EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL
16 Day Highlights of New Zealand Tour
Low Cost Escorted starting in Christchurch and finishing in Auckland
Tour Type: Low Cost Escorted Coach Tour
Classification: Low Cost (what is this?)
Duration: 16 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Auckland
from: AU $3199 pp

16 Day Highlights of New Zealand Tour Touring Route:

16 Day Highlights of New Zealand Tour Touring Route

Attractions Included:

Touring Included:

  • Luxury coach travel with 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows
  • Professional Coach Captain
  • Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
  • Return airport transfers in New Zealand
  • 15 nights 3.0 - 3.5 star accommodation
  • Four 2 night stays
  • Hotel Porterage
  • 4 Scenic Cruises
  • All sightseeing and pre paid attractions

Bon Appétit!

  • 15 cooked breakfasts including a specialty breakfast at Skyrides Restaurant - Rotorua
  • 13 sumptuous dinners including 3 specialty dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert - Rotorua, Haggis Ceremony - Dunedin, Walter Peak Homestead - Queenstown, Farewell Dinner - Auckland
  • 1 picnic lunch
  • 1 delicious morning tea

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Day
1
Arrive Christchurch
Fly from your homeport to Christchurch where you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to your hotel (flight not included). Stay: All Seasons Christchurch or The Elms Hotel (D)
Day
2
Christchurch - Omarama
After a city tour depart Christchurch and travel through the southern Canterbury Plains to 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. Stay: Heritage Gateway Hotel (B/D)
Day
3
Omarama - Dunedin
Depart Omarama and see Lake Benmore, before following the Waitaki River to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Continue south to Dunedin, a well preserved Victorian city. Enjoy an informative city tour including a visit to Olveston House, a prestigious historic home. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, special Haggis Ceremony and gift. Stay: Mercure Leisure Lodge (B/D)
Day
4
Dunedin - Te Anau
This morning travel out along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle where you will hear of the tragic and scandalous history on a guided tour. Visit Glenfalloch Woodland Gardens and view the superb collection of flowers, followed by a delightful morning tea. Farewell Dunedin and travel through Balclutha and Gore to Te Anau, your overnight stay. Tonight you may like to visit the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves (optional). Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (Superior Rooms) (B/D)
Day
5
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
Depart Te Anau for a fascinating drive to Milford Sound where you board your launch for a cruise on this magnificent fiord. 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. Stay: Mercure Resort (2 nights) (B/L)
Day
6
Queenstown at 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, whether it be the thrill of a jet boat ride, a heritage tour to Skippers Canyon or the helicopter ride of a lifetime. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. On arrival sit back and relax as you are treated to the best of New Zealand’s high country cuisine in 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. (B/D)
Day
7
Queenstown - Arrowtown - Fox Glacier
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. Stay: Heartland Hotel Glacier Country (B/D)
Day
8
Fox Glacier - Arthur’s Pass - Christchurch
Travel to Hokitika and visit the Greenstone Factory. Continue to Arthur’s Pass and board The TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. View rivers and valleys as you travel through the Waimakariri Basin and across the Canterbury Plains to the elegant city of Christchurch. On arrival your coach will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Stay: All Seasons Christchurch or The Elms Hotel (B/D)
Day
9
Christchurch - Picton - Wellington
Travel along the East Coast to the fishing village of Kaikoura. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as you travel through Marlborough Country, famous for its food and wine. Continue to Picton, where you board the Interislander Ferry for your journey through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to Wellington. Stay: Hotel Ibis (2 nights) (B/D)
Day
10
Wellington
Today explore this exciting region and enjoy an extensive city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. A highlight will be a guided tour of Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure late this afternoon. This evening is also free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants. (B)
Day
11
Wellington - Taupo - Rotorua
Depart Wellington and view the snow capped peaks of Mt Ruapehu and Mt Tongariro as you travel to Lake Taupo. Visit the spectacular Huka Falls, then travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Stay: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights) (B/D)
Day
12
Rotorua
Today begins with a Gondola ride to Skyrides Restaurant where a buffet breakfast and spectacular views are on offer. Travel to the Agrodome where you see performing sheep, a shearing display and sheep dog trial. Next visit Paradise Valley Springs, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Some free time is available before an afternoon transfer to see the boiling mud pools and the awesome geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening you will experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert. (B/D)
Day
13
Rotorua - Auckland - Bay of Islands
This morning depart Rotorua and travel north via Auckland to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. Continue via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. Enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. Stay: Hotel Paihia or Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge (2 nights) (B/D)
Day
14
Bay of Islands
This morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. Stopover at Otehei Bay before returning via Russell to Paihia for a free afternoon. A range of optional activities are available or you may choose to relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the waterfront. (B/D)
Day
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 special farewell dinner including musical entertainment with your new friends. Stay: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City (B/D)
Day
16
Depart Auckland
Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. (B)
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Reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys.

