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19 Day Ultimate New Zealand
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Summary of Tour Included Activities |
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Join our 19 Day Ultimate New Zealand bus tour and experience the REAL New Zealand. This sensational coach tour cannot be beaten in terms of comfort, quality and price and with 30 pre-paid sightseeing inclusions and 30 mouth watering meals, it's not hard to see why. With destinations that include the Bay of Islands, Hokianga, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wanaka, Fox Glacier and Mt Cook...you will travel from North to South and East to West, visiting amazing locations and experiencing the BEST of New Zealand.
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ARRIVE AUCKLAND |
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 | Auckland airport / hotel transfers
Your tour includes free transfers from Auckland International Airport to your waterfront hotel, Copthorne HarbourCity. | | | AUCKLAND / HOKIANGA COAST |
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 | Kauri Museum
The award-winning Kauri Museum is a fascniating place, rich in history and nostalgia. Learn about the early pioneering days through the use of kauri timber and gum and wander through the largest collection of antique kauri furniture. It features a working timber mill and replica boarding house, school and post office. | | |  | Footprints in the Forest
The Footprints in the Forest journey begins with a Maori prayer and blessing, after which you will enter and leave your footprints in this huge Kauri forest. Meet Tane Mahuta - Lord of the Forest, over 2000 years old and said to be the larget kauri gum in New Zealand. Enjoy the myths & legends that are both intruiging and entertaining. | | |  | Crayfish Dinner
Crayfish lover's delight! Your stay at the Copthorne Hokianga includes a mouth-watering crayfish dinner. This region is known for the fresh seafood caught locally, however other meal options are available for non-seafood lovers! | | | HOKIANGA COAST / PAIHIA (BAY OF ISLANDS) |
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 | Birth of the Nation Tour
Visit the site of the third and largest signing of the Treaty of Waitangi at this Wesleyan Mission, located in one of the most stunningly beautiful parts of the Hokianga Harbour. Built in 1838-39, the house is furnished with precious missionary items, portraits of historical figures including the chief Patuone, the missionaries' main protector. Visitors can also see the table on which the Treaty was signed at Mangungu as well as relics of the days when nearby Horeke was a ship-building yard.
| | |  | Ninety Mile Beach
This unspoiled sandy beach curves its way up the Far North’s western shoreline almost to Cape Reinga. Popular local pastimes are surfcasting, sunbathing, surfing, land yachting, walking, fishing, shellfish gathering, dune riding, body boarding, kite flying, hang gliding and of course, relaxing. Your tour coaching will stop here so you can enjoy a brief stroll along the white sands, get your feet wet and have a splash before lunch. | | |  | Waitangi Treaty House
The Waitangi Treaty Grounds, overlooking the Bay of Islands, is New Zealand's pre-eminent historic site. It was here on February 6th, 1840, that the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown.You can enjoy the scenery and the indoor shows, crafts and Treaty House Muesum, whatever the weather. Enjoy your guided tour and Maori cultural performances. | | | PAIHIA / AUCKLAND |
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 | Dolphin Discovery Cruise
Discover what the Bay of Islands is really all about aboard your cruise that is unlike any other! View the iconic 'Hole in the Rock' and learn about the rich history and culture of the bay. Meet the local dolphins, visit stunning Otehei Bay and enjoy some time on the beach at Urapukapuka Island. This is the only cruise with a lifetime dolphin viewing guarantee! Lunch can be purchased (own cost) at Urapukapuka Island or back at the jetty when you disembark. | | |  | Whangarei Town Basin Marina
As you travel back to Auckland from the Bay of Islands, the coach will stop at the Whangarei Town Basin Marina. Here you will opportunities to buy gifts, souvenirs or a spot of afternoon tea (own cost). Enjoy the harbourside and atmosphere as you stretch your legs and soak up the sunshine! | | |  | Mix, Meet & Mingle Drinks
Mix, meet and mingle with your your fellow passengers as you get to know them over a drink at the hotel bar (max 2 drinks per person beer, wine or soft drink). | | | AUCKLAND / WAITOMO / ROTORUA |
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 | Sightseeing tour of Auckland
Board your luxury coach for a sightseeing tour of Auckland, the world’s largest Polynesian city often referred to as the 'City of Sails'. Auckland's heart beats to a Polynesian rhythm, its people a melting pot of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity brings with it an abundance of unique dining, cultural and shopping experiences. Auckland's temperate climate, easy access to the coast and variety of activities earn the city consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys. | | |  | Waitomo Caves Tour & Boat Ride
