|
Exploring New Zealand by Coach or Car
The lands between Auckland and the capital city, Wellington, are perhaps the most diverse of all the regions in New Zealand. Active volcanoes and Maori marae (meeting houses), tranquil lakes and magical underground glowworm grottos, thermal mineral pools and Art Deco cities. Journey to the South Island and discover some of nature's more miraculous creations: rainforest slopes, icy blue glaciers, virgin lakes and ancient fiords – this vacation will take you far beyond the ordinary.
Highlights:
2 nights in unique geothermal Rotorua Explore the Art Deco city of Napier Capital city of Wellington Whale Watch cruise, Kaikoura View majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook 3 nights in exciting Queenstown Fiordland National Park Spectacular Milford Sound cruise
Day 1 - Arrive Auckland Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Day 2 - Auckland/ Waitomo/Rotorua (226 miles) Travel to the Waitomo Caves where you will enjoy lunch before experiencing a guided tour of the Glowworm Grotto. Continue on to Rotorua and enjoy an evening Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert. Day 3 - Rotorua Sightseeing Today experience Rotorua’s many varied sights. Visit Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Learn about traditional Maori crafts at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, before traveling to Rainbow Springs and Rainbow Farm Show. Afternoon at leisure. Day 4 - Rotorua/ Taupo/Napier (135 miles) This morning take the short journey to Taupo where you will be taken on a guided tour of Taupo’s highlights including the Boat Harbor, Craters of the Moon and the Aratiatia Rapids. Enjoy a visit to the spectacular Huka Falls, before continuing on to Napier. This evening enjoy a walking tour of Napier’s fascinating Art Deco architecture. Day 5 - Napier/Wellington (201 miles) Enjoy a tour of some of Hawke’s Bay’s leading wineries before traveling south to Wellington. Day 6 - Wellington At leisure in the capital city today. Make time to visit ‘Te Papa’ the Museum of New Zealand. Day 7 - Wellington/Kaikoura (98 miles – including ferry crossing) Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the TranzCoastal train (Seat-in-Coach only) and journey through vineyards en route to coastal Kaikoura. Day 8 - Kaikoura/Christchurch (114 miles) Begin with a whale watching cruise or flight (weather permitting). Enjoy a short guided tour of Kaikoura’s highlights before rejoining the TranzCoastal train (Seat-in-Coach only) to Christchurch. Day 9 - Christchurch A day at leisure to explore the Garden City. Perhaps visit the International Antarctic Centre – the ‘must see’ attraction in Christchurch. Day 10 - Christchurch/Aoraki Mt Cook/Queenstown (369 miles) Today travel south across theCanterbury Plains, through the MacKenzie country via Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Continue on to Queenstown. Day 11 - Milford Sound Day Excursion Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. From the Homer Tunnel emerge into the Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord before returning to Queenstown. Day 12 - Queenstown A free day to enjoy the many activities on offer. Day 13 - Queenstown Your tour arrangements conclude this morning. Coach options available for return journey to Christchurch.
Due to the amount of special airfares in the market places and the fact that we now have access to 3 different motorhome and car companies please contact us with your dates so we can provide an accurate quote.
Motorhome/Car insurance and Airline Taxes are not included, please ask your travel consultant for details. All prices reflect a 3% discount for purchases made by cash/check. There are no discounts for payment made by credit cards. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply. Rates are subject to change without notice. Motorhomes and seats on planes are subject to availability to ensure the best rates you are best to book early
|