Auckland - Coromandel Peninsula - Rotorua - Masterton - Wellington - Nelson - Greymouth - Fox Glacier - Wanaka - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Dunedin - Omarama - Christchurch
The scenic and cultural icons of New Zealand combined in one superb 20-day New Zealand Coach Tours itinerary. This outstanding holiday has been designed to offer a range of activities not generally found on a typical New Zealand tour. These include yachting on Auckland Harbour and a visit to the Maritime Museum, two nights on the Coromandel Peninsula and a day's nature activities with Kiwi Dundee and an overnight cruise on Milford Sound. The Ultimate gives passengers the opportunity to take the 3-day Hollyford Track Guided Walk and a full day to explore Abel Tasman National Park or enjoy your own sightseeing.
During the course of our Ultimate New Zealand tour you will have free time in Wellington, Nelson, Fox Glacier, Queenstown and Dunedin so you can relax or choose one of the many different and diverse optional excursions such as a day walk in the Abel Tasman National Park, Half day guided walk on Fox Glacier, Dart River Safari in Queenstown and Taieri Gorge Railway in Dunedin plus much more.
Day 1. Arrive Auckland
On arrival, be met and transferred to your Auckland hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore.
Stay: Rydges Hotel (1 night).
Day 2. Auckland to Whangamata
A tour of Auckland, to the summit of Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the downtown city area and waterfront drive, then experience the thrill of sailing aboard a 12m yacht on Auckland Harbour and visiting the Maritime Museum, all before driving to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Stay: Breakers Motel (2 nights)
Day 3. Coromandel Peninsula
A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads to Puketui an 1890's gold mining town and visit a gold mine studded with glowworms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach.
Day 4. Whangamata to Rotorua
On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand's various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a luge ride with our compliments. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua(1 night)
Day 5. Rotorua to Turangi
Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Skirt some of the worlds largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity, view the Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm and pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Skirt its shores to Turangi with time for trout fishing, many picturesque walks or if you are daring, white water rafting.
Stay: Bridge Lodge (1 night).
Day 6. Turangi to Wellington
Leaving your accommodation, head south past the volcanic mountains of Tongariro National Park which dominate the view. Stop for lunch at Mt Bruce for a chance to get up close with some of New Zealand's endangered species. Re-board the coach, and travel over the majestic Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington. A city tour includes Mt Victoria, the Houses of Parliament, Wellington Cathedral and Oriental Bay with time to explore the city and Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, or an optional ride on the famous Cable Car.
Stay: Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night).
Day 7. Wellington to Nelson
Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with spectacular views of the City left behind. Sail across Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, bush clad hillsides remote bays and isolated holiday homes. In Picton, you are welcomed by your South Island Coach Captain. Explore Picton then drive to Blenheim for an afternoon's sightseeing that will highlight the Marlborough district's many scenic attractions and some of its world renowned wines. A visit will be made to Brancott Estate Winery for a complimentary tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it's a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts.
Stay: Leisure Lodge. (2 nights).
Day 8. Nelson
We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving in Nelson at 5.00pm. Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunanui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas..
Day 9. Nelson to Greymouth
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge - a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery.to . On arrival you are transferred to Hotel Ashley with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Stay: Hotel Ashley (1 night).
Day 10. Greymouth to Franz Josef
Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Franz Josef Glacier . Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk to nearby Lake Matheson.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josefr (1 night)
Day 11. Franz Josef Glacier to Wanaka
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka you'll have a choice of two afternoon activities: a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you.
Alternatively enjoy a thrilling jet boat excursion on the lake - full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between.
Stay: Mercure Grand Oakridge Resort (1 night).
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