Day 01 – Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! A Tours representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 4 and a half star - Rydges Hotel – Auckland
Day 02 – Auckland / Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and drive north to Matakohe, home of the Kauri Museum. Learn about the Kauri tree and the history of the regions early settlement. Continue north to Paihia where a local Maori guide greets you. Take a self guided tour through the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 2 Nights – 4 star - Tanoa Hotel – Paihia
Day 03 – Bay of Islands
Today is at your leisure, take the time to enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Your Coach Captain can assist with arranging activities for you. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 4 star - Tanoa Hotel – Paihia
Day 04 – Bay of Islands / Auckland
A launch cruise will take you across the Bay to Cape Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock.” Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth. Shortly, Auckland city and harbour come into view. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – Rydges Hotel – Auckland
Day 05 – Auckland / Whangamata
A city tour of Auckland takes in the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere at 328m high, Skytower. Then downtown at the Viaduct you will experience the thrill of sailing aboard a 15m yacht on Auckland Harbour, all before heading south to the Coromandel Peninsula. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 2 Nights – Breakers Motel
Day 06 – Coromandel Peninsula
Today you will go on an exclusive journey through the Coromandel region with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Explore regenerating Kauri forest, discover the old roads to Puketui, an 1890’s gold mining town and visit a goldmine studded with glowworms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 4 and a half star - Breakers Motel
Day 07 – Whangamata / Rotorua
On to Rotorua today where we visit the Agrodome for its famous Sheep Show and take a Gondola to Skyline Skyride for superb views. Afterwards, explore Rainbow Springs Park. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi feast & concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group). (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 4 star - Sudima Hotel – Lake Rotorua
Day 08 – Rotorua / Turangi
This morning visit Te Puia, a geothermal reserve with boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. We then head south to the Wairakei Geothermal Valley, visiting Huka Falls, before arriving at Lake Taupo. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 4 star - Bridge Lodge
Day 09 – Turangi / Wellington
As you travel south the volcanic mountains – Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe dominate the view, before reaching the capital city – Wellington. A city tour includes Mount Victoria, the Houses of Parliament, Wellington Cathedral and Oriental Bay, with time to explore the city and Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – Bay Plaza Hotel
Day 10 – Wellington / Blenheim/Nelson
Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sounds to Picton. After being welcomed by your Coach Captain, visit 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. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 2 Nights – 4 star - Leisure Lodge
Day 11 – Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park
Today is at your leisure, take the time to explore the shops and art galleries which make Nelson famous. Your Coach Captain can assist with arranging activities for you. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 4 star - Leisure Lodge
Day 12 – Nelson / Greymouth
Travel through the rugged Buller Gorge, visiting Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind. Take a moment to explore the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki before arriving at Greymouth. Visit Jade Boulder Gallery showcasing native jade, crafted into fine jewellery. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 4 star - Hotel Ashley – Greymouth
Day 13 – Greymouth / Franz Josef
Hugging the coastline of the West Coast, as you come closer your view will be dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlighting your journey to Franz Josef. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 4 star - Scenic Hotel Franz Josef
Day 14 – Franz Josef / Wanaka
Today we leave the West Coast and head inland towards the Aspiring National Park. On arrival into Wanaka you will have a choice of activities between a launch cruise that will take you across the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve, then an informative bush walk with refreshments. Alternatively if adrenalin is what you are after then experience an exhilarating jet boat ride along the Clutha River. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 4 and a half star - Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort
Day 15 – Wanaka / Queenstown
We arrive late morning into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group). (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 3 Nights – 4 star - Rydges Hotel
Day 16 & 17 – Queenstown
The next two days are at your leisure whilst in the adventure capital. You can either sit back and relax, or your Coach Captain can assist with any optional activities you would like to do. (B,D – Dinner on Day 16 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.)
Overnight accommodation: 4 star - Rydges Hotel
Day 18 – Queenstown / Milford Sound
Travelling along the shores of Lake Wakatipu we head towards Fiordland. Follow the Eglinton Valley past lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. Continue through The Divide and travel into the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to reach magnificent Milford Sound. Here you board the Milford Mariner overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight (1 night). (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – Milford Mariner Cruise
Day 19 – Milford Sound / Dunedin
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world with a glimpse every so often of a passing seal or penguin. On your return to shore you begin your journey to Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South.’ Tonight prior to dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 2 Nights – 4 and a half stars - Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel
Day 20 – Dunedin
Today is at leisure, your Coach Captain is available to assist you with organising optional activities. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 4 and a half stars - Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel
Day 21 – Dunedin / Mt Cook
This morning visit Olveston House, Dunedin’s majestic historic home. Travel north stopping to view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley until you reach Mt Cook National Park. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 4 star - Hermitage Hotel
Day 22 – Mt Cook / Christchurch
This morning visit the magnificent Tasman Glacier. Afterwards, visit Lake Tekapo, view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial. Continue to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch for a city and surrounds tour. (B,D)
Overnight accommodation: 1 Night – 4 star - Ashley Hotel – Christchurch
Day 23 – Christchurch / Home
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport to join your flight home. (B)
