Magnificent New Zealand - 20 days

Tour 401 

MAGNIFICENT NEW ZEALAND GRAND DISCOVERY TOUR

Auckland, Kauri museum and forest, Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga, Waitomo Caves, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Picton, Christchurch, Tekapo, Mt Cook, Oamaru, Dunedin, Catlins, Stewart Island, Te Anau, Milford Sound cruise, Doubtful Sound day cruise (overnight cruise option), Queenstown, Wanaka, Glaciers, Punakaiki, Christchurch

Includes "Northern Explorer", and "Coastal Pacific", trains with the option for a "Tranz Alpine" journey. 
This tour is flexible - join or leave anywhere en route provided a minimum of 3 consecutive nights are spent on tour. 

AWESOME AUCKLAND ADD ON TO MAIN TOUR.

Day 1. Saturday.        ARRIVE AUCKLAND. 
Arrive Auckland and you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.

Day 2. Sunday.            AUCKLAND.                                (B)
Our full day tour includes the city areas and Devonport including our volcanic legacy, city areas, Westhaven Marina, Queen St, Auckland Domain, and Harbour Bridge. This afternoon go west to the rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges for a forest walk, the Arataki Information centre, and take a walk on a,spectaculer West Coast black sand beach.

Extra cost per person: 2 per room  $690. Single room $850.

 

Unsolicited comment from past clients:

I am pleased to report that all the arrangements you made were very satisfactory. Your system worked perfectly and we were met and transported at each place as stated in the itinerary. This was my third visit to New Zealand. I was on a 'big bus' conducted tour 3 years ago but paid nearly twice as much. Your tour was a far more pleasant experience. (S.K. Scotland)

Just to let you know how much we enjoyed our holiday and considered it great value for money. We've travelled a lot over the past 20 years and going mostly in mini coaches was unique and suited us fine. We couldn't praise the drivers enough for their courtesy and overall driving skills. A great bunch of fellows.  (B. and M. W. New Zealand)         

Our New Zealand tour was spectacular  and exceeded our expectations in all aspects. The drivers were very courteous and friendly and we developed real friendships with all of them. Our hotel accommodations were very nice and some were outstanding. In all regards it was a great success and our best ever vacation. (C.M. USA)

20 day full tour Auckland to Christchurch:

18 days excluding Northland.
Commence Auckland wednesdays day 3  (Minimum 2 passengers required).       

15 days excluding Northland and South Island West Coast. Commence Auckland day 3 wednesday.   End in Queenstown wednesday day 17 of full itinerary.

Day 1. Monday.    AUCKLAND - KAURI MUSEUM AND FORESTS - BAY OF ISLANDS.                 (BL)
Depart Auckland 7.30am. Drive north over the Harbour Bridge to the Otamatea Kauri and Early Settlers Museum, one of the best little museums in New Zealand. Learn of the importance of the kauri tree to the development of Northland and see the lifestyle of the early settlers. Continue through Ruawai 'kumara capital' of New Zealand, and Dargaville into the Waipoua kauri forest. Visit "Tane Mahuta" giant kauri tree - some 2000 years old. Enjoy the views of the Hokianga Harbour and sand dunes and stopover at Opononi for a traditional 'fish and chips' lunch before visiting historic Rawene. See Clendon House (exterior) built in 1862. Visit the Waitangi Treaty House where the Treaty of Waitangi between Maori and the British Government was signed on the 6th February 1840 and excellent Treaty museum and enjoy a tour with a local guide of the Treaty House and Meeting House with its fabulous carvings, and see the giant war canoe.  Two nights accommodation in the Bay of Islands.

Day 2. Tuesday.                CAPE REINGA                        (BL)
You will be picked up by special coach for a full day excursion north through historic Keri Keri and the Puketi forest plus the beautiful Mangonui Harbour and Coopers Beach to Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand. Travel part way on the sands of Ninety Mile Beach. See the meeting of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean. Return to the Bay of Islands early evening. A picnic lunch is included today.