The Waitomo glowworm is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves' historical and geological significance. Marvel at the spectacular Glowworm Cave with its majestic and ornate cave decorations, including the magnificent Cathedral cavern where New Zealand's own opera diva, Kiri Te Kanawa, once performed. Your tour guide will deliver an informative and entertaining commentary, sharing stories, cultural legends and the natural wonders of this living masterpiece. Your visit concludes with a brief, yet remarkably moving, boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto. This tour is educational, fascinating and very memorable. | | |  | Sightseeing tour of Rotorua
On arrival in Rotorua, your coach captain will take you on an orientation tour of the "Sulphur City", with it's pungent aroma that serves as a reminder of the geothermal activity and beneficial minerals provided by Mother Nature. The hot pools here are renowned for their therapeutic benefits, particularly in the treatment of athritis and general aches and pains. Drive past the historic Bath House, the Government Gardens, the beautiful lakefront and Maori Villages, which you will visit during your stay in this unique city and centre of Maoridom. | | | ROTORUA |
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 | Agrodome Farm Show & Woollen Mill
The Agrodome Sheep Show is a one-hour, multi-award winning performance that is both exciting and informative, providing insight into agriculture in New Zealand. Presented in a specially designed auditorium, you will see nineteen sheep breeds introduced onto the stage, the art of sheep shearing, sheepdog demonstrations, cow milking, bottle feed lambs and an exciting sheep auction. Audience participation is a major part of the show and is popular with all age groups. You will have a number of opportunities to walk around amongst the animals and feed sheep, cattle, deer, alpaca, ostrich, emus by hand. Included in the tour is a visit to the Woollen Mill and 100% pure organic orchard which produces kiwifruit, olives, feijoas and apples. This stop at the Organic Orchard includes a sample of kiwifruit wine and honey. | | |  | Whakarewarewa Maori Village Tour
Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the Living Maori Village of Whakarewarewa. Discover the unique lifestyle and traditions of the Maori and learn how they have come to live in harmony within this unique environment.You will do some steam box cooking and enjoy delicous corn cobs and sausages coooked in boiling pools. The guided tour concludes with an entertaining cultural performance, thrilling your senses with their melodious voices accompanied by hand movements, telling the stories of the Maori heritage, past and present. | | |  | Tamaki Maori Village Cultural Show & Hangi Feast
Travel out on a special Maori Bus for dinner and show in the bush. This is New Zealand’s only 'Supreme Award' winning Cultural Show, a journey back in time to pre European lifestyles, customs and traditions. See the people of the village, working their crafts and honing their fighting skills. Enjoy the cultural activities, tribal songs, myths, legends, poi dances, traditional hangi feast and of course, the Haka! Enjoy the magic ‘Waka’ journey with the tribal crew and their after-show unique entertainment activity. It is a great fun night out and you will enjoy every minute of your time here. | | | ROTORUA / TAUPO / NAPIER / MASTERTON |
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 | Huka Falls
At the Huka Falls, the Waikato River which is normally 100m wide, is squeezed through a 20 metre wide gorge and over a 20m drop. Every second up to 220,000 litres of water gushes through the gorge and shoots out over 8 metres beyond to create a beautful blue/green pool. The name Huka is the Maori word for 'foam', which is appropriate as the falling water and rapids certainly resembles foam, especially under flooding conditions.This is one of the most visited natural tourist attractions in New Zealand! | | |  | Sightseeing Tour of Napier
Upon arrival in Napier, the art deco capital of the world, we will take you on a sightseeing tour of the Marine Parade and city centre. Napier was rebuilt in the early 1930s following a massive earthquake and subsequent fires destroyed most of its commercial heart. By the end of the decade, Napier was the newest city on the globe. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco, the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area. And Napier's Art Deco is unique, with Maori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay, admirer of the great Frank Lloyd Wright. | | |  | Death by Chocolate & Wine Tasting
Enjoy pre-dinner Wine Tasting, sampling local wines produced in this very popular wine growing region and a Death by Chocolate dessert presentation, sampling mouth-watering, hand-made chocolate delights! | | | MASTERTON / WELLINGTON |
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 | Awaiti Gardens
Awaiti Gardens, meaning 'little stream' is full of delights, including hand crafted walls and more than 300 rhododendrons planted among silver birches, ash and maples. After a stroll through the grounds of this 2.4 hectare garden, you may like a snack and refreshment from their historic tea-rooms (own cost). | | |  | Paua World
At Paua World you can marvel at this magnificent New Zealand sea shell being turned into beautiful, low cost jewelry, a great place to buy souvenirs. | | |  | Tirohana Estate
Tirohana Estate is a boutique vineyard located on the "golden mile" with unique soil properties nourished by the alluvial terraces of the dry riverbed in Martinborough. With a unique Tasting Room full of antiques and artefacts, a shop area with locally made produce (including Tirohana Estate's famous wine jellies) and locally crafted jewellery, the Cellar Door Experience offers something for everyone.
