Classic New Zealand Explorer – Superior Coach Tour

Package Overview

Enjoy a fantastic holiday experiencing ‘must see’ destinations and partake in unique activities along the way. Special highlights include Christchurch, the Mt Cook region, Dunedin, Milford Sound, Queenstown, the Marlborough Wine region, Wellington, Rotorua, the Hobbiton Movie Set and the Bay of Islands.

During the course of the tour you will also have free time in Dunedin, Queenstown, Rotorua and Paihia (Bay of Islands) to experience some of the unique and regional optional sightseeing activities.

Other Information

Optional Extras

Single Room Supplement
Duration
​17 Days /16nights starting in Auckland finishing in Christchurch.

Departure
​Please click on the Price & Date Tab for departure dates.

All must see sightseeing activities
Personalised airport transfers
Hotel porterage
Dedicated Coach Captains sharing local knowledge and personal experiences
Travel in premium, well appointed and fully airconditioned 5 star coaches
Full buffet breakfast daily
Panoramic windows and dual entry
Restroom on board
Exclusive Maori Village, Hangi & Concert
Travel kit including bag, ticket wallet, umbrella, diary, local travel information & more
Centrally located 3.5 star hotels available in each destination

Seat rotation plan
When you travel on a Kirra Coach Tour your Coach Captain maintains a daily seat rotation plan to
ensure you get to know all your travelling companions and enjoy the scenery from a different
vantage point each day.

Smoking policy
All our coach tours are smoke free and are restricted to smoking during the frequent sightseeing, photographic
and comfort stops. We request non-smoking hotel rooms for the comfort of our entire tour group.
Travellers who prefer accommodation without such limitations are asked to make their preference
known when making reservations and again at the beginning of their tour.

Travelling Alone
As a single traveller we give you the option of a guaranteed single room when you purchasethe single supplement.
Alternatively, as a single traveller not paying the single supplement, we will match you with another traveller on
a twin share basis of the same gender. There may be instances that there are no other single travellers
on the tour and in these cases we will provide you with a single room at no extra cost.

Triple discount
When sharing a triple room a saving of 5% applies to your tour price. If you also require pre and post accommodation
we have prices available on request. Please note most room configurations are double or twin in
which case the third bed is likely to be a rollaway. We are unable to cater for 4 adults wishing to share one room.
A triple discount does not apply to tours including the Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise.

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Day wise Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive Christchurch

  Welcome to New Zealand. A Tours representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.

• Day 2 : Christchurch / Mt Cook / Omarama

  A brief tour of Christchurch and its surrounds before travelling across the Canterbury Plains into MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Memorial at Lake Tekapo. The memorial stands to honour the border collies that were brought to New Zealand with Scottish Shepherds in the 19th century, as the high country area surrounding Lake Tekapo could not have been farmed without the assistance of these hard working dogs, known as the ‘Canine Scots’. Afterwards, continue to Mt Cook National Park where you can admire the majesty of New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt Cook, before travelling on to Omarama. (B)

• Day 3 : Dunedin

  Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin, the “Scottish” city. Upon arrival, a city tour of Dunedin including the world’s steepest residential street, Dunedin University, the first Church, Speight’s Brewery, Catholic Cathedral and more before the afternoon is at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will be able to assist in arranging your afternoon activities. We recommend you visit the Octagon in the city centre, or why not take a tour of the famous Speight’s Brewery. (B, D)

• Day 4 : Dunedin / Te-Anau

  Today visit historic Larnach Castle, New Zealand’s only castle. Learn about its tragic and mysterious history as well as enjoying the truly spectacular views across the Otago Peninsula and coast. Heading inland, you will cross rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden before arriving at Lake Te Anau. (B, D)

• Day 5 : Te-Anau / Milford Sound / Queenstown

  Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys, pass through the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Return to Te Anau and on to Mossburn, then skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu to reach Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed. (B, D)

• Day 6 : Queenstown

  A day to explore the many delights of this stunning alpine resort. Try the world renowned Shotover Jet, an excursion to Skippers Canyon in search of gold or a steamer cruise aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station. You may even wish to travel by Double Decker Bus to quaint Arrowtown or even attempt a bungy jump. Your Kirra Tours Coach Captain will be more than happy to assist in booking any optional sightseeing. Alternatively, relax and explore Queenstown’s many boutiques and galleries. (B, D)

• Day 7 : Queenstown / Haast / Franz Josef

  Pass picturesque Lake Hayes, on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era, and then to Lake Wanaka. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the magnificent Glacier region. (B, D)

