1 - Auckland / Bay of Islands
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Your tour departs
from the Rydges Hotel at 7.30am.
Cross Auckland’s distinctive Harbour Bridge
to drive north along the Hibiscus Coast,
through Kawakawa to Paihia in the Bay of
Islands. A guided visit to Waitangi with its
Treaty House and Maori war canoe. This
afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay
crossing the areas world renowned game fishing
grounds to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and
famous “Hole in the Rock”. Return through
the inner islands with their beautiful sandy
beaches, sparkling waters and marine life.
Hotel Paihia (2 nights) |
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2 - Bay of Islands
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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.
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3 - Bay of Islands / Rotorua
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South through the
city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the
satellite tracking station. Auckland and its
majestic harbour soon comes into view and a
tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at
328m the tallest building in the Southern
Hemisphere for panoramic views across the city
and its two harbours, the Domain, the central
city area, the Waterfront Drive with its
numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential
suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush
farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse
studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to
Rotorua.
Lake Plaza Hotel. (2 nights) |
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4 - Rotorua
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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. |
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5 - Rotorua / Taupo / Napier / Hastings
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Visit
Whakarewarewa, the Maori Arts and Crafts
Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling
mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Skirt
some of the worlds largest pine forest to
Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to
generate electricity, view the Huka Falls
where the Waikato River pours through a narrow
chasm and pause at Lake Taupo, the largest
lake in New Zealand. Continue across the
Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and
Napier, claimed to be the world’s art deco
capital. A city tour will encompass the Marine
Parade and foreshore area plus many of the
city’s art deco buildings. A few minutes
drive to Hastings, the fruit bowl of New
Zealand
Angus Hotel (1 night) |
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6 - Hastings / Wellington
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Orchards and
vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you
pass through Hastings then to Dannevirke and
Woodville for an early afternoon arrival in
the Capital city Wellington. A city tour
includes the summit of Mount Victoria for
views over the city and its Harbour, the
Houses of Parliament and distinctive
“Beehive”, Wellington Cathedral, the
central city and business area and Oriental
Bay. Also explore the city yourself. Don’t
miss Te Papa, the “Museum of New Zealand”
or take a rideon the famous Cable Car.
Bay Plaza Hotel. (1 night) |
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7 - Wellington / Picton / Blenheim
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Join the
Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the
South Island with views of the City and its
hillside suburbs. Cross Cook Strait into the
sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound,
bush clad hillsides remote bays and isolated
holiday homes. In Picton, you are welcomed by
your South Island Coach Captain. Explore
Picton then drive to Blenheim for an
afternoon’s sightseeing and a visit to the
Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and
afternoon tea.
Blenheim Country Hotel. (1 night) |
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8 - Blenheim / Kaikoura / Christchurch
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Past Lake
Grassmere then follow the coastline to
Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching.
Over the Hundalee Ranges and onto the
Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of
Christchurch. Visit the International
Antarctic Centre before a city tour
highlighting a strong English influence. See
the parklands and River Avon before boarding
the Tourist Tram for a circuit of the city
centre which showcases all the main points of
interest.
Pavilions Hotel (1 night) |
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9 - Christchurch / Mt Cook / Omarama
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Cross the broad
Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps to
the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine
to the barren MacKenzie Country. View the
Church of the Good Shepherd dedicated to the
early pioneers of the region and the Collie
Dog memorial overlooking the milky blue waters
of Lake Tekapo. Time for a spectacular flight
over the Southern Alps, lakes and glaciers
with Air Safaris (optional). Visit Mt Cook
National Park, with time to enjoy the scenic
majesty of New Zealand’s highest snow capped
peaks before travelling around Lake Pukaki to
Twizel and Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel. (1 night) |
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10 - Omarama / Dunedin
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Pass large hydro
lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to
Oamaru and Dunedin – the “Scottish”
city. An early arrival allows the choice of
excellent optional activities. Combine a
Monarch harbour cruise or Newton’s Citibus
tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals.
Enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge
train excursion or explore the city only a few
minutes walk away. This evening prior to
Dinner you will be treated to a traditional
Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper,
address to the Haggis and gift.
Cargills Hotel. (1 night) |
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11 - Dunedin / Lake Manapouri / Te Anau
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Visit historic Olveston House,
then cross rich farmlands to the agricultural
towns of Gore and Lumsden. Visit Lake
Manapouri with its rugged bushclad mountains
before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau.
Fiordland National Park Hotel. (2 nights) |
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12 - Milford Sound Day Trip
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A highlight of any
tour. Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford
Valleys where the beech forests reach to the
roads edge and snow capped peaks tower above.
Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to Milford
Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch
cruise takes you to the open sea and shows
such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling
Falls. Time to relax and appreciate your
surroundings. Walk into the rainforest to
visit The Chasm a spectacular waterfall then
pause at the Homer Tunnel. If conditions
permit, your Coach Captain may make a short
drive into the Lower Hollyford Valley.
Return to Te Anau. |
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13 - Te Anau / Queenstown
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Cruise across Lake
Te Anau to explore the underground world of
rushing water and drift beneath the luminous
shimmer of thousands of glow worms, an
unforgettable sight. This afternoon drive
north to Kingston and around the shores of
Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. This
evening, cruise across the lake aboard the
steamship Earnslaw for dinner in the
Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak Sheep
Station.
Rydges Hotel (2 nights) |
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14 - Queenstown
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A day to explore
the delights of this alpine resort at your
leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily
advise on the many sightseeing activities
available. We recommend the world famous
Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola to the
Skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining
area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous
– white water rafting. Alternatively browse
in the many shops and galleries. |
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15 - Queenstown / Haast Pass/ Fox Glacier
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Pass picturesque
Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in
fascinating history relating to early
settlement and the goldmining era, 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 into Mt Aspiring and
Westland National Parks. Drive north along the
coast to the glacier region. Explore the
township or take the optional guided walk to
the glacier’s terminal face.
Fox Glacier Hotel. (1 night) |
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16 - Fox Glacier / Christchurch
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Time for an
optional helicopter flight over the glaciers
then north to Greymouth to visit a Greenstone
(Jade) factory to see craftsmen cutting and
polishing giant boulders to create fine
jewellery. Cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs
Pass to the Canterbury Plains and into
Christchurch.
An alternative to returning to Christchurch by
coach is to travel by the Tranz Alpine
train for a journey through the Southern Alps
- truly a wonderful experience. This is at a
supplement - please see below.
The tour concludes at approximately
5.00pm.
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Pricing
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Tour prices per Person
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01 May 2008 to 30 Sep 2008
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£1,405.00 |
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01 Oct 2008 to 30 April 2009
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£1,655.00 |
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01 May 2009 to 30 Sep 2009
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£1,445.00 |
| Optional Extras |
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Breakfast Supplement
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£120.00 |
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Dinner Supplement
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£178.00 |
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Single Room Supplement
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£440.00 |
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Tranz Alpine option
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£68.00 |
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 More
General Information here
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Dates
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| May 2008 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 05 May |
20 May |
A452 |
| 07 May |
22 May |
A46 |
| 14 May |
29 May |
A47 |
| 21 May |
05 Jun |
A48 |
| 28 May |
12 Jun |
A49 |
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| Jun 2008 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 04 Jun |
19 Jun |
A50 |
| 11 Jun |
26 Jun |
A51 |
| 25 Jun |
10 Jul |
A53 |
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| Jul 2008 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 09 Jul |
24 Jul |
A55 |
| 23 Jul |
07 Aug |
A57 |
| 30 Jul |
14 Aug |
A58 |
|
| Aug 2008 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 13 Aug |
28 Aug |
A60 |
| 27 Aug |
11 Sep |
A62 |
|
| Sep 2008 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 03 Sep |
18 Sep |
A11 |
| 10 Sep |
25 Sep |
A12 |
| 15 Sep |
30 Sep |
A122 |
| 17 Sep |
02 Oct |
A13 |
| 22 Sep |
07 Oct |
A132 |
| 24 Sep |
09 Oct |
A14 |
| 29 Sep |
