Kirra Tours - Ultimate New Zealand Itinerary

Haere Mai and Welcome to Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), the largest city in New Zealand and home to over 2 million people. The magic of Auckland is in it’s diversity from culture to the environment. There are over 44 volcanoes in the area and 2 harbours, which explains why Auckland is known locally as the ‘City of Sails’.

Take the afternoon or early evening to explore after you make your way to Neusto Hotel in central Auckland.

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

Accommodation Auckland - 1 night

This morning we’ll be leaving Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and heading for the Rotorua region. Our first stop today is the Okere Falls. The falls lie on the Kaituna River which has cultural significance to the local iwi (tribes) in the area. Currently, the River is used for tourism, specifically white water rafting and sledging. We’ll stop by the Falls and see if we can spot some brave rafters going over the falls in their raft.

Next, we’ll continue on, skirting around the edge of Lake Rotorua to a lookout point where we’ll have a view of the infamous Mount Tarawera, once the home of the renowned pink and white terraces before a violent eruption destroyed them in 1886. This evening we’ll arrive in Rotorua township and check into our hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner together and then settle in for a luxurious night’s sleep at the Distinction Rotorua.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights

Today we get out and explore some of the more interesting attractions Rotorua is famous.This morning we start with a visit to the Agrodome to experience a New Zealand farm with a show. Not far away we visit Rainbow Springs and learn about native flora and fauna, including seeing the famous Kiwi bird. Then its up on the Skyline Gondola to see the superb views over Rotorua city its lake and surrounding mountains - for those wanting a little excitement, why not try a Luge ride with our compliments.

This evening we visit the Tamaki Tribal Village for an evening of culture. You will experience a traditionally prepared Maori Hangi (feast) followed by a cultural performance featuring Maori songs, chants and dance including the famous haka - lots of fun! 

Meals: Breakfast, Speciality Dinner

This morning we venture off the beaten track to the shores of Lake Aniwhenua in Murupara. Kohutapu Lodge is owned by a local Maori family who is passionate, not only about showcasing their Maori tribal heritage but also about making a difference in the local area.

Murupara is an impoverished community that has been transformed for the better through tourism and commercial development. Through community-driven initiatives and a clear vision to provide more opportunities for the local youth, Kohutapu Lodge has paved the way for change in the area.

Begin the experience with a guided tour of the sacred Maori rock carvings before arriving at the Lodge to witness the preparation of ground cooked hangi and tasting it for yourself!

After lunch, we’ll depart for the lush, green Whirinaki rainforest for a guided tour along the Rongoa trail. Spot native endangered birds and ancient medicinal plants, and learn more about the history of the forest, including the myths and legends before enjoying a hot kawakawa tea in the forest and a final karakia.

This evening, our destination is Taupo. First, we’ll stop at the spectacular Huka Falls to see more than 22,000 litres of water per second thundering into the Waikato River. Then we’ll continue on to our hotel, the fabulous Hilton Taupo, a 19th-century building that combines Victorian charm with modern decor. The resort-style hotel houses a tennis court, a fitness centre and swimming pools.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Hangi Lunch + Dessert

After a delicious breakfast, it’s time to leave Taupo and travel along the Napier-Taupo Highway to what is regarded as the Tuscany of the Southern Pacific.

The stunning Hawke’s Bay region boasts some of the best wineries, and a visit here would not be complete without a trip to Mission Estate Winery. New Zealand’s oldest winery and the birthplace of New Zealand Wine.
You’ll sit down for lunch and enjoy an afternoon of delicious food and exceptional wines as you soak up the ambience and heritage of this historic building. Later, it’s an easy drive into the beautiful coastal town of Napier.

Napier is often referred to as a 1930’s film set known for its perfectly preserved Art Deco facades. You have the option to stroll along the tree-lined promenade this evening and sample some fresh seafood from one of the many restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Napier - 1 night

Leaving the bays vineyards and orchards we are soon travelling through rolling farm land as we travel into the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region.

Stop at historic Greytown to view excellent examples of Victorian colonial architecture. The village has a mix of art galleries, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants making it one of New Zealand’s premier shopping destinations. Time for a shop before travelling over the Rimutaka Ranges and down to our capital city Wellington.

We stay the night in Wellington as we think you can’t miss "the coolest little capital in the world". Check out the city's sights as we head up Mt Victoria for stunning views over the harbour before heading down to see the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive 'Beehive', and Wellingtons Cathedral. We are staying right in the heart of Wellington's vibrant hub of museums, theatres, galleries, boutiques and cafes.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington - 1 night

After breakfast this morning, you’ll take the Ferry to the South Island, don’t miss the spectacular views of the sunken valleys meeting the sea that form the Marlborough Sounds.

We’ll then head to Nelson arriving at our destination mid-afternoon, the coach will take you on a scenic drive along the seaside. This evening there’s plenty of time to relax, explore the area and the option to taste some of Nelson’s fine local beverages.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Nelson - 2 nights

Travel to the seaside resort town of Kaiteriteri and spend the morning cruising the stunning Abel Tasman National Park - a coastal paradise known for its golden sand beaches.

See the iconic Split Apple Rock and call into the most popular beaches along the coastline as you sail up to Totaranui and back. This afternoon we’ll take the scenic route and arrive back in Nelson mid-afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we’ll travel back to Picton and here you’ll jump on board the magnificent Coastal Pacific train and journey down to the capital of the South Island in luxury, soaking up the gorgeous scenery en-route.

