Pinnacle Tours Australia

Discover why NZ remains one of the worlds most sought after destinations on this ultimate touring holiday...

while travelling at a leisurely pace! With such an incredible choice of things to do and places to see, you'll enjoy plenty of time to sightsee, relax and savour the lifestyle that is New Zealand.

Highlights

Bay of Islands Cruise
Lake Tarawera Cruise
Te Wairoa Buried Village
Rotorua
Huka Falls
Wairakei Geothermal area
Lake Taupo
Abel Tasman National Park
Whale Watch Cruise
Lake Tekapo
Mt Cook National Park
Tasman Glacier Explorer expedition
Twin Glaciers
TranzAlpine train

Day 1 | Paihia & Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise

Enjoy spectacular scenery of native forests and sub-tropical bush as we make our way to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Early afternoon we board our overnight vessel, 'Ipipiri', for a unique cruise that will immerse you into the region's beauty, culture and history. Snorkel, kayak or take an island walk before a scrumptious onboard dinner. (Itinerary varies slightly during 15 April departure.) (D) Accommodation: Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise

Day 2 | Bay of Islands

Relax or select an optional activity including fishing or swimming with the dolphins before returning to Opua. The rest of the day is free to explore the local area and enjoy the many fantastic excursions available. (B) Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort or similar

Day 3 | Rotorua

The raw beauty of the geothermal city of Rotorua will amaze you - massive volcano craters, boiling mud and exploding geysers. Rotorua is home to a deeprooted Maori culture and you will have the opportunity to experience a traditional hangi (feast) and cultural show (additional expense). (B) Accommodation: Two nights at the Millennium Hotel Rotorua or similar

Day 4 | Lake Tarawera Cruise, Te Wairoa Buried Village

Today's highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera at the base of a gigantic dormant volcano. You'll have the opportunity to soak in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach before enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch. Later we visit the Blue and Green Lakes and then wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa. (BL)

Day 5 | Lake Taupo, Napier

South of Rotorua is Lake Taupo, itself a gigantic volcanic crater. View Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal project and take time to walk around this popular lakeside resort. In Napier we take a walking tour of the town. (B) Accommodation: Two nights at the Crown Hotel or similar

Day 6 | Hawke's Bay Wine Country

A full day to explore the region at your own pace. Walk along Napier's Marine Parade, visit Cape Kidnappers - home of the largest mainland gannet colony in the world, take a guided wine and gourmet tour or experience an early morning hot-air balloon ride... your choices are endless! (B)

Day 7 | Nelson

Today we fly to Nelson, a charming city and New Zealand's biggest port. It is home to a thriving arts and crafts colony where locals enjoy a relaxed and easy-going lifestyle. (B) Accommodation: Two nights at the Heritage Rutherford Hotel or similar

Day 8 | Abel Tasman National Park

Today you can choose from a number of included 'Cruise & Walk' or 'Cruise' options within the Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise into protected bays and view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. Your tour guide will explain the options and recommend a suitable choice. (BL)

Day 9 | Marlborough Region & Kaikoura

We make our way to Blenheim, the major urban centre for the Marlborough wine region. Continue on to the coastal town of Kaikoura, a place for unparalleled wildlife adventures. You may see seals, dolphins and giant sperm whales. Abundant sea life means great seafood and local restaurants offer everything from fresh fish and chips to delicious whole crayfish. (B) Accommodation: Two nights at the White Morph Inn or similar

Day 10 | Whale Watch Cruise

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and sightings may vary. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch cruise may encounter fur seals, pods of dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross and you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales and Southern Right whales (seasonal). Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand. This afternoon is free to pursue other activities ... perhaps a Dolphin Encounter or maybe an interactive cultural exchange with local Maori. (B)

Day 11 | Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

We travel across the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains, skirting the city of Christchurch and then journey over Burkes Pass. As we descend, take in the magical views of glacial fed Lake Tekapo. We ascend the western side of Lake Pukaki to World Heritage listed Mt Cook National Park, home of the Tasman Glacier. (BD) Accommodation: Two nights at the Hermitage Hotel or similar

Day 12 | Tasman Glacier

Experience the melting ice face of the Tasman Glacier with an experienced guide aboard a stable zodiac. Get up close to the 400 year old icebergs that have been carved into the murky waters of the lake. This afternoon is free to enjoy local walks, sightsee or simply relax in your spectacular surroundings. Optional Ski-plane and helicopter flights are also available subject to weather conditions. (BD)

Day 13 | Central Otago & Queenstown

We journey south through the towns of Twizel and Omarama before beginning the climb over the Lindis Pass into the historical gold mining region of Central Otago. The ever changing scenery is spectacular and we emerge into the lush green farmland that surrounds the alpine resort of Queenstown. (B) Accommodation: Three nights at the Heritage Hotel Queenstown or similar

Days 14 & 15 | Queenstown

Enjoy two full days to experience this magnificent resort town. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure activities from extreme to relaxed exploration. Here you can take a thrilling jet boat ride, pan for gold, raft the white water rapids, 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, gateway to the awesome Milford and Doubtful Sounds. (B)

Day 16 | Arrowtown & Lake Wanaka

Enjoy time to stroll through historic Arrowtown which was once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860's. A spectacular drive over the Crown Range brings us to Lake Wanaka with its breathtaking mountain and lake views. (B)Accommodation: Two nights at the Edgewater Resort or similar

Day 17 | Wanaka at leisure

An inspiring place to indulge in tranquillity, Lake Wanaka also has plenty of action-packed activities! We recommend some time out, soaking up the atmosphere and splendour and be sure to watch the last light fall across the still waters that reflect the snow capped peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park. (B)

Day 18 | Haast Pass, Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers

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. Continue to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, our stay for the next 2 nights. (B) Accommodation: Two nights at the Te Weheka Inn or similar

Day 19 | Fox & Franz Glaciers

A full day to enjoy the delights of this region at your own pace. A number of optional glacial adventure explorations are available. Full day and half day glacier walks, heli-hikes and helicopter flight-seeing excursions are all possible subject to weather conditions. (B)

Day 20 | Spectacular TranzAlpine train

Journey along the wild and rugged West Coastline to Greymouth. Here you board the award-winning TranzAlpine for a coast-to-coast journey through the Southern Alps. Having reached the alpine village of Arthurs Pass, the TranzAlpine winds its way through spectacular river gorges and the stunning Waimakariri River valley before crossing the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B) Drop off at Heritage Hotel Christchurch.

