This is an image map navigation bar. Information on our tours of Australia. Information on our tours of New Zealand Our ultimate tour of both Australia and New Zealand Who are we and contact information? Book with us now for worry free travel Our terms and conditions of travel. Click here to email us Return to the opening page


Tour New Zealand Ex Australia
2011 dates here soon
  

         

         

  • WEDNESDAY. DAY 1
    TOUR BEGINS IN AUCKLAND
    Welcome to Auckland and New Zealand! Be met at Auckland International Airport & transferred to your hotel, if you arrive on this day. If you have arrived several days before, we meet you at the hotel.
    Auckland with over 1 million people is the largest city in New Zealand and is surrounded by water and covered in volcanic hills. The heart of the city is the Waitemata Harbor - reminiscent of San Francisco, Hong Kong, Sydney and Capetown. Auckland has lots of enthusiastic yachties - so much so it is known as "the city of sails".
    Meet your Tour Manager and other travelers at The Sebel Suite Hotel today for a tour briefing.
    Welcome to New Zealand lunch.
    Accompanied by knowledgeable walking guides enjoy a tour of the city centre visiting such sites and buildings as Viaduct Basin, waterfront, university, Albert Park and Queen Street.
    Free evening.
    Overnight :  Hotel in Auckland.
    Meals included : Lunch.
  • THURSDAY. DAY 2
    AUCKLAND
    Free day or choose from the suggestions listed.
    Optional activities:
    Swim with the dolphins.
    Bush and Beach wilderness tour.
    Garden tour.
    Sailing on Auckland harbour.
    Antiques tour.
    Guided tour of Auckland Museum.
    Tiri Tiri Matangi Island tour - native bird sanctuary.
    Golf.
    Overnight :  Hotel in Auckland.
    Meals included : Breakfast.

  • FRIDAY. DAY 3
    AUCKLAND
    Free morning.
    This afternoon travel by ferry to Waiheke Island. Waitemata (a Maori word meaning sparkling waters) Harbor has 23 islands with Waiheke being one of the largest. Waiheke Island reputed to be sunnier and warmer than Auckland has many picturesque bays and beaches, over 30 vineyards, a brewery and is home to dozens of artists. Take in the beauty of Auckland city from the water as the boat cruises to and from Waiheke Island. On arrival at Oneroa village there is time to visit Artworks gallery, Oneroa beach and the village shops before dinner.
    After dinner travel by ferry back to Auckland.
    Overnight : Hotel in Auckland.
    Meals included : Breakfast and dinner.
  • SATURDAY. DAY 4
    AUCKLAND TO ROTORUA
    Today travel to Rotorua via the Bay of Plenty where you will find hundreds of acres of kiwifruit and other sub tropical fruit orchards. At Papamoa Beach, with its miles of pristine white sand beach a stop will be made for lunch. And if the tide is right you can join the locals in digging for shellfish.
    On arrival in Rotorua visit Rainbow Springs Trout and Wildlife Sanctuary, Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley, Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, Lake Rotorua foreshore and the Government Gardens.
    Rotorua is the most popular tourist area of the North Island. This thriving city has the most energetic bubbling mud pools, gurgling hot springs and gushing geysers and is located on the shores of Lake Rotorua which teems with trout. The region is of great significance to the Maori whose presence dates back to the area's discovery and exploration in the 14th century.
    Free evening.
    Overnight :  Hotel in Rotorua.
    Meals included : Breakfast and lunch.
  • SUNDAY. DAY 5
    ROTORUA
    Free day or choose from the suggestions listed.
    Optional activities:
    Rotorua Museum and Art Gallery.
    Trout fishing
    Golf.
    4WD bush safari.
    Scenic helicopter flight.
    Waimangu volcanic area round trip.
    Maori concert and hangi traditional dinner feast this evening. (Included in tour cost).
    Overnight : Hotel in Rotorua.
    Meals included : Breakfast and hangi dinner.
  • MONDAY. DAY 6
    ROTORUA / NAPIER / ROTORUA
    Travel to Napier this morning.
    Lying on the sweeping Hawkes Bay, Napier is a fascinating, architecturally rich city blessed with a Mediterranean climate, fine coastal position, attractive Marine Parade, good restaurants and a friendly population. In 1931 Napier was dramatically changed when an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale virtually destroyed it. The rebuilding program that followed has left one of the world's best examples of an Art Deco city. Napier is without doubt unique.
    There will be wine tasting and lunch before a guided walking tour of this famous city. As you walk around the streets you will see Art Deco motifs on the buildings such as zigzags, lightning flashes, geometric shapes and rising suns. The walk is preceded by an introductory talk and video.
    Free evening.
    Overnight : Hotel in Rotorua.
    Meals included : Breakfast and lunch.
  • TUESDAY. DAY 7
    ROTORUA / CHRISTCHUCH / OAMARU
    Fly from Rotorua to Christchurch then travel by road to Oamaru stopping en-route at "The Tin Shed" where you can purchase New Zealand knitwear including hand knitted garments at wholesale prices.
    Oamaru (Maori - place of Maru) is a pretty town of 13,500 people. First settled by Europeans in 1853 Oamaru was the seventh largest town in NZ by the 1870's and early 1880's. Refrigerated meat shipping made it prosperous, and the local sandstone was the favored material for the many imposing buildings that still grace the town.
    Oamaru boasts the best preserved collection of historic commercial building in NZ, particularly in the Harbor-Tyne Street Precinct with 22 classified buildings. The town's architecture is a mosaic of styles from Gothic revival to Neoclassical Italianate and Greek. The local limestone could be sawn, bur hardened when exposed to air so it was convenient and enduring building material.
    Oamaru also has colonies of blue and the rare yellow eyed penguins.
    Tonight we visit a penguin colony.
    Overnight :  Hotel in Oamaru.
    Meals included : Breakfast.
  • WEDNESDAY. DAY 8
    OAMARU TO DUNEDIN
    This morning depart for Dunedin visiting the Moeraki Boulders, a rare rock formation, found no where else in New Zealand, which is only appreciated by visual inspection.
    Dunedin is the second largest city of the South Island, home of New Zealand's first university and, during the gold rush days, it was the largest city in the country. Founded by Scottish settlers (Dunedin is Celtic for Edinburgh), Dunedin has a statue of Robert Burns guarding its city centre, and still has haggis ceremonies. Dunedin with its fine Victorian architecture is cultured, graceful and lively.
    In visit Olveston historic homestead. Olveston, built between 1904 and 1906, is a fine turn-of-the-century house, the lavish furnishings and art collections are stunning.

