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Tour Details . . .
14 Day Tour
From NZ$1765
Depart Auckland
Finish Christchurch
Available in reverse
Departs Daily
See Costs below |
Highlights . . .
The Coromandel
Rotorua
Tongariro National Park
Farm Stay
Mt. Cook
Queenstown
West Coast Glaciers
Milford Sound Cruise |
Day 1 Auckland -
Whitianga
Drive south to the lush farmland of the Waikato.
Hug the Firth of Thames coastline before crossing the bush clad
peaks of the Coromandel Peninsula to Whitianga and its expansive
golden beaches. The afternoon will be free. Local activities available
include: fishing, swimming with Dolphins, beach and bush walks,
craft trails or just relaxing on one of the beautiful beaches.
Overnight Cosy Cat B & B
Day 2 Whitianga - Rotorua
Ensure you spend time exploring the famous Hot
Water Beach before farewelling the Coromandel. Travel back to the
main highway and on to Waihi, home of the Martha Gold Mine. Follow
the coastline through the Kiwi Fruit producing regions to reach
Tauranga. Pass Te Puke's giant kiwi fruit and cross the Ohau Channel,
between lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti, to arrive in Rotorua.
Overnight Aroden Home Stay 2 nights
Day 3 Rotorua
Today is free to discover this spectacular wonderland.
Included sightseeing comprises of entrance fees to the Agrodome,
Paradise Valley Nature Park and Whakarewerawa geo-thermal reserve.
You may also consider partaking in a marae ( meeting ground ) based
Maori Concert or a Lake cruise. The more adventurous should opt
for a Mt. Tarawera 4WD excursion or a whitewater rafting trip. Rotorua
has an extensive range of attractions and cultural experiences.
Day 4 Rotorua - Taupo - Wanganui
Travel south through Kaiangoroa, one of the World's
largest man-made forests. View New Zealand's geothermal power stations
and Huka Falls before arriving in Taupo. Round the shores of Lake
Taupo and travel over the Saddle Highway to the volcanoes of Tongariro
National Park. Time allows a visit to the mighty Mt. Ruapehu before
descending down the Parapara Highway to the river city of Wanganui.
Overnight Kembali B & B
Day 5 Wanganui - Wellington
The morning suggested activities include a ride
on the historic steam paddle river boat, Dury Hill and Virginia
Park. This afternoon cross the Manawatu Plains and journey through
the market garden towns of Levin and Otaki. Pass Kapiti Island Bird
Sanctuary before arriving in Wellington - the Nation's Capital.
Overnight Harbourview Home Stay 2 nights
Day 6 Wellington
Today's must see sights include the Cable Car,
Te Papa - Museum of New Zealand, Mount Victoria, The Beehive and
Parliament Buildings and the city's wild south coast. No visit to
Wellington is complete without a visit to Courtney Place renowned
as New Zealand's leading dining and entertainment district with
its scores of cafes, restaurants and theatre.
Day 7 Wellington - Christchurch
Return your car to the Ferry Terminal. Cruise
across Cook Strait to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. Uplift
a replacement vehicle and drive through the famous wine producing
Wairau Valley. Rejoining the coast, hug the rugged seashore to Kaikoura,
renowned for its lobster fishing and whale watching. Skirt the Hundalee
Hills and over the North Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch
- the garden City.
Overnight Highsted Homestead
Day 8 Christchurch - Fairlie
Depart Christchurch and travel over the Canterbury
Plains. Cross New Zealand's finest salmon rivers to reach Geraldine.
From Geraldine travel a short distance to the foothills of the Southern
Alps to Fairlie and your farm stay. This afternoon your hosts will
be delighted to introduce you to New Zealand farming life style.
Overnight Hillcrest Farm Stay
Day 9 Fairlie - Mt. Cook - Dunedin
Departing Fairlie climb Burkes Pass and skirt
the shores of picturesque Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki to reach the Mount
Cook region. Arriving at Mt. Cook time allows for an optional scenic
flight. Cross the Mackenzie Country with its expanses of tussock
and snow capped Southern Alps. Depart Omarama and follow the Waitaki
River to Oamaru with its fine whitestone buildings. Then its on
to the tranquil Blue Skin Bay and over Mt. Cargill to Dunedin.
Overnight Deacons Court
Day 10 Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning is free to explore
Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula with its abundant wildlife. This
afternoon traverse Saddle Hill to Mosgiel and the Taieri Plains.
Round Lake Waihola and continue over the rolling South Otago farmland
to Gore. Leaving the main highway it is on to Lumsden and Mossburn
before reaching Te Anau.
Overnight Cosy Kiwi B & B
Day 11 Te Anau - Milford - Queenstown
Drive through the Eglinton Valley
with its hanging glacier valleys, pristine temperate rainforest
and towering mountain peaks. Exit the Homer Tunnel to arrive at
the spectacular Milford Sound. The cruise on the Sound will provide
a close up view of the, cascading waterfalls, sea life and towering
rock faces which rise to over 5000 ft. Return to Te Anau before
crossing over Southlands fertile farmlands to reach Lake Wakatipu
and Queenstown.
Overnight The Stables B & B for
2 nights
Day 12 Queenstown
A free day to explore New Zealands
premier resort. The range of activities are extensive. Suggested
activities include a Skippers Canyon excursion, a Lake Wakatipu
cruise on the Earnslaw and a ride on the Shotover Jet. The daring
may consider parapenting off Bobs Peak, white water rafting,
or a thrilling bungy jump. Included is the Bobs Peak Gondola
ride for the magnificent alpine views.
Day 13 Queenstown - Fox Glacier
Farewell Queenstown, travel down
the Kawarau Gorge. Arriving Cromwell journey past Lakes Dunstan,
Hawea and Wanaka. Entering the Westland forest the highway climbs
to the summit of Haast Pass. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls
and lofty peaks the route crosses the Haast River to join the coast.
Pass serene lakes and virgin forests to reach Fox Glacier.
Overnight The Homestead Farm B & B
Day 14 Fox Glacier - Christchurch
Time allows a morning glacier visit. Cross numerous
rivers and through tall stands of beach forest to Kumera Junction.
Drive along the banks of the Taramakau River and through dense bush
to arrive at Otira. Traverse Arthur's Pass to reach the Alpine settlement
of the same name. Hug the banks of the Waimakariri River for some
distance before crossing the Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch
- the garden city. |