Kirra Tours 17 day New Zealand Explorer
|
A superb 17 day itinerary incorporating two of New Zealand premier rail experiences - the Tranz Alpine and Tranz Coastal journeys. Special highlights include Christchurch, Mt Cook region, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Queenstown, Marlborough Wine region, Wellington, Rotorua, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the Bay of Islands.
Day 1 - Welcome to Christchurch
Welcome to Christchurch, transfer to hotel
On arrival into Christchurch a representative of Kirra Tours will meet you from your flight and a transfer will deliver you to your Christchurch hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Garden City.
| 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 2 - Christchurch to Mt. Cook to Omarama
Christchurch to Mt Cook to Omarama
Your tour departs from the Pavilions Hotel at 8.00am. A city sights tour will highlight the main attractions of Christchurch before travelling across the Canterbury Plains into the MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog statue at Lake Tekapo. Opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (optional), before continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Admire the majesty of Mt Cook before travelling on to 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 3 - Omarama to Dunedin
Omarama to Dunedin
Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin - the "Scottish" city. An early arrival allows a choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton's Citibus tour to see the penguins, albatross and seals, enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge train 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 4 - Dunedin to Lake Manapouri and Te Anau
Dunedin to Lake Manapouri to Te Anau
Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake Manapouri before arriving at 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 5 - Te Anau to Milford Sound, a launch cruise then to Queenstown
Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown
Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Return to Te Anau and on to Mossburn, then skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown.
Group Highlight dinner: Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant, where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed.
Meals included -group highlight dinner at Queenstown's Skyline Gondola Restaurant
Take a ride to the top on the Queenstown Skyline Gondola this evening and enjoy dinner while soaking in the fantastic views from the Skyline restaurant.
| 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 6 - Queenstown free day
Queenstown
A day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort. Try the famous Shotover Jet, an excursion to Skippers Canyon or a steamer cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw. Alternatively, explore Queenstown's many boutiques and galleries - your Coach Captain will be pleased to advise.
| 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 7 - Queenstown to Haast Pass to Fox Glacier
Queenstown to Haast Pass to Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes then on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining 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, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the magnificent Glacier region and visit the National Park Headquarters 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 8 - Fox Glacier to Christchurch
Fox Glacier to Greymouth to Christchurch
Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glacier then on to Franz Josef. Snowcapped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Now join the famous Tranz Alpine Scenic Train train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Through rainforests to Otira and Arthur's Pass, snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps, the rugged Gorges of the Waimakariri river and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
| 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 9 - Christchurch to Kaikoura to Blenheim
Christchurch to Kaikoura to Blenheim
Join the Tranz Coastal Scenic Train train for a kaleidoscope of scenery across fertile Canterbury farmland through the Hundalee Ranges. Follow the Pacific coastline, with the Kaikoura mountains forming a rugged backdrop to the west, passing tiny holiday settlements and Kaikoura, famous for whale-watching. Arrive in Blenheim early afternoon. A short tour of the area includes a visit to Montana Winery. Enjoy a hosted tour of the winery, learn about and taste a range of the famous local wines (purchase if you wish) followed by 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 10 - Blenheim to Picton to Wellington
Blenheim to Picton to Wellington
Drive to Picton, nestled on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds, to board the Interislander Ferry. Sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, sheltered waterways, remote bays and isolated holiday homes. Across Cook Strait and into Wellington Harbour for spectacular views of New Zealand's Capital City. A city tour will incorporate the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour, the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, city centre and Oriental Bay. Also explore the city yourself. 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 11 - Wellington to Taupo to Rotorua
Wellington to Taupo to Rotorua
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island and on a clear day, the South Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. Across rolling farmland to the central North Island and Tongariro National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake and famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls before skirting massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, the centre of Maori 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 12 - Rotorua
Rotorua
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome for a display featuring New Zealand's various sheep breeds with a shearing demonstration. See pools of brown and rainbow trout at Rainbow Springs Park and native birds including the Kiwi. Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve, with boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement, try a Luge ride with our compliments. Time for optional activities this afternoon.
Group highlight dinner: This evening enjoy a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka followed by a Maori hangi (meal) with a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables.
Meals included - group highlight dinner and a Maori concert
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 13 - Rotorua to Waitomo to Auckland
Rotorua to Waitomo to Auckland
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. At Waitomo, a guide will escort you underground to the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the region's Maori people, then alongside the Waikato River before crossing the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand's largest city - Auckland. A city tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m one of the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere for superb city and harbour views, the downtown area and waterfront.
| 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 14 - Auckland to Bay of Islands
Auckland to Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe and the Kauri museum which tells the story of the Kauri tree and the regions early settlement. The displays are superb and their story fascinating. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia, where we meet a 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. Enjoy 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.
| 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 15 - Bay of Islands free day
Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy. the many optional 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 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 16 - Bay of Islands cruise then to Auckland
Bay of Islands to Auckland
A launch cruise will take you across the Bay and world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous "Hole in the Rock". Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Shortly Auckland city and the Waitemata Harbour come into view. Your tour will conclude at approximately 5.30pm.
| 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 17 - Depart Auckland today
Transfer to Auckland airport
You will be transferred to Auckland airport to meet your onward flight if required.
Standard tour inclusions:
- Quality hotel accommodation.
- 2 highlight dinners
- Travel in luxurious, well appointed and fully air-conditioned tour coaches.
- Escorted by a professional Coach Captain.
- An informative commentary as you travel.
- Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees and attractions as detailed with each itinerary.