    This afternoon take a walking tour of the central city accompanied by a "local", visit some of the historic buildings in this "Edinburgh of the South" city.
    Haggis ceremony and dinner.
    Overnight :  Hotel in Dunedin.
    Meals included : Breakfast and dinner.
  • THURSDAY. DAY 9
    DUNEDIN
    A day to explore the area, Optional activity: Larnach Castle.
    Royal Albatross colony and Yellow Eye'd Penguin colony tour.
    Taieri Gorge Rail journey.
    Overnight:  Hotel in Dunedin.
    Meals included : Breakfast.
  • FRIDAY. DAY 10
    DUNEDIN to CENTRAL OTAGO to QUEENSTOWN
    This morning travel to Central Otago and the Maniototo rural districts then on to Queenstown. Stopping at locations that are a "little world of their own" where you will learn about life in this remote area. In the 1860's gold and the railway made this area a thriving bustling area.
    Today sheep and deer farm stretch out across this vast inland Maniototo Plain. Photographers, painters, trout fishermen and tourists alike marvel at the beauty of the rolling farmland and rocky and imposing mountains and valleys of this area .
    Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu is nestled in what is surely one of the most scenic spots in the world. From a deserted region in the 1850's sheep farming brought the area to life. Gold was discovered in 1862 and a year later Queenstown was a mining town with streets and permanent buildings. Today it is a resort town catering to thousands of tourists who come for snow skiing in the winter and adrenaline activities in the summer. For those not in to an active life the stunning lake and surrounding mountain scenery materialize as the real attraction. Words can hardly describe the Remarkables mountain range when they are capped with snow and seen at sunrise or in the afterglow of dusk.
    Queenstown is a compact town and an orientation tour will be made on arrival.
    Overnight :Hotel in  Queenstown.
    Meals included : Breakfast and lunch.
  • SATURDAY. DAY 11
    QUEENSTOWN
    This morning is a brief sightseeing tour of Queenstown including a visit to and lecture/presentation on opal, black pearl and New Zealand jade. New Zealand jade - Pounamu or greenstone, which is predominantly found on the West Coast, is much treasured by the Maori who use it for decorative jewellery (tiki) and once carved their lethal weapons (the flat clubs known as mere) from it.
    See how opals and jade are taken from raw product to magnificent items of jewellery. Learn about the cultivation of black pearls.
    Lunch in the town before returning to Nugget Point Resort
    Overnight: Hotel in  Queenstown
    Meals included : Breakfast and dinner.
  • SUNDAY. DAY 12
    QUEENSTOWN
    Free day or choose from the suggestions listed.
    Optional activities:
    Milford Sound day trip.
    Scenic flight to and from Milford Sound.
    Doubtful Sound day trip.
    Scenic flight.
    Stewart Island day trip.
    Skippers canyon.
    SS Earnslaw/Walter Peak Station Tour.
    Dart River Safari.
    Trout fishing.
    Wine Tour.
    Garden Tour.
    Free evening.
    Overnight : Hotel in  Queenstown.
    Meals included : Breakfast.
  • MONDAY. DAY 13
    QUEENSTOWN TO FOX GLACIER
    This morning travel to Fox Glacier.
    Today is a visual treat with waterfalls, alpine lakes, spectacular mountain scenery, gorges and rugged rivers. The road climbs up through Mount Aspiring National Park, over the Haast Pass and then snakes along side the Haast River as it drops down to the West Coast.
    Nowhere else in the world, at this latitude, have glaciers advanced so close to the sea. Unlike the Tasman Glacier on the other side of the dividing range in Mount Cook National Park, Fox and Franz Josef are just what glaciers should be - mighty rivers of ice, tumbling down towards the sea.
    Optional activities:
    Guided walk on Fox Glacier.
    Guided flora and fauna Eco tour.
    Scenic flight over glaciers and mountains of Mt Cook region.
    Free evening.
    Overnight :  Fox Glacier.
    Meals included : Breakfast.
  • TUESDAY. DAY 14
    FOX GLACIER TO PUNAKAIKI ROCKS
    Today travel from Fox Glacier to Punakaiki Rocks. The coast road is spectacular. White capped breakers, rugged rocks out at sea, miles of salt spray, endless lines of driftwood and steep bush clad mountains stretch out before you down the West Coast.
