NEW ZEALAND TEMPTATION
Christchurch to Auckland
A 19 Day Quality New Zealand Tour, See both the North & South islands including Bay of Island’s, Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Milford Sound, Dunedin Mount Cook & much more, includes Tranz Alpine Train.
TOUR CODE QTV-NFT19
TOUR COST FROM nz$4705 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (With Breakfasts)
TOUR COST FROM nz$5395 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN (Breakfasts & Dinners)
DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2010
6 13 20 27 OCT; 3 1017 24 NOV; 1 8 15 DEC
DEPARTURE DATES FOR 2011
5 12 19 26 JAN; 2 4 9 16 18 23 FEB; 9 16 18 23 30 MARCH
6 13 20 APRIL; 5 12 19 26 OCT; 2 9 16 23 30 NOV; 7 21 DEC
Most dates are guaranteed - ask when booking
Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Christchurch
Day 2
Christchurch - Lake Ohau
Today we journey to Lake Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd made of locally gathered stone and oak. Continue to Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage-listed area and home to New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt Cook. There may be an opportunity for an optional scenic flight over this amazing alpine region (own expense, weather permitting). Continue to the secluded Lake Ohau Lodge, nestled on the shores of picturesque Lake Ohau.
Accommodation: Lake Ohau
Day 3
Lake Ohau - Dunedin
Leaving Lake Ohau we travel via massive hydro-electric schemes and glacier-fed lakes, to the east coast. Visit the lovely town of Oamaru, renowned for its local cream limestone buildings, built during the wealth of last century’s gold rushes. We continue south to view the unusual Moeraki Beach boulders, which were formed some 60 million years ago. This afternoon we arrive in Dunedin, settled by the Scottish in 1848 and renowned as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, due to its rich Scottish heritage. Enjoy a city sightseeing tour including a visit to historic Olveston House, where we take a guided tour and learn about New Zealand family life at the turn of last century. Tonight enjoy a Scottish evening and dinner at your hotel, complete with bagpipes, kilts and haggis.
Accommodation: Dunedin,
Day 4
Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning we visit historic Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. The castle was built by William Larnach for his beloved first wife, 200 workmen laboured for five years before the family was able to move in. View the beautifully restored rooms filled with New Zealand antiques, then we depart Dunedin and travel through rich Southland countryside as we cross the South Island. Continue to the lakeside settlement of Te Anau, gateway to the magnificent Fiordland National Park.
Accommodation: Te Anau,
Day 5
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Today we follow the Milford Road, renowned as one of the world’s finest alpine drives. Wind through the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys, then through the Homer Tunnel to be met by the glassy waters of Milford Sound. We board our cruise and journey the full length of this beautiful fiord. Cruise beneath tumbling waterfalls and mountains, including famous Mitre Peak. Milford Sound runs nine miles inland from the Tasman Sea and is surrounded by sheer rock faces that rise 3,930 feet on either side. Lush greenery clings precariously to these cliffs, while seals, penguins and dolphins frequent the waters below. This afternoon we have a relaxing drive to the town of Queenstown. This evening cruise to historic Walter Peak Sheep Station on the TSS Earnslaw to enjoy a sumptuous carvery dinner.
Accommodation: Queenstown, (2 nights)
Day 6
Queenstown at leisure
Today enjoy the many activities this exciting alpine resort has to offer. Known as the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown is an adventure-seeker’s paradise, with a wide range of sports and activities available. Experience some of New Zealand’s famous wines on a vineyard tour, take an exciting river-rafting journey or a scenic helicopter flight (own expense). The opportunities are endless.
Accommodation: Queenstown, (2 nights)
Day 7
Queenstown - Haast
Today we travel towards the West Coast via the shores of lakes Hawea and Wanaka, journey over the magnificent Southern Alps, through spectacular Haast Pass. Arrive in the village of Haast situated on the West Coast, where the Haast River meets the sea.
Accommodation: Haast
Day 8
Haast - Greymouth
Enjoy the incredible scenery as we travel along the West Coast, through a world of mountains, glaciers, limestone landscapes, tranquil lakes, raging rivers and rare bird and plant life. Continue along dramatic coastline through dense rain forest to World Heritage-listed Westland National Park.
Accommodation: Greymouth.
Day 9
Greymouth - TranzAlpine Train - Christchurch
Journey north along the dramatic coastline to Punakaiki to view the fascinating Pancake rock formations and blowholes, this afternoon we board the award-winning TranzAlpine Train. This journey has been voted one of the top train journeys in the world. Arrive in the Garden City of Christchurch.
