New Zealand

Best of New Zealand by Affordable Coach

Let us take you to the sub-tropical Bay of Islands with its crystal-clear waters and golden bays. Journey to Rotorua, the center of North Island Maori culture and geothermal wonderland. Queenstown, nestled at the foot of the Remarkable Mountain Range reveals a renowned alpine resort and adventure playground for all seasons. Venture further off the beaten track to the truly unspoiled corners of New Zealand. Experience the tranquility and the beauty of Lake Ohau in the Southern Alps, white sand and surf of the Coromandel Peninsula, the vineyard and orchard region of Hawkes Bay and the unique ‘Art Deco’ city of Napier. Enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery on our included cruises. Cross Cook Strait between the North and South Islands and through the stunning Marlborough Sounds, renowned as one of the most beautiful crossings in the world. Discover the magic of Fiordland and stay overnight on magnificent Milford Sound. The 21-day Best of New Zealand is exactly that...the best!

Highlights

• Two nights in the sub-tropical Bay of Islands
• Guided tour of Rainbow Springs native flora and fauna
• Guided tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
• Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance
• Interislander cruise across Cook Strait and into Wellington Harbour
• Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’
• Tranquil Lake Taupo
• Thunderous Huka Falls
• World Heritage-listed – Tongariro National Park
• Punakaiki ‘Pancake’ rocks
• Hokitika Greenstone Factory
• Historic Arrowtown
• Two nights in Queenstown, the ‘Alpine Resort’
• Overnight on magnificent Milford Sound
• Fascinating Moeraki Beach boulders
• Mt Cook National Park – a World Heritage-listed area
• Lakeside settlement of Lake Ohau
• Lake Tekapo and the tiny stone Church of the Good Shepherd
• 'Art Deco’ city of Napier
• Visit ‘Craters of the Moon’

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be met and transferred to your accommodation situated next to Parnell’s Rose Gardens.
Accommodation: Auckland, Kingsgate Hotel Parnell
Day 2 - Auckland, Bay of Islands (BD)
Journey north and visit the Matakohe Kauri and Pioneer Museum, before crossing the Northland Peninsula to the charming Whangarei city basin. Continue to the beautiful Bay of Islands, a National Maritime Park.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Paihia, The Bay of Islands Hotel
Day 3 - Bay of Islands At Leisure (B)
Today take the opportunity to choose from the many activities and tours available in this spectacular region. You may wish to try deep sea fishing, take an exhilarating ride on the Excitor, or take a cruise through the beautiful islands (own expense).
Day 4 - Bay of Islands, Auckland (BD)
Enjoy a morning at leisure exploring this beautiful region before our coach returns to Auckland this afternoon. 18 day (NEC18) passengers arrive in Auckland today.
Accommodation: Auckland, Kingsgate Hotel Parnell
Day 5 - Auckland, Rotorua(BD)
Travel south to the Coromandel Ranges then continue to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and cultural performance.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Rotorua, Kingsgate Hotel
Day 6 - Rotorua Sightseeing (BD)
Today, experience the attractions of Rotorua. Visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park to view some of New Zealand’s unique wildlife. Enjoy an entertaining farm show, visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and take a tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to view steaming mud pools and geysers.
Accommodation: Choose to stay in a Country Homestay tonight!
Day 7 - Rotorua, Wanganui (BD)
Travel through the heart of the North Island, past some of the largest beech forests in the Southern Hemisphere. See Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, then follow the Whanganui River to our overnight stay.
Accommodation: Wanganui, Collegiate Hotel
Day 8 - Wanganui, Picton (BD)
This morning we journey to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. There is time available to explore before we join our cruise to the South Island. Sail across Cook Strait and through the breathtaking natural beauty of the Marlborough Sounds to Picton.
Accommodation: Picton, Beachcomber Hotel
Day 9 - Picton, Hari Hari (BD)
We journey along the West Coast to Punakaiki and view spectacular ‘pancake stacks’ of soft and hard rock created by the pounding of the Tasman Sea. We travel along the coast to Hokitika and take the opportunity to see Pounamu (Jade) being carved into beautiful jewelry. Continue to the small farming community of Hari Hari for the evening.
Accommodation: Hari Hari, Hari Hari Inn
Day 10 - Hari Hari, Wanaka (BD)
This morning we travel into the World Heritage-listed area of Te Wahipounamu – South West New Zealand. Here you will have the opportunity to take an optional flight over this magnificent region (own expense, weather permitting). Continue through Haast Pass, over New Zealand’s largest mountain range, the Southern Alps to the beautiful lakeside township of Wanaka.
Accommodation: Wanaka, Mt Aspiring Hotel
Day 11 - Wanaka, Queenstown (B)
Today we travel to historic Arrowtown, established after gold was discovered in the Arrow River in 1862. Continue south to enjoy magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu, as we arrive in Queenstown.
Accommodation: Two Night Stay: Queenstown, Gold Ridge Hotel
Day 12 - Queenstown At Leisure (B)
Today is at leisure to explore the endless array of activities and excursions available in this alpine resort town. Perhaps enjoy a guided walk through native forest or take a 4WD adventure (own expense).
Day 13 - Queenstown, Milford Sound (BD)
Today we travel into Fiordland National Park and journey to Milford Sound this morning and board the Milford Mariner for our overnight cruise. Sail the full length of this deep fiord (weather permitting). Our onboard Nature Guide will explain the history, flora and fauna of the region as we cruise past sheer cliffs, waterfalls and towering mountains.
Accommodation: Milford Sound, Milford Mariner
Day 14 - Milford Sound, Invercargill (BD
This morning wake to the unbelievable sights of Milford Sound and enjoy breakfast surrounded by the silent majesty of this area. Departing from Milford Sound we journey across to New Zealand’s southern-most city, Invercargill.
Accommodation: Invercargill, Kelvin Hotel
Day 15 - Invercargill, Dunedin (BD)
Today we travel via the small town of Gore as we head to Dunedin, the city renowned as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ since the Scottish settled here in 1848.
Accommodation: Dunedin, Pacific Park Hotel
Day 16 - Dunedin, Lake Ohau (BD)
Departing Dunedin we journey along the East Coast to historical Oamaru before entering Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage-listed area. Continue to the pretty lakeside settlement of Lake Ohau for our overnight stay.
Accommodation: Lake Ohau, Lake Ohau Lodge
Day 17 - Lake Ohau, Christchurch (BD)
This morning we journey to Lake Tekapo, to visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Leave the High Country and travel through Burkes Pass to the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch and enjoy a brief city sights tour.
Accommodation: Christchurch, Holiday Inn on Avon
Day 18 - Christchurch
Today is at your leisure until your included departure transfer to the airport.


Please advise your approximate dates so we are able to look at the flights and tour dates to create
you an itinerary with the best possible price.




Prices are per person based on double. Tour available for departure all year round, check with your travel consultant for current rates. Package price will be confirmed at time of booking. Seats are limited and may not be available on every tour. Hotels are subject to availability. Cancellation penalties and other restrictions apply.