17 day Classic New Zealand Explorer with Kirra Holidays

Inclusions

• Return flights from Brisbane with Air New Zealand - Brisbane to Auckland and Christchurch to Brisbane including taxes
• Quality twin share accommodation
• Tranz Alpine & Tranz Coastal Train Journeys
• 16 full buffet breakfasts daily
• 13 dinners and 2 specialty dinners 
• Tour by modern luxury touring coach
• Professional coach captain
• Return airport transfers
• Traditional Scottish Haggis ceremony in Dunedin
• Cruise around Milford Sound
• Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant in Queenstown
• Guided tour at Waitomo of the glow-worm grotto

Itinerary

Day 1    Arrive Christchurch
Transfer to you hotel in Christchurch. Accommodation at the Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 2    Christchurch / Mt Cook / Omarama
From the arable plains travel inland to the rolling green pastures of Geraldine and onto the semi barren land of MacKenzie Country. In the heart of the MacKenzie Basin Tekapo is nestled on shores of azure Lake Tekapo. You will visit The Church of the Good Shepherd, quite likely the most photographed church on your South Island Tour.

From Tekapo continue on your New Zealand Coach Tour to Mt Cook National Park, home of the majestic Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest mountain. Travel back down the valley along the shores of Lake Pukaki, through Twizel (the town of trees) before arriving at your destination, Omarama, nestled in the velvet type tussock covered hills of the Lindis range. Accommodation at the Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama.

Day 3    Omarama / Dunedin
Follow the beautiful braided Waitaki River east, passing Benmore and Avemore hydro lakes before reaching the Pacific Ocean at Historic Oamaru. En route visit Moeraki Boulders, marvelling at the huge spherical stones, found strewn along a stretch of Koekohe Beach near Moeraki. An early arrival into Dunedin, "The Edinburgh of the South" allows you plenty of time to explore this nature lover's playground. This evening enjoy to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony complete with the address to the Haggis, bag pipes and a bonnie wee dram. Accommodation at the Cargills Hotel, Dunedin.

Day 4    Dunedin / Lake Manapouri / Te Anau
This morning visit the historic Olveston House, then travel south west over rich fertile farmlands, through the agricultural service towns of Balclutha, Gore, and other small villages before arriving at Lake Te Anau. Accommodation at the Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau.

Day 5    Te Anau / Milford Sound / Queenstown
Leaving Te Anau, will travel on one of the highest and most scenic state highways in New Zealand through Fiordland National Park, following the Eglington and Hollyford Valleys. Pass through the Homer Tunnel before descending into the Cleddau Canyon and magnificent Milford Sound. Experience Milford Sound, from the water as a launch cruise takes you to the Tasman Sea returning via the raging Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls. A truly exhilarating experience. Return through Te Anau to Kingston before hugging the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown. This evening's dinner is up the Skyline Gondola where you dine atop Bob's Peak overlooking Queenstown. Accommodation at the Rydges Hotel, Queenstown.

Day 6    Queenstown
A day to explore the many delights of this stunning alpine resort. Try the world renowned Shotover Jet, an excursion to Skippers Canyon in search of gold or a steamer cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station. Accommodation at the Rydges Hotel, Queenstown.

Day 7    Queenstown / Haast Pass/ Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes then on to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast through the flourishing rainforests of the West Coast and onto the glorious Glacier region. Accommodation at the Heartland Hotel, Fox Glacier.

Day 8    Fox Glacier / Greymouth / Christchurch
Time for an optional helicopter flight over the glacier then on to Franz Josef. Snow capped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Greenstone (Jade) factory where craftsmen cut and polish greenstone cut from giant boulders to create fine jewellery. Now join the Tranz Alpine train for one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Through rainforests to Otira, snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps, the rugged Gorges of the Waimakariri River and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Accommodation at the Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch.

Day 9    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. Accommodation at the Heartland Hotel, Blenheim.

Day 10    Blenheim / Picton / Wellington
Continue north to Picton, a quaint village settled on the shimmering shores of the Marlborough Sounds. Leave the South Island bound for the North Island onboard the Interislander Ferry. A city tour takes you to the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour, the Houses of Parliament and distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, the city centre and Oriental Bay. Accommodation at the Bay Plaza Hotel, Wellington.

Day 11    Wellington / Taupo / Rotorua
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island. Cross the Himitangi Plains, through the towns of Levin and Foxton to Bulls. Cross rolling farmland to the Volcanic Plateau and Tongariro National Park, dominated by the three volcanoes - Mt Ruapehu, Mt Tongariro & Mt Ngauruhoe. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, famous for trout fishing. Stop at the Huka Falls, then onto Rotorua. Accommodation at the Sudima Hotel, Lake Rotorua.

Day 12    Rotorua
An action packed day today with many included sightseeing activities. First a visit to Agrodome, next stop is at Rainbow Springs Park and last activity is the spectacular Skyline Gondola. This evening you are in for a cultural treat. Watch in awe as two warriors perform a formal Powhiri (welcome), be thrilled by the Haka (war dance), and see the talented Poi dances. The concert is complemented by mouth-watering buffet selections of Eastern and Western cuisine and divine desserts, including the very 'Kiwi' Pavlova. Accommodation at the Sudima Hotel, Lake Rotorua.

Day 13    Rotorua / Waitomo / Auckland
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, at Waitomo a guide will escort your group underground to the limestone caverns and glow-worm grotto. During your guided tour you'll take in the spectacular Glow-worm Cave with its majestic and ornate cave decorations, the deep limestone shaft known as the Tomo and the equally magnificent Cathedral Cavern.

On through Hamilton to Ngaruawahia, centre for the region's Maori people, then travel alongside the Waikato River and cross the Bombay Hills to reach New Zealand's largest city - Auckland "the City of Sails", where you enjoy a city tour. Accommodation at the Rydges Hotel, Auckland.

Day 14    Auckland / Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge for the drive north along the scenic Hibiscus Coast, and on to Matakohe for a visit to its museum that houses an exceptional display highlighting the region's early settlement and kauri gum industry. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia, where we meet our local Maori Guide, a descendant of the original settlers to the region, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. A self guided tour through the famous treaty house, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bay. Accommodation at the Tanoa Hotel, Paihia.

Day 15    Bay of Islands
A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. We highly recommend a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point. At Cape Reinga you view the blending of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and an understanding of the Maori myths and legends of the area, go sand boarding down the giant sand dunes and travel along Ninety Mile Beach the highway of the north. Accommodation at the Tanoa Hotel, Paihia.

Day 16    Bay of Islands / Auckland
This morning a launch cruise takes you through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett. Cruise past many of the islands of the Bay, as you make your way past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic Hole in the Rock. Upon reaching Paihia, you will drive south, before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge and arriving into Auckland City. Accommodation at the Rydges Hotel, Auckland

Day 17    Auckland / Home
You will be transferred to Auckland International Airport in ample time to join your flight home.

Departure dates and Prices*

Please contact an RACQ Travel consultant for further details on 1300 096 166.

*Terms and Conditions

• Prices current as at 6 March 2012
• Prices are per person in AUD$ based on twin share
• ^Members save $410pp, savings has been deducted from the price. Valid for sale until 30 April 2012
• Cannot be used with any other offer
• Flight are with Air New Zealand in L class including taxes
• Prices are subject to change (eg due to currency fluctuation)
• Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time
• Further conditions apply - please see New Zealand Holidays 2012 100% Kiwi brochure, Kirra Holidays