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TOUR DURATION:
15 days
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TOUR STARTS/ENDS:
Auckland to Christchurch
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TOUR CATEGORY:
Self Drive Tour
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TRANSPORTATION:
Rental Car
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TOUR DEPARTURES:
Daily
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AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
N/A
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MEALS:
1 x Lunch ,14 x Breakfast
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ACCOMMODATIONS:
First Class Hotels, Superior Hotels, Standard Hotels
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PASSENGERS:
no minimum number of passengers
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TOUR CODE:
GTNZ07
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PRE & POST ACCOMMODATION:
“Available“
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CITIES/REGIONS VISITED:
AUCKLAND – WAITOMO – ROTORUA – WELLINGTON – PICTON – KAIKOURA – CHRISTCHURCH – MT COOK – QUEENSTOWN – MILFORD SOUND – FRANZ JOZEF AND FOX GLACIERS – GREYMOUTH – CHRISTCHURCH
ITINERARY
Depart from United States Of America, US
DAY 1 : ARRIVE AUCKLAND
On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, self drive passengers will collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel.
DAY 2 : AUCKLAND SIGHTSEEING
Morning tour including Harbour Bridge, Auckland Viaduct and Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park for panoramic views of Auckland city and Waitemata Harbour.
(B)
DAY 3 : AUCKLAND - WAITOMO - ROTORUA
Travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. On completion continue over the Mamaku Ranges to reach the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua.
(B)
DAY 4 : ROTORUA
Visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mudpools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife before continuing to the Agrodome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry. The afternoon is at leisure. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert.
(B,D)
DAY 5 : ROTORUA - WELLINGTON
Travel south to reach the popular lake resort of Taupo before continuing on the Desert Road, dominated in the background by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Continue south through farmland before arriving in the ‘Capital City’ of Wellington
(B)
DAY 6 : WELLINGTON
At leisure today to enjoy the many activities available. Highly recommended is a visit to Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Optional activities not included in tour price
(B)
DAY 7 : WELLINGTON - PICTON - KAIKOURA
Journey across Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand, and into the Marlborough Sounds with its sparkling clear waters and lush forests, before arriving in Picton. Travel south through the town of Blenheim, before reaching Kaikoura – here you might like to take an optional whalewatch cruise or scenic flight. Optional activities not included in tour price
(B)
DAY 8 : KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH
Leave Kaikoura behind as you turn inland and travel through North Canterbury to reach the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch.
(B)
DAY 9 : CHRISTCHURCH - MT COOK - QUEENSTOWN
Travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing on to New Zealand’s highest mountain – Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown.
(B)
DAY 10 : MILFORD SOUND
Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and the cascading Bowen Falls. Return to Queenstown.
(B)
DAY 11 : QUEENSTOWN
A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungy jumping, jetboating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in the tour price.
(B)
DAY 12 : QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOZEF AND FOX GLACIERS
Depart Queenstown and travel via Lake Wanaka and through the historic Haast Pass, gateway to the World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. (B)
DAY 13 : FRANZ JOZEF AND FOX GLACIERS
A full day at leisure to explore this magnificent glacier region. Optional activities include a scenic flight or guided walk on one of the glaciers. Optional activities not included in the tour price.
(B)
DAY 14 : GLACIER REGION - GREYMOUTH - CHRISTCHURCH
Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Travel over Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
(B)
DAY 15 : CHRISTCHURCH - DEPARTURE DAY
Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. We trust you enjoyed your Kiwiway Vacation!
(B)
Arrive to United States Of America, US
Inclusions & Highlights
Our Package Touring offers the following:
[icon_check] Daily departures
[icon_check] No minimum number of passengers
[icon_check] Breakfasts Daily at all hotels
[icon_check] All sightseeing entry fees included (as mentioned in each itinerary)
[icon_check] A choice of accommodation options
[icon_check] All tours can be added to
[icon_check] All packages can be taken in reverse (except ‘Stunning New Zealand’)
ACCOMMODATION
Standard Accommodation Options
Standard is equivalent to a good 3-star tourist hotel.These hotels represent excellent value for money and usually have a licensed restaurant and bar on the premises.
Superior Accommodation Options
Superior describes hotels in the 3 1/2 to 4-star category. More often than not, these will be centrally located and offering a wide range of services and facilities.
First Class Accommodation Options
First Class are central city or resort location hotels at the top end of the scale rating 4 to 4 1/2 stars. All hotels at this level have excellent facilities, bars and restaurants etc, full services, and many feature swimming pool, spa baths, and fully equipped gymnasium for the enjoyment of guests.
