• Ultimate New Zealand

Ultimate New Zealand

This spectacular New Zealand Coach Tour itinerary covers both the North and South Islands, staying at comfortable accommodation and taking in the unique and amazing sights along the way.   This tour takes you to the Coromandel Peninsula, known for its laid back lifestyle and natural beauty. Continue south through the North Island visiting the Hobbiton Movie Set and absorbing our Maori Culture and tasting our superb food and wine.   The South Island brings golden sand beaches, the rugged west coast and glacier country .. and let’s not forget the Milford Sound overnight cruise plus much much more!

Highlights: Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, Hobbiton Movie Set, Rotorua Sightseeing with Te Puia, Agrodome, Rainbow Springs and Skyline Gondola, Maori Hangi and Cultural Show, Art Deco Walk, Napier Progressive Winery Dinner, Wellington City and Coastline Tour, Interislander Ferry between Wellington and Picton, Abel Tasman Cruise and Walk, Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk, Milford Sound Mariner Overnight Cruise, Te Anau Glowworm Caves, Otago Peninsula Wildlife Tour with Penguin Place and Taieri Gorge Train.

Day By Day

1

Welcome to Auckland City

Following your arrival transfer to your city hotel, the remainder of the day is yours to explore the ‘City of Sails’

Auckland city centre offers world-class shopping, restaurants, bars and galleries which are encircled by wine regions, stunning beaches, pristine rainforest and the magnificent Hauraki Gulf.

Accommodation: 
Auckland City Hotel, Deluxe Room with Full Breakfast*

Erected in 1912, the building has been extended and transformed into a captivating boutique Hotel. Retaining its iconic facade with its ideal combination of inventive design and traditional efficiency, Auckland City Hotel has retained the character and charm of its past enhanced with a relaxing contemporary decor.

 *If you are arriving early from an International Flight, please see our team about pre-registering your room for guaranteed access on your arrival. (at additional cost).

2

Auckland

Today is at leisure.

Optional Activities: 
Choose from a wonderful range of optional activities in Auckland today.

Take a day trip to the Bay of Islands for an afternoon Island cruise, have the thrill of sailing on an America’s Cup Yacht or take an easy cycle ride along Auckland’s Waterfront.

Accommodation: 
Auckland City Hotel, Deluxe Room with Full Breakfast

3

Auckland to Coromandel

Board your two hour cruise from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula. With its unique laid-back lifestyle and character, the Coromandel Peninsula offers a variety of walks, beautiful beaches and water activities.

Transfer to your accommodation, where the remainder of the day is yours to explore Coromandel Town.

Accommodation:
Anchor Lodge – Spa Suite with Cooked Breakfast

Anchor Lodge offers a range of quality accommodation including ensuite bathroom, LCD TV with sky and DVD player, complimentary tea and coffee, and modern amenities to ensure you have a comfortable stay. Located just 400 metres from Coromandel town centre, bars and restaurants.

4

Coromandel

Today, visit three of the most popular natural attractions on the Coromandel Peninsula including Cathedral Cove, thermal mineral pools at Hot Water Beach and Te-Wanganui-A Hei Marine Reserve.

Optional upgrades to include Cathedral Cove Kayaks, Glass Bottom Boat and Hahei Explorer are available at additional cost.

Accommodation:
Anchor Lodge – Spa Suite with Cooked Breakfast

5

Coromandel to Matamata, Rotorua

Transfer through to Matamata this morning, where the town’s main attraction comes from the film industry after the Alexander brothers farm became the Shire in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.

Today you will experience Middle Earth with a two hour tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, you will be guided around the set, past Hobbit Holes, the Mill and into the famous Green Dragon Inn for a complimentary and exclusive Hobbit ‘Southfarthing’ beverage and perhaps time for lunch (at own expense).

Continue by coach to Rotorua, a volcanic wonderland and a place that is rich in Maori culture and history.

Accommodation:
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Superior Room with Full Breakfast

Set on the shores of Lake Rotorua, adjacent to the Polynesian Spa complex, Government Gardens and only a five-minute stroll to the city centre. Offering well appointed rooms, many of which have superb views of Lake Rotorua.

