Kirra Tours 18 day Panorama

Day 1 - Welcome to Auckland

On arrival into Auckland a representative of Kirra Tours will meet you from your flight and a transfer will deliver you to your pre tour hotel accommodation.

Your accommodation: Rydges Hotel, Auckland Nestled in the heart of Auckland's CBD, Rydges Auckland offers an ideal location. The hotel is a short stroll from business and retail districts, the Casino, the America's Cup Viaduct Village and superb waterfront restaurants.

Day 2 - Auckland to the Bay of Islands

Your tour departs from the Rydges Hotel, Auckland City at 7.30am. Cross Auckland's distinctive Harbour Bridge to drive north along the Hibiscus Coast, through Kawakawa to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Here you meet our local Maori guide, a descendant 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 all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay crossing the areas world renowned game fishing grounds to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and famous "Hole in the Rock". Return through the inner islands with their beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine life.

Your accommodation: Tanoa Hotel, Bay of Islands Located close to the centre of Paihia and its major visitor attractions, Hotel Paihia is ideally positioned as a base from where to explore the Bay of Islands.

Day 3 - Bay of Islands free day

A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. Options include a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach, explore historic Russell, New Zealand's first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum or enjoy some big game fishing, kayaking or a relaxing afternoon on a yacht.

Your accommodation: Tanoa Hotel, Bay of Islands Located close to the centre of Paihia and its major visitor attractions, Hotel Paihia is ideally positioned as a base from where to explore the Bay of Islands.

Day 4 - Bay of Islands to Rotorua

South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and its majestic harbour soon come into view and a city tour includes a visit to the summit of Skytower, at 328m one of the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere offering spectacular panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the central 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 accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none on the very shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua.

Day 5 - Rotorua

A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand's various sheep breeds, a sheep shearing demonstration before heading to Rainbow Springs to see rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over the city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement try an exciting luge ride. There will be time this afternoon for optional activities such as a helicopter tour to see Mt. Tarawera, a visit to the Buried Village or enjoy the government gardens and the local award winning museum.

This evening your tour group enjoys a traditionally prepared Maori hangi meal followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and dance. A wonderful evening offering a taste and introduction to this unique culture.

Your accommodation: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua The Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua enjoys a location that is second-to-none on the very shores of beautiful Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the world famous Polynesian Spa complex and just a short stroll to all the attractions in Rotorua.

Day 6 - Rotorua to Taupo to Napier

Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Skirt some of the worlds largest pine forests to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity. View the Huka Falls where the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm and pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawke's Bay region and Napier, claimed to be the world's art deco capital. A city tour will encompass the Marine Parade and foreshore area plus many of the city's art deco buildings. A visit to the Hawke's Bay Museum is included.

Your accommodation: Tne Tennyson Hotel Welcome to The Tennyson, providing comfortable accommodation with a touch of elegance and style in central Napier City and the ambiance, comfort and hospitality of a traditional, boutique seaside town hotel, surrounded by Napier’s famous Art Deco culture.

Day 7 - Napier to Wellington

Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings then to Dannevirke and Woodville for an early afternoon arrival into the capital city Wellington. A city tour includes the summit of Mount Victoria for views over the city and its harbour, the houses of parliament and distinctive Beehive, Wellington Cathedral, the central city and business area and Oriental Bay. Explore the city yourself but don't miss Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand or take a ride on the famous cable car.

Your accommodation: The Bay Plaza Hotel, Wellington The Bay Plaza Hotel is located on Wellington's vibrant Oriental Parade not far from the famous Embassy Theatre that has staged the world premiere of 'The Lord of the Rings'. It is only minutes away from cafes, restaurants, bars, theatres, Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa) and shopping areas.

Day 8 - Wellington to 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 and a visit to the Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea.

Your accommodation: Heartland Hotel Marlborough Heartland Hotel Marlborough is centrally located in Blenheim, in the heart of Marlborough's wine growing region. Just minutes walk from the city centre

Day 9 - Blenheim to Kaikoura to Christchurch

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 restored historic tourist trams for a circuit of the city centre which showcases all the main points of interest.

Your accommodation: Pavilions Hotel Christchurch Pavilions Hotel is located very close to the city centre of Christchurch and has been designed with your total comfort in mind. Facilities included swimming pool, spa pool and private sauna and a 24 hour reception service provides help whenever you need it.

Day 10 - Christchurch to Mt. Cook to Omarama

Cross the broad Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps to the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine to the barren Mackenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd dedicated to the early pioneers of the region and the collie dog memorial overlooking the milky blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Time for a spectacular flight over the Southern Alps, lakes and glaciers with Air Safaris (optional). Visit Mt Cook National Park, with time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand's highest snow capped peaks before travelling around Lake Pukaki to Twizel and Omarama.

