 |
 |
| Day by Day Itinerary: |
|
|
| Day 1 - Arrive Auckland |
|
A representative of Kirra Tours will greet you at the airport, with transport to take you to your hotel.
Accommodation at the Mercure Hotel, Auckland |
|
|
| Day2 - 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 at the Tanoa Hotel, Paihia |
|
| Day3 - Bay of Islands |
|
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available, you're Coach Captain will happily assist with details. Why not try 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.
Accommodation at the Tanoa Hotel, Paihia |
|
| Day4 - 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 at the Kingsgate Hotel, Rotorua |
|
| Day5 - Rotorua |
|
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome, then there will be 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).
Accommodation at the Kingsgate Hotel, Rotorua |
|
| Day6 - 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.
Accommodation at the Hotel Ibis, Wellington |
|
| Day7 - 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.
Accommodation at the Hotel Ibis, Wellington |
|
| Day8 - Wellington / Picton / Christchurch |
|
Board the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise across Cook Strait, into Queen Charlotte Sound and finishing in Picton. Shortly on arrival into Picton you transfer to the TranzCoastal which takes the scenic route to Christchurch where you will be met by your South Island Coach Captain.
Accommodation at the Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch |
|
| Day9 - Christchurch / Mount Cook / Omarama |
|
Cross the Canterbury Plains and enter the MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial overlooking Lake Tekapo. Visit Mt Cook National Park before travelling on to Omarama.
Accommodation at the Country Time Hotel, Omarama |
|
| Day10 - Omarama / Dunedin |
|
Travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin. Enjoy the many optional activities available to you this afternoon. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details.
Accommodation at the Kingsgate Hotel, Dunedin |
|
| Day11 - 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.
Accommodation at the Kingsgate Hotel, Dunedin |
|
| Day 12 - Dunedin / 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.
Accommodation at the Kingsgate Hotel, Te Anau |
|
| Day 13 - 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 at the Aspen Tanoa, Queenstown |
|
| Day 14 - 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.
Accommodation at the Aspen Tanoa, Queenstown |
|
| Day 15 - 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 at the Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka |
|
| Day 16 - 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.
Accommodation at the Beachfront Hotel, Hokitika |
|
| Day 17 - 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.
Accommodation at the Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch |
|
| Day 18 - 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. |
|
|
| Departure Dates: |
|
| Tour Code |
Start
Auckland |
Finish
Christchurch |
Promotions & Deals |
Guaranteed
Departure |
18 Days
|
2012 |
|
|
|
| LA442 |
Sun 25 Mar |
Wed 11 Apr |
Please enquire upon booking |
|
| LA462 |
Sun 08 Apr |
Wed 25 Apr |
Please enquire upon booking |
yes |
| LA152 |
Sun 30 Sep |
Wed 17 Oct |
Please enquire upon booking |
yes |
|
|
|
|
;)