See Kaikoura's rugged coastline, beautiful mountains, and rolling farmland of Canterbury before you arrive late afternoon in the South Island's Capital Christchurch. Tonight we’ll have a group dinner at the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

This morning we head down the beautiful Waitaki Valley to visit Oamaru. While its façade is strictly of the Victorian era with ornately decorated grand white stone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels and restaurants, the residents ‘the Oamaruivans’ are certainly not. In fact quite the contrary, unlike the Victorians they (the locals) are bohemians artisans, creative’s and antiquarians who run ‘out-there’ galleries, museums, shops and venues – it has to be seen to be believed and you'll love it.

Then it's onto the famous Moeraki Boulders 40 km (24 Miles) south of Oamaru. These other worldly boulders are steeped in Maori Legend. Scientists explain the boulders as septarian concretions formed about 65 million years ago. Crystallization of calcium and carbonates around charged particles in muddy undersea sediments gradually formed the boulders in a process taking as long as four million years. The soft mud-stone containing the boulders was raised from the seabed around 15 million years ago and sea erosion is exposing the erosion-resistant boulders.

Dunedin - Scottish City of Grace and Grandeur
It is for good reason that New Zealand's oldest city is known as the 'Edenborough of the South' - Dunedin comes from Dun Eideann the Scots-Gaelic name for Edinburgh, founded largely by Scottish immigrants, who raised the impressive buildings which now add much to the city's charm. 

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 night

This morning we visit New Zealand’s only Castle. Built in 1871 by a merchant baron, over 200 Workers spent more than three years building the Larnach Castle main shell, while master European craftsmen spent a further 12 years embellishing the interior - Larnach spared no expense and the castle is built from the finest materials from around the world. This superbly crafted building with magnificent architecture, showcases a unique collection of New Zealand antiques, see spectacular tower views and beautiful gardens.

We say farewell to Dunedin and head inland, crossing rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden, before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 2 nights

Depart from Te Anau this morning to Manapouri, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely cruise across the lake to West Arm. This is followed by a short coach trip on New Zealand's most expensive road, travelling over Wilmot Pass and pausing along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening far below.

At Deep Cove, board a modern catamaran and allow the majesty and vastness of the fiord to take your breath away. Enjoy the on-board commentary that provides insight into the region’s history, flora and fauna as you view spectacular towering mountains and wildlife.

Later we’ll drive to Queenstown, skirting through lush farmland and around Lake Wakatipu to the picturesque alpine resort of Queenstown.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 night

The surrounding area is known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards and the natural landscape with wild rivers, high peaks and deep canyons has allowed Queenstown to developed an exciting array of outdoor adventure activities - and there's plenty to choose from. But if you are just want to chill out then Queenstown's compact downtown area is relaxed during the day and huge fun at night. In any season, you can count on stylish designer shops and many trendy restaurants offering a kaleidoscope of dining experiences.

Recommended excursions around Queenstown:

View incredible scenery as you travel through Arrowtown, an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era.

Next, we visit Wanaka, a popular township on the edge of the lake with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Then we’ll enter Jackson Bay, a spectacular place and one not many people will be able to say they’ve done! Jackson Bay marks the farthest point of the West Coast's road network.

We’ll have an amazing West Coast lunch at The Craypot - a quirky, little caravan style restaurant situated on the esplanade before heading towards Haast, our destination for the evening.

Tonight we stay at the Heartland Hotel, a popular local establishment where the locals come to mix and mingle at the Frontier Bar.

Meals: Breakfast

Travel north along the coast of the Westland National Park, home of the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. This remarkable part of the country was shaped by the dynamic glaciers and boasts lush temperate rainforest growing beneath towering mountains.

We’ll stop in Fox Glacier with the option to walk the gentle 2.6km track around Lake Matheson. Nestled amongst ancient forests and famous for mirror views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, Lake Matheson is a serene and beautiful place to spend time.

This evening we’re spending the night in the Franz Josef township, surrounded by lush rainforest and impressive mountains. We’ll enjoy a delicious group dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, Canavans.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

Accommodation: Franz Josef - 1 night

Travelling via Greymouth to Arthur's Pass we climb aboard the TranzAlpine. This rail journey is truly something special. Ranked among the world’s top 6 train journeys, these tracks flow through some of New Zealand's most splendid country side from the Southern Alps to Christchurch . This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see natural grandeur on such a scale. 

Upon arrival in Christchurch, you’ll be collected by your Guide and transferred to the hotel where your trip ends. We hope you leave with many happy memories of us.

Meals: Breakfast
 

• Tour Guide
• Small-Group Tour - Max 24
• Luxury Coach
• 15 nights accommodation
• 15 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
• Lake Aniwhenua Cultural Experience
• Whirinaki Rainforest Tour
• Huka Falls
• Lunch at Church Road Winery
• Coastal Pacific Train Experience
• Tranzalpine Train Experience
• Abel Tasman National Park Vista Cruise
• Greenstone and Glass Blowing Factory visit
• Seafood Experience in Haast
• Scenic trip through the spectacular Haast Pass
• Blue Pools Walk
• Visit Arrowtown and Wanaka
• Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise
• Hokonui Moonshine Museum
• Larnach Castle
• Moeraki Boulders