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Day 1
Auckland/Whangamata
Your tour departs from Rydges Auckland Hotel,
Federal Street, City at 8.15am. 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
15m yacht on Auckland Harbour and visiting
the Maritime Museum, all before driving to the
Coromandel Peninsula. Breakers Motel (2 nights)
Day 2
The Coromandel
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
glow-worms. Walk on isolated beaches and if
conditions permit, a dip in the springs at Hotwater
Beach.
Day 3
Whangamata/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). Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (1 night)
Day 4
Rotorua/Turangi
Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre
and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica
terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Pass massive pine
forests, see the Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka
Falls to reach Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake.
Skirt its shores to Turangi with time for trout
fishing, many picturesque walks or if you are
daring, white water rafting. Bridge Tongariro Resort
(1 night)
Day 5
Turangi/Wellington
Cross the National Park with its volcanic peaks
to Bulls and Levin, then along the Kapiti coast to
the Capital City, 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. Bay
Plaza Hotel (1 night)
Day 6
Wellington/Blenheim/Nelson
Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic
cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of
Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen
Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then
on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour.
From this renowned wine region it’s a fascinating
drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts.
Leisure Lodge (2 nights)
Day 7
Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park
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 8
Nelson/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 Café
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. Hotel Ashley (1 night)
Day 9
Greymouth/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.
Fox Glacier Hotel (1 night)
Day 10
Fox Glacier/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. Mt Aspiring Hotel
(1 night) |
Day 11
Wanaka/Queenstown
Drive through a picturesque region that has a
fascinating history of early settlement and gold
mining for a late morning arrival into the
ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is
at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire
group).
You have 2 choices for the next three days and
Tours New Zealand enthusiastically recommends
OPTION 1:
The Greenstone Valley Guided Walk
Today enjoy the sights, sounds and activities of
Queenstown plus attend a pre-walk briefing. Rydges
Hotel (1 night)
Day 12
Queenstown/Steel Creek
By coach to Glenorchy then onto the track,
stately beech forests, rocky gorges and silent river
pools with Robins and Tom Tits for company. Its 18km
to Steel Creek Lodge nestled on broad river flats.
Day 13
Steel Creek/Lake McKellar Red tussock land,
ancient bog pines and cottonwoods with sheer
mountainsides above and possibly deer on the forests
edge. 14km to Lake McKellar Lodge.
Day 14
Lake McKellar/Milford Sound
To the Greenstone Saddle, through lush forests to
Lake Howden, then ascend Key Summit (919m) an area
of alpine swamp with incredible 360 degree views, so
spectacular, then down to rejoin your Tour on the
Milford Road at The Divide and travel through the
Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.
Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise –
an undoubted highlight. (1 night) Note: The
Greenstone Valley Guided Walk option is not
available on departures X10, 11 & 21.
OR OPTION 2:
At leisure in Queenstown
Jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the
Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting
and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can
count – enjoy. Dinner day 13 is not included
allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of
your choice. Rydges Hotel (3 nights)
Day 12 and Day 13 also at leisure.
Day 14
Queenstown/Milford Sound
Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile
farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri
then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley,
native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering
mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek
group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and
Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Board the Milford
Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted
highlight. (1 night)
Day 15
Milford Sound/Dunedin
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine
world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush
green countryside, which in turn gives way to
rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the
‘Edinburgh of the South’. This evening prior to
Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish
Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the
Haggis and gift.
Cargills Hotel (2 nights)
Day 16
Dunedin
A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude
of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife
Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring
penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge
Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach
Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights
Brewery. Have fun!
Day 17
Dunedin/Omarama
Visit Olveston, Dunedin’s majestic historic home
with its original furnishings. See bush clad
hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline,
view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore
Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several
hydro lakes to Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel (1 night)
Day 18
Omarama/Mt Cook/Christchurch
Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt
Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand’s
highest mountains. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of
the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time
for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air
Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury
Plains and Christchurch. Your tour concludes at
approximately 5.00 pm after a brief city
tour.Dunedin’s majestic historic home with its
original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal
estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual
Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the
Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes
3 Day Guided Walk Option
Experience New Zealand’s superb mountains and native
bush on the popular Greenstone Valley 3 Day / 2
Night Guided Walk |
18 Day Ultimate Tour
