TOUR CODE DKII

Basic Tour price from NZ$2440 per person share twin  Oct 2010 - April 2011
Basic Tour price from NZ$2345 per person share twin  May 2011- Sept 2011

Add on 9 breakfast nz$180
Add on 7 dinners nz$240
Single supplement add on nz$705

Departure dates for 2010
5, 12, 19, 24, 26, Sept   
1, 3, 10, 17, 24, 31,  Oct;       7, 14, 21, 28, Nov;      5, 10, 12, 19, 26, Dec

Departure dates for 2011
2, 9, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, Jan;             4, 6, 11, 13, 20, 25, 27, Feb;   
4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, March;           3, 10, 17, 22, 24, April; 
8, 29, May;         12, 26, June;         10, 31, July;                14, Aug;
4, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30, Sept

Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to New Zealand! Kirra Holidays will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.
Pavilions Hotel (1 night)

DAY 2
Christchurch - Blenheim
Join the Tranz Coastal train for a kaleidoscope of scenery across fertile Canterbury farmland through the Hundalee Ranges. Follow the Pacific coastline, with the Kaikoura mountains forming a rugged backdrop to the west, passing tiny holiday settlements and Kaikoura, famous for whale-watching. Arrive in Blenheim early afternoon. A short tour of the area includes a visit to Montana Winery. Enjoy a hosted tour of the winery, learn about and taste a range of the famous local wines (purchase if you wish) followed by afternoon tea.
Heartland Hotel Marlborough (1 night)

Day 3
Blenheim – Picton - Wellington
Drive to Picton, nestled on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds, to board the Interislander ferry. Sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, sheltered waterways, remote bays and isolated holiday homes. Then we travel across Cook Strait and into Wellington Harbour for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Capital City. A city tour will incorporate the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour, the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive “Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, city centre 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.
Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)

Day 4
Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island and on a clear day, the South Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. We then travel across rolling farmland to the central North Island National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake and famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls skirting massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)

Day 5
Rotorua
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration. See pools of brown and rainbow trout at Rainbow Springs Park and native birds including the Kiwi. Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve, with boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement, try a Luge ride with compliments. Time for optional activities this afternoon before a Maori hangi (meal) with a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group). 

Day 6
Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. At Waitomo, a guide will escort your group underground to the limestone caverns and glow worm grotto. On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the region’s Maori people, then alongside the Waikato River before crossing the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand’s largest city – Auckland. A city tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for superb city and harbour views, the downtown area and Waterfront Drive.
Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 7
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe and the Kauri Museum telling the story of the Kauri tree and the regions early settlement, the displays are superb and their story fascinating. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia, where we meet our local Maori Guide, a descendant of the original settlers to the region, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. A self guided tour through the famous treaty house, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.
Tanoa Hotel Paihia (2 nights)

Prices includes
A Meet & Greet on arrival, Return Airport Transfers, Quality twin/double en-suite accommodation throughout, travel in fully air-conditioned 5 star coaches, Escorted by a professional Coach Captain, Informative commentary, Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as perscribed in the itinerary, Baggage Handling/porterage, Travel Kit a Travel Backpack, Ticket Wallet, Notebook, Pen, DVD postcard, Postcards, New Zealand Map and more.

Meals are optional to include in your tour package and about 95% of travellers choose to include these as they represent exceptional value. All meals start on day 2 of the tour itinerary and conclude after breakfast on the final tour day.

Highlights 
Sightseeing tours of Wellington and Auckland
Renowned Tranz Coastal Train Journey
Montana Winery visit with tasting and afternoon tea
Scenic Interislander Cruise Picton to Wellington
Volcanic and Geothermal Region
Authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
Rotorua's Thermal Wonderland
Agrodome Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
Rainbow Springs and Kiwi House
Te Puia Thermal Reserve
Skyline Gondola and Luge ride
Waitomo Caves
Auckland's Skytower
Matakohe Kauri Museum
Entry to Waitangi Treaty House and grounds
Cape Brett "Hole in the Rock' Cruise

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