FLY/ROAD TO CAPE REINGA: For a shorter day, a bigger experience, and fabulous scenery not seen from the ground transfer from your hotel to Kerikeri airport and fly north over Ninety Mile beach to land near Cape Reinga. Your special vehicle will be waiting for a 2.5 hour (approx) land tour to Te Paki stream and massive sand dunes on Ninety Mile beach, Cape Reinga light house, Tapotupotu Bay. Fly back to Keri Keri via the fabulous coastal scenery of Parengarenga Harbour, Great Exhibition Bay, Houhora Harbour, Karikari Peninsula, Whangaroa Harbour, Cavalli Islands and Bay of Islands. Return to Kerikeri airport and transfer back to you hotel. Departs twice daily in summer, once daily in winter - extra cost instead of coach $360 per adult. Total time from Paihia approximately 5 hours

Day 3. Wednesday.      BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND             (B)                                                                                                                    Enjoy a cruise around the beautiful Bay of Islands this morning to Cape Brett and pass through the 'hole in the rock' - weather permitting. Cruise past the islands and into secluded bays. Visit Urupukapuka Island, home of author Zane Grey for many years.  Usually dolphins are to be seen during this cruise. Disembark at historic Russell for a short tour and see the oldest church in New Zealand, Flagstaff Hill,  and Pompallier House. Return to Auckland early evening with a short stop at the Whangarei Town Basin en route. Optional visit to the Hundertwasser Art Centre - extra expense. 

Passengers on the 15 and 18 day options arrive Auckland today and transfer to accommodation.      

Day 5.Thursday. AUCKLAND - WAITOMO CAVES - HOBBITON - ROTORUA              (B)                                                                                Depart Auckland 7.30am and drive south over the Bombay Hills and along the banks of the Waikato River to Waitomo Caves for a guided tour through the main limestone cave and cruise through the glowworm grotto. (45 minute tour) 

Visit Lake Karapiro, home of New Zealand rowing, and the Karapiro hydro dam on the Waikato River, at 425 km this is New Zealand's longest river.

Continue to Hobbiton and the Shires Rest to join your guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie set, made famous by "Lord of the Rings, and "Hobbit" films. Drive through part of the picturesque 500 hectare (1,250 acre) sheep and cattle farm and your guide will escort you through the 10 acre Hobbiton site. See the Hobbit Holes, Bag End (Bilbo and Frodo Baggins home), go 'Beyond the Door' into a Hobbit home, and see the Party Tree, Lake, The Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn, and learn how this Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle Earth. Enjoy an included cold drink from the Green Dragon Inn and continue to Rotorua. Accommodation usually at Millennium Hotel.

Day 6. Friday.              ROTORUA              (BD)                                                                                                                                                       Enjoy  a guided tour of the Te Puia thermal to see bubbling mud pools, famed Pohutu geyser, and to visit the Maori carving and weaving school. Continue to the Agrodome farm show for an introduction to 19 types of sheep and see the amazing sheep dogs working. Ride the Skyline gondola for a panoramic view over the lake and city, and with luge and lunch options - extra expense. You have time to relax in the hot thermal waters of the Polynesian Spa, walk the Redwood forest canopy, scenic floatplane flight over the volcanic lakes and mountains, or white water raft. All activities this afternoon are extra expense). This evening enjoy an introduction to Maori culture with an exciting concert, and hangi steam cooked dinner. (Your driver will usually return to Auckland this evening).

Day 6. Saturday.     ROTORUA - TAUPO - WELLINGTON      including "Northern Explorer" train.      (B).
Drive to Taupo and visit the Wairakei Geothermal valley, Huka Falls, Honey Hive, bungy site (try if you wish), and Taupo lakefront. Travel along the shores of Lake Taupo to Whakapapa for a short visit to the information centre and to National Park to join the "Northern Explorer" train for the scenic journey to Wellington. Enjoy a  short tour of introducton to Wellington including Parliament Buildings exterior, Oriental Bay, waterfront drive, and the summit of Mt Victoria for a panoramic view over the city.