    At Shantytown step back in time in a recreated 1880's West Coast gold mining town. Here you can ride on an 1897 steam locomotive.
    Punakaiki is centered around the unique and spectacular Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. These limestone rocks have formed what looks like stacks of pancakes, through a weathering process known as stylobedding. When a good tide is running the water surges into caverns below the rocks and squirts out in impressive geyser-like blowholes.
    Dinner this evening.
    Overnight : Punakaiki Rocks Hotel at Punakaiki.
    Meals included : Breakfast and dinner.
  • WEDNESDAY. DAY 15
    PUNAKAIKI ROCKS
    Today enjoy a guided historical and geological tour of Punakaiki Rocks and Paparoa National Park areas.
    Highlights will be viewing and interpretations of Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, a walk on the Truman Track to discover botanical transition from tall virgin rainforest to coastal scrub and a walk on a beach beneath limestone cliffs.
    Also a visit to the world's only breeding colony of the Westland black petrel - the worlds largest burrowing petrel.
    Free evening.
    Overnight : Punakaiki Rocks Hotel at Punakaiki.
    Meals included : Breakfast and lunch.
  • THURSDAY. DAY 16
    PUNAKAIKI ROCKS TO CHRISTCHURCH
    Travel to Arthurs' Pass. On the road south of Punakaiki you will see phenomenal seascapes and Punakaiki and the Paparoa National Park have the finest coastal scenery on the West Coast.
    Continue the journey from Arthurs' Pass to Christchurch by train.
    Nowhere in New Zealand do you get a better picture of the descent from the mountains to the sea than on this train journey. From the towering Southern Alps to the flat Canterbury Plains, lush rain forests, alpine vegetation and picturesque lakes and rivers - this is a train journey of contrasts. It is noted as one of the top 6 train journeys in the world.
    Christchurch is often described at the most English of New Zealand's cities. Punts glide down the picturesque River Avon, a grand Anglican cathedral dominates the city square and trams pass streets with very English names. Neo gothic buildings abound in the city and one in seven acres is given over to gardens and parkland - a garden lovers dream city.
    Free evening.
    Overnight  Hotel in Christchurch.
    Meals included : Breakfast.
  • FRIDAY. DAY 17
    CHRISTCHURCH
    Accompanied by knowledgeable walking guides enjoy a tour of the city centre visiting such buildings as the cathedral, the Arts Centre, Christ's College, the Canterbury Provincial Chambers and the Christchurch Town Hall. Learn about the history of this city which, deliberately placed in the hands of the gentry, in the 1850's was to become a "model of England" in the South Pacific complete with class system, and "not another scruffy colonial outpost of small landholders".
    Visit the oldest registered Merino Sheep Stud in New Zealand, learn about sheep farming, the property and family history of this farm, settled in 1862 and still in the family, now the 4th generation. Lunch will be with the farmer and his family on the lawn or in the historic homestead, followed by a demonstration showing a sheepdog working a flock of sheep and a sheep being shorn.
    Free evening.
    Optional activity:
    Evening visit to Willowbank Nocturnal Park.
    Overnight : Hotel in Christchurch.
    Meals included : Breakfast and lunch.
  • SATURDAY. DAY 18
    CHRISTCHURCH
    Free day or choose from the suggestions listed.
    Optional activities:
    Whale watching at Kaikoura.
    Wildlife cruise on Lyttelton Harbour.
    Guided walking tour on ancient volcanic Port Hills above Christchurch city.
    Full day tour to the French settlement of Akaroa.
    International Antarctic Centre.
    Overnight :  Hotel in Christchurch.
    Meals included : Breakfast.
  • SUNDAY. DAY 19
    CHRISTCHURCH
    Free time for that last minute shopping, optional activities etc.
    Late this afternoon depart for "Farewell to New Zealand" dinner.
    Overnight:  Hotel, Christchurch.
    Meals included: Breakfast and dinner.
  • MONDAY. DAY 20
    CHRISTCHURCH - END TOUR
    Tour ends at 1000 at hotel in Christchurch.
    Transfer to Christchurch airport.
    Meals included : Breakfast.

