New Zealand Coach Tours » Essential New Zealand

Tour Inclusions

Interislander Cruise
Milford Sound - cruise
Milford Sound - Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls
Mt Cook - NZ/s tallest mountain
Rotorua - Hangi Feast and Concert
Rotorua - Rainbow Springs Nature Park
Rotorua - Agrodome’s Sheep Show
Rotorua - Te Puia geothermal wonderland
Queenstown - Skyline Gondola
TranzCoastal Train Journey
Waitomo Caves - Glowworm caves tour

Meals

None included in the price. Breakfasts are optional.

Independant Touring Standard Inclusions

9 Nights Quality Accommodation
Luxury Coach Transport & Hotel Transfers
Daily Departures

1	Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua From Auckland travel past the Bombay Hills which signal the end of sprawling city as the lush Waikato pasturelands take you past Hamilton and on to Waitomo caves for a subterranean boat ride under an eerie canopy of glow worm lights. On across the Waikato and Mamaku Hills to fiery Rotorua. Tonight we enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert, a quintessential New Zealand experience. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.	Accommodation (2nights): Gold: Millennium Hotel Rotorua Silver: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua Bronze: Kingsgate Hotel Motel: Motel Studio
2	At Rotorua This morning you will be met at your accommodation for your morning sightseeing tour of this city. Rotorua sits calmly atop some remarkable cracks in the earth's crust - sometimes giving the impression that the town is on fire. This impression is reinforced by the hot mists of Te Puia, roaring geysers and boiling mudpools heated to unbearable temperatures. Other highlights on your tour of Rotorua are the native and exotic vegetation at Rainbow Springs, which are world renowned for their pools of tame trout. The Agrodome Farm display features a vital section of New Zealand's agriculture, sheep shearing and a sheep dog display. This afternoon is free and there are many activities to attract you.
3	Rotorua - Wellington Drive south through the exotic forests to Wairakei's permanent mantle of steam, then to Lake Taupo. The ominous peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu watch over our drive to Waiouru. Drop down through to the fertile Manawatu plains, past coastal horticultural farms, and rocky seascapes to Wellington. Overnight in Wellington.	Accommodation: Gold: Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay Silver: Holiday Inn Wellington Bronze: Kingsgate Hotel Wellington Motel: Motel Studio
4	Wellington - Picton - Christchurch Catch the famous Interislander Ferry across Cook Strait and through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board the TranzCoastal Train to edge down a narrow coastal strip where the surf pounds the rugged Kaikoura Ranges. Cross the dry North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch where you will overnight. As you will arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day to explore our most 'English' city.	Accommodation: Gold: The Heritage Hotel Silver: Copthorne Central Hotel Bronze: Ibis Hotel Motel: Motel Studio
5	Christchurch - Dunedin Travel across the manicured Canterbury Plains to seaside Timaru, whitestone Oamaru and alongside the rugged coastline to Palmerston. Cross Mt Cargill to Dunedin - 'the Edinburgh of the South'. Arrive early afternoon. Overnight in Dunedin. Please note there is no commentary on this leg of the journey.	Accommodation: Gold: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross Silver: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City Bronze: 526 George St Boutique Hotel Motel: Motel Studio
6	Dunedin - Te Anau This morning is free for optional tours. Now it's the rich farming country of South Otago and Southland as we travel to Balclutha and turn west to Gore. The countryside becomes drier as we reach Lumsden, Mossburn and the first glimpse of Fiordland. Situated on Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island, Te Anau is the gateway to the wilderness area of Fiordland National Park. The Kepler, Routeburn and Milford Tracks are all in this area. Overnight in Te Anau.	Accommodation: Gold: Distinction Te Anau Silver: Distinction Luxmore Hotel Bronze: Kingsgate Te Anau Motel: Motel Studio
7	Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown The Fiordland National Park is the venue for today's thrilling experience - the beautiful Eglinton and Hollyford valleys - the beech forests - the Homer Tunnel and the awesome Cleddau Canyon. A cruise on Milford Sound to see the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls is included. Then you climb out of Milford Sound to Te Anau, to travel across country to Kingston where you drive alongside Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Three nights in Queenstown.	Accommodation (3nights): Gold: Millennium Hotel Silver: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bronze: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Motel: Motel Studio
8	At Queenstown Two full days for you to enjoy this fabulous resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour.
9	At Queenstown With two full days for you to enjoy this fabulous resort, there are dozens of optional activities as well from thrilling jetboat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping.
10	Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch Firstly you travel through the rocky and formidable Kawarau Gorge then past Cromwell to climb up and over the Lindis Pass. The plains of the Mackenzie Country lie before us and the Southern Alps to our left as we reach the central lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park. Optional lunch at the Hermitage Hotel, or perhaps a Ski plane flight. Across Burke Pass to Fairlie, Geraldine and the Canterbury plains to Christchurch, where your tour ends at 6.15 pm.

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Dates are subject to availability at time of booking. You will receive confirmation within 24 hours from booking.
Prices indicate brochure rates and dates, less discounts, however are still subject to final confirmation.
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Airfares are not included in the prices, unless where stated.
Twin-share accommodation is the basis of the price. A single supplement must be added for single travellers.
All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, and all details will be confirmed at time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.