / Taupo / Rotorua |
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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 where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm then skirt massive man-made pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture.
Overnight: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights) |
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| Day 12 - Rotorua |
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 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 and native birds including the Kiwi. 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 (entire group). |
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| Day 13 - Rotorua / Waitomo / Auckland |
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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. A city tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs.
Overnight: Rydges Auckland Hotel. |
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| Day 14 - Auckland / Bay of Islands |
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Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge to drive north along the Hibiscus Coast and on to Matakohe and the Kauri museum telling the story of the Kauri tree and the region's early settlement, the displays are superb and their story fascinating. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia and visit New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. Visit the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.
Overnight: Tanoa Hotel Paihia (2 nights) |
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| Day 15- Bay of Islands |
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A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many 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.
(Optional: Enjoy an overnight cruise of the Bay of Island on board the sparkling new Ipipiri. Includes ensuite cabin, dinner, bed and breakfast. NZ$210 per person, share twin or NZ$460 single. Please enquire at the time of booking. Note: with this option you will not do the Cape Brett Hole in the Rock Cruise. )
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| Day 16 - Bay of Islands / Auckland |
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A launch cruise will take you across the Bay and world acclaimed fishing grounds made famous by Zane Grey, to Cape Brett and the spectacular "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 with a late afternoon arrival.
Overnight: Rydges Hotel |
| Day 17-Depart Auckland |
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| Time to farewell your travelling companions. You will be transferred to Auckland International Airport to join your flight home. |
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| Departure Dates: |
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| Tour Code |
Start
Christchurch |
Finish
Auckland |
Promotions & Deals |
Guaranteed
Departure |
| 17 Days |
2011 |
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| B11 |
Sun 07 Aug |
Tue 23 Aug |
see above for great discounts |
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| B14 |
Sun 28 Aug |
Tue 13 Sep |
see above for great discounts |
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| B162 |
Fri 16 Sep |
Sun 02 Oct |
see above for great discounts |
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| B172 |
Fri 23 Sep |
Sun 09 Oct |
see above for great discounts |
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| B18 |
Sun 25 Sep |
Tue 11 Oct |
see above for great discounts |
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| B182 |
Fri 30 Sep |
Sun 16 Oct |
see above for great discounts |
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| B192 |
Fri 07 Oct |
Sun 23 Oct |
see above for great discounts |
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| B212 |
Fri 21 Oct |
Sun 06 Nov |
see above for great discounts |
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| B222 |
Fri 28 Oct |
Sun 13 Nov |
see above for great discounts |
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| B24 |
Sun 06 Nov |
Tue 22 Nov |
see above for great discounts |
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| B25 |
Sun 13 Nov |
Tue 29 Nov |
see above for great discounts |
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| B26 |
Sun 20 Nov |
Tue 06 Dec |
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| B27 |
Sun 27 Nov |
Tue 13 Dec |
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| B28 |
Sun 04 Dec |
Tue 20 Dec |
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| B29 |
Sun 11 Dec |
Tue 27 Dec |
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| B30 |
Sun 18 Dec |
Tue 03 Jan |
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| B302 |
Fri 23 Dec |
Sun 08 Jan |
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| B312 |
Fri 30 Dec |
Sun 15 Jan |
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2012 |
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| B32 |
Sun 01 Jan |
Tue 17 Jan |
see above for great discounts |
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| B322 |
Fri 06 Jan |
Sun 22 Jan |
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| B33 |
Sun 08 Jan |
Tue 24 Jan |
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| B34 |
Sun 15 Jan |
Tue 31 Jan |
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| B35 |
Sun 22 Jan |
Tue 07 Feb |
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| B352 |
Fri 27 Jan |
Sun 12 Feb |
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| B36 |
Sun 29 Jan |
Tue 14 Feb |
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| B362 |
Fri 03 Feb |
Sun 19 Feb |
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| B37 |
Sun 05 Feb |
Tue 21 Feb |
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| B38 |
Sun 12 Feb |
Tue 28 Feb |
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| B382 |
Fri 17 Feb |
Sun 04 Mar |
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| B39 |
Sun 19 Feb |
Tue 06 Mar |
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| B392 |
Fri 24 Feb |
Sun 11 Mar |
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| B40 |
Sun 26 Feb |
Tue 13 Mar |
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| B402 |
Fri 02 Mar |
Sun 18 Mar |
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| B41 |
Sun 04 Mar |
Tue 20 Mar |
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| B42 |
Sun 11 Mar |
Tue 27 Mar |
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| B43 |
Sun 18 Mar |
Tue 03 Apr |
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| B432 |
Fri 23 Mar |
Sun 08 Apr |
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| B44 |
Sun 25 Mar |
Tue 10 Apr |
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| B442 |
Fri 30 Mar |
Sun 15 Apr |
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| B46 |
Sun 08 Apr |
Tue 24 Apr |
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| B47 |
Sun 15 Apr |
Tue 01 May |
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| B48 |
Sun 22 Apr |
Tue 08 May |
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| B49 |
Sun 29 Apr |
Tue 15 May |
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