    Included in the cost of the above itinerary is:
    19 nights accommodation, 19 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners - including hangi and haggis dinners, all sightseeing and entrance fees, coach transport, train transport, ferry transport, tour managers services for 19 1/2 days. Cost of OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES not included.

  • The cost is TBA, Per Person, double/share twin
    Single supplement, TBA.
    Please see Booking & Payment conditions. Section 10 refers to Air ticketing procedures.
    Optional 9 day extension tour of Australia
  • MONDAY. DAY 20
    CHRISTCHURCH TO SYDNEY AUSTRALIA
    Transfer to Christchurch airport for flight to Sydney, Australia.
    Sydney is Australia's oldest and largest settlement. It is a vibrant city built around one of the most spectacular harbors in the world - instantly recognizable thanks to its opera house and the harbour bridge.
    Accompanied by knowledgeable walking guides enjoy a tour of the historical "Rocks" area. The Rocks was the birthplace of European Australia. Convicts replaced the traditional way of life of the original inhabitants, the Aboriginal Cadigal people. Step back into Sydney's colonial history and heritage. Hear tales of Sydney's fascinating past and colorful characters while experiencing the present.
    Meet your Tour Manager and other travelers at Hotel today for a tour briefing.
    Welcome to Australia dinner.
    Overnight : Hotel in Sydney.
    Meals included : Dinner.
  • TUESDAY. DAY 21
    SYDNEY
    Guided tour of the world famous Sydney Opera House this morning. The Opera House with its soaring sail-like, shell-like roofs dramatically situated on the eastern headland of Circular Quay. It is a memorable experience to see a performance or just sit at one of the outdoor cafes and watch the world go by. View spectacular Sydney from the water while you enjoy a lunch cruise on Sydney harbor.
    Free afternoon. You may like to visit the Museum of Sydney, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Australian Museum, Darling Harbor, The Sydney Aquarium, the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Queen Victoria Building (QVB), ride on the monorail, walk over the Sydney Harbor Bridge - your options are endless.
    Free evening.
    Overnight :  Hotel in Sydney.
    Meals included : Breakfast and lunch.
  • WEDNESDAY. DAY 22
    SYDNEY
    Free day or choose from the suggestions listed.
    Optional activities:
    Blue Mountains day trip - Canberra, Australia's capital city day trip
    Hunter Valley, wine making area day trip.
    Free evening.
    Overnight :  Hotel in Sydney.
    Meals included : Breakfast.
  • THURSDAY. DAY 23
    SYDNEY TO AYERS ROCK (ULURU)
    Today fly to Ayers Rock.
    Ayers Rock - Australia's biggest draw card. Massive, imposing, breathtaking, overwhelming, mystical, magical..... This is Ayers Rock - the world's largest monolith (single stone). The entire area around Ayers Rock is steeped in Aboriginal history and culture. Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) is a collection of smaller, more rounded rocks. Though less well known these monoliths are equally impressive - indeed many people find them more captivating than Ayers Rock.
    Sightseeing this afternoon followed by champagne and nibbles while watching the sunset at Ayers Rock.
    Free evening.
    Overnight : Ayers Rock Resort at Ayers Rock.
    Meals included : Breakfast, champagne and nibbles.
  • FRIDAY DAY 24
    AYERS ROCK (ULURU) TO ALICE SPRINGS
    This morning the choice is yours: Sunrise tour to Ayers Rock; walk around Ayers Rock; or climb Ayers Rock; or just relax.
    Today travel by road to Alice Springs. Stop for lunch at an isolated cattle ranch and see how these ranchers & family live and work in this incredibly harsh environment. Then experience a camel ride before arriving in Alice Springs.
