16 day New Zealand Discovery

Explore all the 'must-see' areas of New Zealand...

...as well as some of the special lesser-known regions on this classic 16 day holiday. We will take you on an extraordinary journey through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Highlights

• Coromandel Peninsula
• Lake Rotoiti Cruise
• Lake Tarawera Cruise
• Te Wairoa Buried Village
• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Reserve
• Wairakei Geothermal region
• Huka Falls
• Te Papa National Museum
• Marlborough Sounds
• Wine tastings
• TranzAlpine train journey
• Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers
• Mt Cook National Park
• Tasman Glacier Explorer boat expedition
• Lake Tekapo

Includes

• Luxury touring
• meals and accommodation as indicated
• Lake Rotoiti Cruise
• Lake Tarawera Cruise
• wine tastings
• TranzAlpine journey and Tasman Glacier expedition
• entry fees.

 Notes

• Accommodation is not included on the last day of tour
• Triple rates are available on request.

^Per person, twin share, May to September

Child fares are available on most tours for passengers ages between 5-12 years. Touring is not suitable for infants 0-4 years. Note: New Zealand tours are suitable for passengers 12 year of age or older.

1. Day 1 Coromandel Peninsula

   (No meals)

   

   
   This morning, we make our way to the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches, hot water springs and unique rock formations. At the quaint township of Coromandel, ride the Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony. (no meals) Accommodation: Puka Park Resort or similar

2. Day 2 Coastline & Rotorua

   (Breakfast & Dinner)

   

   
   Travel the Bay of Plenty coastline to the popular beachside towns of Tauranga and Mt Maunganui and then head inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua where we enjoy a twilight cruise across Lake Rotoiti to the natural mineral springs of Manupirua Pools. Dinner tonight is a lakeside BBQ at your resort. (BD) Accommodation: Two nights at the Duxton Hotel or similar

3. Day 3 Lake Tarawera Cruise & Te Wairoa Buried Village

   (Breakfast & Lunch)

   

   
   Today we cruise across the clear waters of Lake Tarawera. Experience spectacular scenery, try your hand at trout fishing and enjoy soaking in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach. This afternoon visit the Blue and Green Lakes and then wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa. (BL)

4. Day 4 Lake Taupo & Napier

   (Breakfast)

   

   
   This morning visit Wai-O-tapu, a wonderland of geothermal activity. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground and huge volcanic craters. Later we view the mighty Huka Falls and Wairakei Geothermal project before wandering around the lakeside resort of Taupo. Then it's on to Napier, where your guide will bring this fascinating architecture to life on your walk around the town. (B) Accommodation: Two nights at the Scenic Hotel Te Pania or similar

5. Day 5 Hawke's Bay at leisure

   (Breakfast)

   

   
   This region, know as the 'Tuscany of the South Pacific', boasts some of New Zealand's best and oldest wineries. Enjoy a free day to experience some of the many optional activities available including: a guided wine trail, visit the world's largest mainland Gannet colony or take to the skies on an early morning balloon ride. (B)

6. Day 6 Mt Bruce & Wellington

   (Breakfast)

   

   
   Travel this morning through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region to Pukaha Mount Bruce, New Zealand's National Wildlife Centre. In this beautiful setting of native forest you will see an impressive collection of New Zealand native birds, various lizards and native bats. Later we continue on to Wellington, the nation's capital, where you enjoy a brief sightseeing and orientation tour before checking into your accommodation. (B)

7. Day 7 Wellington & Picton

   (Breakfast)

   

   
   This morning is at leisure to explore Wellington and a visit to Te Papa National Museum is highly recommended. This afternoon travel across Cook Strait by Inter-islander ferry to the picturesque fishing village of Picton. Join your water taxi for the short cruise across to Torea Bay and then transfer over Torea saddle by resort vehicle to your hotel. (B) Accommodation: Two nights at the Portage Resort

8. Day 8 Marlborough Sounds at leisure

   (Breakfast)

   

   Day 8 | Marlborough Sounds at leisure
   A free day to relax and marvel at the magic that is the Marlborough Sounds or you may prefer to take one of the many optional activities available (own expense). Enjoy free use of the resorts kayaks and mountain bikes together with a local wine tasting at the resort. (B)

9. Day 9 Kaikoura & Christchurch

   (Breakfast)

   

   
   Travel through Blenheim to Kaikoura, the world-renowned whale-watching capital of New Zealand. Later, continue south to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch, regarded as the most English of New Zealand cities. (B)

10. Day 10 TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers

    (Breakfast)

    

    
    This morning board the TranzAlpine train for a rail adventure rated as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. The TranzAlpine winds its way across the spectacular Southern Alps to the alpine village of Arthur's Pass. Rejoin your coach to drive along the dramatic West Coast, steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1800's. (B) Accommodation: Te Weheka Inn or similar

11. Day 11 Wanaka & Queenstown

    (Breakfast)

    

    
    There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight before our departure this morning (subject to weather conditions). Today view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before travelling onto Queenstown. (B) Accommodation: Four nights at the Heritage Queenstown Hotel or similar

12. Day 12-14 Queenstown & the Fiordland National Park

    (Breakfast)

    

    
    Enjoy three full days to experience this magnificent resort town. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure and leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Take a jet boat ride, pan for gold, white water raft, take a wine trail, fish for trout, play golf or 4WD sheer canyons. It is also a great base from which to explore the Fiordland National Park, and the awesome Milford and Doubtful Sounds. (B)

13. Day 15 Arrowtown & Mt Cook National Park

    (Breakfast & Dinner)

    

    
    Set beneath the rugged Crown Range beside the Arrow River is Arrowtown, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860's. Later, travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to world heritage listed Mt Cook National Park (optional ski-plane & helicopter flights are available subject to weather conditions). (BD) Accommodation: Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel or similar

14. Day 16 Tasman Glacier & Lake Tekapo

    (Breakfast)

    

    Day 16 | Tasman Glacier & Lake Tekapo
    Experience the Tasman Glacier in the most unique way possible. An experienced guide will whisk you away in a zodiac to explore the melting ice-face of New Zealand's largest glacier. Get up close to 400 year old icebergs that have been carved into the murky waters of the lake. Visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd before crossing the vast Canterbury Plains to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch. (B)

15. 

Prices valid from 01/04/11 to 31/03/12