6

Rotorua

Your Rotorua Sightseeing Tour takes in four of Rotorua’s most famous attractions. Experience a guided tour of Te Puia, a place of Maori culture and a thermal wonderland of impressive geysers and boiling mud pools. At Rainbow Springs Nature Park enjoy a guided tour showcasing native wildlife including the New Zealand Kiwi. Then get a glimpse into New Zealand’s proud agricultural heritage at the Agrodome with an entertaining sheep show including a shearing display and sheep dog trial. And finally travel up the Skyline Gondola and take in the stunning views out over Rotorua.

This evening, enjoy an authentic introduction to Maori culture which will leave you amazed and in awe. Enjoy a traditionally cooked Hangi meal, culture performance and learn of their past, carvings and the moko (tattoo art).

Accommodation:
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua, Superior Room with Full Breakfast

7

Rotorua to Napier

Board your coach and travel through Taupo to Napier, the Art Deco Capital and the oldest wine region in New Zealand.

This evenings experience takes you on a scenic drive through the vineyards to learn about the region and its wines. At Vidal Winery, enjoy a wine tasting with gourmet platters, then take in the breath-taking panoramic views from Te Mata Peak while enjoying a glass of bubbles as the sun sets Proceed to Elephant Hill or Craggy Range Winery for your main course accompanied with wine and finish the evening at the country’s oldest and grandest winery the Mission Estate for dessert along with dessert wine and your choice of tea or coffee.

Accommodation:
Quest Napier, Studio Apartment with Cooked Breakfast Provisions

In keeping with the Art Deco style of Napier, the 1920’s facade of the hotel has been left intact and the front section of the Apartments has been lovingly restored to showcase the high stud ceilings and wooden floors of the era. It is interesting to note that the original building was one of the few in the city centre to survive the devastating earthquake of 1931 and subsequent fire. Quest Napier offers a range of Studio and One Bedroom Self Contained Apartments

8

Napier to Wellington

You will discover Napier’s story of history, architecture and the human spirit on an easy walking tour. View the 1931 Earthquake film and hear of the devastation of the city, the stories of the people before embarking on a one hour walk with an Art Deco Trust guide.

In the afternoon set off by coach to Wellington, known as the world’s ‘coolest little capital’ for its vibrant arts scene, world class café and restaurant culture.

Accommodation: 
Ibis Wellington, Standard Room with Full Breakfast

Located in the heart of the city near the bustle of Lambton Quay and walking distance to Parliament, TSB Arena, Westpac Stadium and Te Papa. Ibis Hotel offers simple rooms with wireless internet access, a flat screen TV with inhouse movies and Sky channels as well as a work desk and an ensuite bathroom.

9

Wellington

Board your sightseeing coach for the perfect introduction to Wellington City!     Experience the best attractions and must see landmarks of this vibrant city and get off the tourist trail. Gain a 360° view of the city from Mount Victoria, experience the rugged south coast seas and explore interesting quaint villages throughout the city. Take a ride on the famous cable car (optional extra at own cost) but most of all sit back and enjoy Wellington at its finest!

Accommodation: 
Ibis Wellington, Standard Room with Full Breakfast

10

Wellington to Picton, Nelson

Cruise across Cook Strait, into the Marlborough Sound and Picton onboard the Interislander Ferry. From Picton, join your coach and travel thought to the vibrant city of Nelson.

The Christ Church Cathedral looks over the city streets where you will find boutique shops, art galleries and alfresco dining. Along Wakefield Quay, Nelson’s picturesque waterfront, you will find several restaurants with views across the harbour to the mountains.

Accommodation: 
Rutherford Hotel, Premium Room with Full Breakfast

This centrally located and stylish accommodation with well-appointed rooms. Rutherford Hotel offers a choice of restaurants, along with gymnasium, sauna and outdoor pool.

11

Abel Tasman National Park Day Trip

Travel to Kaiteriteri Beach, an entry point to the Abel Tasman National Park. We have included an open pass to the park where you can choose to cruise the entire length of the park, or combine the cruise with a short or extended walk.

Accommodation: 
Rutherford Hotel, Premium Room with Full Breakfast

12

Nelson to Punakaiki, Franz Josef

Join your coach to Franz Josef today. On route your coach will make a short stop at the world famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes in Punakaiki. Take the short walk to view these 30 million year old limestone formations.

