Auckland to Christchurch
Duration: 16 days, 15 nights
Accommodations: Superior
Tour Code: NCC16
Style: Escorted Motor Coach Touring
Highlights: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Mt Cook
Itinerary
Day 1. Auckland, Freedom of Choice Touring.
You will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Today you have the opportunity to choose the activity and we will include it! Perhaps take a cruise of Waitemata Harbour or a Waitakere Wilderness Experience, see Auckland from the top of the Sky Tower, or indulge your body with a Bliss Royal Reflexology treatment!
Day 2. Auckland, Bay of Islands.
Crossing Auckland’s busy Harbour Bridge we travel north to the beautiful Bay of Islands, the cradle of European settlement in New Zealand. On arrival, we take a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Reserve where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.
Day 3. Bay of Islands, Freedom of Choice Touring.
Not only is the Bay of Islands the birthplace of the nation, it is also home to 144 islands. Today you have the opportunity to choose the sightseeing activity that most interests you and we will include it, whether it be a day trip to Cape Reinga, sailing on a schooner or swimming with the dolphins.
Day 4. Bay of Islands, Auckland.
Explore New Zealand’s finest National Maritime Park on a catamaran cruise to Cape Brett and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. View the Cape Brett lighthouse then make passage through the ‘Hole’ (sea conditions permitting). Return this afternoon to the city of Auckland.
Day 5. Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua.
Leaving the ‘City of Sails’ we travel south to Waitomo Caves to experience a guided tour of the underground limestone caverns, including the magnificent 'Cathedral' cave. Join a silent boat ride and glide through a mystical grotto, lit by millions of tiny glow worms. Emerge into daylight and continue to Rotorua and tonight enjoy a Hangi (feast) and Maori cultural performance.
Day 6. Rotorua, Freedom of Choice Touring.
Rotorua is New Zealand’s oldest and best known thermal resort, where generations of visitors have enjoyed its waters and experienced the region's Maori culture. Today we give you the opportunity to choose the activity and we will include it.
Day 7. Rotorua, Wellington.
We view Wairakei Steam Valley, where thermal energy is harnessed in the world’s second largest geothermal power plant. See the spectacular Huka Falls, mouth of the mighty Waikato River, and tranquil Lake Taupo. We travel south and cross the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park. Continue to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city and journey to the top of Mt Victoria for stunning panoramic views.
Day 8. Wellington, Blenheim.
This morning enjoy a brief city sightseeing tour, including Parliament Buildings, before we visit Te Papa the ‘National Museum of New Zealand’. This afternoon we join our cruise for the journey across Cook Strait to the South Island. Rejoin our coach in Picton and travel to Blenheim.
Day 9. Blenheim, Christchurch.
Today is a spectacular scenic journey between mountain and sea. Journey between the Pacific Ocean and rugged Kaikoura Ranges, through North Canterbury to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island and renowned as the Garden City due to its profusion of elegant gardens and beautiful architecture. On arrival we enjoy a city sightseeing tour then the afternoon is at your leisure to explore this pretty city. Perhaps take a leisurely punt along the Avon River or visit the Antarctic Centre (own expense).
Day 10. TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef.
This morning board the award winning TranzAlpine Train. Enjoy spectacular scenery as we cross the Canterbury Plains before climbing up into the Main Divide. Disembark at Arthurs Pass and continue to Hokitika by coach. Here, see Pounamu (jade) being carved into beautiful jewellery. Continue along the dramatic West Coast to arrive in Franz Josef.
Day 11. Franz Josef, Queenstown, Dine Around Dinner.
Travel along the rugged West Coast to Haast. Experience a unique river safari, capturing breathtaking views of the massive glacier,formed Haast River Valley. Rejoin our coach and continue to Queenstown. Tonight enjoy our Dine Around Dinner, where you get to choose from one of four restaurants and we will include it!
Day 12. Queenstown, Freedom of Choice Touring.
Queenstown is a year round alpine resort. Today we have a selection of activities for you to choose from and we will include it! Perhaps tour through some of Queenstown's local gardens, visit some of the local wineries, or join a Double Decker tour around Queenstown.
Day 13. Milford Sound, Te Anau.
Today we travel to Fiordland, a World Heritage,listed area of stunning natural beauty. Here we see some of New Zealand’s most remote and untouched scenery as we journey to Milford Sound. Join a cruise on this beautiful, glacier carved fiord. This afternoon take a relaxing journey to the lakeside village of Te Anau.
Day 14. Te Anau, Dunedin, Freedom of Choice Touring.
Leaving the dramatic landscape of the Fiordland region we journey through rolling Southland countryside. Travel to the east coast and the city of Dunedin. This afternoon you choose an activity and we will include it.
Day 15. Dunedin, Mt Cook.
Journey north along the coast to view the unique Moeraki Beach boulders. We head into the majestic scenery of Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage listed area and home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt Cook.
Day 16. Lake Tekapo, Christchurch.
This morning stop at picturesque Lake Tekapo to visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of local stone and east as tribute to the regions's early settlers. Travel through Burkes Pass to Christchurch, where your tour concludes on arrival.
Departure Dates
2008
Jun. 14
Aug. 2, 23
Sep. 13, 20, 27
Oct. 8, 15, 18, 22, 25
Nov. 5, 8, 12, 19, 22, 26
Dec. 6, 17, 20
2009
Jan. 3, 7, 14, 17,21, 24, 28
Feb. 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28
Mar. 4, 7, 14, 28
| Pricing per Person starting from: |
Double |
Single |
| Room Only |
$3625 |
$4765 |
| Room with Breakfast |
$3845 |
$4990 |
| Room with Breakfast and Dinner |
$4390 |
$5535 | |
