Auckland - Bay of Islands - Rotorua - Masterton - Wellington - Blenheim - Christchurch - Omarama - Dunedin - Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown - Fox Glacier - Christchurch
Relax and let someone else do the driving while you witness New Zealand's magnificent scenery and experience a genuine friendliness. Bus Travel New Zealand itinerary includes 7 National Parks and World Heritage areas. Special highlights include sightseeng tours of Auckland, Christchurch and other major cities, Rotorua thermal springs, traditional Maori culture, and an optional helicopter tour over Fox Glacier.
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 Bay of Islands
Cross Cross Auckland's distinctive Harbour Bridge to drive north along the Hibiscus Coast, through Kawakawa to Paihia, where we meet our local Maori Guide, a descendant of the original settlers to the region, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. A self guided tour through the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe.
This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay crossing the areas world renowned game fishing grounds to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and famous "Hole in the Rock". Return through the inner islands with their beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine life.
Stay: Tanoa Hotel Paihia (2 nights)
Day 3. Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. A full day Tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New Zealand's first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum.
Day 4. Bay of Islands to Rotorua
South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and its majestic harbour soon come into view and a tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the central city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs.
Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse studs, and then over the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.
Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
Day 5. Rotorua
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a display featuring New Zealand's various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration. See pools of brown and rainbow trout at Rainbow Springs Park and even native birds including the Kiwi. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement, try a luge ride with our compliments.
Time for optional activities this afternoon before a Maori hangi (meal) with selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Day 6. Rotorua to Masterton via Napier
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. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, claimed to be the world's art deco capital. Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings, to Dannevirke and Woodville for an afternoon stop at Mangatainoka, home to Tui Brewery before continuing on to Masterton.
Stay: Copthorne Hotel & Resort Solway Park (1 night).
Day 7. Masterton to Wellington
A leisurely day as we travel south over the Rimutaha ranges into the Capital city Wellington. A city tour includes the summit of Mount Victoria for views over the city and Harbour. See the Houses of Parliament and distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, the central city area and Oriental Bay. Also explore the city yourself. Don't miss Te Papa, the "Museum of New Zealand" or take a ride on the famous Cable Car.
Stay: Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night).
Day 8. Wellington to Blenheim
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 afternoon tea.
Stay: Heartland Hotel Blenheim (1 night).
Day 9. Blenheim to Christchurch
Past Lake Grassmere then follow the coastline to Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching. Over the Hundalee Ranges and onto the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch. Visit the International Antarctic Centre before a city tour highlighting a strong English influence, the parklands and River Avon.
Stay: Pavilions Hotel (1 night)
Day 10. Christchurch to Omarama
A city sights tour will highlight the main attractions of Christchurch before travelling across the Canterbury Plains into the MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue at Lake Tekapo. Opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (optional), before continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Admire the majesty of Mt Cook before traveling on to Omarama.
Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night).
Day 11. Omarama to Dunedin
Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin the "Scottish" city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton's Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals. Board the Taieri Gorge train excursion or explore the city only a few minutes walk away. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.
Stay: Cargills Hotel (1 night)).
Day 12. Dunedin to Te Anau
Visit historic Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri before arriving at Lake Te Anau the gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (2 nights).
Day 13. Milford Sound Day Tour
A highlight of any tour. Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach to the roads edge and snow capped peaks tower above. Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and to Bowen and Stirling Falls. Time to relax and appreciate your surroundings, walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm a spectacular waterfall, or to the entrance of Homer Tunnel. If conditions permit, your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Hollyford Valley. Return to Te Anau late afternoon.
Day 14. Te Anau to Queenstown
Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the underground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow worms, an unforgettable sight. This afternoon drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm.
Stay: Rydges Hotel (2 nights).
Day 15. Queenstown
A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola to the Skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous - white water rafting. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries.
Day 16. Queenstown to Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the West Coast to the magnificent glacier region and visit the National Park Headquarters or take the optional guided walk to the Fox Glacier's terminal face.
Stay: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (1 night).
Day 17. Fox Glacier to Christchurch
Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glacier then on to Franz Josef. Snowcapped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass to the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch.
Alternate option: Join the TranzAlpine train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Through rainforests to Otira, snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps, the rugged Gorges of the Waimakariri river and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Stay: Pavilions Hotel (1 night).
Day 18. Depart Christchurch
This morning is yours to spend at leisure until your included departure transfer to the airport.
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