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| Day by Day Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 - Arrive Auckland |
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Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your central city hotel.
Overnight: Rydges Hotel (1 night) |
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| Day 2 - Auckland / Bay of Islands |
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Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast 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 your local Maori guide, a descendant 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.
Overnight: Tanoa Hotel Paihia (2 nights) |
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| Day 3 - Bay of Islands |
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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 point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New Zealand's first settlement, and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum.
Optional Overnight Cruise Upgrade
Join this exciting new small cruise ship and enjoy an overnight in one of the king, ensuited state rooms. Explore the myriad of islands and bays in this delightful region. Kayak, snorkel, swim or beach walk - the choice is yours. Buffet dinner and breakfast included. Ask for details. |
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| Day 4 - Bay of Islands / Auckland |
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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 passing the satellite tracking station. Shortly Auckland city and Harbour come into view.
Overnight: Rydges Hotel. |
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| Day 5 - Auckland / Whangamata |
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 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 15m yacht on Auckland Harbour and visiting the Maritime Museum, all before driving to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Overnight: Breakers Motel (2 nights) |
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| Day 6 - Coromandel Peninsula |
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| A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads to Puketui 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. |
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| Day7 - Whangamata / Rotorua |
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 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.
Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser.
This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Overnight: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua. |
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| Day 8 - Rotorua / Turangi |
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Pass massive pine forests, see the Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka Falls to reach Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. A brief sightseeing tour or try white water rafting before following the shores of Lake Taupo to Turangi.
Overnight: Bridge Lodge |
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| Day 9 Turangi / Wellington |
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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 bird species. Continuing south you head over the Rimutaka's before reaching the Capital City, Wellington.
Overnight: Bay Plaza Hotel. |
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| Day 10 - Wellington / Blenheim / Nelson |
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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 Brancott Estate 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.
Overnight: Leisure Lodge (2 nights) |
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| Day 11 - Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park |
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 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. |
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| Day 12 - Nelson / Greymouth |
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Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge - a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, then 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.
Overnight: Hotel Ashley |
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| Day 13 - Greymouth / Franz Josef Glacier |
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Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Franz Josef Glacier. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk to nearby Lake Matheson.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef |
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| Day 14 - Franz Josef Glacier / Wanaka |
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 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.
Overnight: Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort |
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| Day 15 - Wanaka / Queenstown |
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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)
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| OPTION 1: The Hollyford Track Guided Walk |
| Today enjoy the sights, sounds and activities of Queenstown plus attend a pre-walk briefing. Your overnight accommodation is at the Rydges Hotel. |
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| Day 16 - Queenstown / Pyke River Lodge |
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By coach to the beginning of the Hollyford Track, follow ancient Maori footsteps through beech forests, past impressive waterfalls to reach Pyke Lodge. Walking 17km / approx 5-7 hours.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner |
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| Day 17 - Pyke River Lodge / Martins Bay Lodge |
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See the beautiful reflections on Lake Alabaster before crossing Fiordland's longest swing bridge to board your jetboat along the Hollyford River and onto Lake McKerrow to reach Martins Bay. Walking 30kms / approx 4 hours
Meals: Lunch and Dinner |
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| Day 18 - Martins Bay Lodge / Milford Sound - Queenstown |
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This morning explore Martins Bay Spit, a famous landmark separating the Hollyford Valley and powerful Tasman Sea. Learn about the diversity of this truly remote area. Returning to Martins Bay Lodge for lunch, before you board your aircraft for a scenic flight along the rugged coast and into the truly spectacular and dramatic Milford Sound. Once in Milford Sound you will rejoin your tour group when you board the Milford Mariner overnight cruise - an undoubted highlight.
Overnight: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise |
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| Or.... |
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| Day 15 Wanaka / Queenstown |
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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.
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 16 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.
Rydges Hotel (3 nights) |
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| Day 16 Queenstown - day at leisure |
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| Day 17 Queenstown - day at leisure |
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| Day 18 Queenstown / Milford Sound |
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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. Continue through The Divide and travel into the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to reach magnificent Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise.
Overnight: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise |
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| Day 19 Milford Sound / Dunedin |
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Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world with a glimpse every so often of a passing seal or penguin. Return to shore to follow the 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.
Overnight: Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel(2 nights) |
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| Day 20 Dunedin |
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| A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. Your coach captain is available to assist you with any optional activities you would like to do. We recomment the Monarch Wildlife Cruise, a half day peninsula tour including the albatross colony and harbour cruise. Have fun! |
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| Day 21 Dunedin / Mount Cook |
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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. Reach the Mount Cook National Park and village amidst New Zealand highest mountains. This afternoon visit the Tasman Glacier where you will be amazed by the floating iceberts in the nearby lake.
Overnight: The Hermitage Hotel |
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| Day 22 Mount Cook / Christchurch |
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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 for a brief city tour.
Overnight: Pavilions Hotel |
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| Day 23 - Depart Christchurch |
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| Today is goodbye to all your new friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport for your flight home. |
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| Departure Dates: |
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| Tour Code |
Start
Auckland |
Finish
Christchurch |
Promotions & Deals |
Guaranteed
Departure |
| 23 Days |
2012 |
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| XE36 |
Fri 20 Jan |
Sat 11 Feb |
see above for great discounts |
Yes |
| XE38 |
Fri 03 Feb |
Sat 25 Feb |
see above for great discounts |
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| XE40 |
Fri 17 Feb |
Sat 10 Mar |
see above for great discounts |
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| XE41 |
Fri 24 Feb |
Sat 17 Mar |
see above for great discounts |
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| XE44 |
Fri 16 Mar |
Sat 07 Apr |
see above for great discounts |
Yes |
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