Accommodation:
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef, Graham Wing Room with Full Breakfast

The Hotel sits at the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park, and is just moments from one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural attractions, the Franz Josef Glacier, making the most of its alpine location and offers quality accommodation.

13

Franz Josef

Join your guide this morning for your Glacier Valley Walk, where you will walk alongside the mighty Waiho River bed which follows the glaciers path of retreat in this remarkable landscape.   Near the terminal face, cross over the public barriers and access their exclusive trails, where after a brief climb you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the rapidly changing terminal face of the glacier.

Please note this trip does not take you onto the ice, but it does go right up to the ice, if conditions are safe to do so.

Accommodation:
Scenic Hotel Franz Josef, Graham Wing Room with Full Breakfast

14

Franz Josef to Queenstown

Travel south by coach along the coast to Haast before turning inland through Wanaka and arriving in Queenstown.

Accommodation:
Heartland Hotel Queenstown, Standard Room with Full Breakfast

Your Swiss-style chalet in the hills. Perched above the town centre, the Hotel has a distinctive A-frame architecture which helps to create a traditional alpine atmosphere. The Hotel is the ideal place to stay if you want to be close to all the action of Queenstown’s main centre, yet be elevated enough to take advantage of the spectacular views over lake Wakatipu to the mountains.

15

Queenstown

Today is at leisure.

Optional Activities:
Known as the Adventure Capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers a range of activities including zip lining, luging, rafting, horse riding and jetboating.

However, there is also a wonderful range of relaxing and scenic tours including cruising to a high country farm station for a tour and lunch, or exploring Queenstown’s spectacular wine region.

Accommodation:
Heartland Hotel Queenstown, Standard Room with Full Breakfast

 

16

Queenstown to Milford Sound

Travel to Milford Sound by coach for your overnight cruise, the ultimate way to experience Milford Sound. When all the day visitors have left, the fiord transforms into a peaceful scene of dramatic landscape.

After boarding the Milford Mariner, enjoy a full length cruise of the fiord to the Tasman Sea. With an onboard Nature guide, learn about the history and natural environment of the fiord and look out for wildlife such as seals, penguins and dolphins.   Go for a paddle in a kayak, or hop on board a tender craft to explore the fiord up close. The boat will anchor in the shelter of Harrison Cove overnight.

Accommodation:
Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise, Private Double/Twin Cabin with Three-Course Buffet Dinner & Breakfast

17

Milford Sound to Te Anau

Enjoy further cruising this morning before returning to Milford and coaching back to Te Anau.

In the evening, cruise across Lake Manapouri for your Te Anau Glowworm Caves Experience. Hidden beneath the mountains is an underground network of caves lit by thousands of glowworms, you will transfer into small boats and drift silently along the river below a display of glittering glowworms and see the roaring whirlpools and waterfalls of the Tunnel Burn Stream.   Your guide will share stories about the natural history and early pioneers of the region.

Accommodation:
Kingsgate Hotel, Standard Room with Full Breakfast

18

Te Anau to Dunedin

Leave Lake Manapouri and travel through our southern towns of Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin.

A city of classical architecture and Scottish Charm, Dunedin prides itself on being New Zealand’s centre for learning, heritage, arts and culture and gateway to the diverse wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. The vibrant city centre is compact with restaurants, cafes and accommodation within easy walking distance.

Accommodation: 
Kingsate Hotel, Standard Room with Full Breakfast

Located right in the heart of the city, the Kingsgate Hotel Dunedin is ideal hotel for travellers with Otago Museum a 15 minute walk away, the beach ten minutes drive and the central business district is right on your doorstep. This welcoming Dunedin hotel has 55 sunny north facing guest rooms, each with a balcony. Room facilities include contemporary style ensuite bathrooms, broadband, Sky TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities.

18

Dunedin

Your Wildlife Tour today includes a cruise past historic fishing villages, ports, bays, farmlands and the forest before reaching Taiaroa Head and Wellers Rock. You will learn about the harbour’s volcanic, Maori and European history and get to visit the Yellow Eyed Penguins in their natural habitat.