Indulge and enjoy a delicious lunch and wine tasting! | | |  | Sightseeing Tour of Wellington
Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and a city with so much to offer! Your sightseeing tour will give you a good overview of the city, including Parliament House, the Beehive and view to the South Island from Mt Victoria. With it's 1000 bars, clubs, cafes and restaurants, Wellington is the nightlife capital of New Zealand too and we recommend you experience the fine food and wine whilst here. | | |  | Te Papa Museum Guided Tour
Visit Te Papa Museum, a truly amazing place that will certainly be a highlight of your tour. General entry here is free but we have included a 90 minute guided tour that will take you on a journey full of New Zealand legends, stories, unexpected discoveries, modern day touch screens a multitude of historic art and treasures. You will love every minute spent here! | | | WELLINGTON / PICTON / CHRISTCHURCH |
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 | Interislander Ferry
The Interislander Ferry cruise across Cook Strait is a 3 hour, 92km voyage that has been described as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world". Watch for dolphins and other wildlife as you cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound before docking at the fishing village of Picton. Your vessel this morning will be the Kaitaki, a Maori word meaning "Challenger" with a capacity to carry up to 1600 passengers and the largest ship in the fleet. Kaitaki provides an array of options designed to enhance your journey, from the many observation decks and local cuisine, coffee and wines from the many food and beverage outlets. | | |  | Kaikoura seal spotting
You will stop at Kaikoura, a quaint fishing town that boasts some of the world’s finest whale watching. Time to stretch your legs and do a bit of seal spotting at the local seal colony from the main street. | | |  | Sightseeing Tour of Christchurch
Relax and enjoy a sightseeing tour of the amazing garden city of Christchurch with it's historic buildings and cathedrals, the art gallery, Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens and of course, the beautiful Avon River. Observe the benefits of living in a city built on a huge river plain. | | | CHRISTCHURCH / FOX |
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 | Glass Blower
This studio hosts some of the finest hand-crafted glassware in the world. | | |  | Greenstone Factory
Hokitika is the jade and greenstone capital of New Zealand. At the Greenstone Factory you will find artisans carving jade into carvings of traditional New Zealand or modern designs. A great place to purchase souvenirs and an interesting experience for all ages. | | |  | Cook Saddle Restaurant
Enjoy traditional food, country hospitality and local wines at this country style establishment. | | | FOX / WANAKA |
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 | Lake Matheson Walk
If the weather is fine this morning, your coach captain will take you to the carpark where the self-guided walk commences.
Lake Matheson was formed about 14,000 years ago, when the Fox Glacier retreated from its last major advance towards the sea and left a depression which later filled with water. It may very well be the most photographed lake in New Zealand and if you are fortunate enough to see it, you will see why.
The waters of Lake Matheson are dark brown, so on a calm day they create the ideal reflective surface. An easy walk passes over the Clearwater River suspension bridge, just a few minutes from the car park. The Clearwater River drains off the lake and is brownish under the bridge, however it quickly becomes clear and true to its name. The track continues through ancient native forest, including tall rimu and kahikatea trees, to a pontoon that extends out onto the lake. Long finned native eels thrive in the darkness of Lake Matheson, which is also home to many water birds. For this reason the lake is a traditional mahinga kai (food gathering place) for Maori people.
The walk from the car park takes 40 minutes to the pontoon, or 1.5 hours around the lake.
| | | WANAKA / QUEENSTOWN |
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 | Gibbston Valley Winery
Gibbston Valley Wines is an award-winning wine producer in New Zealand's Central Otago region. The boutique winery offers a unique experience incorporating a fabulous winery restaurant, wine tours and tasting events. Established in 1987, they were the first commercial wine producers in the region and the winery earned an internationally acclaimed reputation for the Otago Pinot Noir and other thriving grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Pinot Blanc. You will enjoy a Cellar Door Experience and Harvest Platter Lunch. Indulge & enjoy! | | |  | Puzzling World
Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World is a world unique attraction specialising in puzzling eccentricity. For over 35 years this remarkable business has entertained and amazed visitors of all ages, attracted to this beautiful part of the world. Offering the world's first "modern-styled" Great Maze, incredible Illusion Rooms, a Puzzle Centre/Café, large Gift Shop and eccentric architecture and oddities.
