| 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 distinctive Harbour Bridge to drive north along the Hibiscus Coast, through Kawakawa to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Here 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 thorugh the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay crossing the areas world renowned game fishing grounds to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and famous “Hole in the Rock”. Return through the inner islands with their beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine life.
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 / Rotorua
South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and its majestic harbour soon comes into view and a tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the central city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua(2 nights)
Day 5 - Rotorua
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration. See pools of rainbow and brown trout at Rainbow Springs Park and even native birds including the Kiwi. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments. Time for optional activities this afternoon before a Maori hangi (meal) with selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Day 6 - Rotorua / Taupo / Napier / Hastings
Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Skirt some of the worlds largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity, view the Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm and pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, claimed to be the world’s art deco capital. A city tour will encompass the Marine Parade and foreshore area plus many of the city’s art deco buildings. A visit to Hawkes Bay Museum is included. A few minutes drive to Hastings, the fruit bowl of New Zealand.
Angus Hotel (1 night)
Day 7 - Hastings / Wellington
Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings, to Dannevirke and Woodville for an early afternoon arrival in the Capital city Wellington. A city tour includes the summit of Mount Victoria for views over the city and Harbour. See the Houses of Parliament and distinctive “Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, the central city area and Oriental Bay. Also explore the city yourself. Don’t miss Te Papa, the “Museum of New Zealand” or take a ride on the famous Cable Car.
Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)
Day 8 - Wellington / Picton / Blenheim
Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with spectacular views of the City left behind. Sail across Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, bush clad hillsides remote bays and isolated holiday homes. In Picton, you are welcomed by your South Island Coach Captain. Explore Picton then drive to Blenheim for an afternoon’s sightseeing that will highlight the district's many scenic attractions and some of its world renowned wines. A visit will be made to Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea.
Blenheim Country Hotel (1 night)
Day 9 - Blenheim / Kaikoura / Christchurch
Past Lake Grassmere then follow the coastline to Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching. Over the Hundalee Ranges and onto the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch. Visit the International Antarctic Centre before a city tour highlighting a strong English influence. See the parklands and River Avon before boarding the Tourist Tram for a circuit of the city centre which showcases all the main points of interest.
Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Day 10 - Christchurch / Mt Cook / Omarama
Cross the broad Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps to the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine to the barren MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd dedicated to the early pioneers of the region and the Collie Dog memorial overlooking the milky blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Time for a spectacular flight over the Southern Alps, lakes and glaciers with Air Safaris (optional). Visit Mt Cook National Park, with time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand’s highest snow capped peaks, before travelling around Lake Pukaki to Twizel and Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)
Day 11 - Omarama / Dunedin
Omarama / Dunedin Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin the “Scottish” city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton’s Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals. Board the Taieri Gorge train excursion or explore the city only a few minutes walk away. 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 (1 night)
Day 12 - Dunedin / Lake Manapouri / Te Anau
Dunedin / Lake Manapouri / Te Anau Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri with its rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau.
Fiordland National Park Hotel (2 nights)
Day 13 - Milford Sound Day Trip
A highlight of any tour. Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach to the roads edge and snow capped peaks tower above. Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and to Bowen and Stirling Falls. Time to relax and appreciate your surroundings, walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm a spectacular waterfall, or to the entrance of Homer Tunnel. If conditions permit, your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Hollyford Valley. Return to Te Anau late afternoon.
Day 14 - Te Anau / Queenstown
Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the underground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow worms, an unforgettable sight. This afternoon drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Rydges Hotel (2 nights)
Day 15 - Queenstown
A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola to the Skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous - white water rafting. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries.
Day 16 - Queenstown / Haast Pass/ Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the magnificent glacier region and visit the National Park Headquarters or take the optional guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face.
Fox Glacier Hotel (1 night)
Day 17 - Fox Glacier / Christchurch
Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers, then on to Greymouth to visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory to see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass to the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch.
Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Day 18 - 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. |
