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Attractions in bold print are included in your tour cost.
TOUR MEAL PLAN : Dinner (D) Breakfast (B) Room Only (R) Specialty Dinner regardless of meal plan (S)
FRI: DAY 1 - AUCKLAND/ROTORUA (D)
You may wish to reconfirm your departure time by phoning Kirra Tours Office the preceding business day between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
Your tour departs from the Rydges Auckland Hotel, Corner Kingston & Federal Streets, Auckland at 11.30am (please be ready in the foyer at 1115) with a city tour visiting 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. Follow the motorway across the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato Region noted particularly for its dairy farming and internationally recognised horse studs. Cross the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua, centre of Maori culture for the region and a thermal wonderland. Overnight accommodation is at Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua.
SAT: DAY 2 – ROTORUA (B, S)
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. 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 Lake Rotorua.
SUN: DAY 3 - ROTORUA/TAUPO/NAPIER/HASTINGS (B, D)
This morning visit Te Puia for the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and famous Pohutu Geyser. After departure from Rotorua we skirt some of the worlds largest man made pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity and on to view the mighty Huka Falls where the full force of 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 across the Central Plateau noted for its intensive forestry development to the Hawkes Bay region and the city of Napier claimed to be the art deco capital of the world. First stop is at the Hawkes Bay Museum , learn about the devastating 1931 earthquake that destroyed so much of the city and led to the distinctive Art-Deco building style for which Napier is now so famous. Learn of the region's history, early settlers, arts and heritage before exploring the city on your own. Follow our abbreviated Art Deco Tour around the inner city area to see close up many of its unique buildings and don't forget a walk along the foreshore to enjoy the spectacular ocean views – highly recommended. Later, a few minutes drive has us at our overnight accommodation in Hastings. Overnight accommodation is at Angus Hotel.
MON: DAY 4 - HASTINGS/WELLINGTON (B, D)
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.
TUE: DAY 5 - WELLINGTON/PICTON/BLENHEIM (B, D)
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 .
WED: DAY 6 - BLENHEIM/KAIKOURA/CHRISTCHURCH (B, D)
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 overnight accommodation will be at the Pavilions Hotel .
THU: DAY 7 - CHRISTCHURCH/MT COOK/OMARAMA (B, D)
Depart Christchurch across the broad expanse of the Canterbury Plains with the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine, ascend Burkes Pass into 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 also for a spectacular flight over the Southern Alps, lakes and glaciers with Air Safaris (optional) before continuing your journey into the Mt Cook National Park. A stop at the Mt Cook Alpine Village allows time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand's highest snow capped peaks before travelling on around the shores of Lake Pukaki to the town of Twizel and onto Omarama. Overnight accommodation is at Heritage Gateway Hotel .
FRI: DAY 8 - OMARAMA/DUNEDIN (B, D)
Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and 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 excursion, or just 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 overnight accommodation will be at the Cargills Hotel.
SAT: DAY 9 - DUNEDIN/LAKE MANAPOURI/TE ANAU (B, D)
Visit historic Olveston House , then cross rich, rolling farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden, to reach picturesque Lake Manapouri with its backdrop of rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau. Your overnight accommodation is at Fiordland National Park Lodge .
SUN: DAY 10 - MILFORD SOUND DAY TRIP (B, D)
A highlight of any tour. Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach right to the roads edge and mighty snow capped peaks tower above, pass the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you right to the open sea and shows such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Ample time this afternoon to relax and really appreciate your surroundings, take a short walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm , a spectacular waterfall then pause at the entrance to the Homer Tunnel. If time and conditions permit your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Hollyford Valley before returning to Te Anau later in the afternoon. Your overnight accommodation is at Fiordland National Park Lodge.
MON: DAY 11 - TE ANAU/QUEENSTOWN (B, S)
Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the underground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow worms , an unforgettable sight. This afternoon drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship TSS Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm. Your overnight accommodation is at Rydges Queenstown Hotel.
TUE: DAY 12 – QUEENSTOWN (B, D)
A day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many optional sightseeing and recreational activities available to you. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola ride to the Skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon, or for the adventurous - white water rafting. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries - the choice is yours. Your overnight accommodation is at Rydges Queenstown Hotel.
WED: DAY 13 - QUEENSTOWN/HAAST PASS/FOX GLACIER (B, D)
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes 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 lake's 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 (daylight hours permitting). Your overnight accommodation is at the Fox Glacier Hotel .
THU: DAY 14 - FOX GLACIER/CHRISTCHURCH (B)
Time this morning for an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers, then travel north passing tiny lakes and farming settlements. Stop at Greymouth for a visit to a Greenstone (Jade) factory to see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. An interpretive tour will cover the history, mining and crafting of jade. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass, which traverses the Southern Alps, to the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch.
Your tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm.
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