Auckland - Bay of Islands - Auckland - Coromandel Peninsula - Rotorua - Turangi - Wellington - Nelson - Greymouth - Fox Glacier - Wanaka - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Dunedin - Mt Cook - Christchurch
The All New Zealand Ultimate Tour taking you off the beaten track to locations not normally visited on a regular coach touring holiday as well as the 'must see' locations throughout New Zealand. Sail a yacht on Auckland Harbour, spend a day with Kiwi Dundee on the Coromandel, overnight at Turangi beside one of the worlds best trout fishing rivers, 2 nights in Nelson and time to visit the Abel Tasman National Park, overnight in Wanaka, an option for the 3 Day Greenstone Valley Guided Walk, overnight on Milford Sound plus 2 nights in Dunedin with the bonus of the tropical Bay of Islands! Perfect tours for the return visitor and anyone wanting a really unique holiday.
NEW from Oct 2010 - Overnight Stay in Masterton (replaces Turangi) and including a Schoc Chocolates of Greytown tasting experience! Also for the more intrepid traveller we have the 2 night/3 day Hollyford Track Guided Walk as an option instead of the 3 night stay in Queenstown. During the course of our All New Zealand Ultimate tour you will have free time in Paihia (Bay of Islands), 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 Heli Hike on Fox Glacier, Boutique Wine tour in Queenstown and a visit to Larnach Castle in Dunedin plus many other options to suit all interests.
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.
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 Auckland
This morning a launch cruise will take you across the Bay and some of its world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous "Hole in the Rock, cruising amongst picturesque islands with pristine sandy beaches and sparkling clear water. Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth, passing the satellite tracking station. Shortly Auckland city and Harbour come into view with a late afternoon arrival.
Stay: Rydges Hotel (1 night)
Day 5. 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 6. 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 7. 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 8. 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 9. Turangi to Wellington
Leaving your accommodation, head south to Greytown where you will pick up your local guide who will share stories, history and anecdotes of the area as you drive past lovely Victorian houses, gardens and orchards. At Featherston visit the 1860's historical farmhouse which is the base of family-owned company, Lavenders Green - a thriving, innovative cottage industry, making products from its own, and local, lemon orchards. Taste some of the delicious range of cordials, curds, fudge and mustards, as well as unique Schoc chocolate made in Greytown.
Return to Greytown for a closer look at the pretty township where there are plenty of boutiques and galleries as well as historical buildings to enjoy. Re-board the coach, and travel over the majestic Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington, a 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 10. 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 Brancotts 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 11. 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 12. 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 13. Greymouth to Fox Glacier
Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Fox 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 Josef (1 night)
Day 14. Fox 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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