11 Days, 10 Nights
Overview
Inclusions -
- Accommodation in hotels as specified, share twin subject to availability.
- Travel documentation including Travel Wallet, detailed itinerary, Welcome letter and regional brochures
- Shared Airport transfer with English speaking driver
- Regular seat in coach touring coaches with English tour commentary
- Admissions to attractions as mentioned above
- Daily breakfast
Exclusions -
- Airfares National or International
- Personal expenses & tips
- Drinks during meals
- Any items of personal nature
- Optional activities
Subject to -
- Subject to surcharges beyond our control
- Accommodation subject to availability
- Subject to public holiday surcharges on transportation
Itinerary Details
Day 1
AucklandOnce you have collected your luggage and completed arrival formalities, please make your way outside the terminal to the designated shuttle transfer area where you will meet your Super Shuttle driver and be transferred to your hotel. Please note for Super shuttle shared transfers clients are not met inside the airport terminal. Once clients have completed Immigration and customs formalities and collected their luggage please proceed to the arrivals hall and make their way to the coach transfer bays located outside the arrivals area. Seat in coach transfer by Super Shuttle from Auckland International Airport to your hotel. Please note there is no "Meet and Greet". Please exit through Gate 8 and proceed to Super Shuttle bay for your transfer. Kindly report to the Super Shuttle driver at the bay that a booking has been made for your transfer.
AUCKLAND - an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city's many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand's biggest city, and the population mix of European, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.
Day 2
AucklandGreat Sights - Auckland Morning City Highlights Tour including SkyTower Departs 9.45am returns 12.45pm
Discover first-hand why Auckland is regarded as one of the best places in the world to live! This half day tour takes you around the central city, experiencing many of its best and most scenic sights. Explore Auckland's famous Queen Street followed by the history of Karangahape Road. Discover the vibrant culture of Ponsonby Village with its boutique eateries and retail stores before making your way over the Auckland Harbour Bridge for stunning views over the glittering Waitemata Harbour back to the city. Returning over the Harbour Bridge we visit the Viaduct Harbour before continuing on through the Auckland Domain. With its classic charm the Auckland Domain is the city's oldest and one of its largest parks, situated on a 62,000 year old volcano. Following our visit to the Domain we continue to Parnell Village for our morning tea stop. The historic buildings of Parnell have been transformed in to a trendy shopping area featuring many boutiques, antique, craft and specialty shops. Following this, our tour will then take you along the stunningly scenic waterfront route of Tamaki Drive to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park, in Mission Bay. Michael Savage is often regarded as one of New Zealand's greatest and revered Prime Ministers, and was given the title of 'New Zealander of the Century' by the New Zealand Herald in 1999. The memorial Park has beautiful panoramic views over Whenua Rangatira, Auckland city and Waitemata Harbour. This park is a popular wedding venue, with its formal gardens and tranquil atmosphere. Next we head towards Mission Bay, the popular seaside suburb which was once home to a Melanesian Missionary school. Enjoy the beach and promenade - popular with Aucklander’s and visitors alike.
The tour will then take you back along the waterfront to Auckland’s SkyTower. At 328m in height, Sky Tower is the tallest free standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere.Take in the 360 degree views from the top! Tour concludes at SkyTower at your leisure.
Day 3
Auckland / Waitomo caves / RotoruaGreat Sights Waitomo Glow worm Caves Auckland to Rotorua, Lunch not Included (7.30am - 1.30pm) Dropoffs to Hotels start from 1.30pm and conclude approximately 30 minutes later subject to traffic and order of drop-offs. Today you will be picked up from your hotel by Great Sights and travel south from Auckland through the rich farmland of the Waikato on to Waitomo.
Enjoy a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the World Famous Glow worm Caves. Your tour continues with a boat ride through the Glow worm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glow worms suspended from the cave ceiling. Following your tour there is time for lunch (lunch is at your own expense).
Continue to Rotorua by coach.
ROTORUA - located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Maori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Maori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.
