New Zealand Tour :: SAMPLE
28 Day New Zealand tour 
Itinerary

New Zealand Tour :: 28 Day New Zealand Tour Itinerary. Commence in Auckland, and travel throughout the North and South Islands, visiting the major attractions and sampling the broad range of activities available.

Contact Tour Time NZ Ltd for tour booking details.

DAY 1:  AUCKLAND  DBB                    
Arrive Auckland. Rest of day free to relax with optional orientation of the City of Sails. Welcome dinner at Hotel

DAY 2: AUCKLAND   BBL
This morning enjoy a city tour including a visit to Mt Eden, America's Cup Village, Mission Bay and Kelly Tarltons Underwater World. Enjoy a lunchtime cruise on the Waitemata Harbour.  Leisure time for shopping. Dinner not included tonight.

DAY 3: KAURI FOREST – BAY OF ISLANDS:  DBB
We depart Auckland for Paihia, the ‘Birth Place of our Nation’.  Further north, view the Hauraki Gulf, the waters on which the America's Cup was defended in 2003. Enroute to Paihia, we visit the Matakohe Museum before enjoying the nature of the Waipoua Forest.  Here, New Zealand’s largest kauri tree, the great Tane Mahuta towers above the canopy of the virgin rain forest. Late afternoon we visit the Waitangi Maori Meeting House, and view the Maori war canoe.

DAY 4: BAY OF ISLANDS (Optional Cape Reinga) DBB
Today, enjoy a day of rest and relaxation in the Bay of Islands. The Bay of Islands is a renowned marine playground, with activities including swimming with dolphins, fishing and sailing.  Try a round of golf or visit a kiwifruit or citrus orchard. Take a short boat trip to Russell to explore the early history of NZ or tour in a specialist vehicle to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most territory.  There are many options.

DAY 5: PAIHIA – WHANGAREI – AUCKLAND: DBB
Glittering sea and 144 islands beckon!  We unpack our sea legs and board a catamaran for the invigorating ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise and a visit to Cape Brett.  On our return journey to Auckland we visit Whangarei for lunch.

DAY 6: AUCKLAND – ORINI – HAMILTON: DBB
We leave the City of Sails and travel south to a region called Waikato, New Zealand’s richest dairy farming area. This afternoon we visit a major dairy farm during milking. Alternative arrangements made for anyone who does not wish to visit farm.

DAY 7: HAMILTON – WAITOMO – CAMBRIDGE – TAURANGA: DBB
We visit Waitomo, an underground wonderland of stalactites and glow worms.  After a guided walk through enormous underground caverns we take an enchanted boat ride in a  sparkling glow worm grotto. Be prepared to be amazed as we tour through one of New Zealand’s finest horse racing stud farms at Cambridge.Tauranga, a thriving city with its seaside port and the affluent Mount Maunganui area beckons us.

DAY 8: TAURANGA – ROTORUA: DBB
Onwards to Rotorua, an area of natural beauty and rich in cultural heritage. The Agrodome Sheep Show with its nineteen different breeds of sheep is rural New Zealand in action and this is followed by an Organic Farm Tour. We visit Rainbow Springs, a native flora and fauna reserve.  Here thousands of rainbow trout swim in crystal clear springs and native birds, including New Zealand’s national emblem, the Kiwi, abound. This evening relax in Rotorua.  Options include soaking in natural mineral pools where the goodness of the earth soaks into the body, soothing the soul.

DAY 9: ROTORUA SIGHTSEEING AND LEISURE;  DBB (Hangi)
The morning is devoted to exploring the natural wonders of Rotorua!  First we visit the Government Gardens and enjoy the views at the lake front, before exploring the gushing geysers and boiling mud pools at the Te Puia Thermal Reserve.  Close by is the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.  Craftsman work wood in the traditional ways of their ancestors. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to shop, relax or take in other sights of Rotorua.  Get ready for a night of lively entertainment and feasting!  We enjoy a Maori Cultural Show and Hangi (traditional feast).

DAY 10: ROTORUA – TAUPO – FEILDING; DBB
En route to Taupo, we visit the Waiotapu Hot Pool. Marvel at the sheer beauty of the artist’s palette of colours produced by the geothermal activity in this valley. Close by is the home of the famous Pink Terraces, destroyed by the Tarawera Eruption of 1886.  We also visit the mighty Huka Falls before arriving at scenic Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest inland body of water. Continue across the Desert Road with excellent views of the central North Island mountains in fine weather arriving in Manawatu late afternoon. BBQ meal and woolshed experience at Glenone and meet your farm hosts. (farmstays optional)

DAY 11: FEILDING – PALMERSTON NORTH – FEILDING; DBB Palmerston North beckons this morning for a mayoral reception and a visit to the largest wind farm in the Pacific. Palmerston North is a University city of significant scenic value with its many gardens. We drive through the picturesque Massey University and International Pacific grounds and the Esplanade with its New Zealand Rose Trial gardens before returning to your farm hosts. (farmstay opt)

DAY 12: FEILDING – HAWERA – FEILDING; DBB
This morning we drive to the River City of Wanganui where we enjoy a stop near Virginia Lake for morning tea. Onwards to Hawera where we visit the Tawhiti Museum to see farming in the early days and have lunch at Mr Badger’s café.  Hawera is where Fonterra, the largest  Dairy Company in the world is based. (farmstay optional)

DAY 13: FEILDING – WELLINGTON;  BB
Continuing the journey south, enjoy views of this productive countryside, known for its agriculture, horticulture and viticulture and good weather!  On arriving in New Zealand’s capital city, we visit key points of interest including Parliament Buildings, Mount Victoria, Lady Norwood Rose Gardens and the Botanical Gardens.We will also pay a visit to Te Papa, our National Museum. Tonight, enjoy the urban culture of Wellington, a city known for relaxed people and excellent restaurants. Dinner tonight is your choice with many restaurants close.

