Departing Auckland, travel north to the picturesque Bay of Islands. After this, travel south through the North Island, then across Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry, to the South Island of New Zealand.
Day 1 Auckland - Bay of Islands
Your tour departs from Rydges Hotel, Federal Street, City 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)
Day 2 Bay of Islands
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.
Day 3 Bay of Islands - Rotorua
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. Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights)
Day 4 Rotorua
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.
Day 5 Rotorua - Taupo - Napier - Hastings
Visit Te Puia, 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 visit to the Hawkes Bay Museum is included. A few minutes drive to Hastings, the fruit bowl of New Zealand. Angus Hotel (1 night)
Day 6 Hastings - Wellington
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 ride on the famous Cable Car. Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)
Day 7 Wellington - Picton - Blenheim
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)
Day 8 Blenheim - Kaikoura - Christchurch
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. Your tour will conclude at approximately 5.30pm.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Sightseeing tours of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch
- Subtropical Bay of Islands
- Auckland's Skytower
- Thermal Wonderland of Rotorua
- Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
- Authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
- Volcanic and Geothermal Region of the North Island
- Hawkes Bay Museum
- Napier, art deco capital
- Scenic cruise Wellington-Picton
- Montana Winery visit with tasting and afternoon tea
- Spectacular Kaikoura Coast
- Cape Brett Launch Cruise
- Guided Tour of Waitangi Treaty House and grounds
- Parry Kauri Reserve
- Agrodome
- Rainbow Springsand Kiwi House
- Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Skyline Gondola and Luge ride (Rotorua)
- International Antarctic Centre
- Christchurch Sightseeing Tram
ScenicPacific Tours, based in Christchurch and Auckland, offer the combined experience with two of New Zealand's leading coach and tour operators, with affiliations to the New Zealand Bus & Coach Association, the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand, the Overseas Tour Operators Association and the Inbound Tour Operators Council.
Visitors are assured of a wonderful New Zealand experience with:
- The knowledge of traveling with an experienced tour operator
- Wide choice of tours and timetabled services every day
- Daily guaranteed departures on our Independent tours
- Centrally located hotels and motels for all overnight tours
- Train and national park inclusions where possible
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