FULL NEW ZEALAND BUDGET TOUR
This Budget 15 Day Tour has it all, from Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Rotorua, Art Deco Napier, Vineyards of Hawkes Bay, Wellington Lakes Mountains and Glaciers, the tour covers the South Island and includes Mount Cook National Park, Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, West Coast Glaciers, Abel Tasman National Park & Milford Sounds Nature Cruise.
TOUR CODE BUDNZ15
OUR COST nz$2495 PER PERSON SHARE TWIN
OUR COST nz$3295 SINGLE
DAILY DEPARTURES
Day 1
Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
Departing Auckland we cross over the Bombay Hills and enter the Dairy Rich Waikato Region south to the famous Waitomo Caves. Here a guide will take us underground to these amazing limestone caves featuring stalagmites and stalactites, which have taken centuries to form. Soon to follow we continue to walk down to an underground stream to board a small boat to view the glow-worm grotto – an underground cavern featuring millions of glow-worms. From Waitomo we travel to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua, the Sulphur City. Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, beautiful coloured hot springs and terrace formations created by mineral water. Rotorua also has a large Maori population whose cultural activities are interesting and accessible as will be witnessed during your visit to Te Puia
Day 2
Rotorua Sightseeing
Today we have a fun filled morning, with sights of Rotorua, (included in tour cost), this morning we visit Te Puia New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley featuring the Pouto Geyser, exploding from the ground up to 30 meters high. Following we visit Rainbow Springs, specialising in New Zealand flora and fauna includes Kiwi Tuatara Rainbow & Brown Trout. Breathe deeply, and take in the native bush, ferns, trees and plants that grow and flower all around you. We then visit the multi-award winning Agrodome Sheep Show which is one hour of 'full on' entertainment. Balance of the day free. This afternoon why not choose from some of the many options available to you in the Rotorua area
Day 3
Rotorua – Taupo - Napier
This morning we skirt some of the worlds largest pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity, and pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, claimed to be the world’s art deco capital. A city tour will encompass the Marine Parade and foreshore area plus many of the city’s art deco buildings.
Hawke's Bay is a land blessed with fantastic weather and hospitable people. Add on to that fantastic quality and diversity in wine and it spells heaven. Process cropping, horticulture, pastoralism and market gardening thrive alongside viticulture.
Hawke's Bay is the oldest established wine growing region in New Zealand. The first grapes were introduced into the region, as far back as 1851 by Marist priests who originally came from Lyon in France.
The climate in Hawke's Bays is very similar to that of Bordeaux, France - resulting in some outstanding reds. The region is home to around fifty percent of New Zealand's top red wines. A wide choice of award winning wines, are available covering most styles.
DAY 4
Napier - Wellington
Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings then to Dannevirke and Woodville for an early afternoon arrival in the Capital city Wellington. You will be met at the coach terminal and transferred to your hotel.
Day 5
Wellington
Free day to explore Wellington, optional morning sights tour OUR COST nz$50p.p
Highlights include city, harbour and hill views from some of the city's most spectacular vantage points, as well as visiting many of Wellington's most famous sights, landmarks, and icons.
These include: The famous Beehive and Parliament Buildings, Old Saint Paul's Cathedral, the finest example of Revival Gothic architecture in the Southern Hemisphere, Exquisite Lady Norwood Rose Gardens, The largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere, Various buildings exemplifying classic early Wellington architecture. Enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Wellington City, hills and harbour from the summit of Mount Victoria, and drive around the rugged and pure scenic bays of Wellington Harbour. A ride on the historic cable car is an optional extra but well worthwhile
Day 6
Wellington – Kaikoura
Today begins as we cruise the Wellington Harbour out onto the Cook Strait on the Interislander and through New Zealand’s only true sounds, the picturesque Marlborough Sound into Picton. The bustling port of Picton is the terminal for inter-island ferries, and gateway to the ‘Mainland’, the South Island’s self-proclaimed nickname. Blenheim can proudly uphold the claim to be both ‘The Sunshine Capital’ and ‘The Foremost Grape Growing Area’ of New Zealand. Continue on along the Ease Coast to the seaside town of Kaikoura.
Day 7
Kaikoura –Christchurch
This morning you have the option of going whale watching. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky Dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world's largest dolphin - the Orca - and is home to the world's smallest and rarest - the Hector's. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrels and 7 types of Shearwater. Tour departs at 10.00am and returns approx 2.00pm we will book your whale watch cruise, but clients need to pay on the day, (due to weather conditions) Cost approx nz$140 per person. This afternoon you continue you journey to Christchurch.
Day 8
Christchurch – Franz Josef Glacier
This morning you have the option (please see below) of Journeying to the West Coast on board the Scenic TranzAlpine Train, rated one of the top six train journeys in the world. Please see below. Or travel via by road to the alpine village of Authurs Pass and on over the Southern Alps to the West Coast. Your journey continues along the rugged West Coast to Hokitika the centre for thousands of miners during the historic gold strikes of the 1860s, then we continue further south to the Westland National Park – home of the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Day 9
Franz Josef Glacier
Come and explore the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, where you'll find the ancient Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glaciers nestled amidst primeval rainforest. Here the lakes, rivers, forests and beaches of an untamed, yet accessible wilderness, are as pure as you will find anywhere.
