The combined North Island and South Island tour of New Zealand creates a travel experience and holiday memory that is truly unforgettable. Blending the majesty of the beautiful South Island landscapes with the emotionally charged cultural and heritage attractions in the North Island it is a once in a lifetime experience.

TOUR CODE GRTTE

Tour costs nz$9600 per person twin share
Tour costs nz$11,860 single traveller

Departure Dates
5th Oct, 1st 13th Nov, 20th Dec 2009 
5th 16th Jan, 6th & 17th Feb, 1st & 21st March 2nd & 13th April 2010

DAY 1
Auckland - Bay of Islands
Travelling north to the seaside township of Paihia via the West Coast, enjoy a visit to the Kauri Museum at Matakohe, followed by lunch at the Hokianga Harbour before arriving into the Bay of Islands.
Accommodation: Paihia Beach Resort.

DAY 2
Bay of Islands
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the Bay of Islands. The Dolphin Encounter cruise, a trip up 90 mile beach to Cape Reinga, a Cape Brett Hole in the Rock cruise, explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, golf at Carrington Resort or Kauri Cliffs are just some of the many optional activities on offer. Dinner at your own arrangements
Accommodation: Paihia Beach Resort.

DAY 3
Bay of Islands - Matakana - Mangatawhiri Valley
Departing the Bay of Islands you travel via the towns of Ruakaka, Waipu, Kaiwaka towards
the Matakana region and Ascension Winery for lunch and wine tasting before travelling onto the Mangatawhiri Valley where you will stay at a spa resort. Dinner at the resort restaurant
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel & Spa du Vin.

DAY 4
Mangatawhiri Valley - Waitomo - Rotorua
The astounding Waitomo and Ruakuri Caves are your first iconic attraction of the day before
heading onto a country home and farm for lunch. Leaving the King Country you travel on to the unique volcanic region of Rotorua and dinner at sumptuous Peppers on the Point.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua.

DAY 5
Rotorua
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the selection of optional activities that only Rotorua has to offer. A visit the Blue & Green lakes or why not try New Zealand’s premier sheep shearing and farm show at the Agrodome or the adrenalin packed Kawarau Jet Rotorua. In the evening you will be transferred to Te Puia to experience a unique meal and unforgettable Maori cultural evening.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua.

DAY 6
Rotorua - Taupo - Napier
Today you will head southwest, stopping to view the magnificent Huka Falls Leaving Taupo you will drive through forest to napier in the Hawkes Bay. On arrival into Napier, a visit to the city’s Art Deco Buildings, why not enjoy an optional Art Deco or Winery Tour. Dinner tonight at one of the local wineries
Accommodation: The Crown Hotel.

DAY 7
Napier - Martinborough - Wellington
After departing Napier, we stop for a brief visit a Mount Bruce Wildlife Park to view some on Mew Zealand’s Native birds after which we travel through the beautiful Wairarapa region, stopping in the Martinborough for wine tasting. You then travel onto New Zealand’s capital city; Wellington. Dinner tonight at one of the local restaurants
Accommodation: InterContinental Hotel.

DAY 8
Wellington
A day of leisure to enjoy the cosmopolitan city of Wellington, you could start the day with the renowned Zest Walking Gourmet Tour, a visit to Karori Wildlife Sanctuary or walk across from your hotel to the national museum Te Papa. Dinner tonight at your own arrangements
Accommodation: InterContinental Hotel.

DAY 9
Wellington - Picton - Abel Tasman
You will be transfered to the Interisland Ferry Terminal for a cruise across the Cook Straight to the South Island. Be sure to remain on deck as the ferry leaves Wellington, the sight of the
Malborough Sounds, with its steep bush-clad hills rising out of the sea and heavily indented coastline, is truly memorable. You will be met by your driver/guide in Picton, then travel onto
Marahau, where you board your water taxi to your hotel, Dinner at your hotel tonight
Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge.

DAY 10
Abel Tasman - Marahau - Nelson
A very short trip this morning back to Marahau by water taxi, Re-board your coach and travel to Nelson, in time for local sightseeing. Dinner tonight will be at your hotel.
Accommodation: Monaco Hotel & Resort.

DAY 11
Nelson - Punakaiki - Franz Josef
Leaving the picturesque Nelson area, you head to Punakaiki. The spectacular West Coast is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand with such natural wonders as the Pancake Rocks Your tour continues onto Franz Josef Glacier. Dinner will be served at your hotel restaurant this evening.
Accommodation: Te Waonui Forest Retreat.

DAY 12
Franz Josef - Wanaka
Your day starts with a guided walk to either the Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers, before continuing your journey through the Haast Pass to picturesque Wanaka and the superb Grand Mecure Oakridge. Dinner is at your hotel tonight.
Accommodation: Grand Mecure Oakridge.

DAY 13
Wanaka - Te Anau
Travel to the Kingston Railway Station for a short journey on the historic Kingston Flyer steam train, before continuing to your destination for nthe night at Te Anau. Dinner is at your hotel tonight.
Accommodation: Te Anau Hotel & Villas.

DAY 14
Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
A cruise of Milford Sound, including towering Mitre Peak and the cascading Stirling Falls are just some of the day’s many highlights, as is the optional flight over the fiords and famous Milford Track to your day’s destination, Queenstown, Dinner at your hotel with stunning views.
Accommodation: St Moritz.

DAY 15
Queenstown
Today is at your leisure to enjoy the selection of adrenalin packed or relaxing optional activities that only Queenstown has to offer. Spa treatment, jetboating, cruising Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw, Central Otago wine tasting, or a round of golf at Millbrook Resort are just a few of your options. Dinner at your own arrangement tonight.
Accommodation: St Moritz.

DAY 16
Queenstown - Arrowtown - Mt Cook
Arrowtown is often described as one of the South Island’s most picturesque towns and you stop here to explore before following the Kawarau River to the township of Cromwell, stopping for lunch at the Northburn Station, before crossing the Lindis Pass to the McKenzie Country. Afterwards, you reach the shores of Lake Pukaki then onto Mt Cook village, where you will stay for the evening. Dinner will be in the hotel’s restaurant.
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel.

DAY 17
Mt Cook – Christchurch
The ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ and Lake Tekapo are en-route through some of the most diverse country you will have seen. Cross the Canterbury plains to Christchurch, your destination for the day. Your final night’s dinner will be at one of Christchurch’s most awarded local restaurants.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel.

DAY 18
Depart Christchurch
After waking to a full breakfast, you will be transferred at your leisure to the airport for your onward flight

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS