14 Day Classic Scenic Explorer
- Escorted New Zealand Coach Tour |
|
|
| |
 |
Tour Price on Sale!
|
|
| Season: |
from
|
Hotseat
Prices
|
|
| |
01 Oct 11 - 30 Apr 12 |
$3,940
|
$3,740
|
| |
01 May 12 - 30 Sep 12 |
$3,700
|
|
|
| Optional Extras: |
|
|
|
| |
Single Room Supplement |
|
$1,015 |
|
| Note: All prices are NZ$, per person & include 15% GST |
|
| Promotions and Deals: |
|
- Hotseats available on selected tours - see dates below
- Selected departures now guaranteed - see below
- 10% Earlybird Super Saver discount on all new bookings when the tour is booked and paid for in full 6 months prior to travel (not available with any other offers)
- Triple Discount. 5% discount off the tour price applies for 3 people booking together and sharing the same room.
- Four or More Discount. $100 per person discount if 4 or more adults travel on the same tour together (not available with the EarlyBird Super Saver discount
Terms and conditions apply - please ask for details.
|
|
|
 |
|
| Day by Day Itinerary: |
|
| Day 1 - Arrive Christchurch |
|
|
Kirra Tours welcome you to New Zealand and Christchurch! You will be met with a smile and transferred to your hotel accommodation by a Kirra Tours representative. En route you will see why Christchurch is aptly named "The Garden City" passing beautiful gardens and the impressive Hagley Park on the way to your hotel. Tonight meet your New Zealand Tour travelling companions at Welcome Drinks hosted by a Kirra Tours representative.
Overnight: Pavilions Hotel
|
|
| Day2 - Christchurch / Mt Cook / Omarama |
|
As you leave the most English city outside of England, your Kirra Tours coach captain will highlight the main attractions of the city of Christchurch. From the arable plains travel inland to the rolling green pastures of Geraldine and onto the semi barren land of MacKenzie Country. In the heart of the MacKenzie Basin Tekapo is nestled on shores of azure Lake Tekapo. You will visit The Church of the Good Shepherd, quite likely the most photographed church on your South Island Tour.
There is an opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (optional). From Tekapo continue on your New Zealand Coach Tour to Mt Cook National Park, home of the majestic Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Here you have an opportunity to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre - a tribute to New Zealand's greatest explorer and world renowned mountaineer. Travel back down the valley along the shores of Lake Pukaki, through Twizel (the town of trees) before arriving at your destination, Omarama, nestled in the velvet type tussock covered hills of the Lindis range.
Overnight: Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night) |
|
| Day3 - Omarama / Dunedin |
|
 As your New Zealand holiday continues, follow the beautiful braided Waitaki River east, passing Benmore and Aviemore Dam and hydro lakes, before reaching the Pacific Ocean at historic Oamaru. On your way south to Dunedin visit the intriguing Moeraki Boulders found strewn along a stretch of Koekohe. An early arrival into Dunedin, -"The Edinburgh of the South" allows you plenty of time to explore this nature lovers' playground.
Take the opportunity to experience one of many optional tours available - you may choose to combine a Monarch Harbour cruise with a Newton's Citibus tour, to see penguins, albatross and seals. Alternatively take a nostalgic trip on the Taieri Gorge Train, leaving from Dunedin's historic Railway Station. Maybe you would rather a visit to Cadbury World or the Speights brewery for a tour and tasting. Your Kirra Tours Coach Captain will be more than happy to assist with any bookings. This evening prior to dinner, Kirra Tours are treating you to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony complete with the address to the Haggis, bag pipes and a bonnie wee dram of whisky.
Overnight: Cargills Hotel (1 night) |
|
| Day4 - Dunedin / Lake Manapouri / Te Anau |
|
This morning visit the historic Olveston House and feel as though you have stepped back to the early 1900's to experience the opulence of a bygone era. Then it is back to the present as you travel south west over rich fertile farmlands, through the agricultural service towns of Balclutha, Gore, and other small villages.
As you proceed inland past wind turbines and deer farms and across rural farmland, if weather and time permit, visit the mysterious Lake Manapouri, (the Lake of Many Islands), before reaching Lake Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland. To the west of Lake Te Anau lie the Murchison Mountains, where Kirra Tours support a programme that aims to ensure New Zealand's iconic bird, the Kiwi, is able to flourish in its natural habitat.
Overnight:Distinction Luxmore Hotel(1 night) |
|
| Day5 - Te Anau / Milford Sound / Queenstown |
|
Leaving Te Anau, your Kirra Tours coach will travel on one of the highest and most scenic state highways in New Zealand through Fiordland National Park, following the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys. Pass through the Homer Tunnel before descending into the Cleddau Canyon and magnificent Milford Sound. Experience Milford Sound, the eighth wonder of the world, from the water as a launch cruise takes you to the Tasman Sea, returning via the raging Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls. A truly exhilarating experience.
Return through Te Anau to Kingston before hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. This evening's dinner is up the Skyline Gondola where you dine atop Bob's Peak overlooking Queenstown. Enjoy 220 degree breathtaking panoramic views of The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks.
