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14 Day New Zealand Vista Independent Coach

This is a journey of discovery visiting key cities and superb natural attractions.

Days
14

Pricing From
$7555

North Island / South Island
Book Now

Overview

14 Day New Zealand Vista Independent Coach New Zealand MapThe 14 Day New Zealand Vista Independent Coach takes you on a journey of discovery.  From Auckland you’ll travel south all the way to Milford Sound.  Along the way you’ll marvel at the glow worm caves of Waitomo, experience rural life at Agrodome and explore our unique Maori culture at Te Puia and Tamaki Village. 

After crossing the Interislander ferry to Picton you’ll head south to Christchurch, then on to Mt Cook National Park where you’ll spend a night at the Hermitage Hotel.  Dunedin is next before you continue south to Te Anau and Milford Sound for your spectacular nature cruise.  Heading north you spend 2 nights in Queenstown with a special dinner at Walter Peak before crossing to the West Coast glaciers.  The final leg of your journey takes you back to Christchurch on board the Tranz Alpine scenic train.

Looking for a fully escorted coach tour? Check out our guided departures here!

New Zealand Vista Independent Coach

Interislander Ferry

New Zealand Vista Independent Coach

Te Puia, Rotorua

New Zealand Vista Independent Coach

Tamaki Maori Village, Rotorua

New Zealand Vista Independent Coach

Agrodome, Rotorua

New Zealand Vista Independent Coach

Waitomo Glowworms

New Zealand Vista Independent Coach

TranzAlpine Train

New Zealand Vista Independent Coach

TSS Earnslaw, Queenstown

New Zealand Vista Independent Coach

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Welcome to Auckland City

On arrival you will be met by one of our team and driven to your Auckland accommodation.

Welcome to Auckland City
Auckland, New Zealand’s self-proclaimed ‘City of Sails’ is the country’s largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. 

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Harbour Dinner Cruise Sailing Experience

Stay 1 night Auckland

Day 2Auckland to Waitomo to Rotorua

Auckland to Waitomo and Rotorua full day Experience with Great Sights including lunch 

This full day tour has it all! From the magical glowworms and world-famous limestone formations of Waitomo to the rich cultural heritage and geothermal bounty of Rotorua. Includes a visit to the glow worm caves, a maori cultural performance, a visit to the Agrodome and bubbling mud pools and geysers.

Tamaki Maori Village cultural tour and dinner
Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Maori way. 

Stay 2 nights Rotorua

Day 3Explore Rotorua

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. But geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, a visit to the Mitai Maori Village should be high on your agenda, as should an excursion to the Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Rotorua Forest Canopy Tours
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Polynesian Lake Spa

Day 4Rotorua to Wellington

Your coach journey from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo.

Through Tongariro and onto the central plateau and the high country Rangipo Desert. Skirting Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand's three world heritage sites and clouds permitting you can see the 2,500 metre peak of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu.

Heading south you pass through the rural towns before arriving on the Kapiti Coast, with its coastal seaside towns of Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton. The Kapiti Coast leads into Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills.

Stay 1 night Wellington

Day 5Interislander ferry Wellington to Picton

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Interislander ferry terminal in time for your ferry check in.

Interislander ferry Wellington to Picton

The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. 

Picton Ferry Terminal to your Picton accommodation

You will be met at the Picton Ferry Terminal and transferred to your Picton accommodation.

Stay 1 night Picton

Day 6Picton to Christchurch

You will be collected from your Picton accommodation and transferred to the Picton Coach Stop.

Picton to Christchurch

From Picton you head south on state Highway 1 towards Blenheim which is at the heart of the New Zealand's largest wine producing region, Marlborough. Crossing the dry hills of the Marlborough ranges you head towards the Kaikoura Coast. 

Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants and shops but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife.

Upon arrival in Christchurch, a private transfer will collect you from the coach stop and transfer you to your accommodation.

Stay 1 night Christchurch

Day 7Christchurch to Mt. Cook National Park

Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains you head into Mackenzie country. Ascending Burkes Pass, you'll enter New Zealand's high country. The picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, is the first of the large Southern Lakes on your journey and enjoy a short stop here to enjoy the picturesque lake and one of the most photographed buildings in the country, the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Continue onto Lake Pukaki and on clear days you will be rewarded with a spectacular views of Mt Cook, towering over the lake. The spectacular scenic drive along the lake delivers you into the heart of the national park and Mt. Cook Village.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Glacier Explorers Mt. Cook

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Explorer Pass

Stay 1 night Mt Cook

Day 8Mt Cook to Dunedin

In the afternoon you will be picked up from your accommodation in Mt Cook Village for the journey through to Dunedin. Along the way you stop for a short break in Omarama, then onto Oamaru for a scenic tour of the historic Whitestone Prectinct. You will then enjoy a guided walk along Koekohe Beach at Moeraki Boulders before reaching Dunedin, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Speights Brewery Tour and Dinner

Stay 1 night Dunedin

Day 9Dunedin to Te Anau

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.