    Alice Springs area is the traditional home of the Arrernte Aboriginal people. They believe that all topographical features of the town were formed by the creative ancestral beings - the Yeperenye, Ntyarlke and Utnerrrengatye caterpillars - as they crawled across the landscape.
    Today Alice Springs still has a sizeable Aboriginal community with strong links to the area. The town was originally founded in the 1870's as a staging point for the overland telegraph line. Today Alice Springs is a pleasant, modern town with good shops and restaurants. A rural town in a beautiful but harsh environment, a very long way from anywhere.
    Free evening.
    Overnight :  Hotel in Alice Springs.
    Meals included : Breakfast and lunch.
  • SATURDAY. DAY 25
    ALICE SPRINGS
    Optional activity:
    Outback hot air ballooning at dawn - one of the most popular optional activities in the outback.
    This morning at this historic and remote inland town of Alice Springs (known as "The Alice" by locals) sights will include a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Centre, the School of the Air and the Telegraph Station.
    This afternoon visit the impressive Desert Park. The park is designed to show native plants, birds and animals together in a natural setting along with a nocturnal house claimed to be the second largest of its kind in the world.
    This evening enjoy a pleasant evening around a campfire at a cattle drovers camp with a fine meal of Central Australian Prime Beef, cooked to perfection. Damper bread making demonstration, boomerang throwing, Australian bush ballads, a sing-along and a night sky explanation.
    Overnight :  Hotel in Alice Springs.
    Meals included : Breakfast and dinner.
  • SUNDAY DAY 26
    ALICE SPRINGS TO MELBOURNE
    Today fly to Melbourne.
    Melbourne is Australia's second largest city and is a traditionally conservative city of elaborate Victorian-era buildings, gracious parks and gardens and tree lined boulevards. It is a multi cultural city passionate about the arts, sports, food, wine and the good life.
    Orientation tour en-route to accommodation.
    Free evening.
    Overnight : Hotel in Melbourne.
    Meals included : Breakfast.
  • MONDAY. DAY 27
    MELBOURNE Full day wildlife and Eco tour. Today you will meet an Aboriginal person and learn about one of the oldest cultures in the world, then you'll have the opportunity to see large mobs of Kangaroos and sight the beautiful Koala in the wild - all in one relaxing, easy going day!
    This special trip aims to introduce you to the Australian environment and to Aboriginal culture whilst in the company of an expert nature guide.
    Farewell to Australia lunch.
    Overnight : Hotel in Melbourne.
    Meals included : Breakfast and lunch.
  • TUESDAY. DAY 28
    MELBOURNE
    Tour ends at hotel at 1000 today.
    Transfer to Melbourne airport.
    Meals included : Breakfast

    Included in the cost of the above itinerary is:
    8 nights accommodation, 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners, 1 champagne and nibbles, all sightseeing and entrance fees, coach transport, Tour Managers services for 81/2 days. Cost of OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES not included.

  • The cost is TBA, Per Person, double/share twin.
    Single supplement TBA.
    Please see Booking & Payment conditions. Section 10 refers to Air ticketing procedures.
    Ultimate Tour of Australia and New Zealand

    This tour is the best of both countries combining the base tours of each country. 38 days.
    The Ultimate Tour

    There Are No Places On Earth Like Australia And New Zealand!
    •
Copyright © 2010 All rights reserved. PRism Internet Solutions. Silver website plan
Site designed by Alan Simmons of