Overnight: Rydges Hotel (2 nights) |
|
| Day6 - Queenstown |
|
 A day to explore the many delights of this stunning alpine resort. Try the world renowned Shotover Jet, an excursion to Skippers Canyon in search of gold or a steamer cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station. You may wish to travel by Double Decker coach to quaint Arrowtown, or even a bungy jump. Alternatively, explore Queenstown's many boutiques and galleries - your Kirra Tours Coach Captain will be more than happy to assist with any optional sightseeing. |
|
| Day7 - Queenstown / Haast Pass/ Fox Glacier |
|
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes then on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining 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 the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks.
Drive north along the coast through the flourishing rainforests of the West Coast and onto the glorious Glacier region. This is an ideal opportunity for you to experience small town New Zealand in the heart of Westland. The rainforest and surrounding area is so green it will hurt your eyes. (Upon arrival into Fox Glacier there is opportunity to either take an optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face or an optional exhilarating helicopter flight over the glacier)
Both these options are at your own expense and are very weather dependant.
Overnight: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier |
|
| Day8 - Fox Glacier / Greymouth / Christchurch |
|
Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glacier then on to Franz Josef. Snow capped 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 greenstone cut from giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Now join the Tranz Alpine train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Through rainforests to Otira, snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps, the rugged Gorges of the Waimakariri River and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Overnight: Pavilions Hotel. (1 night) |
|
| Day9 - Christchurch / Kaikoura/ Blenheim |
|
Join the Tranz Coastal train for a kaleidoscope of scenery across fertile Canterbury farmland through the Hundalee Ranges. Follow the Pacific coastline, with the Kaikoura Mountains forming a rugged backdrop to the west, passing tiny holiday settlements and Kaikoura, famous for whale-watching. Arrive in Blenheim early afternoon. A short tour of the area includes a visit to Brancott Estate 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: Scenic Hotel Blenheim (1 night) |
|
| Day10 - Blenheim / Picton / Wellington |
|
 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.
Overnight: Bay Plaza Hotel. (1 night) |
|
| Day 11 - Wellington / Taupo / Rotorua |
|
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.
Overnight: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua. (2 nights) |
|
| Day 12 - Rotorua |
|
 An action packed day today. First visit the Agrodome, an exciting and informative insight into the world of New Zealand agriculture. Next stop is to see pools of brown and rainbow trout and native birds including the Kiwi at Rainbow Springs Park. Then on to the spectacular Skyline Gondola offering superb views over city, lake and mountains, and for a little excitement, try a Luge ride with our compliments. Lastly visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve, with boiling mud, silica terraces and the famous Pohutu Geyser.
This evening you are in for a cultural treat. Watch in awe as two warriors perform a formal Powhiri (welcome), be thrilled by the Haka (pre-battle dance), and see the skilful Poi dancers. You will even be given a chance to join in. Enjoy traditional and contemporary Maori songs and hear the rich tapestry of Maori legends in this concert. Included is a traditional Maori Hangi meal, where the meat & root vegetables are cooked by steam from hot rocks in an underground oven. It is served as a buffet accompanied by selections of Eastern and Western cuisine and divine desserts, including the very 'Kiwi' Pavlova. |
|
| Day 13 - Rotorua / Waitomo / Auckland |
|
|
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. During your guided tour you'll take in the spectacular Glow-worm Cave with its majestic and ornate cave decorations, the deep limestone shaft known as the Tomo and the equally magnificent Cathedral Cavern.
On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the region's Maori people, then travel alongside the Waikato River and cross the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand's largest city - Auckland "the City of Sails". A city tour will give a feel for the city. Visit the summit of the Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for superb city and harbour views, the down town area, Waterfront Drive and The Domain.
Overnight: Rydges Hotel
|
| Day 14 - Depart Auckland |
|
It is farewell to your new found friends and travelling companions. You will be transferred to Auckland International Airport in ample time to join your flight home. This completes your New Zealand Holiday. Thank you for choosing Kirra Tours for your New Zealand Coach Tour. We look forward to seeing you back here in the future. Safe travels.
|
|
|
| Departure Dates: |
|
| Tour Code |
Start
Christchurch |
Finish
Auckland |
Promotions & Deals |
Guaranteed
Departure |
| 14 Days |
2012 |
|
|
|
| J35 |
Sun 22 Jan |
Sat 04 Feb |
See above for great discounts |
|
| J362 |
Fri 03 Feb |
Sun 16 Feb |
See above for great discounts |
Yes |
| J38 |
Sun 12 Feb |
Sat 25e Feb |
See above for great discounts |
Yes |
| J39 |
Sun 19 Feb |
Sat 03 Mar |
See above for great discounts |
|
| J402 |
Fri 02 Mar |
Sun 15 Mar |
See above for great discounts |
Yes |
| J43 |
Sun 18 Mar |
Sat 31 Mar |
See above for great discounts |
|
| J46 |
Sun 08 Apr |
Sat 21 Apr |
See above for great discounts |
Yes |
| J47 |
Sun 15 Apr |
Sat 28 Apr |
See above for great discounts |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
;)
