Ultimate New Zealand – Superior Coach Tour

Package Overview

​Our 20 Day Ultimate New Zealand coach tour combines all the ‘must see’ destinations in New Zealand as well as locations and activities not normally included in a touring itinerary. Best suited to those wanting to see more of New Zealand, special activities include sailing on Auckland Harbour, a full day Kiwi Dundee Coromandel Peninsula guided tour, a visit to the arts city of Nelson, a night in the picturesque town of Wanaka including a lake cruise or jet boat ride. You will have free time in Wellington, Nelson, Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown and Dunedin so you can relax or choose one of the many different and diverse optional excursions available. An exclusive option to our Ultimate tours is the opportunity to do the 3 day Hollyford Track Guided Walk – a superb option to get into the remote Hollyford Valley.

Other Information
Duration
20 Days / 19 Nights staring 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
The finest centrally located 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 purchase the 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 Auckland

  ​Welcome to New Zealand and Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails. You will be met with a smile and transferred to your hotel. As you travel into the city center you will spot Skytower, Auckland’s iconic landmark. Your accommodation this evening is less than half a block from this landmark.

• Day 2 : Auckland / Whangamata

  ​Begin your day with an Auckland City Tour including a visit to the summit of the Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, and a tour of the down town city area and Waterfront Drive. Following your city tour, experience the thrill of cruising on a yacht on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, the hub of New Zealand’s nautical playground. Try your hand at taking the helm or sit back, relax and take in the sights. Upon your return ashore you have the opportunity to visit the Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum, a place of daring feats, courage, and exploration.
  
  Your coach will then continue through to the Coromandel Peninsula, with its sea birds and sheltered bays on one side of the peninsula, and white sand surf beaches on the other, before arriving at Whangamata where you will spend the next two nights.

• Day 3 : Coromandel Peninsula

  A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures showcasing Coromandel Peninsula’s natural heritage and scenic beauty. A photographer’s dream! Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads to Puketui, an 1890’s gold mining town and visit a gold mine studded with glowworms and hear the fascinating history of this magic area.
  
  Visit stunning coastal scenery with white sand beaches, magnificent cliffs decorated with ancient Pohutukawa trees, old Maori pa sites and offshore islands. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, take a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach. Lunch will be a delightful picnic or a visit to a favourite café.

• Day 4 : Whangamata / Rotorua

  Your New Zealand Coach Tour continues on to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see the country’s various sheep breeds. It’s an hour of farming entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before! Witness a sheep shearing demonstration and be amazed by the sheep dog’s ability to respond to commands and manage the sheep. You will even get the opportunity to volunteer to feed the lambs or even hand-milk a cow! When it’s all over inside, head outside to observe the talent of a sheep dog in a live dog trial with three sheep, or pop into the Woollen Mill and Shearing Shed, free of charge, to take in the history of the farming and wool industries.
  
  Continue to Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout, farm animals and native birds including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Gondola for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a luge ride with our compliments. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).

• Day 5 : Rotorua / Masterton

  Before leaving Rotorua, your coach will take you to visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and home to the internationally renowned Pohutu Geyser and National Carving and Weaving Schools.
  
  Continue on your way pass massive pine forests, stopping at Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka Falls before reaching Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Enjoy a brief sightseeing tour then either free time in Taupo, or try white water rafting, before following the shores of Lake Taupo to Turangi and on to Masterton.

• Day 6 : Masterton / Wellington

  Leaving your accommodation, head south to Greytown where you will pick up your local guide who will share stories, history and anecdotes of the area as you drive past lovely Victorian houses, gardens and orchards. At Featherston visit the 1860’s historical farmhouse which is the base of family-owned company, Lavenders Green – a thriving, innovative cottage industry, making products from its own, and local, lemon orchards. Taste some of the delicious range of cordials, curds, fudge and mustards, as well as unique Schoc chocolate made in Greytown.
  
  Return to Greytown for a closer look at the pretty township where there are plenty of boutiques and galleries as well as historical buildings to enjoy. Re-board the coach, and travel over the majestic Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington. A city tour includes Mount Victoria, the Houses of Parliament, Wellington Cathedral, and Oriental Bay with time to explore the city and Te Papa, the “Museum of New Zealand”.

• Day 7 : Wellington / Blenheim / Nelson

  Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton enjoying spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Upon arrival in the South Island you will be welcomed by your Kirra Tours Coach Captain and board the coach for the short drive to Brancott Estate Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it’s a fascinating drive to Nelson, a town noted for its arts and crafts.

• Day 8 : Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park

  Today is at leisure. We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. Travel by coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the park’s coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk two hours to Bark Bay, or disembark at Bark Bay and explore the area, relax on the beach, or take a swim.
  
  From Bark Bay board your launch and retrace your journey back to Nelson. If you opt not to take the Abel Tasman Day Trip you may choose to explore Nelson and its galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more, follow the Art Trail, or visit Tahunahui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas.

• Day 9 : Nelson / Greymouth

  Travel past lush farmlands and forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge – a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind where you may choose to lunch at the award winning Beach House Café. Continue south to Punakaiki to explore the Pancake Rocks. These rocks are columns of limestone that resemble stacks of pancakes. At high tide, with a heavy swell running, seawater is forced up through blowholes.
  
  On to Greymouth to visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native greenstone (jade), which has been mined in remote alpine valleys, learn about the carving process, and have the opportunity to observe craftsmen create fine traditional and contemporary jewellery.

