Highlights of New Zealand Coach Itinerary

1

Welcome to Christchurch

WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND!

Relax, you are officially on holiday! Upon arrival in Christchurch you will be met and transferred to your hotel. New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island, Christchurch sits on the very edge of the Canterbury Plains and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean. A number of new and exciting developments are popping up everywhere since an earthquake damaged the city a few years ago.

If you have time here are some suggested activities to help explore the area

Easygoing Cycling Tour	Punting the Avon River	Lyttelton Harbour Wildlife Cruise
Māori Cultural Evening	French Akaroa Tour	Southern Alps Ballooning
Christchurch Gondola	Clearwater Golf	Arthur's Pass TranzAlpine Hike

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Quality Hotel Elms Christchurch or similar - 1 night

Accommodation:

Heartland Hotel Cotswold Christchurch

Heartland Hotel Cotswold is located just minutes walk from the Christchurch Casino. The newly refurbished rooms comprise of suites, studios & motor-inn rooms with cooking facilities. Fitness centre, sauna, swimming pool, 24-hour reception, guest laundries, valet laundry & dry cleaning, room service are available. TheTudor style architecture is a perfect fit with Christchurchs reputation as the most English of cities, outside of England.

2

High Country Lake Tekapo

After an introductory city sights tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to beautiful Lake Tekapo. See the brilliant turquoise water, visit The Church of the Good Shepherd and view the Sheep Dog Statue. Marvel at the spectacular mountain ranges including Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The opportunity is available (time and weather permitting) to enjoy a scenic flight (optional) over the Southern Alps before travelling to Omarama.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Omarama - 1 night

Accommodation:

Heritage Gateway Hotel Omarama

Set amongst landscaped gardens with views of the surrounding mountains, the Heritage Gateway Hotel is a peaceful place to stay. Featuring 98 comfortably furnished guest rooms, restaurant & bar.The Heritage Gateway is located 4 hours south of Christchurch and is truly the gateway to the South Island. This hotel has a full restaurant and cocktail bar both offering panoramic views of the Southern Alps.

3

Oamaru & Dunedin's Haggis Ceremony

Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. While its façade is strictly of the Victorian era with ornately decorated grand white stone buildings that once housed upstanding banks, hotels and restaurants, the residents ‘the Oamaruivans’ are certainly not. In fact quite the contrary, unlike the Victorians they (the locals) are bohemians artisans, creative’s and antiquarians who run ‘out-there’ galleries, museums, shops and venues – it has to be seen to be believed and you'll love it.

Continue south to Dunedin and enjoy a city sights tour followed by some free time.Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and a very special gift from the region.

Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

Accommodation: Dunedin - 1 night

Accommodation:

Dunedin Leisure Lodge - A Distinction Hotel

Dunedin Leisure Lodge is nestled within two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, located adjacent to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens and just a six-minute drive from the city centre. Take in the beautiful garden views while you relax in McGavins Bar for a relaxing pre or post dinner drink. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, each with a balcony or outside patio, plus ample complimentary parking and a 24 hour reception.

4

Te Anau - Gateway to Fiordland

This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Enjoy time to wander around this Garden of International significance followed by a delicious Devonshire Tea. Bid farewell to Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland and your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional)

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Te Anau - 1 night

Accommodation:

Distinction Luxmore Hotel - Te Anau

Distinction Luxmore Hotel provides comfortable newly refurbished accommodation in one of New Zealand's most popular scenic areas - Te Anau. Within easy walking distance of the township, surrounded by all local services, this 4-star hotel welcomes guests with 2 restaurants, free self parking, a fitness centre and FREE unlimited WiFi. Luxmores management and staff take pride in providing a warm, friendly and efficient service to all guests.

5

Stunning Milford Sound Cruise - Queenstown

The Road to Milford is one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives. The first part is relatively mild farmland, then you’ll ease into a beech forest near the entrance to the Fiordland National Park. Look for the Avenue of the Disappearing Mountain and the Mirror Lakes. The rough-hewn Homer Tunnel brings you into Milford Sound, an amazing 22km-long fiord dominated by Mitre Peak. A cruise on Milford Sound will be an essential component of your time in Fiordland. Tall waterfalls, vertical rock faces, and seals are some of the things you’ll remember. See the spectacular Bowen Falls and towering Mitre Peak as you enjoy a picnic lunch.

