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Simply the Best
15 Days/14 Nights
Gateway: Auckland - Christchurch
£1355pp (valid 1 Oct - 31 Mar 08)
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| 15 Day self drive with ferry and train taking in the highlights of both North and South Islands and staying in tourist class hotels. |
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
On arrival at Auckland Airport you are met and transferred to your hotel (Self-drive passengers collect your rental car for your exclusive use until the end of the tour package).
Accommodation: 1 night at the Copthorne Anzac Ave |
Day 2: Auckland / Waitomo Caves / Rotorua
This morning travel south over the Bombay Hills and through the lush Waikato pasturelands. At Waitomo, tour the subterranean caves by boat, see a grotto illuminated by countless tiny glowworms suspended from the caves ceiling. Travel across the Waikato River and the Mamaku Hills to the famous geothermal centre of Rotorua.
Accommodation: 2 nights in Rotorua at the Ibis Hotel |
Day 3: In Rotorua
A full day Rotorua sightseeing tour including the following attractions and activities. A guided tour through Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools, Paradise Valley Springs where you will see New Zealand native bird and animal wildlife plus crystal clear pools teeming with trout. The Agrodome Leisure Park famous for its entertaining sheep show, a gondola cable car ride to the Skyline Skyride complex and the Polynesian Spa, New Zealand’s leading thermal bathing complex. (Self-drive passengers have the flexibility to explore these and many other activities in and around Rotorua - a map and entrance vouchers for included sights is provided). |
Day 4: Rotorua / Wellington
Travel today is south via Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Follow the lakeshore before passing through the World Heritage Tongariro National Park, where the three volcanic mountains of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro dominate the scenery. Pass through the market garden regions of Levin and Otaki and on to Wellington.
Accommodation: 2 nights in Wellington at the Mercure Hotel |
Day 5: Day at leisure - Wellington
A free day in New Zealand’s capital city. Make time to ride the cable car, visit the Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa) or the Parliament Buildings. Wellington is noted for its live theatre, art galleries, restaurants and cultural activities. |
Day 6: Wellington / Picton / Christchurch
This morning transfer to the Interisland Ferry to cruise the Cook Strait, down the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Connect with the Tranz Coastal train which journeys via Kaikoura to Christchurch. On arrival you will be met and transfered to your hotel. (Self-drive passengers return their car prior to joining the Interisland cruise across the Cook Strait to Picton. On arrival in Christchurch, you will be met and transferred to your hotel).
Accommodation: 1 night in Christchurch at the Copthorne Hotel Durham St |
Day 7: Christchurch / Greymouth
This morning transfer to the train station. All aboard the Tranz Alpine Express train through the rugged Southern Alps to Greymouth, a journey revealing the most breathtaking views (Includes self-drive passengers). On arrival in Greymouth you will be taken on a tour of Punakaiki (On arrival in Greymouth, self-drive passengers collect your rental for your exclusive use until the end of the tour package).
Accommodation: 1 night in Greymouth at the Kingsgate Hotel |
Day 8: Greymouth / West Coast Glaciers
A full day to continue southwards following the coast to reach Westland National Park and enjoy the magnificent glaciers. This afternoon enjoy a guided walk to the Glacier Terminal. You may also like to take a scenic flight (optional) for a bird’s eye view of this spectacular terrain.
Accommodation: 1 night at the West Coast Scenic Circle Franz Josef |
Day 9: West Coast Glaciers / Queenstown
A memorable trip through some of the most beautiful scenery in New Zealand. Travel over the Haast Pass and through the silver beech forests of Mt Aspiring National Park, past Lake Wanaka and along the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown.
Accommodation: 2 nights in Queenstown at The Aspen Hotel |
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Day 10: Day at leisure - Queenstown
A full day free to explore the many exciting optional excursions available in Queenstown. Take a scenic flight, gondola ride or perhaps cruise the lake on the vintage Earnslaw. Try a thrilling jetboat ride or the Dart River excursion, white water rafting or the world famous bungy jump. (For self-drive passengers we suggest a visit to nearby historical Arrowtown). |
Day 11: Queenstown / Milford Sound / Te Anau
An early start as you follow Lake Wakatipu via Kingston arriving in Te Anau for a morning tea break. Follow the shores of Lake Te Anau before entering the Eglington Valley. Pass the mirror lakes and travel through the avenue of the disappearing mountain. Our spectacular
drive continues through the mountains, valley and forests of the Fiordland National Park, with a dramatic descent into Milford Sound. A fascinating launch cruise to Bowen Falls and Mitre Peak is included. Later today return by coach to Te Anau.
Accommodation: 1 night in Te Anau at The Luxmore Hotel |
Day 12: Te Anau / Invercargill
This morning depart for Invercargill, the southernmost city of New Zealand. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the highlights of Invercargill.
Accommodation: 1 night in Invercargill at the Ascot Park Hotel |
Day 13: Invercargill / Dunedin
Continue on the Southern Scenic route through the spectacular area of the Catlins and on to reach the charming city of Dunedin. Dunedin was fi rst settled by the Scottish and renowned as the “Edinburgh of the South”.
Accommodation: 1 night in Dunedin at the Kingsgate Hotel |
Day 14: Dunedin / Christchurch
This morning is free for optional tours, perhaps visit Larnach Castle or Olveston House. Head north to Moeraki. Continue across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch via Oamaru and Timaru.
Accommodation: 1 night in Christchurch at the Copthorne Hotel Durham St |
Day 15: Depart Christchurch
A transfer to the airport is included for your departure flight (Self-drive passengers return your rental car directly at the airport). |
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Price includes:
rental car for duration,
14 nights accommodation,
Waitomo Caves entrance,
full day Rotorua sightseeing activities,
interislander Ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton,
tranz Alpine train journey from Christchurch to
Greymouth,
afternoon Punakaiki Tour,
guided walk to Glacier Terminal Face,
Milford Sound day trip (self-drive cruise only).
*Insurance is paid by the clients when they pick up the car. Price excludes international flights.
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