New Zealand Vintage
Tour #TT9653

The Magnum tour. Everything in New Zealand from Auckland south, with wine, for 16 incredible days. For those who really want a holiday

Reports at Sky City Coach Terminal 7.45 am. Departs at 8.15 am EVERY DAY !
 

Day 1: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
The Bombay Hills signal the end of sprawling Auckland city as the lush Waikato pasture lands take you past Hamilton and on to Waitomo caves. Enjoy a subterranean boat ride under an eerie canopy of glow worm lights. On across the Waikato and Mamaku Hills to fiery Rotorua. We recommend you attend a delicious Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight (optional). Stay 2 nights in Rotorua

Day 2: At Rotorua
The half day grand sightseeing tour is included - see roaring geysers, boiling mud and steaming pools at the thermal area, tame trout and Kiwi at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon is free - there are many activities to attract you - such as bathing in the thermal waters. For a small additional cost you could stay on a farm tonight. Overnight in Rotorua

Day 3: Rotorua - Napier
Drive south through exotic pine forests, past Wairakei's permanent cover of steam, to  icy blue Lake Taupo. Here turn east, across the Ragitaiki plains to Napier on the far east coast. Stay 2 nights.

Day 4: At Napier
After an earthquake in 1931, much of Napier was rebuilt in the unusual Art Deco style - hence its title 'The Art Deco Capital'. This morning is free to explore the town either alone or join an optional tour. In the afternoon we have included a tour to 4 local vineyards and other highlights of the region.  Overnight Napier.

Day 5: Napier - Wellington
Travel by coach this morning alongside the Manawatu river, through the Tararua mountains via the steep and scenic Manawatu Gorge and then into fertile agricultural plains.  A short trip down the rocky Kapiti coastline brings you into Wellington, the Capital. We have included an evening tour of some of Wellington's highlights - the unusual parliament buildings 'The Beehive', a cable car ride through the Botanic Gardens and some spectacular harbour and city views.  Wellington is a lively city with great shopping, tasty restaurants and cafes and an varied night life of theatres, cinemas and music venues. Overnight in Wellington.

Day 6: Wellington - Picton - Blenheim
Catch one of the famous ferries across wild Cook Strait then down the long, narrow and beautiful Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island. Enjoy the sun decks, bars, cafes and lounges as you look out for dolphins and whales.  From Picton, a short coach trip takes you to Blenheim where you join a comprehensive tour of vineyards producing world class wine.

Day 7: Blenheim - Nelson
The morning is free to explore Blenheim.  In the afternoon, travel by coach through the green valleys of the Richmond mountains to sunny Nelson. Stay 2 nights.

Day 8: At Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park Tour
Your full day tour of this beautiful park includes pick up and drop off at your hotel. After a short coach journey, travel by launch (boat) from the golden sands of Kaiteriteri beach into the park. Cruise through the blue waters, next to lush native forests, marine life, and idyllic coves and inlets. There are many opportunities to walk in the park before returning to Nelson about 5 pm.

Day 9: Nelson - Greymouth
Travel south to Inangahua junction where you turn west. A thrilling drive down the rocky chasm and green waters of the Buller Gorge brings you to the West Coast. Your tour visits the Punakaiki 'pancake' rocks, an unusual layer formation of sandstone pillars jutting out into the sea. From there you are taken on an guided tour of the Paparoa National Park, featuring weird limestone formations among spectacular scenery.  You also hear about local Maori myths and legends. Continue south to Greymouth for an overnight stay.  

Day 10: Greymouth - Glaciers
Travel south past surf beaches, wild rivers and dense forests.  Your coach will stop at various points - the Giant Matai Tree and tranquil and remote lakes with a chance to see the beautiful Kotuku (white heron bird). Upon reaching the Glaciers you will join a guided walk to the start of one of these great ice rivers. Overnight at the Glaciers.

Day 11: Glaciers - Queenstown
Continue deeper into South Westland before the beautiful Haast River guides us inland, past towering mountains and up wild river valleys.  Over the pass, cruise through the verdant forests of the Makarora valley to spectacular lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Lake Dunstan and the steep and rugged Kawarau Gorge goldmining area lead us into world famous Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown for three nights stay.  Overnight Queenstown.

Days 12 and 13: At Queenstown
Two full days for you to enjoy this fabulous resort - we have included a half day wine tour and also the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic Movie in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well - thrilling jet boating on the rivers - white water rafting - helicopters through the river chasms - A.J. Hackett's world famous bungy jumping - cruises on the lake on the vintage 'TSS Earnslaw' - high country sheep stations - gold panning - spectacular walking trails - the list is endless. . . Overnight Queenstown.

Day 14: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Drive alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston, then west to the great forests, rivers and chasms of Fiordland National Park.  Travel through the beautiful ice carved Eglinton and Hollyford valleys, the Homer Tunnel and the awesome Cleddau Canyon.  A cruise on Milford Sound to see the majesty of Mitre Peak, rising nearly a kilometre straight up out of the sea, and Bowen Falls is included. Return to lovely Lake Te Anau for tonight's stay. 

Day 15: Te Anau - Dunedin
High country tussock grass turns to green pastureland as you travel east through Otago farmland. Reaching the coast at Balclutha turn north to Dunedin - the Edinburgh of the South. The afternoon is free for optional city tours, or perhaps to see the albatross and other wildlife on the peninsula. Overnight Dunedin.

Day 16: Dunedin - Christchurch
The journey takes you out along the cliffs past Mt Cargill to the Palmerston coast.  Travel through whitestone Oamaru and seaside Timaru before the patchwork Canterbury plains, with its broad rivers and wide open spaces brings you to Christchurch at 5.15 pm.