24 Day Panorama

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24 days Guided Tours Auckland to Christchurch

Auckland - Bay of Islands - Rotorua - Napier - Nelson - Kaikoura - Mount Cook - Queenstown - Milford Sound - Wanaka - Fox Glacier - Punakaiki - Christchurch

You'll enjoy plenty of time to relax and savour the lifestyle that is New Zealand, with time to explore & enjoy the places you visit. That is why this leisurely, 24-day Guided Tours New Zealand in small groups journey features a minimum 2-night stay at every stopover point.

Day 1 Arrive Auckland
On arrival at Auckland airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your city hotel. The 'City of Sails' is New Zealand's largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences.

Stay Pullmann Hotel (2 nights)

Day 2 Auckland sightseeing & harbour cruise (B)

Enjoy a comprehensive scenic tour this morning that will introduce you to the sights of Auckland. Commence the day with a visit to Auckland Skytower, the tallest tower in the southern hemisphere and the city's most prominent landmark. It's a fantastic way to see the entire city, its twin harbours and magical islands.

Next we drive past Auckland University en-rote to Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park situated on a 62,000 year old volcano. Continue on to the trendy shopping area of Parnell village with its historic old buildings transformed into boutiques, antique, craft & specialty shops.

Continue along the scenic waterfront route of Tamaki Drive before returning to the downtown area where your board a 50-foot yacht for a 90-minute relaxing cruise on the magnificent Waitemata Harbour. You can sit back and watch it all happen or help the professional crew by taking the helm and trimming the sails. The rest of the day is then free for you to relax, shop or sightsee at your own pace.

Day 3 Hibiscus Coast, Bay of Islands overnight cruise (B, D)

This morning, we travel over the Harbour Bridge and head through the northern suburbs of Auckland with the beachside homes of the Hibiscus Coast to the east & the bush-clad Waitakere Ranges to the west. Enjoy spectacular scenery of native forests & sub-tropical bush as we make our way to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, a seaside town nestled on the foreshore of this National Maritime Park. Early this afternoon, we board our overnight vessel, "Ipipiri", for a unique cruise that will immerse you into the region's breathtaking beauty and it's historical & cultural signifi cance. Island walks, snorkelling & kayaking are all available before enjoying a sumptuous dinner.

Stay Overnight aboard Ipipiri

Day 4 Explore the Bay of Islands (B)

There is time for some optional activities such as fishing or swimming with the dolphins before returning to Opua & disembarking at 11am. The rest of the day is free to explore the local area & enjoy the many fantastic excursions available. Perhaps enjoy a brief visit to the historic Waitangi Treaty House & then take a ferry to the township of Russell for exploration & lunch. You could enjoy a cruise out to Cape Brett & the Grand Cathedral Cave ... otherwise known as the famous ‘Hole in the Rock'.

Stay Copthorne Bay of Islands Resort

Day 5 Bay of Islands, Rotorua (B)

Today we travel south to the geothermal city of Rotorua whose raw beauty has enchanted visitors from around the world for over 160 years. Here you can stand upon volcanoes, peer into massive craters & see boiling mud and exploding geysers whilst native forests cloak the land. It is also home to a deep-rooted Maori culture and the opportunity to experience a traditional hangi (feast) & cultural show should not be missed.

Stay Amora Lake Resort Okawa Bay (2 nights)

Day 6 Exclusive Lake Tarawera Cruise, Te Wairoa Buried Village (B,L)

The days highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera at the base of a gigantic dormant volcano. You'll experience spectacular scenery & some of the country's best trout fishing & have the opportunity to soak in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach before enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch. This afternoon, visit the Blue & Green Lakes and then wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa.

Day 7 Lake Taupo, Napier (B)

An hour south of Rotorua is Lake Taupo, itself a gigantic volcanic crater following an enormous explosion in AD183. View Huka Falls & the Wairakei Geothermal project and take time to walk around this popular lakeside resort.

Journey on to Napier, often referred to as the Art Deco capital of the world. On arrival we embark on a guided walking tour of the town before checking into our hotel.

Stay Te Pania Hotel (2 nights)

Day 8 Explore Hawke's Bay Wine country (B)
A day to explore the region at your own pace. Walk along Napier's Marine Parade & visit the many attractions along the way, visit Cape Kidnappers - home of the largest & most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world, enjoy a guided wine & gourmet tour of some of New Zealand's leading vineyards & wineries, experience an early morning hot-air balloon ride over vineyards, orchards & olive groves, play an exciting round of gold on one of the countries leading & most challenging courses, fly fish for brown & rainbow trout in the region's many rivers ... your choices are endless!

Day 9 Fly Napier / Nelson (B)

Today we fly to Nelson (flight included), a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand. The Nelson region is an area of diverse beauty that enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate & boasts the greatest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand. It is home to a thriving arts & crafts colony where locals enjoy a relaxed & easy-going lifestyle.

Stay Grand Mercure Monaco Resort (2 nights)

Day 10 Abel Tasman National Park Cruise & Walk (B, L)

Today you can choose from a number of included Cruise & Walk or Cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise into protected bays & view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. The launch hugs the shore, travelling in close to idyllic beaches fringed by native forest. The Abel Tasman Coastal track is well formed & shaded and comes out onto protected beaches excellent for swimming. Your Tour Host will give you details of the various choices available & will be happy to guide you onto the best tour that suits your own individual needs.