DATES & PRICES
Prices starts from NZD 2,464 per person, Car Rental: GROUP B – COMPACT
The price is customized based on final hotel choices, travel dates, and other custom preferences. If you require modifications to the itinerary as well as travel arrangements, please also advise.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
NEW ZEALAND’S MOST POPULAR FARM EXPERIENCE
The Agrodome, located just 10 km north of Rotorua CBD, is one of the most popular farm experiences in New Zealand. The attraction features live sheep shearing, cow milking, lamb feeding, dog demonstrations, as well as a full New Zealand dog trial. With 19 breeds of champion rams, the multi award-winning Sheep Show is a must-see for tourists. There are three exciting shows a day at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, and 2:30 pm, each lasting an hour. This all-weather attraction is open 365 days a year from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, and is just 15 minutes north of Rotorua CBD.
Location: 15 minutes north of Rotorua CBD
Duration: 1 hour
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The beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd
Picturesque by day and dazzling by night, Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it the perfect spot for stargazing.
Lake Tekapo is about an 3 hours drive southwest of Christchurch in the Mackenzie Basin. The township faces north across the remarkable turquoise coloured lake to the mountainous drama of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo gets its intense milky-turquoise colour from the fine rock-flour (ground by glaciers) which is suspended in the water.
On the shores on the lake you’ll see the beautiful Church of the Good Shepherd, where the altar window frames a perfect view of Mount Cook. The church was built in 1935 for the pioneer families of the Mackenzie district, and it’s a popular photo spot for visitors.
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Interislander Ferry from Wellington
Interislander Ferry from Wellington
Interislander Ferry from Wellington
Interislander Ferry from Wellington
Interislander is a ferry service that operates in New Zealand. It connects the North and South Islands of New Zealand by crossing the Cook Strait. The journey from Wellington to Picton covers a distance of 92 km and takes about three hours. This ferry ride is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand and is considered one of the most scenic cruises around the world.
Interislander has three ships named Arahura, Aratere, and Kaitaki. These ships are designed to accommodate both passengers and their vehicles. They offer a comfortable, safe, and affordable journey across the Cook Strait. Besides, Interislander provides a range of onboard services to make your journey more enjoyable. With up to 11 sailings per day, passengers can choose the most convenient travel time as per their schedule. Your trip on the Interislander ferry will be an unforgettable experience.
Interislander takes pride in providing a unique travel experience, where the journey itself becomes a destination.
Wellington to Picton Timetable
Departure time / Ship / Notes
2:00 am Kaiarahi This does not sail on a Monday
6:15 am Aratere This does not sail on a Monday
8:45 am Kaitaki
1:00 pm Kaiarahi
3:45 pm Aratere
8:30 pm Kaitaki This does not sail on a Saturday
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Get up close & personal with Milford Sound on our leisurely Nature Cruise
Milford Sound Cruise from Te Anau: As you cruise the length of the fiord, learn about the history of the region and benefit from the knowledge of your specialist nature guide. Experience the spray of a waterfall as you cruise close to sheer rock faces or watch out for dolphins, seals and in season, the rare Fiordland crested penguins.
Our Nature Cruises have a flexible, extended itinerary which gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take in the highlights. Our experienced skippers will tailor the cruise route on the day depending on the weather and wildlife sightings to ensure you get to see the best that Milford Sound has to offer.
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National Kiwi Hatchery, hosted at Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park: Rainbow Springs is truly an attraction like no other in the world. Set in 22 acres of beautiful native trees and streams we are home to a huge variety of New Zealand’s most precious inhabitants. The entire experience is built around New Zealand’s largest and most successful Kiwi conservation center.
Since 1995 we have released over 1,000 kiwis into the wild. Added to this intimate view of one of the world’s living treasures, you will also be able to experience the adrenalin rush of The Big Splash (additional charges apply), explore our many free flight aviaries, feed the birds their breakfast, come face to face with pre-history in the eyes of our many tuatara, talk to Jenny the hand-reared kea, feed the largest wild trout you will ever see, experience the wonder of our bird show (additional charges apply) featuring some of the funniest feathered performers you will ever see.
Not only that, because your ticket is valid for repeat entry for the day of the purchase you can come back at night to listen to the bird calls and to watch the kiwi come out to play. With no glass in our outdoor kiwi enclosure, and only a knee-highcenter fence separating you from these curious native birds, you can get closer to kiwi than you ever thought possible.
