Book and pay your deposit on this tour for travel between 1st September and 31st December 2010 and you will receive the Dinner supplement absolutely free!

17 DAY WONDERLAND TOUR
Christchurch - Auckland

Our 17 Day Wonderland Tour is an extremely popular option for those wanting to see both the North and South Islands. This itinerary includes 7 National Parks and World Heritage areas including Mt Aspiring National Park, Fiordland National Park and Tongariro National Park. Special Highlights include sightseeing tours of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and major cities; Scottish Haggis Ceremony; Marlborough Wine region; Waitomo Glowworm grotto and more. During the course of the tour you will also have free time in Dunedin, Queenstown, Rotorua and Paihia (Bay of Islands) to experience some of the unique and regional optional sightseeing activities including Monarch Wildlife Cruise in Dunedin to see the Royal Albatross, Shotover Jet Ride in Queenstown and a Cape Reinga Day Trip from Paihia plus many more options for those wishing to explore further.

TOUR CODE DKBB

Basic Tour price from NZ$3415per person share twin  Sept 2010
Basic Tour price from NZ$3995 per person share twin Oct 2010 - April 2011
Basic Tour price from NZ$3555 per person share twin  May 2011- Sept 2011

Departure dates for 2011
2, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30, Jan;        4, 6, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, Feb;    
4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 27, March;           3, 10, 15, 17, April;
1, 22, , May;     5, 19, June;     3, 24, July;    7, 28, Aug;
4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 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 - Mt Cook - Omarama
Cross the broad Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps to the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine to the barren MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd dedicated to the early pioneers of the region and the Collie Dog memorial overlooking the milky blue waters of Lake Tekapo. You will have time for a spectacular flight over the Southern Alps, lakes and glaciers with Air Safaris (optional cost). Visit Mt Cook National Park, with time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand’s highest snow capped peaks, before travelling around Lake Pukaki to Twizel and Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)

Day 3
Omarama - Dunedin
Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin the “Scottish” city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton’s Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals. Board the Taieri Gorge train excursion or explore the city only a few minutes walk away. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.
Cargills Hotel (1 night) 

Day 4
Dunedin - Lake Manapouri - Te Anau
Visit historic Olveston House, and then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri with its rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau.
Fiordland National Park Hotel (1 nights)

Day 5
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Return to Te Anau and on to Mossburn, then skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant, where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed.
Rydges Hotel (2 nights)

Day 6
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.

Day 7
Queenstown - Haast Pass - Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the magnificent glacier region and visit the National Park Headquarters or take the optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face.
Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (1 night)

Day 8
Fox Glacier - Greymouth
Time for an optional (own cost) helicopter flight over the glacier then on to Franz Josef, the snow capped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Next is Shantytown, a restored gold mining town of the 1860’s where you pan for gold and ride on the steam train at no extra cost.
Hotel Ashley (1 night) 

Day 9
Greymouth - Blenheim
View the unusual rock formations and blowholes at Punakaiki and pass Charleston, a former goldmining township. Follow the Buller River through the Buller Gorge and on to Lake Rotoiti in the Nelson Lakes National Park. Follow the long Wairau Valley to Blenheim. 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 10
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 11
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 12
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 13
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 14
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)

Day 15
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 is extremely popular or alternatively, visit historic Russell, New Zealand’s first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum.

Day 16
Bay of Islands - Auckland
This morning a launch cruise will take you across the Bay and some of its world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock, cruising amongst picturesque islands with pristine sandy beaches and sparkling clear water. Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth, passing the satellite tracking station. Shortly Auckland city and Harbour come into view with a late afternoon arrival.
Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 17
Auckland - Home
It is farewell to your travelling companions. You will be transferred to Auckland International Airport to join your flight home

Prices include
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, Cook Strait Ferry Crossing, Maori Concert & Hangi Meal in Rotorua and Skyline Gondola Ride and sumptuous Taste of New Zealand Buffet in Queenstown.

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 Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington and Auckland
• World renowned Mt Cook Region
• Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
• Spectacular Southern Lakes
• Awe inspiring Milford Sound
• Dinner at Skyline Restaurant
• Remote National Parks of Fiordland & Westland
• West Coast Glaciers
• Visit Greenstone (Jade) Factory
• Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
• Montana Winery visit with tasting and afternoon tea
• Scenic cruise Picton - Wellington
• Volcanic and Geothermal Region
• Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
• Authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
• Rotorua's Thermal Wonderland
• Waitomo Glow-worm Caves
• Subtropical Bay of Islands
• Olveston House
• Milford Sound Launch Cruise
• Shanty-town with gold panning
• Agrodome
• Rainbow Springs and Kiwi House
• Te Puia Thermal Reserve
• Skyline Gondola and Luge ride
• Auckland's Skytower
• Matakohe Kauri Museum
• Waitangi Treaty House and grounds
• Cape Brett Launch Cruise




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