New Zealand Discoverer & Bays of Islands 2009/2010 - About this Tour

Tour Details | Departure Dates and Pricing

Details

• Duration (with arrival/departure): 19
• Tour Style: Discovery
• Destinations: Christchurch, Punakaiki, Franz Josef, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Dunedin, Mount Cook, Blenheim, Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland

Itinerary

• Days 1 & 2 - Depart USA We fly over the international date line on our way to Christchurch, New Zealand.



• Day 3 - Arrive Christchurch On arrival in Christchurch, you are transferred to your hotel. The rest of your day is free. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with our Tour Director and fellow traveling companions. (Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: The Heritage Hotel



• Day 4 - Christchurch – TranzAlpine – Franz Josef This morning we will board the TranzAlpine Train and enjoy stunning scenery traveling over the Southern Alps to Arthur's Pass. This afternoon we travel to Greymouth and along the rugged West Coast to Punakaiki. Here we view the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before continuing to Franz Josef. Enjoy a short walk and views of the Franz Josef Glacier. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel



• Day 5 - Franz Josef – Queenstown (2 nights) This morning there is a chance to join an optional scenic flight over the glacier. Next relax as we drive along the coast with views of the Tasman Sea. Climb over the Haast Pass winding through Mount Aspiring National Park, passing Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and through Kawarau Gorge. We visit the historic village of Arrowtown, before continuing to Queenstown. (Buffet breakfast)  
  
  Hotel: Millennium Hotel



• Day 6 - Queenstown at Leisure A full day at leisure. Maybe take a jet boat ride. This evening, we join the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Sheep Station. Here we enjoy some Kiwi hospitality and a carvery dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Dinner) 



• Day 7 - Queenstown – Te Anau – Milford Sound An early start to Fiordland. We drive through the Homer Tunnel stopping at the Chasm, before arriving at Milford Sound. We cruise on this wonder of nature with Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls high above. Later, we head to Te Anau for the night. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Distinction Hotel



• Day 8 - Te Anau – Dunedin We cross South Otago country through the town of Gore to Balclutha. Then, we make our way to the Scottish city of Dunedin. Perhaps take an optional cruise this afternoon. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Southern Cross Hotel



• Day 9 - Dunedin – Mount Cook Enjoy a guided tour at Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only authentic castle, followed by a sightseeing tour of Dunedin. Next on to Oamaru, famous for its white limestone buildings. Next admire beautiful scenery as we follow the Waitaki River, past hydro-electric dams at Waitaki and Aviemore to Twizel for dinner and overnight stay. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: MacKenzie Country Inn



• Day 10 - Mount Cook – Christchurch After breakfast this morning we will travel past Mount Cook National Park, a world heritage site and home to New Zealand's highest mountain. Perhaps take an optional scenic flight over Mount Cook. Later, we visit Lake Tekapo to view the Church of the Good Shepherd. Then over the plains of Canterbury to Christchurch. Discover the sights of the city on the Christchurch Tram. (Buffet breakfast) 
  
  Hotel: The Heritage Hotel



• Day 11 - Christchurch – Blenheim Travel along the rugged coast to Kaikoura where you have the opportunity to enjoy an optional whale watching flight. Then on to the Marlborough region, the largest wine-producing region in New Zealand. This evening, we will enjoy dinner and wine tastings at the Montana Winery. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Chateau Marlborough



• Day 12 - Blenheim – Cook Strait Cruise – Wellington This morning after breakfast, we're off to Picton to join our cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. Here there's a short sightseeing tour before a visit to Te Papa National Museum, with time to explore the many interactive displays depicting Maori and modern New Zealand culture. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Novotel Capital



• Day 13 - Wellington – Rotorua (2 nights) Today's journey takes us through the dairy farming lands of Manawatu to the volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park. We will follow the shores of Lake Taupo, to the town of Taupo and visit mighty Huka Falls. We continue to Rotorua. The Realm of Ta-ne, and a Maori Hangi and Concert is our cultural highlight this evening. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Millennium Hotel