Dunedin to Te Anau

Enjoy this scenic coach trip across the magnificent Southland Countryside from the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin, to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.

On arrival in Te Anau, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your Te Anau accommodation. 

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Te Anau Glow Worm Caves

Stay 1 night Te Anau

Day 10Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Milford Sound Nature Cruise with return luxury coach transfers from Te Anau, and onto Queenstown

From Te Anau, you travel by coach along the spectacular Milford Road. On reaching Milford Sound, you join a Nature Cruise for a leisurely cruise the full-length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. A nature guide provides fascinating interpretation throughout the cruise.

Lunch options and complimentary tea and coffee are available on board the vessel.

Stay 2 nights Queenstown

Day 11Free Day in Queenstown

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders.

TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour
Go back in time on this return trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Skyline Gondola

Day 12Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

Depart Queenstown by coach passing through Cromwell, Wanaka and Hawea before travelling over the magnificent Haast Pass into Westland. On arrival transfer to your accommodation. A local shuttle is available to take you to the glacier base where you can enjoy some short walks and magnificent views. Perhaps take a scenic helicopter flight for the ultimate view. Spectacular photo opportunities abound of these huge ice masses. Watch out for keas (native parrots) and their inquisitive cheeky play.

Stay 1 night Glaciers

Day 13TranzAlpine Scenic train Greymouth to Christchurch

Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station

This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Continue through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields.

On arrival into Hokitika there is time to purchase lunch, walk around the town centre, to view the greenstone factories, visit the woodworking studio, or just relax and enjoy the windswept coast.

Continue onto Greymouth Railway Station from where you catch the world famous Tranz Alpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.

On arrival into the Christchurch train station you will be met by a private transfer driver and taken to your accommodation.

Stay 1 night Christchurch

Day 14Depart Christchurch

You will be collected from your accommodation and a private transfer will deliver you to Christchurch airport in time for your departing flight.

PRICE PER PERSON (TWIN SHARE)

  • 3-Star Hotel Accommodation: from NZ$7,555*

*Please Note

Prices are estimates only, and are subject to availability and exchange rates when booking, seasonal or holiday price surcharges (such as Christmas/New Year and Easter); as well as special events that may be on. Please forward a request and we will be happy to forward a quote.

Payment

  • Deposit: 20% of the package cost or NZ$250 per person (whichever is the greater) at time of booking
  • Full Payment: 60 Days before travel
  • Airfares (if applicable): Paid in full no more than 6 days after booking

Cancellation Charges

  • Cancellation Fees up to 100% can apply after booking. Extra deposits or full payment may be requested to cover these charges prior to booking

Itinerary

Open All
Day 1Welcome to Auckland City

On arrival you will be met by one of our team and driven to your Auckland accommodation.

Welcome to Auckland City
Auckland, New Zealand’s self-proclaimed ‘City of Sails’ is the country’s largest metro area. Resting between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, this urban paradise has something for everyone. Surrounded by native bush, rainforests and an abundance of beaches, Auckland is a playground for both the city savvy and those with an eye for adventure. 

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Harbour Dinner Cruise Sailing Experience

Stay 1 night Auckland

Day 2Auckland to Waitomo to Rotorua

Auckland to Waitomo and Rotorua full day Experience with Great Sights including lunch 

This full day tour has it all! From the magical glowworms and world-famous limestone formations of Waitomo to the rich cultural heritage and geothermal bounty of Rotorua. Includes a visit to the glow worm caves, a maori cultural performance, a visit to the Agrodome and bubbling mud pools and geysers.

Tamaki Maori Village cultural tour and dinner
Journey back in time to a Pre-European lifestyle experience of customs and traditions. Enjoy the night's festivities with the people of Tamaki Maori Village as you are treated to a banquet of succulent foods cooked the traditional Maori way. 

Stay 2 nights Rotorua

Day 3Explore Rotorua

Peppered with natural hot springs, boiling mud pools and steaming geysers, Rotorua sits within one of the worlds most active volcanic regions. But geothermal landmarks aside, this city of sulphur has a rich indigenous history. Home to several prominent Maori tribes, a visit to the Mitai Maori Village should be high on your agenda, as should an excursion to the Polynesian Spa for an invigorating soak in its natural mineral hot springs.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Rotorua Forest Canopy Tours
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Polynesian Lake Spa

Day 4Rotorua to Wellington

Your coach journey from Rotorua to Wellington takes you via the township of Taupo and New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo.

Through Tongariro and onto the central plateau and the high country Rangipo Desert. Skirting Tongariro National Park, one of New Zealand's three world heritage sites and clouds permitting you can see the 2,500 metre peak of the still volcanically active Mt. Ruapehu.

Heading south you pass through the rural towns before arriving on the Kapiti Coast, with its coastal seaside towns of Paraparaumu, Paekakariki and Plimmerton. The Kapiti Coast leads into Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Wellington sits on a wonderful deep natural harbour and is surrounded by bush clad hills.