Your accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel Positioned at the crossroads linking north, south, east and west, the Heritage Gateway Hotel truly is the Gateway of the South. With 98 pleasantly decorated rooms, a full restaurant and cocktail bar with views of the Southern Alps, the Heritage Gateway Hotel has everything you need to rest and refresh.

Day 11 - Omarama to Dunedin

Pass large hydro lakes as you travel along the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and then south to Dunedin - the "Scottish" city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton's Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals,  enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge train journey or explore the city only a few minutes walk away. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.

Your accommodation: Cargills Hotel Dunedin Cargills Hotel offers travellers premier hospitality with excellent accommodation and a friendly, warm atmosphere. Cargills is relaxed and is famous for hosting its guests, rather than merely serving them.

Day 12 - Dunedin to Lake Manapouri and Te Anau

Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri with its rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau.

Your accommodation: Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides a full range of premium accommodation options, including 84 Deluxe Rooms. The Hotels 180 rooms offer the perfect base for your travels in Te Anau and the Fiordland region. All new Deluxe rooms feature tasteful interior design, LCD flat screen televisions, comfortable lounge furniture and queen size beds. Modern bathrooms offer showers over the bath.

Day 13 - Milford Sound including a launch cruise

A highlight of any tour. Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach to the roads edge and snow capped peaks tower above. Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and shows such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Time to relax and appreciate your surroundings. Walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm, a spectacular waterfall then pause at the Homer Tunnel. If conditions permit, your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Lower Hollyford Valley. Return to Te Anau.

Your accommodation: Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides a full range of premium accommodation options, including 84 Deluxe Rooms. The Hotels 180 rooms offer the perfect base for your travels in Te Anau and the Fiordland region. All new Deluxe rooms feature tasteful interior design, LCD flat screen televisions, comfortable lounge furniture and queen size beds. Modern bathrooms offer showers over the bath.

Day 14 - Te Anau to Queenstown

This morning cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the under-ground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow-worms at the famous Te Anau Glow Worm Caves. An afternoon drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque alpine town of Queenstown.

Enjoy a fantastic cruise on board the unique steamship TSS Earnslaw. On arrival at Walter Peak enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the Colonels' homestead. Crossing the lake on the return journey a sing a long with a suitable night cap is the order of the day.

Your accommodation: Rydges Hotel Queenstown Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown boasts breathtaking views over the lake and surrounding mountains.

Day 15 - Free day to enjoy Queenstown

A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. Highly recommended is a jet boat ride on the world famous Shotover River or the Kawarua River with KJet. For a longer wilderness expereince try the Dart River Wilderness Safari trip from Glenorchy, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon with Nomad Safaris or even white water rafting combined with a thrilling helicopter ride. Or you could simply relax, explore the shops and cafes and soak in the atmosphere. Queenstown really does have something for everyone.

Your accommodation: Rydges Hotel Queenstown Situated on the shores of beautiful Lake Wakatipu, Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown boasts breathtaking views over the lake and surrounding mountains.

Day 16 - Queenstown to Haast Pass to Fox Glacier

Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora and into Mt. Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the glacier region. Explore the township or take the optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face.

Your accommodation: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier The Fox Glacier Resort Hotel is nestled at the base of the majestic Southern Alps in the Westland World Heritage Park. Originally built in 1928 it has been refurbished to retain its charming atmosphere.

Day 17 - Fox Glacier to Christchurch

Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers then north to Greymouth to visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory to see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthur's Pass to the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch.

Option today to take the Tranz Alpine Scenic train across the Southern Alps.

Considered one of the worlds great train journeys, the Tranz Alpine scenic train takes you from Greymouth to Christchurch, from the West Coast and the Tasman Sea to the east coast and the Pacific Ocean. From your carriage you'll see the spectacular Otira Valley and mountains of Arthur's Pass National Park and the Southern Alps. Rivers, waterfalls and lush beech forest followed by high country farmland whisk by before your journey follows the Waimakariri River and then onto the Canterbury Plains before arriving into Christchurch just after 6pm.
Your train departs Greymouth at 1:45pm arriving Christchurch around 6:15pm. The train has a food car and bar on board. Your coach travels ahead with your luggage.

Your accommodation: Pavilions Hotel Christchurch Pavilions Hotel is located very close to the city centre of Christchurch and has been designed with your total comfort in mind. Facilities included swimming pool, spa pool and private sauna and a 24 hour reception service provides help whenever you need it.

Day 18 - Depart Christchurch today

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Christchurch airport in time for your onward flight.