 |
| Day by Day Itinerary: |
 |
|
| Day 1 - Auckland / Bay of Islands |
|
 Your tour departs from the Rydges Auckland Hotel, corner Kingston & Federal Streets, Auckland at 7.30am. Cross Auckland's distinctive Harbour Bridge for the drive north along the scenic Hibiscus Coast with its numerous beach front holiday settlements then on through Kawakawa to Paihia, where we meet our local Maori guide, a descendent of the original settlers to the region, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands, before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. A self guided tour through the famous Treaty House, the Maori meeting house and giant war canoe. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay, crossing the area's world renowned game fishing grounds to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and spectacular "Hole in the Rock". Return through the inner islands with their beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine life. Overnight accommodation is at Hotel Paihia. (2 nights) |
|
| Day 2 - Bay of Islands |
|
| A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. A full day Tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New Zealand's first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum. Your overnight accommodation is at Hotel Paihia. |
|
| Day 3 - Bay of Islands / Rotorua |
|
| South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and its majestic harbour soon comes into view and a city tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. Your overnight accommodation is at the Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua. |
|
| Day 4 - Rotorua |
|
 A sightseeing tour encompasses the cultural and scenic highlights of the area. Visit the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand's various sheep breeds and a sheep shearing demonstration. Whilst at the Agrodome, be sure to visit the Bliss Confectionery factory & shop for a complimentary treat and tempting sweet delights. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park and see pools of rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over city, lake and mountains and for those wanting just a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments - enjoy the thrill. At the completion of the tour (mid afternoon) there will be time for optional activities:-shopping, trout fishing or a dip in a thermal pool. This evening you will enjoy a Maori hangi (meal) which will include a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka. Your overnight accommodation is at Sudima Hotel. |
|
| Day 5 - Rotorua / Taupo / Napier / Hastings |
|
| This morning visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and famous Pohutu Geyser. Skirt some of the worlds largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity and on to view the Mighty Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm. Pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand and world famous for its trout fishing. Continue on across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and the city of Napier claimed to be the art deco capital of the world. A city tour will encompass the Marine Parade and foreshore area plus many of the city's art deco buildings. A visit to the Hawkes Bay Museum is included. A few minutes drive to Hastings, the fruit bowl of New Zealand. Angus Hotel. |
|
| Day 6 - Hastings / Wellington |
|
| Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings and across the northern Wairarapa Region to Dannevirke and Woodville for an early afternoon arrival in New Zealand's Capital City, Wellington. An extensive city tour will include the summit of Mount Victoria for spectacular views over the city and its magnificent Harbour. See the Houses of Parliament dominated by the distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, the central city and business area and Oriental Bay. There is ample opportunity to also explore the city yourselves and if you wish take a ride on the famous Cable Car, but be sure not to miss Te Papa, the "Museum of New Zealand". Overnight accommodation is at Bay Plaza Hotel. |
