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TOUR DURATION:
13 days
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TOUR STARTS/ENDS:
Auckland to Christchurch
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TOUR CATEGORY:
Independent Coach Tour
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TRANSPORTATION:
Coach
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TOUR DEPARTURES:
Daily
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AIRPORT TRANSFERS:
Included
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MEALS:
12 Breakfast ,1 x Dinner
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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:
GTNZ32
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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 – TE ANAU – DUNEDIN – CHRISTCHURCH
ITINERARY
(B) - Breakfast, (L) - Lunch, (D) - Dinner
Depart from United States Of America, US
DAY 1 : ARRIVE AUCKLAND
On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, seat in coach passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel.
DAY 2 : AUCKLAND - WAITOMO - ROTORUA
Travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the world famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves including an underground boat ride viewing the millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. On completion continue over the forested Mamaku Ranges to reach the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua. (B)
DAY 3 : 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 4 : ROTORUA - WELLINGTON
Travel south to reach the popular lake resort of Taupo and along the shores of Lake Taupo to Turangi, before continuing on the Desert Road, dominated in the background by the three peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. Continue south through lush farmland before arriving in the ‘Capital City’ of Wellington. (B)
DAY 5 : 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 the tour price (B)
DAY 6 : KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH
Leave Kaikoura behind as you turn inland and travel through North Canterbury to reach the ‘Garden City’ of Christchurch. (B)
DAY 7 : CHRISTCHURCH - MT COOK
Travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains before arriving at Lake Tekapo. Visit the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ before continuing onto Mt Cook National Park. (B)
DAY 8 : MT COOK - QUEENSTOWN
Follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south to the small town of Twizel before continuing through the historic Central Otago region to Lake Wakatipu and the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown. (B)
DAY 9 : 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 10 : QUEENSTOWN - MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU
Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden, and onward to Lake Te Anau. Enter the Eglinton Valley and travel through the breath taking man made Homer Tunnel to reach Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls. Return to Te Anau. (B)
DAY 11 : TE ANAU - DUNEDIN
Cross the fertile Southland Plains through Gore and Balclutha to South Otago. Then travel north to the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, Dunedin. The afternoon is free for optional activities. (B)
DAY 12 : DUNEDIN - CHRISTCHURCH
Travel north through lush farmland and a series of small farming communities to Christchurch. (B)
DAY 13 : DEPARTURE DAY
Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car. We trust you enjoyed your New Zealand 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 3,070 per person, twin share, Daily Departures
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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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 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