Day 7. Sunday.    WELLINGTON - PICTON - CHRISTCHURCH.                (B) 
Transfer to the Interislander terminal. Depart Wellington at 8.45am by Interislander for the scenic cruise across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton, Join the "Coastal Pacific" train for the scenic journey down the Kaikoura Coast to Christchurch arriving early evening

Day 8. Monday.  CHRISTCHURCH - MOUNT COOK    (B)                                                                                                                               Pickup from your hotel or home anywhere in metro Christchurch.  Drive across the fertile Canterbury Plains and over Burke's Pass to Lake Tekapo. See the sheep dog monument and Church of the Good Shepherd. Travel along the shores of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Free time for alpine walks, visit the National Park headquarters, or take a ski plane or helicopter flight to land on the snows of the glaciers - extra expense and weather permitting. We recommend the Glacier Explorer cruise on a lake at the base of the Tasman Glacier among the icebergs - extra cost $195. The Hermitage operates its own Stargazing experience and Planterium 'Galactic Journeys' - extra cost $39. See www.hermitage.co.nz for details. These activities book out weeks and sometimes months in advance,

 Accommodation at the Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook view rooms. Optional admission to the Sir Edmund Hillary centre - extra expense. 

If you want the full Dark Sky experience and larger telescopes you can stay at Tekapo for the night and discover the stars (weather permittting) and we will pick you up tuesday for a few hours at Mt Cook and on to Oamaru.  

Day 9. Tuesday.  MOUNT COOK - OAMARU - DUNEDIN   (B) 

We highly recommend the cruise among the icebergs on the lake at the base of the Tasman Glacier in summer - extra expense.
Drive down the Waitaki River Valley with a visit to the Benmore Hydro dam, the historic centre of Oamaru, and enjoy some beach time to explore the unique Moeraki Boulders. Accommodation in Dunedin for 2 nights.

Day 10. Wednesday.                       DUNEDIN                           (B) 

Visit historic "Olveston House", Dunedin Chinese Garden, Knox Church, The Octagon, and the world's steepest street. This afternoon tour the Otago Peninsula including Larnachs Castle, Royal Albatross Centre, and see the local wildlife including seals, and penguins.

Day 11. Thursday.    DUNEDIN - CATLINS - STEWART ISLAND.  (B) 

Enjoy a scenic drive through the Catlins. one of New Zealand's most beautiful and unspoiled wilderness areas. See the wildlife, waterfalls,and beautiful coastal scenery and visit Nugget Point lighthouse and the petrified forest (available low tide only). Continue to Bluff and take the ferry to Stewart Island. Accommodation and breakfast at Stewart Island Lodge. 

Optional evening Wild Kiwi Encounter with a high chance of seeing our iconic native birds in the wild - extra expense $240

Day 12. Friday.  STEWART ISLAND - INVERCARGILL     (B)

Wake up to the Kereru and Tui visiting in front of the Lodge and enjoy a guided one hour tour of Oban before cruising Patterson Inlet for a guided walk through the Ulva Island wildlife sanctuary.  Cruise back to Bluff for a photo stop at the famous signpost. Overnight in Invercargill. (Note: Stewart Island accommodation is in short supply. It may be necessary to stay in Invercargill 2 nights and visit Stewart Island as a day trip).             

Day 13. Saturday.     INVERCARGILL - TE ANAU    (B)

Free time to explore Invercargill including Bill Richardson transport world, or E Hayes Worlds Fastest Indian, gardens, or Tuatara house. We take the scenic back roads via Riverton with a guided tour of the Te Hikoi Museum with film and learn the early history of settlement in the area and visit the beach. Continue through Tuatapere to Te Anau for accommodation for 2 nights. Optional cruise to the Te Ana-au glowworm caves this evening - extra expense $129

Day 14.  Sunday.       DOUBTFUL SOUND - EXCURSION     (BL)

Transfer to Manapouri and cruise across the lake to West Arm. Drive across Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound. Cruise to the head of the Sound through the magnificent fiords, more extensive than Milford Sound. Return to Te Anau for the night. A picnic lunch is included.

Doubtful Sound overnight cruise option - extra cost $200 per person  (Subject to availability).

Dinner included on board. Comfortable 'compact' cabins with private shower/toilet. Anchor overnight in a quiet bay. Optional evening exploring by kayak or ships tender to get up close and personal with the Fiords. Return to Manapouri midday monday and you will be picked up. This option EXCLUDES MILFORD SOUND. 

Day 15. Monday.      TE ANAU  - MILFORD SOUND - QUEENSTOWN.   (B) 

Drive from Te Anau  through magnificent scenery of the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys with a visit to the Mirror Lakes and through the Homer tunnel on the way to magnificent Milford Sound. Cruise to the head of the Sound before returning to Te Anau and on to Queenstown. 

Overnight Doubtful Sound cruise passengers disembark after breakfast and return to Manapouri about midday and we continue to Queenstown for 2 nights.