14 Oct |
A142 |
|
| Oct 2008 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 01 Oct |
16 Oct |
A15 |
| 08 Oct |
23 Oct |
A16 |
| 13 Oct |
28 Oct |
A162 |
| 15 Oct |
30 Oct |
A17 |
| 22 Oct |
06 Nov |
A18 |
| 29 Oct |
13 Nov |
A19 |
|
| Nov 2008 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 03 Nov |
18 Nov |
A192 |
| 05 Nov |
20 Nov |
A20 |
| 12 Nov |
27 Nov |
A21 |
| 17 Nov |
02 Dec |
A212 |
| 19 Nov |
04 Dec |
A22 |
| 26 Nov |
11 Dec |
A23 |
|
| Dec 2008 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 03 Dec |
18 Dec |
A24 |
| 10 Dec |
25 Dec |
A25 |
| 17 Dec |
01 Jan |
A26 |
| 24 Dec |
08 Jan |
A27 |
| 29 Dec |
13 Jan |
A272 |
| 31 Dec |
15 Jan |
A28 |
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| Jan 2009 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 05 Jan |
20 Jan |
A282 |
| 07 Jan |
22 Jan |
A29 |
| 26 Jan |
27 Jan |
A292 |
| 14 Jan |
29 Jan |
A30 |
| 19 Jan |
03 Feb |
A302 |
| 21 Jan |
05 Feb |
A31 |
| 26 Jan |
10 Feb |
A312 |
| 28 Jan |
12 Feb |
A32 |
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| Feb 2009 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 02 Feb |
17 Feb |
A322 |
| 04 Feb |
19 Feb |
A33 |
| 09 Feb |
24 Feb |
A334 |
| 11 Feb |
26 Feb |
A34 |
| 16 Feb |
03 Mar |
A342 |
| 18 Feb |
05 Mar |
A35 |
| 23 Feb |
10 Mar |
A352 |
| 25 Feb |
12 Mar |
A36 |
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| Mar 2009 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 02 Mar |
17 Mar |
A362 |
| 04 Mar |
19 Mar |
A37 |
| 11 Mar |
26 Mar |
A38 |
| 16 Mar |
31 Mar |
A382 |
| 18 Mar |
02 Apr |
A39 |
| 25 Mar |
09 Apr |
A40 |
| 30 Mar |
14 Apr |
A402 |
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| Apr 2009 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 01 Apr |
16 Apr |
A41 |
| 06 Apr |
21 Apr |
A412 |
| 08 Apr |
23 Apr |
A42 |
| 13 Apr |
28 Apr |
A422 |
| 15 Apr |
30 Apr |
A43 |
| 20 Apr |
05 May |
A432 |
| 22 Apr |
07 May |
A44 |
| 29 Apr |
14 May |
A45 |
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| May 2009 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 06 May |
21 May |
A46 |
| 13 May |
28 May |
A47 |
| 20 May |
04 Jun |
A48 |
| 27 May |
11 Jun |
A49 |
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| Jun 2009 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 043Jun |
18 Jun |
A50 |
| 10 Jun |
25 Jul |
A51 |
| 24 Jun |
09 Jul |
A53 |
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| Jul 2009 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 01 Jul |
16 Jul |
A54 |
| 15 Jul |
30 Jul |
A56 |
| 22 Jul |
06 Aug |
A57 |
| 29 Jul |
13 Aug |
A58 |
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| Aug 2009 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 12 Aug |
27 Aug |
A12 |
| 19 Aug |
03 Sep |
A13 |
| 26Aug |
10 Sep |
A14 |
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| Sep 2009 |
| Start |
Finish |
Code |
| 02 Sep |
17 Sep |
A15 |
| 09 Sep |
24 Sep |
A16 |
| 14 Sep |
29 Sep |
A162 |
| 16 Sep |
01 Oct |
A17 |
| 21 Sep |
06 Oct |
A172 |
| 23 Sep |
08 Oct |
A18 |
| 28 Sep |
13 Oct |
A182 |
| 30 Sep |
15 Oct |
A19 |
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Extend Your Tour with Pre/Post
Accommodation in Auckland and
Christchurch!
To get the best out of this holiday why not have an
hotel stay either before or after the tour (or both)
which will make your trip an even more relaxing and
enjoyable experience. We have special rates at top
hotels for Kirra passengers for this purpose.
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Auckland - Rydges Hotel
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One
of the best hotel locations in
Auckland. Only two blocks from the
city’s shopping and business
district, one to Skytower and a
few hundred metres to Viaduct
Basin and the waterfront with its
multitude of cafes, bars and
restaurants. Noted for its
friendly and helpful staff Rydges
180 contemporary guest rooms are
extremely well appointed and
tastefully decorated including
"Guestnet" internet
access. Circa Restaurant features
award winning cuisine and its
adjacent bar is an ideal meeting
place before dinner
here
for more detail
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Christchurch
- Pavilions Hotel
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You will find our spacious studio units
located in the main hotel block that
also features the restaurant, reception
and bar. You will have use of tea and
coffee making facilities, a shower, hair
dryer, electric blankets, a mini bar,
television, in-house video, Sky TV and a
telephone for your convenience.
here
for more detail
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Check your dates with
us
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When you have chosen your tour call one of our
consultants to check the availability for your
date. At the same time we can advise you of the
latest best deals on air fares to get you to New
Zealand either to include stopovers or not
depending on your requirements.
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See our
current special offer fares to New Zealand
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New
Zealand Holidays >> Escorted
Coach Tours