This afternoon travel to Queenstown, overlooking magical Lake Wakatipu. Spend the next two nights at this year-round resort which offers a wide range of activities and attractions. This evening is free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Queenstown - 2 nights

Accommodation:

Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown Lakefront

Experience tranquillity all year round. The Copthorne Resort Lakefront in Queenstown sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is within walking distance of Queenstown’s central shopping and entertainment area. Exploring panoramic views of the lake and nearby mountains, the Copthorne is the perfect venue to relax! The Copthorne Lakefront blends superior facilities and comfort with friendly service. The hotel Balconies and garden views are a feature of many rooms.

6

Queenstown - a Day of Leisure

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown at leisure. Your Coach Captain is available to assist with the many sightseeing options available, including the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or get up close to a Kiwi bird.

Recommended Queenstown Excursions:

Routeburn Day Walk	Highest Bungey Jump	Explore Arrowtown
Wine Tasting Central Otago	Biking Skippers Canyon	Round at Millbrook Golf Resort
Earnslaw Steamboat Cruise	Dart River Jetboat Safari	Gibbston Valley Wine Trail

Dinner: This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano as you cruise back to Queenstown.

Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

7

Glacier Country

Travel to Arrowtown, an old gold mining village and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via the Haast Pass to the mighty West Coast, an area of stunning beauty. See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as you travel to Fox Glacier. Time is available (weather permitting) to experience a scenic flight (optional) over the spectacular glaciers before arriving at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Fox Glacier - 1 night

Accommodation:

Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Situated on the very edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, the Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier will welcome you in true New Zealand style. The Hotel makes the most of its alpine location and is only moments from spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. The highly regarded Hot Pools are within walking distance. Featuring patios or balconies, the simple, warmly decorated rooms and suites include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add living areas. (formerly known as the Scenic Circle Franz Josef Glacier Hotel) has quality rooms with balcony views and special access.

8

Tranzalpine Rail Journey - Christchurch

Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue into Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine Train, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin, over massive viaducts and through the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Christchurch - 1 night

Stunning picture of the Tranzalpine Train on the South Island.

Accommodation:

Heartland Hotel Cotswold Christchurch

Heartland Hotel Cotswold is located just minutes walk from the Christchurch Casino. The newly refurbished rooms comprise of suites, studios & motor-inn rooms with cooking facilities. Fitness centre, sauna, swimming pool, 24-hour reception, guest laundries, valet laundry & dry cleaning, room service are available. TheTudor style architecture is a perfect fit with Christchurchs reputation as the most English of cities, outside of England.

9

Cruise the Marlborough Sounds to Wellington

Travel along the East Coast to the seaside village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to the quaint seaside town of Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Wellington - 2 nights

Accommodation:

Ibis Hotel - Wellington

Located right in the centre of Wellington the Ibis is only a short walk away from the bustle of Lambton Quay with its restaurants, cafes and walking distance to Parliament, TSB Arena, Westpac Stadium and New Zealand's National Museum, Te Papa. All guest rooms are contemporary with all expected mod-cons. Visit Vivant Restaurant and Bar for breakfast, lunch and dinner; situated on the ground floor.

10

Wellington - a day of Leisure

A highlight this morning will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. Reboard your coach for a city tour. Enjoy free time this afternoon and this evening is also free to choose your own dining arrangements.