More info: https://www.nationalkiwihatchery.org.nz/visit/national-kiwi-hatchery-experience/
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Te Papa Museum Guided Tour, tepapa.govt.nz
Te Papa Museum, tepapa.govt.nz
Te Papa Museum, Wellington
Te Papa Museum Guided Tour: This 60-minute tour is the perfect way to get an overview of Te Papa’s highlights, Māori taonga (treasures), and New Zealand history. Your experienced tour guide will reveal innovative cultural treasures of the Māori and Pasifika peoples, the history and science of our vibrant natural environment, and the national art collection. Ideal for visitors with limited time or those wanting an introduction to an extended visit.
Te Papa is the National Museum of New Zealand, known for its bicultural, scholarly, innovative, and entertaining approach.
Collections cover five main areas:
Art, History, Pacific, Māori, and Natural Environment. Exhibitions are interactive and interdisciplinary, and we have a range of dynamic events and educational programs. We also have successful commercial ventures, such as a publishing division, conference operations, and retail stores.
We are open every day of the year, including public holidays. Entry is free for everyone, although there may be charges for some short-term exhibitions, activities & guided tours.
Hours: 10am−6pm, and 10am−9pm on Thursdays.
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Te Po is Te Puia’s evening cultural experience. It is a feast of storytelling, entertainment and Maori Cuisine.
Experience an authentic Maori welcome – When you visit Te Puia at night, you enjoy an in-depth experience of the customs and traditions of Maori, with a traditional powhiri (Maori welcoming ceremony), a warrior’s challenge and a full kapa haka (Maori performing arts) concert.
Enjoy a First-Class Maori Feast
Feeding guests is regarded by Maori as an honour and a sign of a tribe’s mana (standing), so a sumptuous banquet is provided during the evening. This banquet combines contemporary cuisine with a traditional hangi (earth-cooked oven meal), where kai (food) is steam-cooked by hot rocks in the earth, giving it a delicious smokey flavour.
Enjoy Illuminated Thermal Valley
Following dessert, you will be transported by our ‘people movers’ to enjoy the spectacular lighting of the Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Guests can wander around the illuminated natural attractions, including our world famous Pohutu geyser, while enjoying more Maori-inspired delicacies and a hot drink.
Maori Tradition
In Maori tradition, Te Po (the night) was a very important time. It was when Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatuanuku (Earth Mother) lay in an embrace. When separated, light permeated Te Po and Te Ao Marama (World of Life) began. Start time 6:15pm
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Te Puia Thermal Reserve Rotorua – Hot springs, boiling sulfurous pools, silica terraces, and bubbling mud pools are among the natural wonders.
Enjoy our unique culture, and to experience firsthand the wonders of Mâori arts and crafts in Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Te Puia is home to the internationally renowned Pohutu geyser, the National carving and weaving schools, and the world-famous Whakarewarewa guides.
This geothermal valley is a special place, home to Te Arawa people for generations. The environment alone is of enormous geological significance, with thermal activity ranging from boiling mud to the world-famous 30-metre Pohutu geyser, erupting up to 20 times each day. The valley is home to many species of native plants and animals.
You can take a guided tour of the New Zealand native bush or you can guide yourself around Rotorua. Our guides will point out all the native species and describe the many uses Mâori find for the natural resources around them.
Our Kiwi Conservation Centre is a valuable part of a national breeding programme. Here in Te Puia Thermal Reserve you can see our national bird and symbol in a specially lit house, with expert guides and information at hand.
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One of New Zealand’s Most Breathtaking Natural Wonders
Over 30 million years ago, limestone was created at the bottom of the ocean, which gave birth to the legend of Waitomo. Today, these limestone formations stand as one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking natural wonders, and it is a must-see destination for anyone visiting the country.
Guided Tour Highlights
During your guided tour, you will be taken through over 250 meters of stunning underground scenery, starting with the impressive Cathedral. Your tour will begin at the upper entrance of the cave and continue along a low, narrow passage to the Tomo, a deep limestone shaft. You will also get to see other magnificent cave formations, including the Banquet Chamber, the Pipe Organ, and the Catacombs.
The highlight of your tour will be an unparalleled boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto. As your eyes adjust to the darkness, you will be dazzled by the walls and roof sparkling with the lights of glowworm larvae. You will glide silently through the starry wonderland of the glowworm grotto, with your way lit by a myriad of tiny glowworm lights glittering and reflecting off the water.
Your experienced tour guide will deliver a highly informative commentary about the formations and the history of the area. The cave is easily accessible to those with reasonable mobility, with good handrails and paths.
Tours are available every half hour from 9 am to 5 pm daily. We recommend wearing walking shoes/footwear and warm clothing. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are accessible to those with reasonable mobility, aided by good handrails and paths. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
Tours depart every 1/2 hour from 9am to 5pm daily
Summer Hours: 9.00am – 5.30pm (End of October to Easter Monday)
Winter Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm
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ACTIVITY LOCATIONS
