New Zealand Vista 16 day tour

Day 03 – Rotorua

A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and sheep shearing and Rainbow Springs to see Rainbow and Brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. The Skyline Gondola offers superb views over the city, and for a little excitement, try a Luge ride with our compliments. There will be time this afternoon for optional activities. This evening enjoy a traditional Maori hangi (meal) followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 4 star - Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Day 04 – Rotorua / Taupo / Napier / Masterton

Skirt some of the worlds largest pine forests to Wairakei, view the Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm and pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier. Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings, then to Dannevirke and Woodville for an afternoon stop at Mangatainoka, home to Tui Brewery, before continuing on to Masterton for the night. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park

Day 05 – Masterton / Wellington

Today we travel south over the Rimutaka ranges into the Capital city, Wellington. A city tour includes the summit of Mount Victoria for spectacular views, the Houses of Parliament and distinctive “Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, the central city area and Oriental Bay. Also explore the city yourself, don’t miss Te Papa, the “Museum of New Zealand” or take a ride on the famous Cable Car. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 4 star -  Bay Plaza Hotel

Day 06 – Wellington / Picton / Blenheim

Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island. Cross Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. In Picton, you are welcomed by your South Island Coach Captain. Drive to Blenheim for an afternoon’s sightseeing and a visit to the Brancott Estate Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 4 and a half star - Scenic Hotel Marlborough

Day 07 – Blenheim / Kaikoura / Ashburton

Past Lake Grassmere then follow the coastline to Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching. Over the Hundalee Ranges and onto the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Visit the International Antarctic Centre and enjoy a brief tour of Christchurch and its surrounds before heading to Ashburton for the night. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 3 and a half star -  Hotel Ashburton

Day 08 – Ashburton / Mt Cook / Omarama

Cross the broad Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps to the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine to the barren MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog memorial overlooking Lake Tekapo. Visit Mt Cook National Park, and enjoy a visit to the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre before travelling around Lake Pukaki to Twizel and Omarama. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 4 and a half star - Heritage Gateway Hotel

Day 09 – Omarama / Dunedin

An early arrival into Dunedin allows the choice of excellent optional activities, your Coach Captain will happily assist. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 3 and a half star - Cargills Hotel

Day 10 – Dunedin / Te Anau

Visit historic Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula looking back over Dunedin and set off across rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 2 Nights – 4 star - Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Day 11 – Milford Sound Day Trip

Follow the Hollyford Valleys and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to Milford Sound. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea, walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm, a spectacular waterfall, then pause at the Homer Tunnel. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 4 stra - Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Day 12 – Te Anau / Queenstown

This morning we drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship TSS Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 2 Nights – 4 star - Rydges Hotel

Day 13 – Queenstown

Today is at your leisure whilst in the adventure capital. You can either sit back and relax or your Coach Captain is available to assist with any optional activities you would like to do. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 4 star - Rydges Hotel

Day 14 – Queenstown / Haast Pass / Fox Glacier

Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating 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 into Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the glacier region. (B,D)

Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 3 and a half star - Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier

Day 15 – Fox Glacier / Christchurch

Head north along the coast to visit a Greenstone (Jade) gallery and watch craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass to the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch. (B,D)

Did you know?
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and the country’s second largest urban area. There is nowhere else in the world where within two hours of an international airport you can ski at a world class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, go mountain biking, hot-air ballooning, wind surfing, whale watching and visit world class wineries and gardens.

Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 3 and a half star - Sudima Hotel

Day 16 – Christchurch

You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to join your flight home. (B)