23 Day New Zealand Unveiled

23 Day New Zealand Unveiled
This 23 day independent coach tour departing in Auckland and ending in Christchurch is an unforgettable journey. You'll visit regions such as the winterless North and the Bay of Islands, beautiful and relaxed Coromandel, intriguing Rotorua, the moon-like volcanic landscapes in the Dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park.
You then travel to the South Island where the grandeur and drama of the Southern Alps will blow you away with ever changing scenery. You'll visit Mt Cook National Park, the adventure town of Queenstown, the remote wilderness of Fiordland National Park and its most famous fiord, the Milford Sound. You continue to travel north along the rugged West Coast to the glaciers, and return to Christchurch on one of the most scenic train rides in the world, the TranzAlpine Express.
Along the way you'll have ample time to relax or participate in activities.
Highlights
Waiheke Wine Tour Cape Reinga Hole in the rock cruise Bay of Islands Hobbiton and Waitomo. Huka Falls Jet. Abel Tasman Kayaking Half Day. Milford Sound cruise. Tranzalpine Express
Regions Visited
Itinerary Map
This 23 day independent coach tour departing in Auckland and ending in Christchurch is an unforgettable journey. You'll visit regions such as the winterless North and the Bay of Islands, beautiful and relaxed Coromandel, intriguing Rotorua, the moon-like volcanic landscapes in the Dual World Heritage Tongariro National Park.You then travel to the South Island where the grandeur and drama of the Southern Alps will blow you away with ever changing scenery.
Terms and Conditions
Prices are based on twin share occupancy in a double room, and are subject to availability. If anything comes back unavailable, we will endeavor to find you a suitable alternative.
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Day 1 : Auckland
Welcome to Auckland and New Zealand. On arrival you will be picked up at the airport and transferred to your first night’s accommodation, where you will receive your detailed tour information pack.
You’ll most likely be pretty tired from a long flight, so take the rest of the day to relax and explore the inner city. The city centre of Auckland is not too big, so you can easily walk around. Visit the Skytower to take in great views of the city, and stroll around the waterfront with its many nice bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal.
Accommodation :
Day 2 : Auckland
Begin your day with a tour of Auckland's scenic city highlights, followed by an afternoon tasting world-class wines amid the beautiful surroundings of Waiheke Island. Starting in the central city, travel over the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, enjoying views of the harbour and city skyline. Visit the Viaduct Harbour and bustling Queen Street, and explore the Auckland Domain, the city's oldest park.
Following your morning city tour, enjoy a 40-minute ferry ride across the Waitemata Harbour to Waiheke Island, a haven of beaches, eateries and boutique vineyards. Upon arrival you'll be picked up by luxury coach and whisked away on a guided tour of three of Waiheke's premier wineries – Mudbrick Estate, Cable Bay and Te Motu.
Accommodation :
Day 3-4-5 : Bay of Islands
Today your New Zealand coach tour starts, as you'll cross the harbour bridge going north. Northland is a region with a abundance of marine life, subtropical climate and pristine beaches, but is also a region with historical significance.
Paihia will be your base to explore the Bay of Islands. Upon your arrival, you will take the ferry to explore the picturesque seaside town of Russell. You'll have the rest of the day off on your return.
On the second day up north, you'll travel to the very top of New Zealand, Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua). Uncover the wild beauty of this vast and untouched region that is rich in Māori culture and tradition. Your driver guide also doubles as a story teller, sharing the stories of this significant site where, according to Māori legend, spirits depart on their journey home to Hawaiki. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views, visit the iconic light house, and see the point where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean come crashing together. Ninety Mile Beach is another highlight of the tour – you'll drive along the sand as waves crash beside the custom-built coach. Feel the sand between your toes as you help your driver guide dig for shellfish (conditions permitting).
Before your journey back to Auckland, you will join the Hole in the Rock cruise in the morning with dolphin viewing. You'll board the Dolphin Seeker, a purpose built catamaran licensed by the Department of Conservation for dolphin and whale viewing. Enjoy the large outdoor viewing decks as we cruise past the islands of the Bay. Keep a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life as our experienced local skippers get you up close to the action. Cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic Hole in the Rock. Admire the rock walls towering above you as the skipper navigates right through the narrow space (conditions permitting) before heading back into the inner islands of the Bay.
When you set foot on land again, you return to Auckland in the evening.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 227 km - Travelling time : approximately 3 hrs.
Day 5 : Bay of Island- Auckland
You will be returning from the Bay of Islands around 8pm.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 227 km - Travelling time : approximately 3 hrs.
Day 6 : Auckland- Rotorua
Today you're heading south, and once you pass the Bombay hills you'll be passing through the green pastures of the mighty Waikato. These lush farmlands were chosen as the location for the Shire in the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit films, and are located not far outside the town of Matamata. Here you will spend a few hours on a Hobbiton tour.
Your next stop is at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, a network of underground tunnels and caves made from incredible limestone formations. Set off on a 45-minute guided tour of the caves, ending with a truly special boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto, where glowworms twinkle and shine overhead as you sail through a dark and silent cavern.