Accommodation: Christchurch
Day 10
Christchurch - Picton
Today is a spectacular scenic journey between mountain and sea. Arrive in the thriving seaside settlement of Kaikoura and continue to Blenheim. Here we visit Brancott Winery Estate, one of the largest vineyards in the area. Learn about New Zealand’s wine industry and perhaps sample some delicious wines. Continue to the charming seaside port of Picton.
Accommodation: Picton,
Day 11
Picton - Wellington
This morning we join our Interislander cruise across Cook Strait to the seaside capital city of Wellington. Upon arrival enjoy a city sightseeing tour including a visit to Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand, with its extensive collection of artefacts and treasures that chronicle the rich history of New Zealand. The remainder of today is at leisure.
Accommodation: Wellington,
Day 12
Wellington - Napier
Leaving Wellington this morning we cross the Rimutaka Ranges into the farming district of the Wairarapa. Continue through Hawkes Bay, an area dominated by orchards and vineyards, to the coastal township of Napier. Largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1931, Napier was rebuilt at the height of the Art Deco movement and today houses one of the world’s most significant collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. Take a city sights tour and later, a guided Art Deco walk to experience the fascinating architectural heritage of this town.
Accommodation: Napier,
Day 13
Napier - Rotorua
Today we journey north and see the spectacular Huka Falls, mouth of the mighty Waikato River and visit the town of Taupo, built on the shores of tranquil Lake Taupo, the water-filled crater of an ancient volcano. Continue to Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture and a geothermal wonderland. Tonight immerse yourself in a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance of song and dance, experiencing ancient performing arts, traditions and legendary hospitality.
Accommodation: Rotorua, (2 nights).
Day 14
Explore Rotorua
This morning experience the attractions of Rotorua. We visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve, New Zealand’s major geyser field. This area has over 500 hot springs and most forms of geothermal activity, including steaming ground, boiling mudpools, hot springs and impressive geysers. Enjoy a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where our guide will explain the history and origins of the Maori. Continue to the Agrodome to enjoy an entertaining sheep and farm show and learn about New Zealand’s important sheep industry. The remainder of today is at your leisure.
Day 15
Rotorua - Auckland
Traveling north to Auckland the City of Sails we stop at Waitomo Caves. Here we experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns, including the magnificent Cathedral cave. Join a silent boat ride and glide through a mystical grotto lit by millions of tiny glow worms. Continue this afternoon to Auckland.
Accommodation: Auckland,
Day 16
Auckland - Bay of Islands
We visit the Matakohe Pioneer Museum, home to the world's largest collection of kauri gum. Continue to the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve where we view the giant kauri tree Tane Mahuta. Travel to the Bay of Islands National Maritime Park for a guided visit of the Waitangi Reserve.
Stay: Paihia,
Day 17
Bay of Islands at Leisure
Enjoy a day at leisure in the Bay of Islands. Not only is the Bay of Islands the birthplace of the Nation and thus full of New Zealand history, it is also home to 144 islands. Today is at leisure for you to explore the array of activities available (own expense).
Day 18
Bay of Islands - Auckland
What better way to explore New Zealand's finest National Maritime Park than on a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. Sail through game fishing waters to view the Cape Brett lighthouse then make passage through the 'Hole' (sea conditions permitting). Return this afternoon to the cosmopolitan city of Auckland.
Accommodation: Auckland,
Day 19
Depart Auckland
After breakfast this morning enjoy your day at leisure until you are transferred from your hotel to Auckland airport for your onward flight.
Tour Price includes
· 18 Nights Quality Accommodation
· All breakfast and dinners while on tour (optional cost)
· Transfers to and from airports
· All entry fees as per itinerary
Sightseeing Highlights
· Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd
· Mt Cook National Park
· Fascinating Moeraki Beach boulders
· Dunedin, ‘Edinburgh of the South’
· Visit historic Olveston House
· Guided tour of Larnach Castle
· Fiordland National Park
· Magnificent Milford Sound cruise
· Queenstown, the alpine resort
· Punakaiki Pancake rocks
· Award-winning TranzAlpine Train journey
· Christchurch, the Garden City
· Tour and tasting at Brancott Winery Estate
· Cruise Cook Strait
· Thunderous Huka Falls
· Picturesque Lake Taupo
· Te Puia Thermal Reserve in Rotorua
· Auckland, the City of Sails
Quality Accommodation
· Two nights in Queenstown at the Goldridge Hotel
· Country Homestay available in Rotorua
· Overnight at Lake Ohau Lodge, on the shores of Lake Ohau
Optioanl Finest Dining
· 18 breakfasts (B) and 14 dinners (D) (optional cost)
· Met on arrival in New Zealand and hotel transfer
· Cultural Touring Experiences
· Tour Director and Professional Driver
· Luxury coaches featuring panoramic windows, reclining seats and restroom
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