20 Day Ultimate New Zealand Experience from $4,461

Uncategorized > 20 Day Ultimate New Zealand Experience from $4,461

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival in Auckland you will be met at the airport by a representative and transferred to your centrally-located hotel. The rest of today is at leisure to relax and settle in, or begin exploring this wonderful city.
Stay: Auckland, Rydges Hotel

Day 2: Auckland – Whangamata
A tour of Auckland, to the summit of Skytower, at 328 meters the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the downtown city area and waterfront drive, then experience the thrill of sailing aboard a 15m yacht on Auckland Harbour, all before heading south to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Stay 2 Nights: Breakers Motel

Day 3: Coromandel Peninsula
Today you will go on an exclusive journey through the Coromandel region with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Explore regenerating Kauri forest, discover the old roads to Puketui, an 1890s gold mining town and visit a goldmine studded with glowworms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach. Today a picnic lunch is included.

Day 4: Whangamata – Rotorua
On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration followed by a scenic gondola ride up to the Skyline complex for superb views. Once at the top, we treat you to a wine tasting and buffet lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to enjoy. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua

Day 5: Rotorua – Tongariro National Park
This mornin visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Then head south to the Wairakei Geothermal Valley, visiting the powerful Huka Falls and stopping at Lake Taupo for lunch before continuing on your journey to reach Tongariro National Park, a stunning natural playground.
Stay: Chateau Tongariro Hotel

Day 6: Tongariro National Park – Wellington
As you travel south the volcanic mountains – Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe dominate the view, before reaching the capital city – Wellington. A city tour includes Mount Victoria, the Houses of Parliament, Wellington Cathedral and Oriental Bay, with time to explore the city and Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand.
Stay: Novotel Wellington

Day 7: Wellington – Blenheim – Nelson
Enjoy some free time this morning to relax or make the most of Wellington’s endless sights. Join the mid morning Interislander Ferry through the Queen Charlotte Sounds to Picton. Upon arrival, it’s on to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts. Here you will visit the World of Wearable Arts and Classic Cars galleries.
Stay 2 nights: Grand Mercure Monaco Resort

Day 8: Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park
Today is at your leisure, take the time to explore the shops and art galleries which make Nelson famous. If you would like to explore a little more your Coach Captain will happily assist with arranging activities for you. We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 9:Nelson – Hokitika
Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge – a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki before arriving at Hokitika.
Stay: Beachfront Hotel

Day 10: Hokitika– Franz Josef Glacier
Visit Jade Boulder Gallery this morning showcasing native jade crafted into fine jewellery. Hugging the coastline of the West Coast, as you come closer your view will be dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlighting your journey to Franz Josef.
Stay:  Scenic Hotel Franz Josef

Day 11: Franz Josef, Wanaka
This morning, depart Franz Josef and view the glacier as you journey along New Zealand’s West Coast. View incredible scenery today as you travel through Haast Pass and the Haast River Valley, over the dramatic Southern Alps. This region of the south island is home to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful lakes, you’ll have the opportunity to view lakes Wanaka and Hawea en-route to our overnight stay in Wanaka.
Stay: Wanaka, Edgewater

Day 12: Wanaka – Queenstown
Depart Wanaka this morning and journey to Arrowtown, a small village with a rich gold mining history. Continue to Queenstown, where you’ll be treated to a memorable two night stay at the luxurious Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant.
Stay 3 Nights: Rydges Queenstown

Day 13 – 14: Queenstown
The next two days are at your leisure whilst in the adventure capital. You can either sit back and relax, or your Coach Captain can assist with any optional activities you would like to do.

Day 15: Queenstown – Milford Sound
Follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Kingston, then cross fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri with its rugged bush clad mountains before continuing to Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, past native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. Continue through The Divide and travel into the Hollyford Valley and through the Homer Tunnel to reach magnificent Milford Sound.

Enjoy an overnight cruise on Milford Sound on the Milford Mariner, a purpose built vessel. A large open deck area and observation lounge provide for unequal views of the Sound. When the day visitors have departed a silence descends on the fiord. Cruise to the mouth of the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. Here you have the opportunity to go kayaking and explore the shoreline on the tender craft with a nature guide. As evening falls, enjoy a lavish carvery buffet on the dining saloon.
Stay: Milford Mariner

Day 16: Milford Sound – Dunedin
Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world with a glimpse every so often of a passing seal or penguin. You return to shore to follow the rugged and remote mountains as they change to lush green countryside as you approach Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South.’ Tonight prior to dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony.
Stay 2 nights:  Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel

Day 17: Dunedin
A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun!

Day 18: Dunedin – Mt. Cook
Begin your day with a city tour of Dunedin which includes the world’s steepest residential street, Dunedin University, the first Church, Speight’s Brewery, Catholic Cathedral and more before a visit to Olveston House, Dunedin’s majestic historic home. Travel north stopping to view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing the hydro lakes until you reach Mt Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand’s highest mountains.
Stay: Hermitage Hotel

Day 19: Mt Cook – Christchurch
This morning visit the magnificent Tasman Glacier where you will be amazed by the floating icebergs in the nearby lake. Afterwards, visit Lake Tekapo, view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial. Continue onto Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch for a city and surrounds tour.
Stay: Quest, Chritchurch

Day 20: Christchurch – USA
Today say  goodbye to all your new found friends before you make your homeward journey. You will be transferred to Christchurch International Airport to join your flight home.