19 DAY NEW ZEALAND RAIL-COACH HOLIDAY
Auckland – Christchurch
VALUE FOR MONEY 

An extremely popular tour designed specifically for rail enthusiasts to enjoy the best of New Zealand at a relaxed pace. This exceptional itinerary includes five breathtaking rail journeys and an EXCLUSIVE overnight cruise, whilst visiting many attractions and offering a wide range of prepaid activities. Travellers will enjoy the best that New Zealand has to offer on the world famous TranzAlpine rail journey and a cruise on magnificent Milford Sound.

TOUR COST From nz$5499 per person share twin
SINGLE Supplement nz$1550

TOUR CODE DG-105

 DEPARTURE DATES SEPT 2010 - MAY 2011

2010	2011	2010
SEPT 10 26	JAN 18 31	APRIL 7 13 18
OCT 4 16 25	FEB 8 18 23	MAY 4
NOV 3 12	MARCH 4 6 8 10 16 26

DAY 1
Homeport - Auckland
Fly from your homeport to Auckland where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel Copthorne Hotel Harbour City Hotel

DAY 2
Auckland - Bay of Island
Depart Auckland and travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then pass through Whangarei to Paihia. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.
Hotel Scenic Circle Bay of Islands Hotel (2 nights)

DAY 3
Bay of Islands
A memorable day lies ahead of you today. After breakfast you are free to explore Paihia before boarding the Great Sights brand new luxurious catamaran for your overnight cruise in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Cruise past spectacular landmarks, such as the Black Rocks and Urupukapuka  Island before being anchored at sea for a truly exclusive experience. You will be surrounded by nature, as the warm waters are home to an abundance of marine life such as dolphins, whales, seals and penguins. Tenders will ferry you to nearby islands as you learn of the rich history and  ecology associated with this region. At sunset enjoy a buffet of local cuisine before retiring to your King Stateroom that has sea views.
Overnight Bay of Islands Cruise Catamaran Ipipiri

DAY 4
Bay of Islands - Auckland
After a unique overnight stay, start the day with a leisurely breakfast before you cruise back to Opua Wharf mid-morning. Farewell the Bay of Islands and drive south via Whangarei, Wellsford and Warkworth to Auckland. Enjoy a short city tour and free time before transferring to your hotel. 
Hotel Copthorne Hotel Harbourcity

DAY 5
Auckland - Rotorua
Depart Auckland and travel to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a nostalgic 12 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. Visit the restoration workshop and on return to Glenbrook Station, morning tea will be served. Depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside to Longlands Dairy Farm. Enjoy a farm tour followed by a delicious home cooked lunch. This afternoon continue to Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout.
Hotel Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (Superior Rooms. 2 nights)

DAY 6
Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Skyrides Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling out to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.
 
DAY 7
Rotorua - Wellington
Depart Rotorua and travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway before arriving at the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo where some free time is available to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. This afternoon travel via the Tongariro National Park and see the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro. Visit the Southwards Car Museum, home to the most comprehensive collection of veteran and vintage cars in the southern hemisphere. Afternoon tea will be enjoyed before continuing south along the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital.
Hotel James Cook Grand Chancellor (2 nights)

DAY 8
Wellington
An extensive city sights tour this morning will highlight Wellington’s tremendous history and culture. This afternoon enjoy free time. You may choose to visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum or consider other options available.

DAY 9
Wellington - Christchurch
This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross Cook Strait and travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the TranzCoastal, a truly spectacular rail journey that links the port of Picton to Christchurch and travels through vineyards, salt mountains and river valleys before following the thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. Continue across the farmlands of the Northern Canterbury Plains to the garden city of Christchurch.
Hotel Copthorne Durham Street or Scenic Circle Cotswold Hotel (2 nights)

DAY 10
Christchurch
This morning enjoy a city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon is free and we have arranged for you to
travel on the Christchurch Tramway which is the best way to visit all the “Must See” sights.

DAY 11
Christchurch - Dunedin
Depart Christchurch and travel south through Oamaru to Dunedin, a well preserved Victorian city. Enjoy a city sights tour including a visit to Olveston House, a prestigious historic home and tonight a Scottish evening will be presented complete with bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and gift.
Hotel Mercure Leisure Lodge (2 nights)

DAY 12
Dunedin
Travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you enjoy a guided tour. Next visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens, view the superb collection of flowers followed by a delightful morning tea. Return to the city where free time is available before boarding The Taieri Gorge Limited for a journey through spectacular scenery only accessible by rail. Grand examples of Victorian stonework on bridges and tunnels, plus iron latticework viaducts can be seen along with breathtaking views as you travel to Pukerangi. On return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station your coach will transfer you to the hotel  
  
DAY 13
Dunedin - Te Anau
Travel to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland and visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. Admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls and mystery of the Glow Worm Grotto before arriving at your hotel.
Hotel Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Deluxe Rooms. 2 nights)

DAY 14
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon return to Te Anau where some free time is available.

DAY 15
Te Anau - Queenstown
A leisurely start to the day before travelling to Fairlight where you board The Kingston Flyer for a rail journey behind a Pacific AB Class Locomotive. On arrival at Kingston a barbecue lunch with sparkling wine will be served. Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue to Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax, as you are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.
Hotel Mercure Resort (Lakeview Rooms. 2 nights)

DAY 16
Queenstown
Today is a free day. There are plenty of sightseeing options and your Coach Captain and Tour Escort will be happy to assist. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants.

DAY 17
Queenstown - Franz Josef
Depart Queenstown and travel via the Haast Pass to the West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel north to Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers before continuing to Franz Josef.
Hotel Scenic Circle Franz Josef Glacier Hotel

DAY 18
Franz Josef - Christchurch
Travel to Hokitika, famous for its greenstone, then continue to Greymouth where you board The TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel through lush beech forest, skirt lakes and follow rivers till you climb through the Otira Tunnel to Arthur’s Pass in the centre of the Southern Alps. Descend through spectacular gorges, river valleys and over massive viaducts before completing your journey at Christchurch. This evening enjoy a special farewell dinner including musical entertainment with your new found friends.
Hotel Copthorne Durham Street or Scenic Circle Cotswold Hotel

DAY 19
Christchurch - Homeport
Time to say goodbye. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a great holiday

PRE-PAID ATTRACTIONS
• Kauri Museum*
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds*
• EXCLUSIVE Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise
• Glenbrook Vintage Railway
• Longlands Dairy Farm
• Skyline Gondola & Luge Ride
• Agrodome
• Paradise Valley Springs*
• Thermal mud pools and geysers*
• Southwards Car Museum
• Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
• TranzCoastal Rail Journey
• Christchurch Tramway
• Olveston House*
• Haggis Ceremony & Gift
• Larnach Castle*
• Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens
• Taieri Gorge Limited Rail Journey
• Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
• Milford Sound Cruise
• The Kingston Flyer Rail Journey
• Lakes District Museum
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the
TSS Earnslaw
• TranzAlpine Rail Journey
• City sights tour of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch

*Denotes a guided tour is included with 1 guide per 24 travellers.

MEALS
• 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at Skyrides Restaurant - Rotorua
• 17 sumptuous dinners including 4 specialty dinners:
      Maori Hangi & Concert - Rotorua,
      Haggis Ceremony - Dunedin,
      Walter Peak Homestead - Queenstown,
      Farewell Dinner - Christchurch
• 3 lunches including 2 specialty lunches at:
      Longlands Dairy Farm - Matamata,
      BBQ Lunch, Kingston Flyer - Kingston
• 3 delicious morning / afternoon teas

Please Note: Dinner on Day 1 is not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.



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