Here are some sight seeing and activity suggestions while in Wellington:

National Museum - Te Papa	Visit Cuba Street	Weta Workshop Tour
Zealandia Wildlife Reserve	Wellington Cable Car	Carter Observatory

Meals: Breakfast

11

Pacific Rim of Fire

Heading further North we follow the Desert Road and enjoy amazing views of Tongariro National Park’s Volcanoes, view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro The landscape becomes dominated by rivers and valleys. The road then takes us to a grand view of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. The stunningly blue fresh water of Lake Taupo is sitting in the South Pacific's largest volcanic crater. After Lake Taupo visit the spectacular Huka Falls then to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Rotorua - 2 nights (or similar)

Accommodation:

Distinction Hotel Rotorua

The Distinction Hotel in Rotorua is only 500 m from to the famous Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. This 4-star hotel offers 3 restaurants, a bar, heated spa pools and a fitness centre. Free car parking and free Wi-Fi access are provided. All rooms and suites have a modern en suite bathroom, satellite TV and broadband internet access. Many rooms have a private balcony overlooking the golf course, pool area or forest.

12

Boiling Mud, Geysers and Māori Culture

Today begins with a Gondola Ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome Geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.

Meals: Breakfast and Specialty Dinner

13

Beautiful Bay of Islands

This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy an introduction to the Bay of Islands, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British - Waitangi

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Bay of Islands - 2 nights

Accommodation:

Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge - Paihia

Commanding a memorable situation on the waterfront only 100 metres from Paihia wharf, near the township and close to the main attractions. Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia offers views across the Bay's brilliant blue green sea to famous Russell. This welcoming Paihia hotel is an ideal base from which to explore the scenic and historic Bay of Islands.

14

Island Cruise and Some Leisure Time

This morning cruise through the beautiful Bay of Islands on board a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. The cruise includes an island stopover at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. Stroll along the white sand beach, or walk to the top of the hill for scenic views over the entire Bay of Islands. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront.

Excursions available in the Bay of Islands:

Historical Island Cruise	Diving Rainbow Warrior	4WD Adventure Cape Reinga
Sailing the Islands	Sea Kayaking the Bay	Giant Kauri Forest Walk
Cultural Tour of Waitangi	Golf at Kauri Cliffs

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

15

Bay of Islands - Auckland

Depart the Bay of Islands this morning and travel via Whangarei and Dargaville to Matakohe. Enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum before continuing to Auckland for a city sights tour. This evening you will be treated to a farewell dinner with your new found friends.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Auckland - 1 night

Accommodation:

Rydges Auckland

New Zealand’s premiere Auckland accommodation is a vibrant mix of London sophistication, Sydney cool and New York style. The trademark warm Kiwi hospitality is just an added bonus at Rydges Auckland Hotel! Our contemporary accommodation in Auckland provides convenience and comfort for business and leisure travellers alike. The guest rooms have modern features and amenities such as, mini-bars, safes, irons and ironing boards, coffeemakers and hairdryers.

16

Depart Auckland

Haere rā and Bon Voyage!

We hope you enjoyed this tour. Our promise is to make your travels through New Zealand as hassle-free and hospitable as possible - ensuring that today you leave with a memory card full of photos and huge smiles on your faces when recalling your time in New Zealand. Have a great homeward journey and we hope to see you again soon!

Meals: Breakfast

Notes

INCLUSIONS

PRE PAID ATTRACTIONS

Haggis Ceremony & Gift
Larnach Castle*
Milford Sound Cruise & Lunch
Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw
Lakes District Museum
TranzAlpine Rail Journey
Cruise on the Interislander Ferry
Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge Ride
Agrodome
Thermal mud pools & geysers*
Traditional Maori Hangi & Concert
Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
Kauri Museum*
City sights tour of Christchurch, Dunedin, Wellington & Auckland

*Guided tour is included with 1 guide per 24 travellers.

TOURING

Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
Return airport transfers in New Zealand
Modern coach travel with 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
Professional Coach Captain & Tour Guide
15 nights 3.5 star hotel accommodation
4 two night stays
Hotel porterage
4 cruises
All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
GST (New Zealand Goods and Services Tax)
Comprehensive documentation pack

MEALS

15 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast: Stratosfare Restaurant, Rotorua
12 sumptuous dinners including 3 specialty dinners: Haggis Ceremony, Dunedin; Walter Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Maori Hangi & Concert, Rotorua
1 picnic lunch
1 delicious Devonshire Tea: Larnach Castle

Note: Dinner on Day 1 not included for anyone arriving later than 8pm.