- Baggage handling / porterage.
- Travel kit including travel bag, ticket wallet, maps and itinerary.
- Goods and Services tax (g.s.t).
Sightseeing and attraction inclusions:
Haggis Ceremony - Dunedin
Enjoy a traditional Scottish haggis ceremony in the Edinburgh of the South where descendants of Robbie Burns still live. Hear the famous ‘Address to the Haggis', before tasting this very unique national dish of Scotland. This is a fun start to your evening, with group participation and you'll also receive a souvenir gift.
Olveston House - Dunedin
Olveston is a modern masterpiece of the Edwardian Era. In 1966 Olveston was offered as an extraordinary gift to the City of Dunedin. The 35-room mansion houses original collections. In material terms, as Olveston grows older it grows infinitely more valuable. In historic terms, it is already priceless.Milford Sound Launch Cruise - Milford Sound An absolutely essential highlight of any New Zealand visit. Sail beneath Mitre Peak as it rises sheer from the Sound 1700 metres overhead, cruise to the open Tasman Sea with Anita Bay to your left. View the seal colony on the rocks and keep a look out for dolphins. The vessel will nose under the Stirling Falls that tumble from high above and view distant Mount Tutoko.
Skyline Gondola and Dinner - Queenstown
Ride the Gondola to Bob's Peak high above the Queenstown township to end the day with the Taste of New Zealand Buffet dinner whilst enjoying unsurpassed views out over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.
Greenstone Jade Factory - Greymouth
Visit the Greenstone Factory where you will see skilled craftsmen create fine jewellery, contemporary carvings of traditional Maori or modern designs and beautiful sculptures from New Zealand nephrite jade, which has been recovered in the Westland area.Tranz Alpine Scenic Train - Greymouth to Christchurch
Join the world famous train journey as it crosses the Southern Alps and New Zealand's highest township of Arthur's Pass.Tranz Coastal Scenic Train - Christchurch to Blenheim
Enjoy an incredible scenic train journeys through rolling farmland, spectacular mountains and coastal scenery.Montana Brancott Winery - Blenheim
Including a guided tour and tasting of New Zealand's premier wines, the Brancott Winery gives you the opportunity to see the revolutionary new grape tipper tanks - the first of their kind in the world and the imposing cuvee room, where Montana's premium red wines are fermented in oak. Also includes afternoon tea.Interislander Ferry Crossing - Picton to Wellington
Often likened to a cruise this fascinating 3 hour journey will take you the magnificent Marlborough Sounds, across the Cook Strait and into Wellington Harbour.
Rainbow Springs – Rotorua
Enjoy the tranquility of the crystal clear water that flows tirelessly from the subterranean springs. Marvel at the silent grace of the magnificent specimens of Rainbow, Brown and Tiger trout, cruising the fern-fringed pools. See a live kiwi foraging for food, walk through our native New Zealand bush, see a silver fern and come face to face with a Tuatara, a living dinosaur!
Agrodome – Rotorua
Agrodome is a world famous live sheep show featuring 19 stud rams on stage, a sheep shearing demonstration, working huntaway dogs, an auction, plus woollen mill. Be treated to an entertaining and interactive show.
Skyline Skyrides – Rotorua
Travel up the Rotorua gondola to the Skyline set high on the side of Mt Ngongotaha with extensive views of Rotorua city, lake, geothermal activity and surrounding hinterlands. Included are two rides on the luge track, which is fun for all ages!
Te Puia – Rotorua
New Zealand’s premier multi cultural and geothermal visitor experience. The geothermal valley has ancient geysers, mud pools and boiling waters which still play after 40,000 years. Also see the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where apprentices carve history into meeting houses, canoes, weapons and jewellery.
Hangi and Concert – Rotorua
All tours in Rotorua enjoy an evening Maori hangi (feast) and concert at the Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua. Experience and enjoy a traditionally prepared and cooked hangi and be entertained with songs and dances, including the poi, relating ancient stories and legends.
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves – Waitomo
An unrivalled boat trip through the spectacular glow worm caves, an underground labyrinth of ancient limestone caverns and formations, where you marvel at a galaxy of tiny living lights. As your eyes adjust to the dark, the walls and roof sparkle with the lights this starry wonderland of tiny glow worm lights glittering, and reflecting off the water.
Skytower – Auckland
Visit the summit of one of the the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere at
328 metres it affords superb views of Auckland City, its two harbours and the volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island.
Matakohe Kauri Museum - Northland
An amazing look at the early history, settlement and economy of the region based on the mighty Kauri tree. Amazing displays feature giant kauri logs, a steam sawmill, machinery and equipment displays, a blacksmiths workshop, gumdiggers hut and a fully furnished 6 room house C1900 including dressed models. Displays also include kauri gum exhibit of fine carved pieces.
Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Bay of IslandsThe Waitangi National Trust Treaty Grounds is a unique and fascinating insight into New Zealand's historic past. New Zealand's most significant document, The Treaty of Waitangi, was signed here in 1840 between the Maori Chiefs and British Crown. A self guided tour lets you explore the first Governor of New Zealand's residence, a Waka (Maori war canoe) and relax amongst the beautiful scenery.
Cape Brett Cruise - Bay of Islands
The most popular cruise in the Bay of Islands on a luxury catamaran through big game fishing waters to Cape Brett Lighthouse. Next is Motukokako Island and excitement grows as you make passage through the "Hole in the Rock" and on to Grand Cathedral Cave. Meander through the inner islands stopping at Otehei Bay for a swim or scenic walk.