In the afternoon, board the Taieri Gorge Train to Pukerangi. This scenic train journey takes you into some of New Zealand’s ever changing and spectacular scenery. Travel through the southern parts of Dunedin before arriving at Wingatui junction, turning off onto the Taieri branch the train crosses the Taieri plans and climbs into the gorge, a narrow and deep gorge where you will continue through tunnels and over bridge and viaducts.

Accommodation: 
Kingsate Hotel, Standard Room with Full Breakfast

20

Dunedin to Christchurch

Leave Dunedin early by coach and travel north to Christchurch.   Following the 2010-2011 earthquakes, Christchurch has re-emerged as a vibrant, ever-changing city.

Spend the afternoon exploring the city – we suggest visiting Quake City Museum, ride the Tram or go punting on the Avon river.

Accommodation:
Ibis Christchurch, Standard Room with Full Breakfast

Situated in the very heart of this historic garden city, Hotel Ibis Christchurch is located adjacent to Cathedral Square. Hotel Ibis Christchurch offers 155 guest rooms as well as a modern bar and restaurant.

21

Depart Christchurch

Enjoy some last minute shopping before saying your farewells to Christchurch.

Transfer to Airport and connect with your flight. (flights not included)

Your 21 New Zealand Coach Tour concludes today.

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Contact Details

Phone Us
+64 3 3555 990
+64 21 461 971

Our Physical Address
21 Verona Place, Ohoka
Christchurch 7692
New Zealand

Our Postal Address
PO Box 36437, Merivale
Christchurch 8146
New Zealand

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Tour Inclusions

21 Day New Zealand Coach Tour

Special Notes & Conditions:

The Milford Overnight Cruise operates between Mid September and Mid May.  For travel outside of these dates we can include an extra night in Milford, Queenstown or Te Anau with the Milford Sound Day Cruise.

Terms & Conditions

Booking Terms & Conditions:

Currency

All pricing is in New Zealand Dollars and includes 15% GST (Goods & Services Tax).

Pricing

Pricing is subject to availability and confirmation of the stated itinerary at time of booking.  If we are unable to confirm the stated hotels and services, we will endeavour to confirm substitutes at similar rates, however additional costs may apply.

Rental Car Terms & Conditions:

Inclusions: unlimited kilometres, airport/ferry collection fee, full insurance (subject to reduced excess), front windscreen cover, personal accident insurance, guaranteed replacement vehicle in case of accident.

Exclusions: insurance excess reduction of $345.00 including GST (note, standard insurance excess is $3,450.00 including GST), bond, petrol costs, one way fee ($57.50), optional extras, (all additional expenses to be paid direct)

Payment Policy

We do require a non-refundable deposit of NZD$250.00 per person before we go ahead with securing any reservations.

In addition, some of our suppliers may require further deposits to cover their strict cancellation policies, in this case we would advise you at the time of quoting and confirming your itinerary.

The balance of your booking would be required 45 days prior to your travel date.   If you book inside 45 days, full payment would be required at time of booking.

Payment can be made by electronic wire transfer and should include the additional NZD $25.00 bank fee.   We also accept Visa and Mastercard at an additional fee of 3.1%.

Bank Account Details

Bank Name & Address: Westpac Bank, Mid City Queen Street, Auckland, New Zealand

Account Name: Inspired New Zealand Travel

BSB Number: 03-0296

Account Number: 0011146-000

Swift/Routing Code: WPACNZ2W 

Amendments

We are happy to amend your itinerary and dates, however please keep in mind that some of the original services may not be available for your new dates, which may incur additional costs for substituted services.   Amendment fees may apply with multiple changes.

Cancellation Fees

Once Confirmed               Non-refundable Deposit of NZD $250.00 per person

Inside 45 – 21 Days          A Cancellation fee of 30% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.

Inside 20 – 8 days             A Cancellation fee of 50% of your total booking value will apply, along with any cancellation fees applied by our accommodation, sightseeing and other providers.

Inside 7 Days                      Full Cancellations, 100% charge

We will however do our very best to recover and minimise these cancellation fees but recommend that you purchase Travel Insurance to cover yourself.

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