Includes:

Luxury touring
meals and accommodation as indicated
Bay of Islands overnight cruise
airfare Napier-Nelson
Lake Tarawera cruise
Abel Tasman cruise
whale watching cruise
glacier expedition
TranzAlpine train journey
entry fees.

Notes:

The Bay of Islands itinerary varies slightly for the April 15 departure
Triple rates are available on request.

^Per person, twin share, April

Tour Code:	20ENZ
Price Adult Twin:	AUD $8170
Price Child Twin:	AUD $6125
Price Adult Single:	AUD $10,595
Departs:	8.00 am on: Apr: 11 Oct: 31 Nov: 14 28 Dec: 05 Jan: 02 16 30 Feb: 13 20 27 Mar: 12 26
Returns:	Last day, 6.00 pm

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.

Day 1 Paihia & Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise

(Dinner)

Enjoy spectacular scenery of native forests and sub-tropical bush as we make our way to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Early afternoon we board our overnight vessel, 'Ipipiri', for a unique cruise that will immerse you into the region's beauty, culture and history. Snorkel, kayak or take an island walk before a scrumptious onboard dinner. (Itinerary varies slightly during 15 April departure.) (D) Accommodation: Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise
Day 2 Bay of Islands

(Breakfast)

Relax or select an optional activity including fishing or swimming with the dolphins before returning to Opua. The rest of the day is free to explore the local area and enjoy the many fantastic excursions available. (B) Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort or similar
Day 3 Rotorua

(Breakfast)

The raw beauty of the geothermal city of Rotorua will amaze you - massive volcano craters, boiling mud and exploding geysers. Rotorua is home to a deeprooted Maori culture and you will have the opportunity to experience a traditional hangi (feast) and cultural show (additional expense). (B) Accommodation: Two nights at the Millennium Hotel Rotorua or similar
Day 4 Lake Tarawera Cruise & Te Wairoa Buried Village

(Breakfast & Lunch)

Today's highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera at the base of a gigantic dormant volcano. You'll have the opportunity to soak in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach before enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch. Later we visit the Blue and Green Lakes and then wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa. (BL)
Day 5 Lake Taupo & Napier

(Breakfast)

South of Rotorua is Lake Taupo, itself a gigantic volcanic crater. View Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal project and take time to walk around this popular lakeside resort. In Napier we take a walking tour of the town. (B) Accommodation: Two nights at the Crown Hotel or similar
Day 6 Hawke's Bay Wine Country

(Breakfast)

A full day to explore the region at your own pace. Walk along Napier's Marine Parade, visit Cape Kidnappers - home of the largest mainland gannet colony in the world, take a guided wine and gourmet tour or experience an early morning hot-air balloon ride... your choices are endless! (B)
Day 7 Nelson

(Breakfast)

Today we fly to Nelson, a charming city and New Zealand's biggest port. It is home to a thriving arts and crafts colony where locals enjoy a relaxed and easy-going lifestyle. (B) Accommodation: Two nights at the Heritage Rutherford Hotel or similar
Day 8 Abel Tasman National Park

(Breakfast & Lunch)

Today you can choose from a number of included 'Cruise & Walk' or 'Cruise' options within the Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise into protected bays and view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. Your tour guide will explain the options and recommend a suitable choice. (BL)
Day 9 Marlborough Region & Kaikoura

(Breakfast)

We make our way to Blenheim, the major urban centre for the Marlborough wine region. Continue on to the coastal town of Kaikoura, a place for unparalleled wildlife adventures. You may see seals, dolphins and giant sperm whales. Abundant sea life means great seafood and local restaurants offer everything from fresh fish and chips to delicious whole crayfish. (B) Accommodation: Two nights at the White Morph Inn or similar
Day 10 Whale Watch Cruise

(Breakfast)

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and sightings may vary. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch cruise may encounter fur seals, pods of dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross and you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales and Southern Right whales (seasonal). Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand. This afternoon is free to pursue other activities ... perhaps a Dolphin Encounter or maybe an interactive cultural exchange with local Maori. (B)
Day 11 Lake Tekapo & Mt Cook

(Breakfast & Dinner)

We travel across the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains, skirting the city of Christchurch and then journey over Burkes Pass. As we descend, take in the magical views of glacial fed Lake Tekapo. We ascend the western side of Lake Pukaki to World Heritage listed Mt Cook National Park, home of the Tasman Glacier. (BD) Accommodation: Two nights at the Hermitage Hotel or similar
Day 12 Tasman Glacier

(Breakfast & Dinner)

Experience the melting ice face of the Tasman Glacier with an experienced guide aboard a stable zodiac. Get up close to the 400 year old icebergs that have been carved into the murky waters of the lake. This afternoon is free to enjoy local walks, sightsee or simply relax in your spectacular surroundings. Optional Ski-plane and helicopter flights are also available subject to weather conditions. (BD)