• Day 14 - Rotorua Sightseeing – Farm Stay Start the day with sparkling wine and a breakfast cruise on Lake Rotorua onboard the Lakeland Queen. Next is the Agrodome Sheep Show and a visit to Te Puia Thermal Reserve for a guided tour. This evening, there’s a chance to stay with a local family on a nearby farm (additional cost, please see below). (Buffet breakfast)
  
  * Farm Stay Spend the night with a local family on a nearby farm. Enjoy some true New Zealand hospitality. Price per person $30



• Day 15 - Rotorua – Waitomo Caves – Auckland Today we will visit the Waitomo Caves for our guided boat tour of the amazing Glow Worm Grotto. Then we continue through the Waikato district to its center Hamilton. Later, on to Auckland the City of Sails. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Stamford Plaza



• Day 16 - Auckland – Bay of Islands (2 nights) Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and travel north via the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a visit to the Waitangi Treaty Reserve. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner) 
  
  Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort
  
  



• Day 17 - Bay of Islands at leisure A full day at leisure. Why not take an excursion to Ninety Mile Beach? (Buffet breakfast)



• Day 18 - Bay of Islands – Auckland This morning after breakfast we cruise to Cape Brett and through the famous Hole in the Rock (weather permitting). In the afternoon we return to Auckland with time at leisure. (Buffet breakfast) 
  
  Hotel: Stamford Plaza



• Day 19 - Depart - Auckland – USA This morning time to bid farewell to New Zealand as you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home. (Buffet breakfast)


Depart USAArrive ChristchurchChristchurch – TranzAlpine – Franz JosefFranz Josef – Queenstown Queenstown at LeisureQueenstown – Te Anau – Milford SoundTe Anau – DunedinDunedin – Mount CookMount Cook – ChristchurchChristchurch – BlenheimBlenheim – Cook Strait Cruise – WellingtonWellington – Rotorua Rotorua Sightseeing – Farm StayRotorua – Waitomo Caves – AucklandAuckland – Bay of Islands Bay of Islands at leisureBay of Islands – AucklandDepart - Auckland – USA

Whats Included

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Sightseeing Highlights

• Tranz Alpine Journey on the famous TranzAlpine Train.
• Franz Josef See the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier.
• Walter Peak Station Cruise on the TSS Earnslaw across Lake Wakatipu and explore this sheep station.
• Milford Sound Cruise this spectacular wonder of nature.
• Dunedin Tour this 'Scottish city' including a guided tour of Larnach Castle.
• Mount Cook See the National Park and New Zealand's highest peak.
• Lake Tekapo View the Church of the Good Shepherd.
• Christchurch Discover the city sights on the Christchurch Tram.
• Marlborough Region Dinner and wine-tasting at Montana Marlborough Winery.
• Picton Cruise Queen Charlotte Sound and Cook Strait.
• Wellington Visit Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand.
• Rotorua Sightseeing including the Lakeland Queen cruise, Te Puia Thermal Reserve and the Agrodome's Sheep Show. Plus The Realm of T-ane and a traditional Maori Hangi and concert.
• Waitomo Guided boat tour visiting the Glow Worm Grotto.
• Auckland Explore the 'City of Sails'.

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Dining Highlights

• 1 welcome drink with your Tour Director in Christchurch
• 13 Buffet breakfasts
• 7 three-course dinners in hotels
• 1 carvery dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak Station
• 1 dinner with wine tastings at Montana Winery
• 1 traditional Maori Hangi in Rotorua
• Bay of Islands Extension: Buffet breakfast daily and 1 three-course dinner
23 included meals in total (see day by day itinerary)

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First Class Travel Highlights

• The services of one of Trafalgar's professional Tour Directors on tour.
• Chauffeur driven on Trafalgar's luxury air-conditioned motorcoaches with reclining seats.
• Christchurch to Arthur's Pass on board the TranzAlpine train.
• Airport transfer will be provided on Day 3 in Christchurch and Day 16 in Auckland, only for passengers who have booked their flights on a Trafalgar recommended airline and advised Trafalgar of their flight details
• You'll stay in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities.
• All hotel service charges, tips and local taxes are included.
• Travel wallet containing tour documents and helpful information.

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