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Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland and New Zealand! We will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.
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ACCOMMODATION:
Mercure Hotel |
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Auckland – Bay of Islands
Depart Auckland and drive north to Paihia where our local Maori guide will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to Waitangi for a self guided tour. Enjoy a launch cruise to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and famous "Hole in the Rock". |
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel Paihia
(2 nights) |
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Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional 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.
Optional: Overnight Cruise on the "Ipipiri" a luxury launch, at $155 per person |
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Bay of Islands – Rotorua
Heading South to Auckland then cross the Bombay Hills and travel through Waikato and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to the thermal city of Rotorua. |
ACCOMMODATION:
Kingsgate Hotel Rotorua
(2 nights) |
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Rotorua
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome, Rainbow Springs & Skyline Gondola allowing for some free time
this afternoon for you to either explore this thermal city or take advantage of many optional activities. A great option whilst in Rotorua is to soak in the thermal pools at Polynesian Spas. This evening enjoy a Maori Cultural Performance and traditional Maori hangi (meal). |
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Rotorua –Wellington
This morning we depart the thermal city and drive past the world's largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity. Stopping to view the powerful Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through the narrow chasm and pause at Lake Taupo. Continue south to the Capital City, Wellington where you will take a tour of the city before having having a opportunity to explore the city yourself.
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ACCOMMODATION:
Ibis Hotel
(2 nights) |
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Masterton – Wellington
Today is at your leisure, your coach captain will be able to recommend to you many optional activities. We recommend that you explore Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, ensure you have a coffee on Cuba St and sneak some shopping in. Tonight dinner is at your leisure, explore the many restaurants & bars that Wellington has to offer.
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Wellington – Picton – Christchurch
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.
Shortly on arrival into Picton you transfer to the TranzCoastal which takes the scenic rail route to Christchurch where you will be met by your South Island coach captain.
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ACCOMMODATION:
Pavilions Hotel |
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(D)
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Christchurch – Mt Cook – Omarama
As you leave the most English city outside of England, your coach captain will highlight the main attractions of the city of Christchurch. From the arable plains travel inland to the rolling green pastures of Geraldine and onto the semi barren land of MacKenzie Country. In the heart of the MacKenzie Basin Tekapo is nestled on shores of azure Lake Tekapo. You will visit The Church of the Good Shepherd, quite likely the most photographed church on your South Island Tour. Travel down the valley along the shores of Lake Pukaki, through Twizel (the town of trees) before arriving at your destination, Omarama, nestled in the velvet type tussock covered hills of the Lindis range. |
ACCOMMODATION:
Country Time Hotel, Omarama |
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Omarama – Dunedin
As your New Zealand holiday continues, follow the beautiful braided Waitaki River east, passing Benmore and Avemore hydro lakes before reaching the Pacific Ocean at Historic Oamaru. En route visit Moeraki Boulders, marvelling at the huge spherical stones, found strewn along a stretch of Koekohe Beach near Moeraki. These boulders are grey-coloured concretions which have been exposed through shoreline erosion from black mud stone coastal cliffs that back the beach.
An early arrival into Dunedin, "The Edinburgh of the South" allows you plenty of time to explore this nature lover's playground.
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ACCOMMODATION:
Kingsgate Hotel
(2 nights) |
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Omarama – Dunedin
Today is at your leisure, your coach captain will be able to recommend to you many optional activities. We recommend that you visit the Octagon in the city centre, or enjoy a round of golf out at St Clair. Tonight's dinner is at your leisure, explore the many restaurants & bars that Dunedin has to offer.
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Dunedin – Lake Manapouri – Te Anau
Travel the peninsula before embarking on Dunedin's famous Lanarch Castle and Gardens, and then cross rich farmlands to Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri (time and weather permitting) before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau. A optional choice tonight is the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, you take a short cruise before exploring this natural wonder.
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ACCOMMODATION:
Kingsgate Hotel |
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(D)
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Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys before descending into the Cleddau Canyon and Milford Sound. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and shows such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Time to relax and appreciate your surroundings. Walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm a spectacular waterfall then pause at the Homer Tunnel. If conditions permit, your coach captain may make a short drive into the Lower Hollyford Valley. After your cruise you drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. |
ACCOMMODATION:
Aspen Tanoa
(2 nights) |
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Queenstown
A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your coach captain will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola to the Skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous - white water rafting. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries. Tonight is free dining but we recommend that you take the iconic TSS Earnslaw steam boat across Lake Wakatipu and dine at Walter Peak High Country. |
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Queenstown - Wanaka
Head back in time as you travel through areas steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era. First stop Arrowtown, then travel pass picturesque Lake Hayes and pay old Cromwell a visit before arriving at Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. This afternoon is at your leisure and we recommend if the weather is good you take a cruise on the lake or a walk around, your coach captain will be there to assist with optional activities. |
ACCOMMODATION: Wanaka Hotel |
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Wanaka – Hokitika
Today takes you to 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. (Upon arrival into Fox Glacier there is opportunity to take an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers). Continuing north, you visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where you can see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery.
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ACCOMMODATION:
Beachfront Hotel |
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Hokitika – Christchurch
Setting off back to Christchurch, you cross the Otira Gorge and travel through Arthurs Pass until you eventually meet up with the famous TranzAlpine track that leads you through the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch. On arrival why not take the time to explore the city of Churches one more time before you head home.
Optional: Experience one of the world’s top 6
train trips aboard the TranzAlpine to Christchurch. Additional cost $180 per person from Greymouth.
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ACCOMMODATION:
Pavilions Hotel |
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Depart Christchurch
Today is goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport to join your flight home. |
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