Rotorua is also nicknamed Roto Vegas by Kiwis for the amount of attractions it has. The main attractions are Maori culture and amazing geothermal activity. The region also has many beautiful lakes to explore. World-class biking trails, excellent hiking traills, natural hot streams, luxurious spas, a whole range of adventure activities such as rafting, sledging, jetboating, zorbing, racing down a steep hill in a luge, Rotorua won't bore you.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 228km - Travelling time approximately : 2 hr. 50 mins
Day 7 : Rotorua
Spend a day to enjoy all that Rotorua has to offer. Relax and soak yourself into a luxurious Polynesian Spa, visit the Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonderland, or why don't you try one of the numerous and unique adventure activities on offer.
At night you will attend a memorable cultural Maori village experience, and will feast on a traditional Maori cooked dinner, the Hangi.
Accommodation :
Day 8 : Rotorua - Taupo
The journey to Rotorua to Taupo is only about an hour this morning. About 2 kms north of Taupo, a must see are the impressive Huka Falls. This is where the Waikato River, New Zealand's longest river, enters a shallow ravine of hard volcanic rock. The resulting sight is nothing but spectacular. More than 220,000 liters of water per second rushes by.
A thrilling jetboat ride up to the base of the Huka Falls is not only an exciting way to see the falls, but you'll also get the best views.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 82 km - Travelling time : approximately 1 hour.
Day 9 : Taupo - Napier
Your destination today is Napier. This historic art deco city is located in the heart of New Zealand’s oldest wine-making region, Hawke’s Bay. Napier's city centre has the feeling of a time capsule - the seamless line of 1930s architecture is quite extraordinary. One of the ways to enjoy the streetscape is on a self-guided walk - ask for a map at the information centre or at the Art Deco Trust.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 141 km - Travelling time : approximately 1 hr 50 mins.
Day 10 : Napier -Wellington
Travel south to the coolest little capital in the world, Wellington and find out yourself why Wellington was named the best liveable city in the world in 2016!
A visit to the national museum Te Papa is a must-do. A trip on the iconic cable car gives you great views across the city and bay at the top.
Stroll around in Cuba street, with its many funky bars known for their craft beers, cafes, and excellent restaurants.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 322 km - Travelling time : approximately 4 hrs 15 mins
Day 11 : Wellington - Picton - Nelson
Today you will say goodbye to the North Island and cruise across the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry, with great views of the Marlborough Sounds.
Upon your arrival in the small but picturesque fishing town of Picton, you will carry on your journey to creative Nelson, the sunniest place in New Zealand.
Accommodation :
Interislander Wellington - Picton : 3 h 37 min (97.6 km)
Travelling distance : 134 km - Travelling time : approximately (Picton - Nelson) 1 hr 47 mins
Day 12 : Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park
You'll be spending a day in the coastal paradise of Abel Tasman National Park today. It is New Zealand's smallest national park, but perfectly formed for both relaxation and adventure.
And what better way to explore the golden bays and beaches than from the water in a kayak.
You will be picked up and dropped off again at your accommodation.
Accommodation :
Day 13 : Nelson - Hanmer Springs
You'll be travelling to the picturesque alpine village of Hanmer Springs today, best known for its natural hot pools and stunning landscapes. The town is an attractive year-round holiday destination for adventure, relaxation and indulgence. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and towering forests, this charming town has a main street filled with boutique shops, cafes and eateries.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 300 km - Travelling time : approximately 3 hrs 59 mins
Day 14 : Hanmer Springs - Christchurch
It's only a few hours to Christchurch today, the largest city on the South Island and second largest city by urban area in New Zealand. The city has recovered well from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and is once again a vibrant place.
Stroll around in the renowned botanical gardens and explore the inner city.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 134 km - Travelling time : approximately 1 hrs 53 mins
Day 15 : Christchurch - Mt Cook
You'll cross the expansive Canterbury plains on your way to Mt Cook. The Southern Alps seem to be ever increasing in size as you approach closer, and leaving a bigger impression as you carry on.
Lake Tekapo will leave you dazzled with its remarkable turquoise coloured water against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. The picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd is a great place for great photo opportunities, but please note that photos are not allowed inside the church.
Once you arrive at Lake Pukaki, Mt Cook dominates the landscape, and how! It will leave a memorable impression, and the drive along the lake with its green and turquoise water is nothing but spectacular.
We recommend one of the short hikes in the Aoraki National Park.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 333 km - Travelling time : approximately 4 hrs 10 mins
Day 16 : Mt Cook- Queenstown
As the road takes you further south, you will cross the the Lindis Pass, one of the highest roads in New Zealand. The contrast in scenery will be noticeable as you leave the McKenzie Country and enter Otago.
Wanaka town is nestled below towering mountains, and is a little bit quieter than its neighbour Queenstown. In winters skiers from all over the world flock here for its great skiing, and in summer the impressive mountains provide for a range of adventure activities. You will return to this beautiful town in a few days, but your journey continues to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown!
