Itinerary

Day 1    
Arrive Christchurch
Welcome to New Zealand! You will be met with a smile and transferred to your hotel accommodation by a tour representative. Stay: Sudima Hotel

Day 2    
Christchurch – Mt Cook – Omarama
As you leave the most English city outside of England, your coach captain will highlight the main attractions of the city of Christchurch. 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.

There is an opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris (optional). From Tekapo continue on your New Zealand Coach Tour to Mt Cook National Park. Here you have an opportunity to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre - a tribute to New Zealand's greatest explorer and world renowned mountaineer. 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. Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel

Day 3    
Omarama – Dunedin
As your New Zealand holiday continues, 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. These boulders are grey-coloured concretions which have been exposed through shoreline erosion from black mud stone coastal cliffs that back the beach. An early arrival into Dunedin, "The Edinburgh of the South" allows you plenty of time to explore this nature lover's playground. Take the opportunity to experience at least one of these optional tours - combine a Monarch Harbour Cruise with a Newton's Citibus tour, and see penguins, albatross and seals.

Alternatively take a nostalgic trip on the Taieri Gorge Train, leaving from Dunedin's historic Railway Station. Maybe you would rather visit Cadbury World and Speights brewery, both options filling you one way or the other. Your coach captain will be more than happy to assist with any bookings. This evening prior to dinner, you are treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony complete with the address to the Haggis, bag pipes and a bonnie wee dram. Stay: Cargills Hotel

Day 4    
Dunedin – Lake Manapouri – Te Anau
This morning visit the historic Olveston House and feel as though you have stepped back to the early 1900's to experience the opulence of a bygone era. Then it is back to the present as you travel south west over rich fertile farmlands, through the agricultural service towns of Balclutha, Gore, and other small villages.

As you proceed inland past wind turbines and deer farms and across rural farmland, if weather and time permit, visit the mysterious Lake Manapouri, (the Lake of Many Islands), before reaching Lake Te Anau, the Gateway to Fiordland. Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel

Day 5    
Te Anau – Milford Sound – Queenstown
Leaving Te Anau, your coach 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, the eighth wonder of the world, 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. Enjoy 220 degree breathtaking panoramic views of The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. Stay: Rydges Hotel (2 nights)

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, Double Decker coach to quaint Arrowtown, or even a bungy jump. Alternatively, explore Queenstown's many boutiques and galleries - your coach captain will be more than happy to assist with any optional sightseeing.

Day 7    
Queenstown – Haast Pass - Fox Glacier
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes then on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining 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, 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. This is an ideal opportunity for you to experience small town New Zealand in the heart of Westland. The rainforest and surrounding area is so green it will hurt your eyes. (Upon arrival into Fox Glacier there is opportunity to either take an optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face or an optional exhilarating helicopter flight over the glacier). Both these options are at your own expense and are very weather dependant. Stay: 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 TranzAlpine 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. Stay: Pavilions Hotel

Day 9    
Christchurch – Kaikoura - Blenheim
Join the Coastal Pacific 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. A short tour of the area includes a visit to Brancott Estate Winery. Enjoy a hosted tour of the winery, learn about and taste a range of the famous local wines (purchase if you wish) followed by afternoon tea. Stay: Scenic Hotel Marlborough

Day 10    
Blenheim – Picton – Wellington
Drive to Picton, nestled on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds, to board the Interislander Ferry. Sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, sheltered waterways, remote bays and isolated holiday homes. Across Cook Strait and into Wellington for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Capital City. 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. There is ample time for you to explore the city yourself. Don't miss Te Papa, the "Museum of New Zealand" or take a ride on the famous Cable Car. Your coach captain will be happy to assist you with any additional sightseeing. Stay: Bay Plaza Hotel

Day 11    
Wellington – Taupo – Rotorua
Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island. On a clear day you may glimpse a last look at the South 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, where the Waikato River is squeezed through a 20 metre wide gorge and gushes into a beautiful sapphire pool. Pass through the Wairakei Geothermal area and power station en route to Rotorua. Whether seeking to experience Maori culture, geothermal sights or adventure activities, your coach captain will be happy to assist with any optional sightseeing. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)

Day 12    
Rotorua
An action packed day today with many included sightseeing activities. First a visit to Agrodome, for an exciting and informative insight into the world of New Zealand agriculture, featuring 19 breeds of sheep, sheep shearing, cow milking, lamb feeding and sheepdog demonstrations. Next stop is at Rainbow Springs Park where you will see pools of brown and rainbow trout and native birds including the Kiwi. Last activity is the spectacular Skyline Gondola, offering superb views over city, lake and mountains. and for a little excitement, try a Luge ride with our compliments. The Luge is a fun filled ride on a three-wheel cart with a unique braking and steering system providing the rider full control and allowing them to travel as fast or as slow as they wish.

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. You will even be given the opportunity to try to perform the Haka or the Poi dance. The concert is complemented by mouth-watering buffet selections of Eastern and Western cuisine and divine desserts, including the very 'Kiwi' Pavlova.

Day 13    
Rotorua – Waitomo – Auckland
Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. 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". A city tour will give a feel for the city. Visit the summit of the Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for superb city and harbour views, the down town area, Waterfront Drive and The Domain. Stay: Rydges Hotel

Day 14    
Depart Auckland
It is time to say farewell to your travelling companions. You will be transferred to Auckland International Airport to join your flight home.

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