 |
 |
| Day by Day Itinerary: |
|
| Day 1 - Arrive Auckland |
|
Welcome to New Zealand. You will be welcomed at Auckland Airport and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Rydges Hotel |
|
| Day 2 - Auckland / Bay of Islands |
|
 Cross Auckland's distinctive Harbour Bridge for the drive north to Paihia, where we meet our local Maori guide, a descendent 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. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay, crossing the area's world renowned game fishing grounds to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and spectacular "Hole in the Rock". Return through the inner islands with their beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine life.
(Optional: Enjoy an overnight cruise of the Bay of Island on board the sparkling new Ipipiri. Includes ensuite cabin, dinner, bed and breakfast. NZ$155 per person, share twin or NZ$275 single. Please enquire at the time of booking. Available between 20 Sep and 30 Apr. with this tour you will not do the Cape Brett Hole in the Rock Cruise or visit Waitangi).
Overnight: Tanoa Hotel Paihia. (2 nights) |
|
| Day 3 - Bay of Islands |
|
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.
Overnight: Tanoa Hotel Paihia. |
|
| Day 4 - Bay of Islands / Rotorua |
|
South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and its majestic harbour soon comes into view and 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. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.
Overnight: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2) |
|
| Day 5 - Rotorua |
|
 A sightseeing tour encompasses the cultural and scenic highlights of the area. Visit the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand's various sheep breeds and a sheep shearing demonstration.
Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park and see pools of rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over city, lake and mountains and for those wanting just a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments - enjoy the thrill. At the completion of the tour (mid afternoon) there will be time for optional activities:-shopping, trout fishing or a dip in a thermal pool. This evening you will enjoy a Maori hangi (meal) which will include a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka. |
|
| Day 6 - Rotorua / Taupo / Napier / Masterton |
|
Skirt some of the worlds largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity. View the Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm and pauses at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, claimed to be the world's art deco capital. Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmland as you pass through Hastings then to Dannervirke and Woodville for an afternoon stop at Mangatainoka, home to Tui Brewery before continuing on to Masterton for the night.
Overnight: Tennyson Hotel |
|
| Day 7 -Masterton / Wellington |
|
A leisurely day as we travel south over the Rimutaka ranges into the capital city, Wellington. 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. 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 more than happy to assist you with any additional sightseeing.
Overnight: Bay Plaza Hotel. |
|
| Day 8 - Wellington / Picton / Blenheim |
|
Today completes your North Island tour as you venture to the South Island onboard the Interislander Ferry a unique experience treasured by many. Enjoy the spectacular views of New Zealand's Capital from Wellington Harbour; continue through the heads crossing Cook Strait into the secluded waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Travel through the sheltered waterways, remote bays and pass many isolated holiday homes.
Disembark at Picton, a quaint village nestled on the shimmering shores of the Marlborough Sounds. Here you will be welcomed and met by your South Island Kirra Tours Coach Captain. Continue south from Picton travelling through dairy farms that merge with forestry producers. Enter the Marlborough wine country and the town of Blenheim, a region renowned for its viticulture. A brief 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 |
|
| Day 9 - Blenheim / Kaikoura / Christchurch |
|
|
 Leave the vineyards behind you and travel through the Awatere Valley to the Pacific Ocean Coast. You will be able to clearly spot Lake Grassmere by its mounds of sea salt drying. Follow the Pacific Coast to Kaikoura, simply translated means KAI = food & KOURA = crayfish (Lobster). Kaikoura is a small seaside settlement with an incredible backdrop of the rugged, often snow capped, Kaikoura mountain range that appears to ascend straight from the Pacific Ocean. This unique combination of ocean and mountains offers stunning coastal alpine scenery. Continue south through the fertile North Canterbury farmlands and onto the arable Canterbury Plains and Christchurch "the gateway to Antarctica". On arrival into Christchurch experience the International Antarctic Centre. This is located at Christchurch airport and if you look closely you may see some of the aircraft heading to Antarctica. From here you are taken into the city centre to board "The Tourist Tram". This will highlight Christchurch's gardens, the Avon River, Hagley Park and the impressive Gothic Architecture.
Overnight: Pavilions Hotel
|
|
| Day 10 - Depart Christchurch |
|
| Today is goodbye to your new found friends. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to join your flght home. |
|
|
| Departure Dates: |
|
| Tour Code |
Start
Auckland |
Finish Christchurch |
Promotions & Deals |
Guaranteed
Departure |
| 10 days |
2012 |
|
|
|
| Y36 |
Tue 24 Jan |
Thu 02 Feb |
See above for great discounts |
|
| Y37 |
Tue 31 Jan |
Thu 09 Feb |
See above for great discounts |
Yes |
| Y372 |
Sun 05 Feb |
Tue 14 Feb |
See above for great discounts |
Yes |
| Y39 |
Tue 14 Feb |
Thu 23 Feb |
See above for great discounts |
|
| Y402 |
Sun 26 Feb |
Tue 06 Mar |
See above for great discounts |
|
| Y42 |
Tue 06 Mar |
Thu 15 Mar |
See above for great discounts |
Yes |
| Y43 |
Tue 13 Mar |
Thu 22 Mar |
See above for great discounts |
|
| Y44 |
Tue 20 Mar |
Thu 29 Mar |
See above for great discounts |
Yes |
| Y46 |
Tue 03 Apr |
Thu 12 Apr |
See above for great discounts |
Yes |
| Y47 |
Tue 10 Apr |
Thu 19 Apr |
See above for great discounts |
|
|
 |
|
|
;)