• Day 10 : Greymouth / Fox Glacier

  Your journey to Franz Josef is highlighted by remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes and dense native bush & forest dominated by the towering Southern Alps. Upon reaching the township, there is plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face, a half day glacier walk, or a glacier heli-hike. Or, to see the glacier from a different angle, we highly recommend a helicopter flight and snow landing. Alternatively you may choose to simply relax in the Glacier Hot Pools.

• Day 11 : Fox Glacier / Wanaka

  Follow the rugged coastline then head inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bush land of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka you’ll have a choice of two afternoon activities: a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island nature reserve for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you. Alternatively enjoy a thrilling jet boat excursion on the lake – full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between.

• Day 12 : Wanaka / Queenstown

  Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and gold mining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group). You have 2 choices for the next three days and Kirra Tours enthusiastically recommends the Hollyford Track Guided Walk option (available on select departures).

• Day 13 : Queenstown

  Enjoy a day at leisure with many optional activities to choose from – Jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track. Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count – Enjoy!
  
  Alternatively take the once in a life time opportunity to experience the 3 Day Hollyford track.
  
  Optional Extra: 3 Day Hollyford Track Walk Option

• Day 14 : Queenstown At Leisure

  A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at leisure. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola ride to the Skyline high above the resort, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon, white water rafting or browse in the many shops and galleries.

• Day 15 : Queenstown / Milford Sound

  Follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Kingston, then cross fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri with its rugged bush clad mountains before continuing to Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, past native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. Continue through The Divide and travel into the Hollyford Valley and through the Homer Tunnel to reach magnificent Milford Sound.
  
  Enjoy an overnight cruise on Milford Sound on the Milford Mariner, a purpose built vessel. A large open deck area and observation lounge provide for unequal views of the Sound. When the day visitors have departed a silence descends on the fiord. Cruise to the mouth of the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. Here you have the opportunity to go kayaking and explore the shoreline on the tender craft with a nature guide. As evening falls, enjoy a lavish carvery buffet on the dining saloon.
  
  ***Due to limited space in the cabins we suggest you leave your suitcase on the coach and only take an overnight bag with you. Included in your overnight bag should be an extra set of clothes in case you get wet while kayaking, or from the waterfalls’ mist***

• Day 16 : Milford Sound / Dunedin

  Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. After a hearty breakfast retrace your journey back up the fiord and on disembarkation at the wharf rejoin your coach for the journey back to Te Anau for a short stop before continuing on to Dunedin. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.

• Day 17 : Dunedin

  A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. Kirra Tours recommends the Monarch Wildlife Cruise or Natures Wonders Tour (featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery tours. Have fun!

• Day 18 : Dunedin / Omarama

  Visit Olveston, Dunedin’s majestic historic home with its original furnishings. A tour of Olveston allows an intimate glimpse into the lifestyle of a privileged family in the early 1900’s. There is no better example in New Zealand. After rejoining you coach pass bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and the rocky coastline before stopping to view the unusual Moeraki Boulders – a number of huge, spherical stones found strewn along a stretch of Koekohe Beach near Moeraki. The boulders weigh several tonnes and are up to three meters in diameter.
  
  Continue on to nearby Oamaru, a town of unique colonial heritage that helped shape the nation’s wealth, with time to explore the grand Victorian architecture. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes, into Omarama.

• Day 19 : Omarama / Mt Cook / Christchurch

  Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and Village set amidst New Zealand’s highest mountains. Aoraki Mount Cook, at 3754 meters, is New Zealand’s highest, however in the Southern Alps there are 27 other mountains which peak at over 3050 meters and hundreds of others not far short of that. Take time to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center showcasing the Aoraki Mount Cook region and its people.
  
  At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd, built to commemorate the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country, and the Collie Dog memorial built to honor the Collie Dogs’ contribution to the farming industry in the region. Here you have the opportunity to take a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris over the Southern Alps, lakes and glaciers. Leaving Tekapo, descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Your tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm after a brief city tour.

• Day 20 : Christchurch / Home

  It is farewell to your new found friends and traveling companions. This completes your New Zealand Holiday. We at Kirra Tours thank you for choosing us to show you New Zealand on your New Zealand Coach Tour and trust we will see you back here in the near future. You will be transferred to the Christchurch International Airport in ample time to join your flight home. Safe travels.

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Inclusions

• Hotel
• Sightseeing
• 19 nights accommodation in centrally located hotels
• Dining Inclusions- 19 Breakfasts, 17 dinners
• Sightseeing tours of Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin and Christchurch
• Auckland’s Skytower
• Sailing on Auckland Harbour
• Full Day Kiwi Dundee tour in Coromandel Peninsula
• Volcanic and Geothermal Region
• Agrodome Farm Show
• Tamkai Authentic Maori Village & Hangi
• Rotorua’s Thermal Wonderland Rainbow Springs Nature Park
• Te Puia Thermal Reserve
• Skyline Gondola and Luge ride
• Te Papa – Museum of New Zealand
• Greytown Gourmet Food Tour
• Brancott Estate Winery visit and tasting
• Visit Greenstone (Jade) factory West Coast
• Glaciers Remote National Parks of Fiordland and Westland
• Wanaka Lake Cruise or Jet Boat Ride
• Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant
• Overnight Cruise in awe-inspiring Milford Sound
• Spectacular Southern Lakes
• Olveston House Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
• Tasman Glacier experience World renowned Mt Cook Region
• Optional Extras Single Supplement Abel Tasman Day Walk Hollyford Track Guided Walk

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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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