Wonderful New Zealand

Leave nothing to chance - get to the heart of New Zealand with this wonderful 12 day tour through the whole country from Auckland to Queenstown, including the West Coast. 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 pasturelands take you through 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 - Wellington
Drive south through exotic pine forests, past Wairakei's permanent clouds of steam, to beautiful blue Lake Taupo. The  majestic snow covered peaks of Tongariro,  Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu mountains line your journey over the Desert Road plateau. After Waiouru, drop down through the steep valleys of the Rangitikei district then the fertile plains of the Manawatu river.  Coastal villages, orchards and rocky seascapes bring you to Wellington at 4.1O pm. We have included an evening tour of some of the Capital's highlights - the unusual parliament buildings 'The Beehive', a cable car ride through the Botanic Gardens and some spectacular harbour and city views. Overnight in Wellington

Day 4: 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 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: 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 9: 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.

Day 10: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
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 Queenstown for tonight's stay.

Day 11: At Queenstown
A full day for you to enjoy this fabulous resort - we have included 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 12: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch
Leaving Queenstown head north via the rocky Kawarau gorge historic goldmining area to Lake Dunstan.  Climb the Lindis Pass for a stunning view of the eerie MacKenzie Basin, a dry grassy plain surrounded on all sides by huge mountains and spotted with milky blue lakes. Drive north to Mt Cook National Park to see New Zealand s highest mountain.  Optional lunch at the Hermitage Hotel or perhaps a scenic ski-plane flight.  Continue past picturesque Lake Tekapo with its charming stone church then over Burke Pass to the checkerboard Canterbury plains, reaching Christchurch at 6.15 pm.