Reviews have been listed with the latest on top. Click to view client testimonials for all tours.
I would like to say that the tour was very well organised and planned, right from the beginning when I emailed for information about the tours. Craig Harris was very helpful and we always got a quick response (even with the time difference) and all questions were answered. The tour was very good value and we saw some wonderful sights. I would also like to say that the bus driver we had Michael Andrews was wonderful, he really knew his stuff and was always cheerful thanks for a wonderful holiday.
Lissa, Susan & Robert Jones (UK)
Tour Date 23/02/2009
Wonderful trip, which started with the care and efficiency of Relaxing Journeys staff. Grand Pacific were an excellent company to travel with, highly organized, great drivers and great value for money. I have never been on a coach tour and would not hesitate to use them (or yourselves) again. From the minute we arrived in Christchurch till the minute we flew out of Auckland our every need was taken care of, and both coach captains really added to the whole flavour of the trip. Nothing was too much trouble for them. One thing in particular I would like to praise was the quality of our (included ) excursions. Very varied, all high quality, and every one carefully thought out and particularly well organized. Downsides were very few, but two hotels were not to be recommended and certainly not of the standard of the others. The Elms hotel in Christchurch could be classed as OK but the Tanoa Paihia in Paihia had nothing to commend it all. I'm sure most of our group would have left the coach company in no doubt about how we felt about it. In no way did it detract from a superb holiday, and though I probably wont be back in New Zealand again, I have such good and happy memories of the time I was there. I also thank you and Relaxing journeys for the way everything was put together for us and have been singing your praises far and wide. There was another couple on the trip who had booked through you and they were as highly delighted as we were, so thank you very much indeed for your part in making my holiday so special.
Joyce Buchanan & May McLaughlan (UK)
Tour Date 25/01/2009
Apologies for not getting back sooner, but life has been pretty hectic since our return to the UK. We both thoroughly enjoyed the holiday. We thought it was very well organised. Both drivers were excellent. Very helpful and curteous and absolute encyclopedias on their country. The variety of places we stayed, visited and activities offered were very good. The hotels on the whole were very good. We would have liked a hotel with slightly more space in Wellington, but realise this is not always possible if you are staying in a large city and the advantages of being in the middle of a large city have to be weighed up against this. Also we felt the hotel in Paihia did not come up to the standard offered on the rest of the tour. In fact the room we were given on arrival felt like we had been put in a prison cell, as it was very dark and we had to ask for a different room. The lounge was not particularly inviting and the dining area reminded us of a school canteen, complete with formica tables. We were both so pleased with the holiday, that we would recommend your company to our family and friends and if we decide to take another holiday in the Southern Hemisphere your company will be our first port of call. We would also like to say how helpful Craig was to us with regards to booking and making the holiday arrangements. This as you can imagine is not so easy when you are living on the opposite side of the world!
Barry & Margaret Warren (UK)
Tour Date 25/01/2009

Tour Prices

All tour prices are per person, twin share.

EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*

BOOK WITH US AND RECEIVE A FREE NIGHT PRE OR POST TOUR ACCOMMODATION!

Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 March 2010 and 31 March 2010 . Subject to availability at time of booking.



Tour
Starts
Tour
Finishes
Tour
Status
Brochure
Price
OUR
SPECIAL
OUR
PRICE
04 Mar 2010 19 Mar 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
08 Mar 2010 23 Mar 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
11 Mar 2010 26 Mar 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
13 Mar 2010 28 Mar 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
17 Mar 2010 01 Apr 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
22 Mar 2010 06 Apr 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
27 Mar 2010 11 Apr 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
04 Apr 2010 19 Apr 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
13 Apr 2010 28 Apr 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
16 Apr 2010 01 May 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
22 Apr 2010 07 May 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
25 Apr 2010 10 May 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
04 May 2010 19 May 2010 G NZ $3199 Free Night NZ $3199
10 Sep 2010 25 Sep 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
15 Sep 2010 30 Sep 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
22 Sep 2010 07 Oct 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
30 Sep 2010 15 Oct 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
05 Oct 2010 20 Oct 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
10 Oct 2010 25 Oct 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
16 Oct 2010 31 Oct 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
19 Oct 2010 03 Nov 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
30 Oct 2010 14 Nov 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
03 Nov 2010 18 Nov 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
05 Nov 2010 20 Nov 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
08 Nov 2010 23 Nov 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
12 Nov 2010 27 Nov 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
21 Nov 2010 06 Dec 2010 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
18 Jan 2011 02 Feb 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
22 Jan 2011 06 Feb 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
02 Feb 2011 17 Feb 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
06 Feb 2011 21 Feb 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
09 Feb 2011 24 Feb 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
18 Feb 2011 05 Mar 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
24 Feb 2011 11 Mar 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
04 Mar 2011 19 Mar 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
08 Mar 2011 23 Mar 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
11 Mar 2011 26 Mar 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
17 Mar 2011 01 Apr 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
22 Mar 2011 06 Apr 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
27 Mar 2011 11 Apr 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
01 Apr 2011 16 Apr 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
04 Apr 2011 19 Apr 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
13 Apr 2011 28 Apr 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
22 Apr 2011 07 May 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
25 Apr 2011 10 May 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299
04 May 2011 19 May 2011 G NZ $3299 Free Night NZ $3299

*Tour Status: 'G' tours are guaranteed to depart.


Tour Discounts & Supplements:

Optional extras & optional single traveller supplement
 
Single Supplement: Add AU $910

*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'.

Flights:

Book your tour and flights together to SAVE!
  The prices above are land only prices. You have the option with this tour to include flights to and from New Zealand. We have some amazing specials for you to take advantage of!

Flight specials only apply for clients booking this tour from Relaxing Journeys and departing & returning to Australia. Terms & Conditions apply and full details will be provided in your quote.
Georgie Walpole

Your Tour Consultant Will Be:

Georgie Walpole
Aussie & Kiwi Specialist
Email: georgie@relaxingjourneys.com.au
Expertise: Coach Touring, New Zealand, Australia
Tour Details:
Departure Date:*
No. of Adults:*
No. of Children:* Children (6-11 years)
Accommodation:*  
Include Flights?*
(* Flights available to be booked for Aussie based travellers only)
Solo Travellers: Single Supplement (own room required)
Your Details:
First Name:*
Surname/Family Name:*
Home Address:*
Country:*
Contact Phone: (e.g +44 208 123456)
E-mail Address:*
Other Passengers:
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Pre & Post Tour Accommodation (Recommended):
Pre Tour Nights: (room only including airport transfers)
Post Tour Nights: (room only including airport transfers)
General Information:
Tour Questions:
Please specify if you want any touring merchandise, and include your chest size if selecting a tour jacket. Also specify if you have any special requirements. e.g dietary, physical, medical.
   I have read and accept the Terms and Conditions.
 
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