Price:₹87.00
Travel Time
15 days / 14 nights
Includes
Christchurch to Auckland
New Zealand Explorer
Description
DAY 1 – ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH (D)
Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. On arrival a Kirra representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your downtown city hotel. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and drinks with your fellow travellers.
Stay: Distinction Christchurch Hotel
DAY 2 – CHRISTCHURCH – LAKE TEKAPO (B,D)
Today begins with a unique expereience combining history and sightseeing. Enjoy a journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre on board a beautifully restored heritage tram. Then visit the International Antarctic Centre before crossing the Canterbury Plains, New Zealand’s largest area of flat land that lies between the mighty Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean. On arrival at Tekapo stop to view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Memorial overlooking Lake Tekapo. There is time this afternoon for some optional alpine flightseeing by ski-plane or helicopter over Aoraki Mt Cook, a World Heritage listed site covering over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery (subject to weather conditions).
Stay: Peppers Bluewater Resort
DAY 3 – LAKE TEKAPO – TE ANAU (B,D)
Travel through the townships of Twizel and Omarama before beginning the assent over the Lindis Pass to Cromwell, located dep in the heart of Central Otago in the valley of Upper Clutha. Travel through the lush farmlands of the region before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park.
Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel
DAY 4 – TE ANAU – DOUBTFUL SOUND – QUEENSTOWN (B,L,D)
After breakfast, travel to Manapouri and enjoy a leisurely cruise across this picturesque lake to West Arm. Travel over the Wilmot Pass and pause to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below. Board ‘Patea Explorer’ for a three hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise, knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region through their commentary. They will answer questions, point out landmarks and provide you with information about the varied wildlife you may encounter like dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. As the majesty of Doubtful Sound unfolds before you, its vastness will take your breath away. Later this afternoon, travel on to Queenstown, regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination and enjoy dinner at your hotel on arrival. Optional overnight cruises on Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound are also on offer subject to availability – please ask for details.
Stay: Copthorne Lakefront Hotel & Resort
DAY 5 – QUEENSTOWN (B,D)
Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure and leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Your Coach Captain will happily recommend and assist with any optional activities you would like to do. Alternatively, you may prefer to browse in the many shops and galleries. Tonight, ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed.
Stay: Copthorne Lakefront Hotel & Resort
DAY 6 – QUEENSTOWN – GLACIER REGION (B,D)
This morning, visit Arrowtown. Set beneath the rugged Crown Range, this historic village was once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s and features a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of last century. Stop at Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. View the untouched wilderness and pristine lakes of the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks before arriving on the rugged and wild West Coast, home to the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
DAY 7 – GLACIER REGION – PUNAKAIKI (B,D)
Before our departure this morning, there is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region (subject to weather conditions). At Hokitika, stop to visit a Pounamu, (also known as Greenstone or Jade) factory. Pounamu is considered a treasure in Maori culture and is seen as a sign of status and power. At Punakaiki, marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that are the Pancake Rocks & Blowhole. Tonight’s stay is at a friendly eco resort located in the Paparoa National Park and only a stone’s throw from the beach.
Stay: Punakaiki Resort
DAY 8 – PUNAKAIKI – NELSON (B,D)
Skirt the west coastline before heading inland to Murchison. Travel north through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is the busiest fishing port in New Zealand. This afternoon, visit the World of Wearable Art & Classic Car Museum.
Stay: Heritage Rutherford Hotel
DAY 9 – ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK (B)
Take a short drive to Kaiteriteri today to board your vessel for a scenic cruise of the famous Abel Tasman National Maritime Park. Cruise through the Astrolabe Roadstead to Torrent Bay and Bark Bay calling in to picturesque beaches and coves. Pause to view the antics at Tonga Island Seal Colony on your way to Totaranui. An optional coastal walk may be available for those wishing to spend time ashore – see your Coach Captain for details.
Stay: Heritage Rutherford Hotel
DAY 10 – NELSON – WELLINGTON (B,D)
A short drive brings you to the picturesque fishing village of Picton. Board the Interislander Ferry and cruise through the spectacular Queens Charlotte Sound into Cook Strait. Enjoy stunning views of New Zealand’s capital city as you arrive into Wellington Harbour. Enjoy a brief city tour taking in all the major sights along with free time for exploring on your own. Situated on the Wellington waterfront, a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, is highly recommended.
Stay: Copthorne Oriental Bay Hotel
DAY 11 – WELLINGTON – TAUPO – ROTORUA (B,D)
Leaving the city behind, travel through rolling farmland as you enter the Tongariro National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to the popular lakeside resort of Taupo, located on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. Stop to view the mighty Huka Falls and travel past massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture and famous for its geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming craters. Stay: Sudima Lake Rotorua
DAY 12 – ROTORUA (B,D)
Today begins with a visit to the Agrodome to see a unique New Zealand farm show. This is followed by a visit to Te Puia, home to Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Centre. Here you will witness all of nature’s thermal wonders including silica terraces and the famous Pohutu Geyser. Enjoy some free time this afternoon for optional activities before visiting Mitai Village for an evening of fun and culture. You will experience a traditionally prepared Maori Hangi (feast) followed by a cultural performance featuring Maori songs, chants and dance including the stirring haka.
Stay: Sudima Lake Rotorua
DAY 13 – ROTORUA – COROMANDEL (B,D)
Cross the Mamaku Ranges into the Waikato region, well known for its dairy farming, world famous horse studs and champion Rugby team! At Matamata, a guide will escort your group on a Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tour. Enjoy a visit to the set used in “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movies. Continue the journey on to Pauanui, a favourite New Zealand holiday beach resort for an overnight stay.
Stay: Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort
DAY 14 – COROMANDEL – AUCKLAND (B,D)
The Coromandel Peninsula is a beautiful, rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches and is a place where many ‘kiwis’ as New Zealanders affectionately call themselves, choose to escape the hustle and hype of city life. After a leisurely breakfast, continue on to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’ and enjoy a comprehensive city tour on arrival. Included is a visit to the Auckland Skytower, the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere where you will experience 360 degree panoramic views over the harbours, city and surrounds. This evening, join your friends for a farewell dinner and relive the treasured memories of the last two weeks.
Stay: Rydges Auckland Hotel
DAY 15 – DEPARTURE DAY (B)
Your holiday ends today and you will be transferred to Auckland airport to connect with your onward flight.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.