Queenstown is synonymous with adventure, and often labelled the "adventure capital of the world". Regardless of the season, Queenstown gets your adrenaline flowing year round, and the options are endless. Want to throw yourself out of a plane in amazing scenery, jump off a bridge in the birthplace of Bungy, jetboat, raft down a river, you name it...Queenstown has it all.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Let us know if you would like us to book one of the numerous adventure activities.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 264 km - Travelling time : approximately 3 hrs 15 mins
Day 17 : Queenstown
Queenstown is a place with so many things to do, so you'll stay here for an additional day. In the morning we've included the thrilling Shotover Jet, deep in the Mt Aspiring National Park wilderness. The drive to Glenorchy alone will already leave you in awe. It is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand.
As appetites differ from person to person, just let us know if you would like to do something else during this day that we can help you with.
Accommodation :
Day 18 : Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Visit Milford Sound on a GreatSights sightseeing tour and experience a world of cascading waterfalls, sheer rock faces and dense rainforest. Your sightseeing tour to Milford Sound is made even more enjoyable by glass-roofed coaches, which provide spectacular panoramic views as you travel along the Milford Road – one of the world's most scenic roads – and through the Homer Tunnel, before arriving for your Milford Sound cruise. Enjoy striking views of iconic Mitre Peak from the head of the Sound – it rises 1,692 metres from the south shore and is named for its resemblance to a bishop’s mitre (headdress).
The pristine Milford Sound is part of the World Heritage Fiordland National Park, in the south west of the South Island, and is famed for its pristine natural beauty and remote atmosphere. It is New Zealand’s best known fiord and the only one that can be reached by road. The fiord extends 15km inland from the wild Tasman Sea and is regularly visited by wildlife including penguins, seals and dolphins.
Accommodation :
Day 19 : Queenstown -Wanaka
A short journey takes you to Wanaka today. Wanaka town is nestled below towering mountains, and is a little bit quieter than its neighbour Queenstown. In winters skiers from all over the world flock here for its great skiing, and in summer the impressive mountains provide for a range of adventure activities.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 113 km - Travelling time : approximately 1 hrs 30 mins
Day 20 : Wanaka -Franz Josef
Passing through a number of national parks today, the road from Wanaka to Frans Josef and Haast winds its way along Lake Hawea first, then through majestic Mt Aspiring National Park, until you reach the town of Haast on the West Coast, which is located in the heart of Te Wāhipounamu World Heritage Area. The road between Haast and Frans Josef continues along the rugged West Coast with lush native bush and rainforest.
From Frans Josef township you'll have a number of options to explore the extraordinary glaciers.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 286 km - Travelling time : approximately 3 hrs 40 mins
Day 21 : Franz Josef
You have the entire day to explore this magnificent region. You can go for a walk to the base of the glacier, or for something more exciting, experience a thrilling helicopter flight with a walk on the ice.
Nearby Lake Matheson is an incredible place where perfect water reflections of Mt Cook can be photographed, and the 45 minute walk around the lake is well worth the trip.
Accommodation :
Day 22 : Franz Josef - Greymouth
Your journey continues north along the West Coast and you pass the town of Hokitika, known for its greenstone (pounamu).
Your final destination is Greymouth, a town with a history of jade hunting, gold mining and dramatic river floods. Sample the beer and listen to wild west coast stories.
Accommodation :
Travelling distance : 173 km - Travelling time : approximately 2 hrs 15 mins
Day 23 : Greymouth- Christchurch
On your last day of the tour you will travel in a different way on the Tranzalpine Express.
Experience the South Island’s striking natural landscape by taking a train between Christchurch and Greymouth. Along this journey you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River, traverse the Southern Alps, and see miles of native beech forest.
The TranzAlpine is one of the world's great train journeys covering 223 kilometres (139 miles) one-way, taking just under 5 hours. You’ll traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains, to the backdrop of the mighty Southern Alps.
Driving distance : 243 km - Driving time : Approximately : 4 hours 30 mins
NZD5,984.00
Price includes
- Complimentary airport transfers
- Detailed tour pack upon arrival first night's accommodation.
- All coach and transfers
- 22 Nights Accommodation.
- Auckland City Sights and Waiheke Wine Tour.
- Interislander Ferry crossing.
- Swimming with Dolphins.
- 3 Day package Bay of islands.
- Hobbiton Experience + Waitomo Glowworm caves
- Taupo Huka Falls Jet
- Abel Tasman Kayaking Half Day Kayak
- Christchurch To Mount Cook day tour.
- Mt Cook - Queenstown tour
- Milford Sound ex Queenstown: Cruise and Lunch.
- Wanaka to Franz Josef tour
- Tranzalpine Express Greymouth - Christchurch
Cancellation policy
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 45 days or more before the start of the tour, the cancellation fee will be equivalent to the deposit paid
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 30 to 45 days before the start of the tour the cancellation fee shall be 25% of the contract price
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 7 to 30 days before the start of the tour the cancellation fee shall be 50% of the contract price
- Where the date of cancellation is a date 7 days or less before the start of the tour the cancellation fee shall be 100% of the contract price
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