Day 4
RotoruaGreat Sights Discover Rotorua Morning Sights (7.25am - 12.15pm) Dropoffs to Hotels start from 12.15pm and conclude approximately 20 minutes later subject to traffic and order of drop-offs : Today, you will be collected from your hotel by Great Sights. Included in your half-day tour is a visit to Te Puia where you can view mighty geysers, boiling mud pools, and the traditional arts & culture of the Maori People; Rainbow Springs – a unique showcase of New Zealand’s flora and fauna including New Zealand’s national icon, a kiwi bird; and Agrodome Sheep Show - a hands-on experience giving you an animated insight into New Zealand’s farming history.
Day 5
Rotorua / QueenstownRotorua Hotel to Rotorua Airport at Super Shuttle is included Seat In coach Transfer. Transfer from Hotel to Airport. Today, you will be collected from your accommodation by a representative of Super Shuttle and transfer by seat in coach to Rotorua Airport. Queenstown Airport to City Hotel at Super Shuttle is included Seat In coach Transfer. Once you have collected your luggage and completed arrival formalities, please make your way outside the terminal to the designated shuttle transfer area where you will meet your Super Shuttle driver and be transferred to your hotel.
Queenstown is the South Island's most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as "fit for any Queen", and so she was called Queenstown.
Day 6
QueenstownLimousine South: Queenstown half day sightseeing tour. (9.30am-12.30pm) Today you will be collected from your hotel by a Limousine South representative for your half day sightseeing tour. The panoramic view point of Queenstown Hill is the first of several photo stops and the vista extends to Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range. The tour then follows a route along the Frankton Arm and into the Wakatipu Basin, past stunning Lake Hayes, and into the mouth of the Kawarau Gorge, one of many filming locations for The Lord of the Rings. Next stop, join the "Secrets of Bungy Tour" a 20 minute tour that gives a behind the scenes look at how bungy jumping started, the technology used and it allows access to restricted viewing areas to watch live bungy jumping action (AJ Hackett Bungy Bridge). A short drive up the road visit Gibbston Valley Winery, with an opportunity to taste a selection of 4 wines, browse around the wine shop delicatessen. Continue on to the historic gold mining settlement of Arrowtown, where there is ample time for you to wander around the shops and cafes in the main street or follow the marked trail through the Chinese Settlement. Return transfer back to Queenstown is via the world famous Shotover Canyon.
Day 7
QueenstownAfter Breakfast tour of Real Journeys Coach / Milford Sound Scenic Cruise / Coach ex Queenstown.
(pickups from 6.45am returns 19.30hrs) Today, you will be collected from your hotel by Real Journeys and travel from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and through rolling countryside to Te Anau. After a short break at Te Anau, continue via the spectacular Milford Road, to Milford Sound. Board your Real Journeys vessel for a cruise the entire length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. There are excellent viewing opportunities of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Return transport to Queenstown at the conclusion of your cruise is provided.
MILFORD SOUND: Stunning surroundings at the heart of Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. In Maori legend, the fiords were created not by rivers of ice, but by Tu Te Raki Whanoa, a godly figure who came wielding a magical adze uttering incantations. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is without doubt his finest sculpture. Luxuriant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls. In the foreground stands Mitre Peak, dominating the skyline. Whatever the fiord’s mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you.
Day 8
Queenstown / Franz JosefIntercity Coachlines Queenstown to Franz Josef 0810hrs Today you will travel via Haast Pass to Franz Josef Glacier with Intercity Coachlines.1610hrs Arrive in Franz Josef late afternoon and check in at your hotel and enjoy a free evening in Franz Josef Glacier.
Please note this is a commuter service with many stops and limited commentary.
FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER - originally named Victoria, after Queen Victoria of England, geologist Julius Von Haast, renamed it, Franz Josef, after the current Emperor of his homeland, Austria. The Glacier is pale blue/green ice that has retreated and advanced many times over the years. A walk from the carpark to the Glacier terminal will give you some impressive views and an idea of the immense size of the Glacier itself. The township of Franz Josef is a small town based around the tourist and supply trade.
