New Zealand

Essential New Zealand

10 days Independent Coach Tours Auckland to Christchurch

Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua - Wellington - Christchurch - Dunedin - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch

From the north to the south, this New Zealand Bus Tour journey will see you experience all the essential New Zealand destinations. Get up close and personal with the Maori culture, be amazed by the scenery onboard the TranzCoastal Train and cruise on the world renowned Milford Sound. A once in a lifetime opportunity that is too good to be missed.

Day 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua

Travel south from Auckland through lush Waikato farmland past Hamilton to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Tonight enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 2: At Rotorua

This morning see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome.

Day 3: Rotorua - Wellington

Drive south to Wairakei - wreathed by steam, then to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, and cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Road past Tongariro National Park and the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. Continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington.  Stay 1 night in Wellington.

Day 4: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch

Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch. As you arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day in our most 'English' city. Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 5: Christchurch - Dunedin

Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin "the Edinburgh of the South". Arrive early afternoon. Stay 1 night in Dunedin. Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey. Consider staying an extra day.

Day 6: Dunedin - Te Anau

This morning is free for optional tours. Continue across the rolling hill country of  South Otago and Southland. After the farming community of Gore, head across the Waimea plains towards Fiordland National Park. Stay 1 night in Te Anau.

Day 7: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown

Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on Milford Sound including picnic lunch. Depart Milford Sound back to Te Anau, then turn north, following the dramatic southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Days 8 & 9: At Queenstown

Two full days for you to enjoy this fabulous alpine resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping.

Day 10: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch

Through the Kawarau Gorge with it's historic gold mines, then past the stone fruit growing area of Cromwell to the Lindis Pass. Cross the spectacular Mackenzie  Country bound by the Southern Alps to  the glacial lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park. Optional lunch at the Hermitage or perhaps a scenic flight. Continue north through Burkes Pass, Fairlie and Geraldine to Christchurch where your tour ends early evening.