Travel the length of New Zealand on one of our most popular touring itineraries. Our 18 Day Panorama will allow you to relax and take in New Zealand's magnificent scenery in the comfort of our five star coaches. Special highlights include sightseeing tours of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other major city centres; Bay of Islands "Hole in the Rock" cruise; Rotorua's thermal reserve; Maori cultural group performance and hangi meal; 7 National Parks and World Heritage areas including Milford Sound. 

TOUR CODE DKAA

Basic Tour price from NZ$3710 per person share twin  Sept 2010
Basic Tour price from NZ$4330 per person share twin  Oct 2010 - April 2011
Basic Tour price from NZ$3810 per person share twin  May 2011- Sept 2011

Add on 17 breakfast nz$340
Add on 14 dinners nz$475
Single supplement add on nz$1235

Departure dates for 2010
7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28, Sept;        5,12, 19, 26, Oct;      
9, 16, 23, 30, Nov;      7, 14, 21, 28 Dec

Departure dates for 2011
4, 11, 16, 18, 25, 30, Jan;        1, 6, 8, 15, 20, 22, 27, Feb;   
1, 8, 13, 15, 22, 29, March;     10, 12, 17, 19, 26, April; 
3, 10, 24, May;     28, June;     19, July;    9, 23, Aug;
6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, Sept    

Day 1
Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Our representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your hotel. 
Pavillions Hotel  Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 2
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland's distinctive Harbour Bridge to drive north along the Hibiscus Coast, through Kawakawa to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Here 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 thorugh the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay crossing the areas world renowned game fishing grounds to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and famous "Hole in the Rock". Return through the inner islands with their beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine life.
Tanoa Hotel Paihia (2 nights)

Day 3
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 4
Bay of Islands - Rotorua
South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station, Auckland and its majestic harbour soon comes into view and a tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the central city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.
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 rainbow and brown trout at Rainbow Springs Park and even native birds including the Kiwi. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments. Time for optional activities this afternoon before a Maori hangi (meal) with 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 - Napier
Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Skirt some of the world’s largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity, view the Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm and pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, claimed to be the world's art deco capital. A city tour will encompass the Marine Parade and foreshore area plus many of the city's art deco buildings. A visit to Hawkes Bay Museum is included.
Tennyson Hotel (1 night)

Day 7
Napier - Wellington
Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings, to Dannevirke and Woodville for an early afternoon arrival in the Capital city Wellington. A city tour includes the summit of Mount Victoria for views over the city and Harbour. See the Houses of Parliament and distinctive “Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, the central city area 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 8
Wellington - Picton - Blenheim
Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with spectacular views of the City left behind. Sail across Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, bush clad hillsides remote bays and isolated holiday homes. In Picton, you are welcomed by your South Island Coach Captain. Explore Picton then drive to Blenheim for an afternoon's sightseeing that will highlight the district's many scenic attractions and some of its world renowned wines. A visit will be made to Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea.
Heartland Hotel Marlborough (1 night)

Day 9
Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch
Past Lake Grassmere then follow the coastline to Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching. Then over the Hundalee Ranges and onto the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch, included is a visit to the International Antarctic Centre before a city tour highlighting a strong English influence. See the parklands and River Avon before boarding the Tourist Tram for a circuit of the city centre which showcases all the main points of interest.
Pavilions Hotel (1 night)

Day 10
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. 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 11
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 12
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.
Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Day 13
Milford Sound Day Trip
A highlight of any tour as we follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach to the roads edge and snow capped peaks tower above. Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and to Bowen and Stirling Falls. You will have time to take a walk in the rain forest when you visit The Chasm as spectacular water fall carved through rock. If conditions permit, your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Hollyford Valley. Return to Te Anau late afternoon.

Day 14
Te Anau - Queenstown
Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the underground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow worms, an unforgettable sight. This afternoon we drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Rydges Hotel (2 nights)

Day 15
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 16
Queenstown - Haast Pass - Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining 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 17
Fox Glacier - Christchurch
Time for an optional helicopter flight (own cost) over the glaciers, then on to Greymouth to visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory to see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass to the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch.
TranzAlpine Train Option
Join the world famous TranzAlpine Train for a full journey through the Sothern Alps. Cost nz$170pp
Pavilions Hotel (1 night)

Day 18
Christchurch - Home
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.

Tour 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 prescribed in the itinerary, Baggage Handling/porterage, Travel Kit including 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 Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Dinner 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 Include
· Sightseeing tours of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin
· Subtropical Bay of Islands
· Thermal Wonderland of Rotorua
· Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
· Authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
· Volcanic and Geothermal Region of the North Island
· Auckland's Skytower
· Scenic cruise Wellington-Picton
· Montana Winery visit with tasting and afternoon tea
· Spectacular Kaikoura Coast
· World renowned Mt Cook Region
· Massive man-made Hydro Electric schemes
· Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
· The might of Milford Sound
· Te Anau glow worm caves
· Spectacular Southern Lakes Region
· Earnslaw Cruise and Dinner in Historic Homestead
· Remote National Parks of Westland and Fiordland
· West Coast Glaciers
· Visit Greenstone (Jade) Factory
· Cape Brett Launch Cruise
· Guided Tour of Waitangi Treaty House and grounds
· Parry Kauri Reserve
· Agrodome
· Rainbow Springs and Kiwi House
· Te Puia Thermal Reserve
· Skyline Gondola and Luge ride (Rotorua)
· International Antarctic Centre
· Christchurch Sightseeing Tram
· Olveston House
· Milford Sound Scenic Cruise