Day 1 - Auckland / Whangamata
Your tour departs from Rydges Hotel, Federal Street, Auckland at 8.15am.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 2 - 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.
Blenheim Country Hotel (1 night)
Day 3 - 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 4 - 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 5 - 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 6 - 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 7 - 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 8 - 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 9 - Greymouth / Christchurch
A morning to enjoy at leisure, visit Shantytown an 1860’s mining town with steam train, horse drawn buggies and working gold claim, or explore the shops and galleries in town. A courtesy transfer is provided from hotel to train station to join the Tranz Alpine Train. Through rainforests and past Lake Brunner to Otira in the snowcapped Southern Alps. From Arthurs Pass follow the Waimakariri River and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch where your tour concludes on arrival.
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