State: New Zealand
Operator: Adventure Tours
Minimum Price: AUD $ 1,730

  Begin this delightful tour with the world famous Tranz Coastal train, follow the Pacific Coastline passing tiny holiday settlements and Kaikoura, famous for whale-watching. You will then visit the winery region of Blenheim before crossing the Queen Charlotte Sound to the North Island and New Zealand's capital - Wellington. Other highlights include Lake Taupo, Waitomo Glow-worm caves, Rotorua Thermal Reserves and the amazing Bay of Islands.

Highlights:

• Sightseeing tours of Wellington and Auckland
• Renowned Tranz Coastal Train Journey
• Montana Winery visit with tasting and afternoon tea
• Scenic cruise Picton–Wellington
• Volcanic and Geothermal Region
• Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
• Authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
• Rotorua’s Thermal Wonderland
• Agrodome
• Rainbow Springs and Kiwi House
• Te Puia Thermal Reserve
• Skyline Gondola and Luge ride
• Waitomo Caves
• Auckland’s Skytower
• Matakohe Kauri Museum
• Guided Tour of Waitangi Treaty House and grounds
• Cape Brett Launch Cruise
  

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to New Zealand! Kirra Tours will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.
Pavilions Hotel (1 night)

Day 2 Christchurch / Kaikoura / Blenheim
Join the Tranz Coastal train for a kaleidoscope of scenery across fertile Canterbury farmland through the Hundalee Ranges. Follow the Pacific coastline, with the Kaikoura mountains forming a rugged backdrop to the west, passing tiny holiday settlements and Kaikoura, famous for whale-watching. Arrive in Blenheim early afternoon. A short tour of the area includes a visit to Montana Winery. Enjoy a hosted tour of the winery, learn about and taste a range of the famous local wines (purchase if you wish) followed by afternoon tea.
Blenheim Country Hotel (1 night)

Day 3 Blenheim / Picton / Wellington
Drive to Picton, nestled on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds, to board the Interislander ferry. Sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, sheltered waterways, remote bays and isolated holiday homes. Across Cook Strait and into Wellington Harbour for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Capital City. A city tour will incorporate the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour, the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive “Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, city centre and Oriental Bay. Also explore the city yourself. Don’t miss Te Papa, the “Museum of New Zealand” or take a ride on the famous Cable Car.
Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)

Day 4 Wellington / Taupo / Rotorua
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island and on a clear day, the South Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. Across rolling farmland to the central North Island National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake and famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls skirting massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua(2 nights)

Day 5 Rotorua
A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and sheep shearing, Rainbow Springs to see rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments. There will be time this afternoon for optional activities. This evening enjoy a Maori hangi (meal) with traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes and followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).

Day 6 Rotorua / Waitomo / Auckland
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. At Waitomo, a guide will escort your group underground to the limestone caverns and glow worm grotto. On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the region’s Maori people, then alongside the Waikato River before crossing the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand’s largest city – Auckland. A city tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for superb city and harbour views, the downtown area and Waterfront Drive.
Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 7 Bay of Islands / Auckland
A launch cruise will take you across the Bay and world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous "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 tour will conclude at approximately 5.30pm.

Day 8 Bay of Islands
 A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional 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 or simply relax and explore the township. 

Day 9 Bay of Islands / Auckland
This morning a launch cruise will take you across the Bay and some of its world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous “Hole in the Rock", cruising amongst picturesque islands with pristine sandy beaches and sparkling clear water. 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 with a late afternoon arrival.
Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 10 Auckland / Home
It is farewell to your travelling companions. You will be transferred to Auckland International Airport to join your flight home.

What's Included? 

• A warm welcome at the Airport on arrival to begin your tour
• Transfers Airport - Hotel - Airport at the beginning and end of your tour
• Quality, twin share or double accommodation
• A hearty cooked breakfast each morning (Optional, recommended)
• A 3 course multi choice dinner each evening (Optional, recommended)
• Travel in luxurious, well appointed and fully air conditioned tour coaches
• Escorted by a professional Coach Captain
• An informative commentary as you travel
• Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as detailed with each itinerary
• Cook Strait ferry crossing where applicable
• Baggage handling / porterage
• Travel kit including travel bag, ticket wallet, notebook, pen, postcards, maps and itinerary
• GST
  

Notes:

Special Departure Dates: Departs Sundays throughout the year.
Trip Duration: 10 days
Departs from: Christchurch
Tour Ends: Auckland
All Prices: 01 May 2007 to 30 Sep 2007 $1730pp
01 Oct 2007 to 31 Jan 2008 $1890pp
01 Feb 2008 to 30 Apr 2008 $1960pp
01 May to 30 Sep 2008 $1730pp
Breakfast (9)Supplement $135
Dinner (7) Supplement $205