Day 9
Franz JosefAfter Breakfast tour of Franz Josef Guides - Ice Explorer Tour - up to 4 hours (Approx 3 hours on Ice - includes Hot Pools) : This is a fantastic introduction to an enthralling world of ice. A short Heli hop from the township of Franz Josef takes you into the remarkable Pinnacles area of the glacier. Here your guide will navigate you through a maze of ice and explain the dramatic environmental changes over the last few years. You will explore the awe-inspiring landscape in this incredible experience through Franz Josef Glacier. The Ice Explorer hike includes entry into the fabulous Glacier Hot Pools! All visitors and guides are equipped with the best in quality equipment.Breathable Rain Jacket, Waterproof over-trousers (if required), Socks and sturdy boots (or you have the option to wear your own hiking boots), Crampons (with small waist bag) for superior glacier grip, Woollen hats and gloves (if required).
What to Bring: 2-4 warm upper body layers ideally woollen or polypro (not cotton) Quick drying trousers or shorts (no jeans) Food and drink for the day Sunglasses, sunscreen, camera Backpack.
What not to Bring: iPods / MP3 players, Mobile Phones, Passports, Wallets, Car / Room Keys
The Franz Josef Glacier is a rapidly changing feature. Franz Josef Glacier Guides reserves the right to change trip times, descriptions and prices, in response to changing conditions.Minimum age is at guide's discretion and subject to change. Please Note: Minimum numbers may apply Minimum age 12 year for Ice Explorer Tour
Day 10
Franz Josef / Greymouth / Tranz Alpine train / ChristchurchIntercity Coachlines Franz Josef to Greymouth. 0915hrs Today you will travel to Greymouth with Intercity Coachlines. 1315hrs Arrive in Greymouth. Please note this is a commuter service with many stops and limited commentary.
Tranz Scenic Greymouth to Christchurch. 13:15 hrs Report to Greymouth Train Station. 13:45hrs Depart Greymouth Train Station. Today you will board the TranzAlpine scenic train departing from one coast of New Zealand and arriving at the other. Your train journey is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains, beautiful gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The spectacular Southern Alps and the lushness of Beech rain forest. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots. There’s a lot to look forward to before arriving at your destination.
Baggage Information :-
Checked baggage allowance is two items per person, with a maximum per item weight of 20kg. Hand carry baggage is to consist of one small handbag and/or personal items such as a camera, coat, and umbrella. The size of any one item must be no more than 200 linear cm (height plus length plus width).
To enable maintenance work in the Otira Tunnel and for other track maintenance to be performed, on the following days the TranzAlpine will only run from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass return and will be coach replaced from Arthurs Pass to Greymouth return.
Monday 07 November 2016
Monday 12 December 2016
To enable maintenance work in the Otira Tunnel and for other track maintenance to be performed, on the following days the TranzAlpine will only run from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass return and Otira to Greymouth return. Will be coach replaced from Arthur's Pass to Otira return.
Monday 04 Jul 2016
Monday 08 August 2016
Welcome to Christchurch. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel by shared transfer by Super Shuttle.
CHRISTCHURCH - the Garden City, lies on the level plains that initially attracted the closely knit Church of England settlers that settled the area. The largest of the South Island cities, Christchurch retains something of the English nature of its origins - the willow and oak-lined River Avon and clustered mediaeval stone buildings.
Day 11
Depart ChristchurchCity to Christchurch Airport at Super Shuttle is included Seat In coach Transfer. Transfer from Hotel to Airport. Today, you will be collected from your accommodation by a representative of Super Shuttle and transfer by seat in coach to Christchurch Airport.
Flight Details
Departure Details
FLIGHT FROM | DESTINATION | DEPARTURE DATE/TIME | ARRIVAL DATE/TIME | FLIGHT NAME/NUMBER | FLIGHT FARE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Delhi | Sydney | 13:15 | 06:10 | Air india AI 302 |
Not Included |
Sydney | Auckland | 10:30 | 15:35 | Virgin Australia VA 144 |
Not Included |
Return Details
FLIGHT FROM | DESTINATION | DEPARTURE DATE/TIME | ARRIVAL DATE/TIME | FLIGHT NAME/NUMBER | FLIGHT FARE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Christchurch | Sydney | 06:00 | 07:35 | Virgin Australia VA 133 |
Not Included |
Sydney | Delhi | 09:45 | 18:25 | Air India AI 301 |
Not Included |