Why not try a scenic flight which encompasses the two famous glaciers and many more besides. These frozen rivers of ice can travel up to 3 metres per day down the mountain valleys OR perhaps a heli-hike on the glacier after an exciting scenic flight, you land high up on the glacier and undertake a two hour guided hike amongst some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery available...Or try
The Hukawai Glacier Centre Indoor Ice Climbing Wall is 200 square metres of fun and challenge. One of the five largest in the world, it’s the only one in the Southern Hemisphere. Created to be as similar to glacial ice as possible, the 10 metre high wall has 20 climbing routes ranging from easy-angle slabs through to a challenging overhang, with an array of angles, corners, bulges and cracks to give the best and most natural indoor ice climbing experience possible.
Day 10
Franz Josef Glacier – Wanaka
Driving towards the southern end of the South Island’s West Coast Road, there is a strong sense of entering a primeval land, and a feeling of total isolation. Arriving at Haast, you are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. There are plenty of stops today for photo opportunities as we travel through the Haast River valleys and over Haast Pass. Once in Otago the scenery changes dramatically to large glacial valleys and lakes.
Day 11
Wanaka – Queenstown
Departing Wanaka in the afternoon, it’s just a short drive to Queenstown, we follow the Clutha River passing lake Dunstan to Cromwell, then following the Kawerau Gorge, passing the by the famous bridge now used for bungee jumping.
Day 12
Queenstown –
Milford Sound Nature Cruise Day Excursion
(Included in tour cost).
Travel from Queenstown via Lake Te Anau to the beautiful Milford Sound, located in the World Heritage Fiordland National Park. Explore dramatic, moody Milford Sound in a leisurely and relaxed way with our nature guides. Our vessels, the Milford Mariner and Milford Wanderer are designed along the lines of traditional trading scows. They have been purpose built to operate in the fiords and offer a laid back, extended cruise option. Throughout your cruise, our nature guide provides an engaging commentary about the magnificent scenery and wildlife (English only). Keep a look out for dolphins, seals and penguins. Here we cruise the sounds and get close up views of the magnificent scenery that this World Heritage Area has to offer. Be inspired as mountain peaks soar overhead and waterfalls tumble hundreds of metres into the sea below. Return by coach to Queenstown
Day 13
Queenstown
Today is day of leisure and you have the chance to experience some of the many activities and sightseeing tours available. Your hotel receptionist will be happy to assist you with any information regarding bookings, whether it is for sport or recreation.
Day 14
Queenstown
Today is day of leisure and you have the chance to experience some of the many activities and sightseeing tours available. Your hotel receptionist will be happy to assist you with any information regarding bookings, whether it is for sport or recreation.
Day 15
Queenstown – Christchurch
A day for spectacular sights, as we following the Kawerau Gorge to Cromwell before continuing on over Lindas Pass and then into the vast Mackenzie Basin to the magnificent blue waters of Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, we continue on to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Time is available to enjoy an optional scenic flight over the ancient rivers of ice and the West Coast Glaciers (weather permitting – a highly recommended option). We then visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the statue of the Collie dog, and then over Burke’s Pass and travel through Ashburton, Geraldine and Fairlie, to Christchurch
YOUR TOUR COSTS INCLUDE
• 14 Nights accommodation
• All ground transport
• Transfers from inner city hotels in Auckland to Coach Station
• Entrance to Waitomo Caves
• Entrance to Agrodome Farm Show
• Entrance to Rainbow Springs Nature Park
• Entrance to Te Puia Thermal Valley
• Transfer from Wellington coach Station to hotel
• Transfer from Wellington Hotel to ferry terminal
Milford Sounds Nature Cruise
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING LINK, AS IT WILL EXPLAIN ALL ABOUT BUDGET TOURS http://www.tourandtravel.co.nz/tour.aspx?tourid=1171
DAY 8 TRANZ ALPINE TRAIN OPTIONAL
COST OF THIS OPTIONAL IS nz$100, PLEASE ADVISE US AT THE TIME OF BOOKING
The Tranz Alpine scenic train journey travels between Christchurch and Greymouth , from one coast of New Zealand to the other. Your train then climbs through lush beech rain forest from the West Coast town of Greymouth into the Southern Alps through the Otria Tunnel to Arthur’s Pass before descending through the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River, followed by the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland,
All carriages include both one way seating and tabled group seating allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. 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!
Our train journey sets off from Greymouth - The trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes approx four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres.
All our Budget Tours are flexible and most can be done in reverse, extra nights can be added in, at any point. We can offer you very competitive rates for both pre and post tour accommodation if required.
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