| Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Kirra Tours will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.
Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 2 - Auckland / Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge for the drive north along the scenic Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe and the Kauri museum telling the story of the Kauri tree and the regions early settlement, the displays are superb and their story fascinating. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia, where 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 through the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay.
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 / Auckland
This morning a launch cruise will take you across the Bay and some of its world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock, cruising amongst picturesque islands with pristine sandy beaches and sparkling clear water. Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth, passing the satellite tracking station. Shortly Auckland city and Harbour come into view with a late afternoon arrival.
Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 5 - Auckland / Whangamata
Auckland / Whangamata A tour of Auckland, to the summit of Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the downtown city area and waterfront drive, then experience the thrill of sailing aboard a 12m yacht on Auckland Harbour and visiting the Maritime Museum, all before driving to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Breakers Motel (2 nights)
Day 6 - Coromandel Peninsula
A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads to Puketui an 1890’s gold mining town and visit a gold mine studded with glowworms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach.
Day 7 - Whangamata / Rotorua
Whangamata / Rotorua On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a luge ride with our compliments. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua(1 night)
Day 8 - Rotorua / Turangi
Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Pass massive pine forests, see the Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka Falls to reach Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Skirt its shores to Turangi with time for trout fishing, many picturesque walks or if you are daring, white water rafting.
Bridge Tongariro Resort (1 night)
Day 9 - Turangi / Wellington
Turangi / Wellington Cross the National Park with its volcanic peaks to Bulls and Levin, then along the Kapiti coast to the Capital City, Wellington, a tour includes Mt Victoria, the Houses of Parliament, Wellington Cathedral and Oriental Bay with time to explore the city and Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, or an optional ride on the famous Cable Car.
Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)
Day 10 - Wellington / Blenheim / Nelson
Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it’s a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts.
Leisure Lodge. (2 nights)
Day 11 - Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park
Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving in Nelson at 5.00pm. Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunanui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas.
Day 12 - Nelson / Greymouth
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge – a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery.
Hotel Ashley (1 night)
Day 13 - Greymouth / Fox Glacier
Greymouth / Fox Glacier Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Fox Glacier. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk to nearby Lake Matheson.
Fox Glacier Hotel. (1 night)
Day 14 - Fox Glacier / Wanaka
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka you'll have a choice of two afternoon activities: a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you.
Alternatively enjoy a thrilling jet boat excursion on the lake – full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between.
Mt Aspiring Hotel. (1 night)
Day 15 - Wanaka / Queenstown
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant. (entire group).
At leisure in Queenstown, jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count – enjoy. Dinner day 16 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.
Rydges Hotel. (3 nights)
Option: Greenstone
Day 16 - Queenstown / Steel Creek
By coach to Glenorchy then onto the track, stately beech forests, rocky gorges and silent river pools with Robins and Tom Tits for company. Its 18km to Steel Creek Lodge nestled on broad river flats.
Day - Steel Creek / Lake McKellar
Red tussock land, ancient bog pines and cottonwoods with sheer mountainsides above and possibly deer on the forests edge. 14km to Lake McKellar Lodge.
Day 18 - Lake McKellar / Milford Sound
To the Greenstone Saddle, through lush forests to Lake Howden, then ascend Key Summit (919m) an area of alpine swamp with incredible 360 degree views, so spectacular, then down to rejoin your Tour on the Milford Road at The Divide and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.
Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night)
>b>Note: The Greenstone Valley Guided Walk option is not available on departures XE10, 11 & 21.
Or...
Day 16 - Queenstown
At leisure in Queenstown.
SDay 17 - Queenstown
At leisure in Queenstown.
Day 18 - Queenstown / Milford Sound
Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.
Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight. (1 night)
Day 19 - Milford Sound / Dunedin
Milford Sound / Dunedin Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. 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. (2 nights)
Day 20 - Dunedin
A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun!
Day 21 - Dunedin / Omarama
Dunedin / Omarama Visit Olveston, Dunedin’s majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel. (1 night)
Day 22 - Omarama / Mt Cook / Christchurch
Omarama / Mt Cook / Christchurch Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand’s highest mountains. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Your tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm after a brief city tour.
Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Day 23 - 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.
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