Day 11 Blenheim, Kaikoura (B)

Heading east, we make our way to Blenheim on the sunny Wairau Plains. The major urban centre for the Marlborough region, Blenheim is also the centre of a thriving wine industry.

Continue on to the coastal town of Kaikoura, a place for unparalleled wildlife adventures. It is a timeless place where the presence of man is ignored by seals who lounge along the rocky shoreline, dolphins play within sight of the shore and giant sperm whales feed all year round. Abundant sea life means great seafood and local restaurants offer everything from fresh fish & chips to delicious whole crayfish (lobster).

Stay Fairways Resort (2 nights)

Day 12 Whalewatch excursion (B)

Today, enjoy the second activity featured in the Lonely Planets publication, Code Green: Experiences of a Lifetime. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales.

Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrel & 7 types of Shearwater. This afternoon is free to pursue other activities ... perhaps a Dolphin Encounter or maybe enjoy an interactive & intimate cultural exchange with local Maori.

Day 13 Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook (B,D)

Travel south along the Kaikoura Highway before skirting Christchurch, the South Islands largest city to travel across the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains. Heading inland, travel over Burkes Pass & enjoy breathtaking views as you descend towards the stunning glacial fed lake of Tekapo. Stop to view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of local stone and oak in 1935.

Travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to the Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage listed site. Mt Cook is Australasia's highest mountain at 3764 metres. The park covers over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery and is also home to the Tasman Glacier; the longest in the Southern hemisphere.

Stay Aoraki Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel (2 nights)

Day 14 Tasman Glacier Explorer (B,D)

This morning, you get to experience the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand's largest, in the most unique way possible. An experienced guide will whisk you away in a stable MAC Boat to explore the melting ice-face of the Tasman Glacier where you will also get to touch & taste 400-year old icebergs that have been carved into the murky waters of the lake.

This afternoon is free to enjoy local walks, sightsee or simply relax in your spectacular surroundings. Optional Ski-plane & helicopter flights are also available subject to weather conditions.

Day 15 Omarama, Lindis Pass, Queenstown (B)

After a leisurely breakfast, journey south through the towns of Twizel & Omarama in the MacKenzie Country before beginning the ascent over the Lindis Pass into the historical gold mining region of Central Otago. Relax as you take in the spectacular scenery that changes from rugged ranges and mirror lakes to the winding Kawarau River Gorge before emerging into the lush green farmland that surrounds the beautiful alpine resort of Queenstown, regarded as New Zealand's premier destination.

Stay Heritage Queenstown Hotel (2 nights)

Day 16  & 17 Explore Queenstown and Fiordland National Park (B)

Enjoy two full days to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Here you can take a thrilling jet boat ride, pan for gold, raft the white water rapids, take a wine trail, fish for trout, play golf or 4WD sheer canyons.

It is also a great base from which to explore the Fiordland National Park, gateway to the awesome Milford Sound & Doubtful Sound. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection.

Day 18 Historic Arrowtown, Crown Range, Lake Wanaka (B)

Set beneath the rugged Crown Range is Arrowtown, a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of last century. Enjoy time to stroll through this historic village located beside the Arrow River, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860's. A spectacular drive over the Crown Range brings us to Lake Wanaka with its breathtaking mountain & lake views.

Stay Edgewater Resort Hotel (2 nights)

Day 19 Wanaka at leisure (B)

An inspiring place to indulge in tranquillity, Lake Wanaka also has plenty of action-packed activities available for those who can't keep still! We recommend some time out, soaking up the atmosphere & splendour that is Wanaka. Watch the last light fall across the still waters that reflect the snow capped peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park & reflect on life the way it should be.

Day 20 Haast Pass, Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers (B)

Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. On to Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Glaciers, our stay for the next 2 nights.

Stay Distinction Te Weheka Inn (2 nights)

Day 21 Explore West Coast Glaciers (B)

A full day to enjoy the delights of this region at your own pace. A number of optional glacial adventure and exploration activities are available. Full day & half day glacier walks, heli-hikes & helicopter flightseeing excursions are all possible subject to weather conditions.

Day 22 - On to Punakaiki Rocks (B)
Travel along the rugged west coastline with its towering rainforests, rushing rivers and tranquil lakes. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that are the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes.
Stay Punakaiki Resort (1 night)

Day 23 Spectacular Tranz Alpine train, Christchurch (B)

Journey south along the wild & rugged West Coast to Greymouth. Here you board the award-winning Tranz Alpine for a coast-to-coast journey through the Southern Alps. This spectacular train adventure has been rated as one of the 6 most scenic journeys in the world. Having reached the alpine village of Arthur's Pass at 747 metres above sea level, the Tranz Alpine winds its way over massive viaducts, through spectacular river gorges and the stunning Waimakariri River valley before finally crossing the huge and fertile patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Stay The George Hotel (1 night)

Day 24 Depart Christchurch (B)
At leisure today until you transferred to the airport for your flight home or onward journey to your next destination. Here, we bid you ‘Haere Ra', a fond farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

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