• Dining inclusions - 9 breakfasts, 8 dinners
• Sightseeing tours of Wellington and Auckland
• Renowned Tranz Coastal Train Journey
• Brancott Estate Winery visit with tasting
• Scenic Interislander Cruise Picton to Wellington
• Volcanic and Geothermal Region
• Tamaki Authentic Maori Village Hangi

• Rotorua's Thermal Wonderland
• Agrodome Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
• Te Puia Thermal Reserve
• Skyline Gondola and Luge ride
• Waitomo Caves
• Auckland's Skytower
• Matakohe Kauri Museum
• Entry to Waitangi Treaty House and grounds
• Cape Brett "Hole in the Rock" Cruise

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: Heartland Hotel Blenheim

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)

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)

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. (1 night)

Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast skimming past the many seaside villages on the Whangaporoa Peninsula. Travel to Matakohe for a visit to the Kauri Museum that houses an exceptional display highlighting the region's early settlement and kauri gum industry, which was so important to the region's early development. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia. On arrival into Paihia we meet our local Maori guide, 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 bountiful Bay of Islands. This afternoon you will experience a launch cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett.

Cruise past many of the islands of the Bay. Enjoy the views as you cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Your Kirra Tours Coach Captain will meet you at the wharf to transfer to your accommodation this evening.

Overnight: Tanoa Hotel Paihia. (2 nights)

This morning a launch cruise takes you through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett. Cruise past many of the islands of the Bay, keeping a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life as you make your way past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic Hole in the Rock - hold your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space into the Grand Cathedral Cave.

Head back into the sheltered waters of the bay. Upon reaching Paihia, board your Kirra Coach and bid farewell to the Bay of Islands. Your journey will take you south past scenic native forests and sub-tropical bush, before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge and arriving into Auckland City.

Overnight: Rydges Hotel