Highlights of the North & South Itinerary

Haere Mai and Welcome to the 'City of Sails'

Relax, you are officially on holiday! We have arranged for you to be met and transferred to your accommodation. The remainder of the day is yours to do as you please. There is plenty to see and do in Auckland. New Zealand’s largest city is located between two large harbours and 48 extinct volcanic cones scattered over the city are evidence of it's volancic past. They also provide a perfect location for viewing the city! A diversely cultural place, Auckland is a great location for marine adventures, wine tasting, forest walks and urban sophistication.
 

Some Activities and sightseeing options if you have time:

If time permits you have the possibility to add an extra day in Auckland.

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

With an early departure from Auckland you will be travelling to the amazing Waitomo Caves. Tour the Waitomo Glow Worm Grotto by boat with a local guide. From here your journey continues to Rotorua.  

Enjoy a guided tour through the spectacular geothermal valley of Te Puia, followed by a visit to the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute and Kiwi Bird House where you will see native Kiwi birds. Following the guided tour, commence your Te Po experience with an authentic Maori welcome, enjoy a first class delicious Maori feast and enjoy the incredible illuminated thermal valley where the famous Pohutu Geyser explodes 30m high into the air.

Accommodation Rotorua - 1 Night

Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in Rotorua’s Maori culture and geothermal wonders, witnessing their deep interconnection. Start with a guided tour through Te Puia, Rotorua’s top cultural attraction. Highlights include the wood carving school, art and craft gallery, Rotowhio Marae, weaving display, kiwi house, and the impressive Pohutu geyser.

Continue to the Lakefront area to see the Maori War Canoe and delve further into Maori history and customs. Take a brief visit to Kuirau Park to view a recent geothermal eruption site. Conclude the day by exploring the serene and picturesque lakes of our stunning volcanic region, with views of Mount Tarawera accompanied by explanations of both volcanic and Maori history.

This morning you will be transferred to the Rotorua Airport for your internal flight to Christchurch (cost of flight not included). Once you have arrived in Christchurch you will be transferred to your accommodation and the afternoon is at your leisure.  

New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. A number of new and exciting developments are popping up everywhere since an earthquake damaged the city a few years ago.
 

Some Suggested Activities in Christchurch:

Accommodation Christchurch - 1 Night

Leave the city today westwards through the Canterbury plains, you will find a superb location for some great photos at Lake Tekapo. Tekapo is one of three significant, neighboring lakes that border the Mackenzie Valley in New Zealand's South Island. Golden tussock grass carpets the surrounding hillside and roll away into the distance where the Southern Alps frame the horizon. The charming 'Church of the Good Shepherd' sits alone on its shores and the views to our highest mountain, Aoraki Mt Cook are remarkable. 

Accommodation Mt Cook - 1 Night

Set off from Mount Cook village in a luxury coach, enjoying the commentary from your local driver guide as you head south through the tawny tussock of the Mackenzie Country and its high country landscape.

Stop for an afternoon tea break in Omarama (own expense) before continuing through to the Cromwell region, famous for its fruit orchards. Cross Lindis Pass and skirt along the shores of Lake Dunstan before driving through the Kawarau Gorge and its famous goldmines.

Arrive at Queenstown in the evening. Take a ride up the Gondola to Bobs Peak to see the whole of the lake district and the lights of Queenstown.

Accommodation Queenstown - 2 Nights

Travelling along the Milford Road is one of the finest alpine drives in the world. The scenery is exceptional, ranging from broad grassy flats, dense rainforest, and towering mountains to glacial lakes and alpine herb fields. Then cruise Milford Sound viewing the spectacular waterfalls and the famous Mitre Peak. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces and watch out for dolphins, seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguins.

Homeward Bound"Haere rā" Goodbye! and Bon Voyage!

It is time to say goodbye. This morning you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight home. If you have time to spare, consider enjoying a little last minute shopping in one of Queenstown's many boutique shops.

What is an Independent Coach Tour? 

Tour Inclusions

• 4 Star Accommodation
• Experienced Driver Guides
• Detailed and informative commentary
• Travel in an air-conditioned coach
• 24 Hour Assistance
• Daily Departures
• Return airport transfers - flight details to be provided 14 days prior to travel