Stay 1 night Wellington

Day 5Interislander ferry Wellington to Picton

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to the Interislander ferry terminal in time for your ferry check in.

Interislander ferry Wellington to Picton

The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton takes around 3 hours and has been described as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world'. 

Picton Ferry Terminal to your Picton accommodation

You will be met at the Picton Ferry Terminal and transferred to your Picton accommodation.

Stay 1 night Picton

Day 6Picton to Christchurch

You will be collected from your Picton accommodation and transferred to the Picton Coach Stop.

Picton to Christchurch

From Picton you head south on state Highway 1 towards Blenheim which is at the heart of the New Zealand's largest wine producing region, Marlborough. Crossing the dry hills of the Marlborough ranges you head towards the Kaikoura Coast. 

Kaikoura Township is a bustling little place with many cafes, restaurants and shops but the main reason for visiting here is the wildlife.

Upon arrival in Christchurch, a private transfer will collect you from the coach stop and transfer you to your accommodation.

Stay 1 night Christchurch

Day 7Christchurch to Mt. Cook National Park

Crossing the vast Canterbury Plains you head into Mackenzie country. Ascending Burkes Pass, you'll enter New Zealand's high country. The picturesque town of Lake Tekapo, is the first of the large Southern Lakes on your journey and enjoy a short stop here to enjoy the picturesque lake and one of the most photographed buildings in the country, the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Continue onto Lake Pukaki and on clear days you will be rewarded with a spectacular views of Mt Cook, towering over the lake. The spectacular scenic drive along the lake delivers you into the heart of the national park and Mt. Cook Village.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Glacier Explorers Mt. Cook

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre Explorer Pass

Stay 1 night Mt Cook

Day 8Mt Cook to Dunedin

In the afternoon you will be picked up from your accommodation in Mt Cook Village for the journey through to Dunedin. Along the way you stop for a short break in Omarama, then onto Oamaru for a scenic tour of the historic Whitestone Prectinct. You will then enjoy a guided walk along Koekohe Beach at Moeraki Boulders before reaching Dunedin, where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Speights Brewery Tour and Dinner

Stay 1 night Dunedin

Day 9Dunedin to Te Anau

You will be collected from your accommodation and transferred to the coach stop in time for your departure.

Dunedin to Te Anau

Enjoy this scenic coach trip across the magnificent Southland Countryside from the Edinburgh of the South, Dunedin, to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.

On arrival in Te Anau, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your Te Anau accommodation. 

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Te Anau Glow Worm Caves

Stay 1 night Te Anau

Day 10Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Milford Sound Nature Cruise with return luxury coach transfers from Te Anau, and onto Queenstown

From Te Anau, you travel by coach along the spectacular Milford Road. On reaching Milford Sound, you join a Nature Cruise for a leisurely cruise the full-length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The cruise provides excellent viewing opportunities and plenty of time is available to enjoy waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. A nature guide provides fascinating interpretation throughout the cruise.

Lunch options and complimentary tea and coffee are available on board the vessel.

Stay 2 nights Queenstown

Day 11Free Day in Queenstown

Although celebrated as New Zealand's ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown offers far more than a fast paced action-packed holiday. Settled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu beneath a soaring panorama of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this alpine town is surrounded by a plethora of historic, gastronomic and scenic wonders.

TSS Earnslaw cruise to Walter Peak including gourmet BBQ dinner and a farm tour
Go back in time on this return trip to Walter Peak High Country Farm aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Shotover Canyon River Jet Boat Adventure

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Skyline Gondola

Day 12Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier

Depart Queenstown by coach passing through Cromwell, Wanaka and Hawea before travelling over the magnificent Haast Pass into Westland. On arrival transfer to your accommodation. A local shuttle is available to take you to the glacier base where you can enjoy some short walks and magnificent views. Perhaps take a scenic helicopter flight for the ultimate view. Spectacular photo opportunities abound of these huge ice masses. Watch out for keas (native parrots) and their inquisitive cheeky play.

Stay 1 night Glaciers

Day 13TranzAlpine Scenic train Greymouth to Christchurch

Franz Josef to Greymouth Train Station

This morning travel north through the small townships of Whataroa and Harihari. Continue through the township of Ross, which in the late 1800s was the centre of one of New Zealand's richest alluvial goldfields.

On arrival into Hokitika there is time to purchase lunch, walk around the town centre, to view the greenstone factories, visit the woodworking studio, or just relax and enjoy the windswept coast.

Continue onto Greymouth Railway Station from where you catch the world famous Tranz Alpine train across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.

On arrival into the Christchurch train station you will be met by a private transfer driver and taken to your accommodation.

Stay 1 night Christchurch

Day 14Depart Christchurch

You will be collected from your accommodation and a private transfer will deliver you to Christchurch airport in time for your departing flight.

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