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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)
SAT: DAY 1 - AUCKLAND/BAY OF ISLANDS (D)
Your tour departs from the Rydges Auckland Hotel, Corner Kingston & Federal Streets, Auckland at 7.30am. Please be there by 7.00am. You may wish to reconfirm this by phoning Kirra Tours Office the preceding business day between 9.00am and 5.00pm.
Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge to drive north along the Hibiscus Coast and on to Matakohe and the Kauri museum telling the story of the Kauri tree and the region's early settlement, the displays are superb and their story fascinating. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia. You will be met by a local Maori guide who will travel with you to the famous Waitangi Treaty House and Grounds , providing you with a detailed history and commentary on the area and of the Treaty of Waitangi. Once at the Treaty House and Grounds, you are free to explore at your own pace. Your overnight accommodation is at the Hotel Paihia .
SUN: DAY 2 - BAY OF ISLANDS (B, D)
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many 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 overnight accommodation is at the Hotel Paihia .
MON: DAY 3 - BAY OF ISLANDS/AUCKLAND (B, D)
A launch cruise will take you across the Bay and world acclaimed fishing grounds made famous by Zane Grey, to Cape Brett and the spectacular “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 Harbour come into view. Your overnight accommodation is at the Rydges Auckland Hotel .
TUE: DAY 4 - AUCKLAND/WHANGAMATA (B, D)
A city tour will visit the summit of Skytower , at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the downtown city area and Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas. Sail aboard a yacht on Auckland Harbour for spectacular views of the city and waterfront, then visit the Maritime Museum . Rejoin your coach for the journey to the Coromandel Peninsula . Overnight accommodation is at Breakers Motel and you will dining at either the RSA (Returned Serviceman's Association) or at the Working Men's Club.
WED: DAY 5 - WHANGAMATA (B, L, D)
Breakfast will be at a local café. Experience a day of fun, entertainment and knowledge with Kiwi Dundee Adventures . We look forward to sharing with you our deep love and respect for the mountains, forests and coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula . Highlights of your day will be a leisurely walk through beautiful regenerating Kauri Forest full of fern trees, along the old roads of Puketui, the 1890's gold mining town. Visit an underground jail and discover old gold caves now home to the sparkling beauty of glowworms. From the panorama of mountains and forest, travel to the contrasting coastal scenery with beautiful beaches and off-shore islands. Walk barefoot along isolated white sandy beaches and the blue Pacific rippling at your feet. If the tide is right visit Hotwater Beach where you can dabble your feet in the hot springs on the beach. Learn the fascinating history about the gold and timber, and see the old Maori fortifications along the coastline with their spectacular views. Captain Cook named many of the beaches and Islands you will see in this wonderful corner of New Zealand . Overnight accommodation is at Breakers Motel and you will dining at either the RSA (Returned Serviceman's Association) or at the Working Men's Club.
THU: DAY 6 - WHANGAMATA/ROTORUA (B, S)
On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand 's various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a luge ride with our compliments. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka. Your overnight accommodation is at Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua.
FRI: DAY 7 - ROTORUA/TURANGI (B, D)
Visit for the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley , the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Pass massive pine forests, see the Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka Falls to reach Taupo , New Zealand 's largest lake. Skirt its shores to Turangi with time for trout fishing, many picturesque walks or if you are daring, white water rafting. Your overnight accommodation is at .
Cross the National Park with its volcanic peaks to Bulls and Levin, then along the Kapiti coast to the Capital City , Wellington , a tour includes Mt Victoria , the Houses of Parliament, Wellington Cathedral and Oriental Bay with time to explore the city and Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand . Your overnight accommodation is at Bay Plaza Hotel.
Join the for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then on to for a . From this renowned wine region it's a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts. Your overnight accommodation is at .
We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park , inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving in Nelson at 5.00pm.
Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunahui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas.
Your overnight accommodation is at Leisure Lodge.
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge – a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind , possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery. Your overnight accommodation is at Hotel Ashley.
Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps , highlight your journey to Fox Glacier. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk to nearby Lake Matheson . Your overnight accommodation is at Fox Glacier Hotel .
Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park . At Wanaka a choice of two afternoon activities. Either a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island , a nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you. Alternatively enjoy a thrilling jet boat excursion on the lake - full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between. Your overnight accommodation is at Mt Aspiring Hotel.
Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. At leisure in Queenstown on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count – enjoy! Dinner tonight is at the spectacular . Your overnight accommodation is at the .
SAT: DAY 15 – QUEENSTOWN (B, D)
At leisure in Queenstown . Your overnight accommodation is at the Rydges Queenstown Hotel .
SUN: DAY 16 – QUEENSTOWN (B)
At leisure in Queenstown . You have the opportunity this evening of dining at a restaurant of your choice. Your overnight accommodation is at the Rydges Queenstown Hotel .
Follow the lake to Kingston , across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley , native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise – an undoubted highlight.
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin , the “ Edinburgh of the South”. 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 is at Cargills Hotel.
A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun! Your overnight accommodation is at Cargills Hotel.
Visit Olveston, Dunedin 's majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley , passing several hydro lakes to Omarama. Your overnight accommodation is at Heritage Gateway Hotel.
Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand 's highest mountains. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch.
Your tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm.
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