Day 16.  Tuesday.                                              QUEENSTOWN   (BD)

Free day with many optional activities available

This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the historic steamer "Earnslaw" to Walter Peak for dinner.

Day 17. Wednesday.      QUEENSTOWN - WANAKA - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER. (B)

Depart 9am to the historic gold mining centre of Arrowtown. Visit the remains of the Chinese village and you have time to visit the museum and shops before continuing  north to Lake Wanaka for a brief stop (optional admission to Puzzling World - own expense)  before heading over the Haast Pass to the rainforest of the West Coast. Continue north with  amazing vistas of the coastline and a photo stop at Knights Point. Continue to Fox Glacier and visit beautiful Lake Matheson then on to Franz Josef Glacier. Overnight Scenic Franz Josef Hotel.

Day 18.  Thursday.  FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER – HOKITIKA        (B)

Drive to the Franz Josef Glacier lookout car park and it is about a 30 minute return hike to the glacier lookout (limited views). Shorter walks available.  Optional scenic flights to land on the glacier if you were unable to do them at Mt Cook. Drive north to Treetops for an exciting walk above the forest canopy and enjoy an eco cruise on the Lake Mahinapua waterways. Continue to Hokitika. Usually jade carvers and maybe a glass blower will be at work.  Accommodation Beachfront Hotel in Hokitika or some groups may stay at Punakaiki Resort

Day 19. Friday.    HOKITIKA - PUNAKAIKI - CHRISTCHURCH.   (B)

Drive north to the beautiful Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Explore the area before returning to Greymouth for a short tour and visit the recreated gold mining village of Shantytown to ride the steam train and pan for gold.  Drive over spectacular Arthurs and Porters Passes and the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.  

Option to travel on the "Tranz Alpine"  train if you wish from Greymouth to Christchurch departing Greymouth 2.05pm and arriving Christchurch 7.00pm. Extra cost $250 per person

Day 20.  Saturday.   CHRISTCHURCH DEPART     (B)

You will be transferred to the airport for departure.

 

TOP OF THE SOUTH ISLAND

You are welcome to continue from Punakaiki to Nelson by Intercity coach on our NELSON, GOLDEN BAY, and ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK  package to complete your circuit of the South Island. Complimentary coach ticket provided from Punakaiki to Nelson.

NELSON, GOLDEN BAY, ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK. NELSON. 

5 days/4 nights. Commence Nelson every Friday and Monday

Day 1.  PUNAKAIKI - NELSON

Arrive Nelson and make your way to Rutherford Hotel 

Day 2.  GOLDEN BAY.    (B)

Drive to Takaka and Visit the amazing Pupu Springs and on through Collingwood to visit  spectacular Wharariki beach for a 1 hour walk to enjoy the sea caves, seal pups, wind swept sand dunes, and coastal rock formations. A 30 minute walk to Pillar Point will give spectacular views of Farewell Spit and Golden Bay. Also visit Abel Tasman monument. Overnight accommodation in Golden Bay.

Day 3. GOLDEN BAY - FAREWELL SPIT TOUR.

Enjoy a 6.5 hour tour of Farewell Spit, northernmost point in the South Island. See the sand dunes, seal colony, bird life, and lighthouse.

Day 4.    ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK. (BL)

Transfer to beautiful Kaiteriteri Beach to join your cruise. Sail at 9.20am and cruise the along the shores of the Abel Tasman National Park to Totaranui. Cruise back to Anchorage Bay or Torrent Bay Lodges- for a barbecue lunch and you have time to relax, swim, or hike in the National Park before returning to Kaiteriteri. Depart Kaiteriteri by bus at 4.15pm and you will be dropped off at Rutherford Hotel between 5.30 and 6pm.

Day 5.  NELSON DEPART     (B).

Depart Nelson by coach or air. Transfers not included.

Our arrangements end after check out at 10am.

Tour cost per person...   2 per room.. $1,940. Single room $2,500

Tour cost includes: 4 nights accommodation and breakfast. Full day tour of Golden Bay, Abel Tasman National Park cruise. 

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK GUIDED WALK WITH 2 NIGHTS AT PRIVATE LODGES IN THE PARK available. Stayover on wednesday and transfer to Nelson friday afternoon for 1 night finishing the tour in Nelson on Saturday

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