Affordable New Zealand Highlights
VALUE ESCORTED TOUR
CHRISTCHURCH | LAKE TEKAPO | OMARAMA | DUNEDIN | TE ANAU | MILFORD SOUND QUEENSTOWN | ARROWTOWN | FOX GLACIER | TRANZALPINE TRAIN | PICTON | WELLINGTON TAUPO | ROTORUA | BAY OF ISLANDS | AUCKLAND
From Christchurch travel South to Omarama then on to Dunedin where you will visit the famous Larnach Castle. Enjoy the natural beauty of the Bay of Islands before returning to Auckland, the “City of Sails”. A true highlights of New Zealand tour.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound
- TranzAlpine rail journey
- Visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum
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Your Itinerary
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Day 1-3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
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Day 15
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Day 16
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Day 17
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Day 18-19
Day 1-3 : UK - Christchurch
On arrival into Christchurch you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Hotel: Heartland Hotel Cotswold
Please note: Dinner on Day 1 is not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm
Day 4 : Christchurch - Omarama
After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo, where you’ll see brilliant turquoise waters. On the shores of the lake you’ll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of the Southern Alps beyond the lake. The church was built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district, and it’s a popular photo spot for visitors, so popular in fact, that it is one of the most photographed places in New Zealand! Make sure to see the Sheep Dog Statue, then marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama.
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel
Day 5 : Omarama - Dunedin
Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Enjoy time at this unique precinct where several amazing buildings and shops are on show. Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and a gift.
Hotel: Mercure Leisure Lodge
Day 6 : Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of its tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour followed by a Devonshire Tea. Say farewell to Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional).
Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
Day 7 : Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch. This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.
Hotel for 2 nights: Mercure Queenstown Resort
Day 8 : Queenstown
Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain and Tour Guide are available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, whether it be the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or the helicopter ride of a lifetime. Or perhaps you’ll ride the Skyline Gondola. You’ll get to experience a spectacular 220 degree panorama with breath-taking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Walter and Cecil Peak and, of course, Queenstown. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for a taste of high country cuisine.
Day 9 : Queenstown - Arrowtown – Fox Glacier
Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Time is available to experience a scenic flight (optional, weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers.
Hotel: Heartland Hotel Glacier Country or Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier
Day 10 : Fox Glacier - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.
Hotel: Heartland Hotel Cotswold
Day 11 : Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.
Hotel for 2 nights: Heartland Hotel Cotswold
Day 12 : Wellington
A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. Re-board your coach for an extensive city tour which showcases the history and culture on show. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.
Day 13 : Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua
Depart Wellington and view the snow-capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls, the most visited natural attraction in New Zealand, where you’ll see up to 220,000 litres of water a second gushing through the gorge and shooting out over 8 metres beyond to create a beautiful blue pool. Then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.
Hotel for 2 nights: Distinction Rotorua
Day 14 : Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Cableway Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. There is also time for a luge ride! Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Some free time is available before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome geysers .This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.
Day 15 : Rotorua - Auckland - Bay of Islands
This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy an introduction to the Bay of Islands, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British.
Hotel for 2 nights: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge
Day 16 : Bay of Islands
This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before returning to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. This evening is also free and you may like to enjoy a relaxing dinner cruise (optional).
Day 17 : Bay of Islands - Auckland
Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum, where you’ll find exhibits displaying the story of the pioneering days, when early European settlers in the area extracted kauri timber and kauri gum. Later, you’ll continue your journey to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening you will be treated to a farewell dinner with your new found friends.
Hotel: Rydges Auckland
Day 18-19 : Auckland
Time to say goodbye to New Zealand; you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable holiday.