|
| Day 7 - Wellington / Picton / Blenheim |
|
| Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with views of the City and its hillside suburbs. Cross Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, bush clad hillsides remote bays and isolated holiday homes. In Picton, you are welcomed by your South Island Coach Captain. Explore Picton then drive to Blenheim for an afternoon's sightseeing. A visit to the Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea. Your overnight accommodation will be at the Blenheim Country Hotel. |
|
| Day 8 - Blenheim / Kaikoura / Christchurch |
|
 Past Lake Grassmere then follow the coastline to Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching. Over the Hundalee Ranges and onto the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch. Visit the International Antarctic Centre before a city tour highlighting a strong English influence. See the parklands and River Avon before boarding the Tourist Tram for a circuit of the city centre which showcases all the main points of interest. Your tour concludes at approximately 5.30pm. |
|
| Departure Dates: |
|
| |
|
|
| TOUR |
START WED
|
FINISH WED
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| Y57 |
23 Jul 2008 |
30 Jul 2008 |
| |
|
|
| Y60 |
13 Aug 2008 |
20 Aug 2008 |
| Y62 |
27 Aug 2008 |
03 Sep 2008 |
| |
|
|
| Y11 |
03 Sep 2008 |
10 Sep 2008 |
| Y12 |
10 Sep 2008 |
17 Sep 2008 |
| Y13 |
17 Sep 2008 |
24 Sep 2008 |
| Y14 |
24 Sep 2008 |
01 Oct 2008 |
| Y142* |
29 Sep 2008 |
06 Oct 2008 |
| |
|
|
| Y15 |
01 Oct 2008 |
08 Oct 2008 |
| Y16 |
08 Oct 2008 |
15 Oct 2008 |
| Y17 |
15 Oct 2008 |
22 Oct 2008 |
| Y19 |
29 Oct 2008 |
05 Nov 2008 |
| |
|
|
| Y20 |
05 Nov 2008 |
12 Nov 2008 |
| Y21 |
12 Nov 2008 |
19 Nov 2008 |
| Y22 |
19 Nov 2008 |
26 Nov 2008 |
| Y23 |
26 Nov 2008 |
03 Dec 2008 |
| |
|
|
| Y24 |
03 Dec 2008 |
10 Dec 2008 |
| |
|
|
| Y25 |
10 Dec 2008 |
17 Dec 2008 |
| Y27 |
24 Dec 2008 |
31 Dec 2008 |
| Y272* |
29 Dec 2008 |
05 Jan 2009 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| TOUR |
START WED
|
FINISH WED
|
| Y282* |
05 Jan 2009 |
12 Jan 2009 |
| Y292* |
12 Jan 2009 |
19 Jan 2009 |
| Y31 |
21 Jan 2009 |
28 Jan 2009 |
| Y312* |
26 Jan 2009 |
02 Feb 2009 |
| Y32 |
28 Jan 2009 |
04 Feb 2009 |
| |
|
|
| Y33 |
04 Feb 2009 |
11 Feb 2009 |
| Y334* |
09 Feb 2009 |
16 Feb 2009 |
| Y34 |
11 Feb 2009 |
18 Feb 2009 |
| Y342* |
16 Feb 2009 |
23 Feb 2009 |
| Y35 |
18 Feb 2009 |
25 Feb 2009 |
| Y352* |
23 Feb 2009 |
02 Mar 2009 |
| Y36 |
25 Feb 2009 |
04 Mar 2009 |
| |
|
|
| Y362* |
02 Mar 2009 |
09 Mar 2009 |
| Y37 |
04 Mar 2009 |
11 Mar 2009 |
| Y38 |
11 Mar 2009 |
18 Mar 2009 |
| Y382* |
16 Mar 2009 |
23 Mar 2009 |
| Y39 |
18 Mar 2009 |
25 Mar 2009 |
| Y40 |
25 Mar 2009 |
01 Apr 2009 |
| Y402 |
30 Mar 2009 |
06 Apr 2009 |
| |
|
|
| Y41 |
01 Apr 2009 |
08 Apr 2009 |
| Y412* |
06 Apr 2009 |
13 Apr 2009 |
| Y42 |
08 Apr 2009 |
15 Apr 2009 |
| Y422* |
13 Apr 2009 |
20 Apr 2009 |
| Y43 |
15 Apr 2009 |
22 Apr 2009 |
| Y432* |
20 Apr 2009 |
27 Apr 2009 |
| Y44 |
22 Apr 2009 |
29 Apr 2009 |
| Y45 |
29 Apr 2009 |
06 May 2009 |
| |
|
|
| Y46 |
06 May 2009 |
13 May 2009 |
| Y47 |
13 May 2009 |
20 May 2009 |
| Y48 |
20 May 2009 |
27 May 2009 |
| Y49 |
27 May 2009 |
03 Jun 2009 |
| |
|
|
| Y50 |
03 Jun 2009 |
10 Jun 2009 |
| Y51 |
10 Jun 2009 |
17 Jun 2009 |
| Y53 |
24 Jun 2009 |
01 Jul 2009 |
| |
|
|
| Y54 |
01 Jul 2009 |
08 Jul 2009 |
| Y56 |
15 Jul 2009 |
22 Jul 2009 |
| Y57 |
22 Jul 2009 |
29 Jul 2009 |
| Y58 |
29 Jul 2009 |
05 Aug 2009 |
| |
|
|
| Y12 |
12 Aug 2009 |
19 Aug 2009 |
| Y13 |
19 Aug 2009 |
26 Aug 2009 |
| Y14 |
26 Aug 2009 |
02 Sep 2009 |
| |
|
|
| Y15 |
02 Sep 2009 |
09 Sep 2009 |
| Y16 |
09 Sep 2009 |
16 Sep 2009 |
| Y162* |
14 Sep 2009 |
21 Sep 2009 |
| Y17 |
16 Sep 2009 |
23 Sep 2009 |
| Y172* |
21 Sep 2009 |
28 Sep 2009 |
| Y18 |
23 Sep 2009 |
30 Sep 2009 |
| Y182* |
28 Sep 2009 |
05 Oct 2009 |
| Y19 |
30 Sep 2009 |
07 Oct 2009 |
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
* Start Monday, finish Monday
|
|
|
;)