BEST OF NEW ZEALAND
Auckland to Christchurch
A Quality 17 Day Best of New Zealand, see the north & south island including Bay of Islands, Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound & more
TOUR CODE QA-HABC
Tour cost from nz $3695 Sept 2010 per person share twin
Tour cost from nz $3920 Oct 2010 - April 2011 per person share twin
Tour cost from nz $3750 May 2011 - Sept 2011per person share twin
Tour cost from nz $4075 Oct 2011 - Dec 2011 per person share twin
DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2010
25 SEPT; 2 5 9 12 16 19 23 30 OCT
6 13 20 23 27 NOV; 11 18 25 DEC
DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2011
1 8 15 18 22 29 JAN; 1 5 8 12 15 19 22 26 FEB; 8 12 15 MAR;
2 9 30 APRIL; 7 MAY; 11 JUN; 9 JULY; 6 20 AUG;
3 17 24 SEPT; 1 4 8 11 15 18 22 29 OCT; 5 12 19 22 26 NOV
10 17 24 31 DEC
Red dates are guaranteed departure dates, please note as this tour offers exceptional value for money, early bookings are recommended
Single supplement nz$1150
Day 1
Arrive Auckland
After your airport transfer and hotel check-in, explore Auckland your way. Evening Welcome Drink with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
Hotel: Mercure Hotel, Auckland.
Day 2
Bay of Islands
We head out of Auckland over the Harbour Bridge, travelling along the scenic Hibiscus Coast. Explore Whangarei, the northern- most city in New Zealand.On to Paihia and the Bay of Islands where we’ll tour the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve.
Hotel: Hotel Paihia, Bay of Islands, 2 nights. B
Day 3
Bay of Islands
Explore the Bay of Islands your way. Dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, drive along the Ninety Mile Beach, sail or sea-kayak - it’s up to you. Dine at your leisure in town. B
Day 4
Auckland
Enjoy a scenic cruise through the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and the ‘Hole in the Rock’. We’ll explore Urupukapuka Island then return to Auckland.
Hotel: Mercure Hotel, Auckland. B
Day 5
Waitomo Caves
After an Auckland city sights tour we trace the Waikato River to Waitomo Caves. We tour the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. Then arrive at Rotorua for an orientation tour, with views of Lake Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi feast and Concert and gain an insight into traditional Maori culture.
Hotel: Hotel Ibis, Rotorua, 2 nights. B HD
Day 6
Rotorua
Today we visit the Agrodome Sheep Show then enjoy an afternoon of ‘Free Time’ -to take an optional visit to Paradise Valley Springs, abundant with Rainbow Trout and New Zealand farm animals or Te Puia, where a local Maori will guide you through the Geothermal valley with its mud pools and geysers. It’s your choice. B
Day 7
Rotorua - Wellington
En route to Wellington we’ll view the Huka Falls, visit Taupo and drive along the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. Discover the alpine scenery of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park and the dairy farms of Manawatu. Travel along the Kapiti Coast into Wellington, for a city tour with views from Mt Victoria.
Hotel: Mercure Willis Street, Wellington. B
Day 8
Wellington - Picton
A morning of ‘Free Time’ in Wellington, followed by a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. A photo opportunity at Parliament House. Then we cruise tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. Later we travel to the seaside village of Picton for an orientation tour.
Hotel: Beachcomber, Picton. B
Day 9
Picton - Christchurch
We start the day with a tour and tasting at Montana Winery. En route to Christchurch, we’ll get up close and personal with some New Zealand Fur Seals at Ohau Point, watch whales at Kaikoura, (optional scenic Whale Watching flight), travel along the rugged Pacific Ocean coast and across the Canterbury Plains. A city tour of Christchurch, the ‘most English city’ outside of England, then it’s ‘Free Time’.
Hotel: Hotel Ibis, Christchurch. B
Day 10
Mt Cook
Start the day your way - shop, ride the Christchurch Tram or just relax. Later we’ll see Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and soak up the alpine scenery of Mt Cook National Park (optional Mt Cook scenic flight).
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel, omarama. B
Day 11
Dunedin
From the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam, we travel through Oamaru to Dunedin for a city tour. The afternoon is yours to explore Dunedin as you wish.
Hotel: Cargill’s Hotel, Dunedin. B
Day 12
Dunedin - Te Anau
After a morning of time to yourself, we’ll cross sheep- filled farming land to the South Island’s biggest lake - Lake Te Anau and the town of Te Anau. Optional Glow Worm Caves tour tonight.
Hotel: Kingsgate Hotel,Te Anau. B
Day 13
Milford Sound
From Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound, witness Mirror Lakes, Claudu Valley, The Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and more. Travel along the Devils Stair Case and the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a Queenstown orientation tour and group photo, followed by an alpine dinner with views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain range.
Hotel: Aspen Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights. B
Day 14
Queenstown
Explore exciting Queenstown your way, all day. From wine and garden tours to jet boat rides and white water rafting, Queenstown will keep you occupied and exhilarated. For dinner you have the option to dine at the Skyline Restaurant on Bob’s Peak. Access is via the steepest Gondola in the Southern Hemisphere.
Dinner options include the Kiwi Haka Maori Show. B
Day 15
Fox Glacier
Our first stop is Arrowtown. Next is Cromwell and its sensational stone fruit. Then it’s a trio of lakes - Lake Dunstan, Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka. Travel through Haast Pass, view Thunder Creek Falls, take a rainforest walk. Final stop is Fox Glacier - a rare, still advancing glacier (optional Fox Glacier scenic flight).
Hotel: Fox Glacier Hotel, Fox Glacier. B
Day 16
Christchurch
First we visit Hokitika, home of the native greenstone (jade) for a factory visit and jewellery demonstration. We travel through coastal Greymouth then view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki before returning to Christchurch.
Hotel: Hotel Ibis, Christchurch. B D
TRANZALPINE TRAIN
Join one of the top six train journeys in the world. Additional cost of nz $108 per person.
Day 17
Depart Christchurch
Explore Christchurch at your leisure until your transfer to Christchurch Airport. B
Sightseeing Highlights
Visit the Bay of Islands
See the sights of Auckland
Cruise through the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’
Tour the Glow worm Grotto
Hangi Feast and Concert
Agrodome Sheep Show
Visit Te Papa
Visit Montana Winery
Stay in beautiful Christchurch
See the Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo
Sightseeing in Dunedin
Cruise on Milford Sound
Day at leisure in Queenstown
Visit historic Arrowtown
Spectacular Fox Glacier
Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki
Opportunity to journey on the TranzAlpine train
Quality Touring
Rooms with private facilities in quality hotels, on a twin share basis
Luxury air-conditioned coach, reclining seats with seatbelts, restroom and panoramic windows
All purpose travel bag, wallet and touring map
Porterage at tour hotels
Airport transfers included
Professional Team
· Experienced services of a professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
Included Meals
· Welcome Drink
· 16 Full buffet breakfasts
· 10 Dinners and 1 Highlight Dinner
Book and pay your deposit for your escorted tour before 30th September 2010 and save $150 per couple. All savings are based on per couple sharing twin/double room in high season for travel from October 2010 to April 2011. Be quick as space is limited
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