18 Day New Zealand Scenic

“Haere Mai”…. Welcome to New Zealand. A Kirra Holidays representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your downtown city hotel. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drinks party with your fellow travellers.

Stay at Rydges Auckland

Leaving the city behind, we travel across the Auckland Harbour Bridge and drive north to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, a seaside town nestled on the foreshore of this National Maritime Park. On arrival, meet your local Maori guide who will provide an insight into the local history before visiting Waitangi, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori people and the British. Enjoy a self-guided tour through the Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and war canoe. Later this afternoon, board your launch for the scenic cruise to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’.

Stay at Copthorne Bay of Islands (2 nights)

Today is a free day to explore and enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Islands. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with arranging optional activities for you. Why not try a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point. Alternatively, explore the township of Russell, New Zealand’s first settlement and visit its historic Church, Mission House and Museum.

Leaving Paihia, travel south through Whangarei to Warkworth and on to Auckland. Visit the Sky Tower, at 328m the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere and enjoy panoramic 360 degree views across the city and its two majestic harbours. Later, cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato. On to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua, the centre of Maori culture and famous for its geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming craters.

Stay at Sudima Lake Rotorua

Today begins with a visit to the Agrodome to see a unique New Zealand farm show. This is followed by a visit to Rainbow Springs to learn about native flora and fauna, including the famous Kiwi bird. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over the city, lake and mountains and for those wanting a little excitement, why not try a Luge ride with our compliments. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before visiting Tamaki Village for an evening of fun and culture. You will experience a traditionally prepared Maori Hangi (feast) followed by a cultural performance featuring Maori songs, chants and dance including the stirring haka.

Stay at Sudima Lake Rotorua

View the mighty Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal project before stopping at Lake Taupo, the largest in New Zealand. Continue on to Napier, often regarded as the world’s Art Deco capital. On arrival, enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the city.

Stay at Scenic Hotel Napier

Orchards and vineyards give way to farmland as you travel into the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region. Stop at historic Greytown to view excellent examples of Victorian colonial architecture before travelling over the Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington, the nation’s capital, where you enjoy a city tour on arrival.

Stay at Ibis Wellington

From Wellington join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with views of Wellington city and its hillside suburbs. Cross Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound before arriving into the small seaside village of Picton. Continue south to the alpine resort town of Hanmer Springs, renowned for its therapeutic natural thermal waters.

Stay at Heritage Hanmer Springs

After a leisurely breakfast, stroll around the village and enjoy entry into the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools with its naturally heated thermal mineral waters. Later today, we make the short drive to the Garden City of Christchurch.

Stay at Distinction Christchurch Hotel

Enjoy a tour of Christchurch’s city centre on board a beautifully restored heritage tram. Visit the International Antarctic Centre before crossing the Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo. Stop to view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Memorial. There is time for some optional alpine flightseeing over Mt Cook National Park. (subject to weather conditions).

Stay at Peppers Bluewater Resort

Continue south and stop to view the Benmore Dam, one of the largest in the southern hemisphere. Travel down the Waitaki Valley to the Whitestone township of Oamaru, home to some of the best preserved heritage buildings in New Zealand. Stop to view the mystical Moeraki Boulders, then on to Dunedin, the Edinburgh of the South.

Stay at Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Enjoy spectacular views across the Otago Peninsula as you travel to Larnach Castle. On your guided tour, learn about its tragic and mysterious history. Depart Dunedin and head inland, crossing rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden, before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park.

Stay at Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau

Follow the Hollyford Valley before descending into the Cleddau Canyon. Drive through the Homer Tunnel into spectacular Milford Sound, the world renowned natural wonder dominated by Mitre Peak. Luxuriant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls and waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres to the sea below. Cruise the entire length of the fiord and enjoy the on-board commentary that gives you detailed information on the region’s history, flora and fauna as you view spectacular waterfalls, towering mountains and wildlife.

Stay at Distinction Luxmore Hotel Te Anau

Continue north to Kingston, then skirt around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to the picturesque alpine resort of Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw before reaching the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm for a gourmet barbecue dinner.

Stay at Millennium Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)

Today is a free day to experience this magnificent resort. Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure and leisure activities and your Coach Captain can assist with any optional activities you would like to do. Take a ride on the world famous Shotover Jet Boat, travel to the top of Bob’s Peak by gondola for spectacular views, take a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon or for the adventurous, try white water rafting. Alternatively, browse in the many shops and galleries.

Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on the way to Arrowtown, an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era. Stop at Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. View the untouched wilderness and pristine lakes of the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks before arriving on the West Coast, home to the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef.

Stay at Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

Travel from Franz Josef to Greymouth, board the famous TranzAlpine Train. Renowned as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, this coast to coast rail adventure will take you though the Southern Alps, over massive viaducts, river valleys and gorges.

Stay at Sudima Christchurch Airport

Sadly, it’s time to bid farewell to all your new friends today. You will be transferred to the airport to join your flight home. If you choose to stay in Christchurch a little longer, we’ve created a list of optional sightseeing activities to supercharge your holiday – check it out below.