Scenic South |
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13 days Independent Coach Tours Auckland to Christchurch |
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Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua - Wellington - Christchurch - Glaciers - Wanaka - Queenstown - Milford Sound Te Anau - Dunedin - ChristchurchNew Zealand Scenic Tour - Take the time to enjoy all the stunning beauty that surrounds you in New Zealand. From day one this tour will not disappoint, with an insight into the traditional Maori culture in Rotorua, a tour of the nation's capital, including parliament buildings, world renowned TranzAlpine train and the lakeside settlement of Wanaka. You travel independently using scheduled coach, rail and ferry services. Day 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua Travel south 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. Your afternoon is free - there are many activities to enjoy. 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 Rd past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu in Tongariro National Park. Continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington. Stay 2 nights in Wellington. Day 4: At Wellington This morning a half day tour of the city will take in the Parliament Buildings and 'Beehive', Old St Paul's Cathedral, panoramic views of the harbour and city from Mt Victoria and an optional ride on the cable car. This afternoon is free, perhaps to visit Te Papa Museum. Day 5: 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 6: Christchurch - Glaciers Aboard the renowned TranzAlpine train cross the Canterbury Plains to the mountains, where Arthur's Pass and the Otira Tunnel lead to the West Coast. Continue by coach along the narrow, bush clad, coastal plain. Stay 2 nights in Fox Glacier or Franz Josef Glacier townships. Day 7: At the Glaciers A whole day is available for optional excursions on the Glacier, for bush walks or simply soak up the beauty of snow-capped mountains contrasting with the deep greens of the native bush. Day 8: Glaciers - Wanaka Continue south into dense rainforest broken by rugged coastal vistas. The Haast River guides you inland through the Haast Pass. Reach Lake Wanaka in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free. Stay 1 night in Wanaka Day 9: Wanaka - Queenstown A free morning in this beautiful resort town. Continue this afternoon through the rugged Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. Stay 2 nights in Queenstown. Day 10: At Queenstown Today is free 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 11: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau An early start around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. 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 to return to Te Anau. Stay 1 night in Te Anau. Day 12: Te Anau - Dunedin This morning cross the Waimea Plains towards the farming community of Gore, then continue across the rolling hill country of Southland and South Otago to Dunedin 'the Edinburgh of the South'. Today enjoy your Speights Brewery Tour. Consider staying an extra day. Stay 1 night in Dunedin. Day 13: Dunedin - Christchurch Travel north through historic Oamaru, and seaside Timaru, then across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch arriving early evening. Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey. |
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