• Day 8 : Franz Josef/ Greymouth / Christchurch

  Snowcapped Southern Alps dominate the skyline as you pass dense bush, tiny landlocked lakes and small pockets of farmland. Visit a Pounamu (also known as Greenstone or Jade) factory. Pounamu is considered a treasure in Maori culture and is seen as a sign of status and power. It is a hard, highly valued stone found only on the south island. It was often given as gifts to seal important agreements. See how jewellery is created out of this amazing green stone. Join the TranzAlpine train in Greymouth and travel through rainforests to Otira, pass the snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps, the rugged Gorges of the Waimakariri River and cross the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. (B, D)

• Day 9 : Chrutchurch / Kaikoura / Blenheim

  Join the Coastal Pacific Train for a kaleidoscope of scenery across fertile Canterbury farmland through the Hundalee Ranges. Follow the Pacific coastline with the Kaikoura Mountains forming a rugged backdrop to the west. Arrive in Kaikoura mid morning with time to explore before continuing on to Blenheim. A short tour of the area includes a visit to Yealands Estate Winery. Enjoy a hosted tour of the winery, learn about and taste from the range of famous local wines (purchase if you wish). (B, D).

• Day 10 : Blenheim / Picton / Wellington

  Today we travel to Picton, nestled on the shores of the Marlborough Sounds, to board the Interislander Ferry. Sail through picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound, across Cook Strait and into Wellington Harbour for spectacular views of New Zealand’s Capital City. A city tour will incorporate the summit of Mt Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbour, the Houses of Parliament and the distinctive ‘Beehive’, Wellington Cathedral, city centre and Oriental Bay. Also explore the city yourself. Don’t miss Te Papa, the “Museum of New Zealand”, situated on Wellington’s waterfront, or take a ride on the famous Cable Car. (B, D)

• Day 11 : Wellington / Rotorua

  Drive to Paekakariki with views of Kapiti Island and on a clear day, the South Island. Cross rolling farmland to the central North Island National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, which is famous for trout fishing. Stop at Huka Falls and skirt past massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture in New Zealand and well known for it’s geysers, hot mud pools and steaming craters. (B)

• Day 12 : Rotorua

  A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome Sheep show and then you will visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve, with boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Time for optional activities this afternoon before a Maori Hangi (meal) with a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka. (B, D)

• Day 13 : Rotorua / Matamata / Auckland

  Cross the Mamaku Ranges to the Waikato region, noted for dairy farming and world famous horse studs. At Matamata, a guide will escort your group on a Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tour. Take a drive through a picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Range whilst learning about and seeing how the Hobbiton Set was created. Travel north to reach New Zealand’s largest city – Auckland. A city tour will visit the summit of Sky Tower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for superb city and harbour views, the downtown area and Waterfront Drive. (B, D).

• Day 14 : Auckland / Bay of Islands

  Auckland / Bay of Islands

• Day 15 : Auckland / Bay of Islands

  A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your Kirra Tours Coach Captain will happily assist with all details. We highly recommend a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point. At Cape Reinga you view the blending of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean and get an understanding of the Maori myths and legends of the area, go sand boarding down the giant sand dunes and travel along Ninety Mile Beach, the highway of the north. (B, D)

• Day 16 : Bay of Islands / Auckland

  From Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth. Travel via Matakohe, home of the award winning Kauri Museum. Learn about the Kauri tree and the fascinating story of the pioneering days through the use of kauri timber and kauri gum as well as viewing the collection of antique kauri furniture and restored machinery. Continuing on your journey, Auckland city and harbour will shortly come into view. (B, D)

• Day 17 : Auckland / Home

  Today it is time to say farewell to your travelling companions. You will be transferred to the Auckland International Airport to join your flight home. (B)

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• 16 nights accommodation in centrally located hotels
• Dining inclusions- 16 breakfasts, 15 dinners
• Sightseeing tours of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin
• Larnach Castle Guided Tour
• Skyline Gondola & Dinner , Queenstown
• Yealands Estate Winery Tour and Tasting
• Agrodome Sheep Show
• Te Puia Thermal Reserve
• Entry to Sky Tower
• Waitangi Treat Grounds
• Hole in the Rock Cruise
• Entry to Kauri Museum
• Scenic Interislander cruise Wellington-Picton
• Brancott Estate Winery visit with tasting
• Spectacular Kaikoura Coast
• World renowned Mt Cook Region
• Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre
• Massive man made Hydro Electric schemes
• Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
• The might of Milford Sound
• Spectacular Southern Lakes Region
• Earnslaw Cruise and Dinner in Historic Walter Peak Homestead
• Remote National Parks of Westland and Fiordland
• West Coast Glaciers
• Visit Greenstone (Jade) Factory
• Rainbow Springs Nature Park
• Skyline Gondola and Luge ride (Rotorua)
• International Antarctic Centre
• Christchurch Sightseeing Tram
• Milford Sound Launch Cruise

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Price & Rates

* Mentioned prices may vary depending upon date of travel, hotel availability, surge pricing and seasonal rush.

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

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