Located in the heart of the breathtaking Southern Lakes region of the South Island of New Zealand, Puzzling World is set amongst 7 acres of rolling lawns, trees and gardens. You will love it here! | | | QUEENSTOWN / MILFORD / TE ANAU |
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 | Milford Sound Cruise
Board the Milford Sovereign and embark on a 1hr 40min spectacular cruise of the Milford Sound. View Mitre Peak and search for wildlife and waterfalls, cruising out to the Tasman Sea to a rocky seal colony before returning. If the day is wet the display of falling, tumbling waterfalls abound. The Stirling Falls and the Bowen Falls when full are magnificent. | | |  | Milford Sovereign lunch
Whilst on board the Milford Sovereign viewing the stunning scenery of Milford Sound - you will be treated to an international buffet lunch (included). | | | TE ANAU / DUNEDIN |
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 | Sightseeing Tour of Dunedin
Dunedin is known as the 'Edinburgh of the South' and is New Zealand's oldest city, a university city of Scottish heritage, possessing a unique combination of cultural riches, fine architecture and world-famous wildlife reserves. Dunedin's art gallery and museums contain some of the best collections in New Zealand and "Baldwin Street" the steepest street in the world is here also. Your coach captain will provide a brief orientation tour of the city before taking you to your hotel, where you'll receive a Scottish welcome. | | |  | Speights Heritage Brewery
Speights is the brew of the "Southern Man" and Speights Brewery have thirteen alehouses in New Zealand, with Dunedin's being the first and original! The tour includes tasting of the brew (pour your own) plus the chocolates and ice cream that contain by-products of this famous Southern brew. A beer lovers paradise! | | |  | Speights Ale House Dinner
After your tour of the Speights Heritage Brewery you will follow the skirl of the bagpipes as you walk to the Speights Ale House. Tonight you will enjoy a uniquely different venue with a wonderful atmosphere and Specialty Dinner. | | |  | Fiordland Theatre Movie
Assemble at the Fiordland Theatre a short walk from your hotel, where you will watch the movie “Ata Whenua…The Shadowlands”, a very special short film and one which will set the scene for tomorrow. | | | DUNEDIN / MT COOK |
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 | Nature's Wonders tour
Nature lovers will love this visit to Nature's Wonders, a working farm where you will view wildlife up close. Board the Argo 8 Wheel Transport, an exciting but smooth ride that will take you to seals, penguins, nesting seabirds and spectacular views. Your hosts are Perry and Tracey Reid and they will take wonderful care of you as they share their home, their stories and spectacular property during this fun, interesting and educational tour. | | |  | Larnach Castle tour
Larnach Castle is New Zealand’s only castle and is renowned for it’s gardens of 'International Significance'. Stroll through the magnificent grounds and take a guided tour of the castle’s interior. With it's exciting, sometimes scandalous and tragic history, magnificent carved ceilings, New Zealand antiques and breathtaking views, Larnach Castle offers you a vision of the past and present. | | |  | Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Located at The Hermitage Mt Cook is the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. You will be provided with an unlimited pass, including entry to the Theatre and Planetarium, the Sir Edmund Gallery and the 3D movie, “Mt Cook Magic” taking you on a thrilling journey to the top of the mountain. Open from 7.30am to 9.30pm and offering something different every day, you could spend many hours here and still not see it all! | | | AORAKI MT COOK |
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| Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre
Located at The Hermitage Mt Cook is the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre. You will be provided with an unlimited pass, including entry to the Theatre and Planetarium, the Sir Edmund Gallery and the 3D movie, “Mt Cook Magic” taking you on a thrilling journey to the top of the mountain. Open from 7.30am to 9.30pm and offering something different every day, you could spend many hours here and still not see it all! | | | MT COOK / CHRISTCHURCH |
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 | Lake Tekapo
At Lake Tekapo you will have the opportunity to take a stroll around this beautiful alpine village. The views of the Southern Alps and turquoise lake are breathtaking and stopping here provides wonderful photo opportunities. | | |  | Church of Good Shepherd
You will stop at the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, built on the shores of Lake Tekapo in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country. Congregations of the three main faiths worship regularly in the Church, arguably one of the most photographed in New Zealand, and features an altar window that frames stunning views of the lake and mountains. Nearby is the statue of the famous sheep dog, which was commissioned to honour the work of the dogs of the high country sheep stations.
| | | CHRISTCHURCH |
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 | Tamaki Heritage Show & Dinner
Tamaki Heritage Tours presents a uniquely different cultural show and dinner that will take you on a journey from the past to the present. Trams, old steam trains and historic buildings fill the amazing sets. Based on a true story of real characters and actual events, the re-enactments are mind-blowing! Enjoy the arts, craft, song, dance and the roast dinner banquet, for this is an emotional, unique night that will fill your senses. You will be collected from the hotel at 6pm for a 6.30 show. Enjoy this entertaining evening, with complimentary drinks on us! | | | CHRISTCHURCH / TOUR END |
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| Hotel / Airport Transfer
For those requiring them transfers will be provided to the airport for your flight home. | | |
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