DAY 14: WELLINGTON – PICTON – NELSON; DBB
Enjoy the scenic cruise across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Nelson, the “Sunshine Capital” of New Zealand, so called because of the regions’ incredibly high annual sunshine hours beckons. It is also home to many world famous wineries. Enjoy the fruit from this plentiful fruit growing area.

DAY 15: NELSON AT LEISURE;  BB
A free day to relax and enjoy a slice of New Zealand at your own pace. Nelson is well known for its arts and crafts. Alternately, enjoy Nelson’s outdoors. The food and wine in Nelson is to die for!  Well known for fresh seafood, restaurants, cafes and vineyards deliver world class cuisine experiences. Dinner tonight is your own choice.

DAY 16: NELSON – KAIKOURA –CHRISTCHURCH DBB
Today we travel through the “gourmet” province of Marlborough and visit Montana Wineries (one of the largest). Soon we are by the sea again and follow the rugged but picturesque Kaikoura coastline south.  It is not uncommon to see sea lions and other marine wildlife on the rocky shoreline.  The day’s journey ends in Christchurch. This is the South Island’s largest city, fondly known as the Garden City with its beautiful expansive gardens and parks.

DAY 17: CHRISTCURCH AT LEISURE; BB
You could be forgiven for thinking you were in England!  Nostalgia influenced early immigrant city planners - Christchurch was built with England in mind! Today, time is yours to relax and explore.  Take in some of the many beautiful gardens, or some of the fine attractions in the city.  Perhaps relax while punting down the Avon River through the heart of the city. If golf is your passion Christchurch boasts an array of international golf courses. The Antarctic Centre is also worth a visit as is the Air Force Museum.

DAY 18: CHRISTCHURCH; DBB
Sightseeing today includes the Port Hills, Sumner Beach, Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens and the Cathedral Square with its gothic architecture. You may also be lucky enough to see or hear the Christchurch Wizard, Christchurch’s own Town Cryer.

DAY 19: CHRISTCHURCH – MOUNT COOK –OMARAMA; DBB
Expect to be impressed by the ever changing landscape of New Zealand’s South Island!  See expansive and fertile river plains of the Canterbury Plains, high country farmland and sub alpine landscapes of the McKenzie Pass.  Take in the iridescent blues of the glacier fed lakes Tekapo and Pukaki.  Most impressive however, are views of the Southern Alps and Mt Cook Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest peak. Along the way, we stop at points of interest including the Church of the Good Shepherd with its wonderful stained glass windows framing a majestic view of the mountains.  We visit Mt Cook township, where the opportunity is yours to take a scenic flight of the Southern Alps and Mt Cook itself.

DAY 20: OMARAMA – DUNEDIN; DBB
Flowing off the Southern Alps is one of New Zealand’s most valuable resources – water! Today we see how New Zealand harnesses this resource for hydro electricity at the country’s largest hydo-electric dam, Benmore.  Travelling on east, we make our way towards the coast and enjoy a walk on the beach to view the enigmatic Moeraki Boulders.  Debate continues as to how these formations came to be. Their symmetry amazes even the most accomplished geologist.  Following the coast south we are soon in Dunedin, the "Edinburgh of the South".  Optional visits to the Penguin colony.

DAY 21: DUNEDIN – TE ANAU via DIPTON; DBB
Before heading west towards Te Anau, we explore more of Dunedin’s heritage with a guided tour of Olveston House, showcasing the life of a privileged early 1900’s family.  Then we depart inland across the lush sheep grazing pastures of Otago and Southland, reaching our destination for the day, Te Anau, next to the scenic lake Te Anau.  This is the gateway to the beautiful Fiordland National Park, a designated World Heritage Area.

DAY 22: Te ANAU – MILFORD SOUND – QUEENSTOWN; DBB
Te Wahi Pounamu is the Maori name of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.  Today, we visit the heart of this special place, Milford Sound, the gem of New Zealand’s scenic treasure chest.  The drive up the Eglington Valley and through the Fiordland National Forest is a spectacular curtain raiser for what is to come.  From the descent through the Homer Tunnel, prepare to have your breath taken away.  We board a catamaran and cruise Milford Sound, in awe at sheer cliffs thousands of feet high, hanging valleys carved by ancient glaciers and cascading waterfalls. Add this to Dusky Dolphins and other marine wildlife, this may well be the scenic highlight of the tour. This afternoon we travel through Te Anau and on to Queenstown - "truly one of the World’s most picturesque settings".

DAY 23: QUEENSTOWN AT LEISURE; DBB
Some say it’s the Adventure Capital of the World, others just love the scenery surrounding this alpine town. Either way, the day is yours to enjoy, doing whatever you choose.  The alternatives are endless.  They include guided trout fishing, jet boating or cruising across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station on the historic TSS Earnslaw.  For those wanting to put their feet up, Queenstown is an excellent place to do just that. 

DAY 24: QUEENSTOWN SIGHTSEEING; DBB
First stop is the settlement of Arrowtown, a quaint town rich in gold mining heritage, nestled on the banks of the once rich in gold, Arrow River.  Original buildings of the gold mining era still stand. This is a window into the region’s early history. Browse the quaint shops and wander through this quaint settlement. Watch bungy jumping (or try). Why would you jump off a cliff tied to a piece of elastic? You may like to try the world famous Shotover Jet ride. Your guided tour may even include another vineyard for those that would like some wine tasting. Tonight is one of the Tour Highlights. Enjoy a buffet dinner atop the Skyline Gondola in a Restaurant for views unequalled. WOW!

DAY 25: QUEENSTOWN – WANAKA – FOX GLACIER; DBB
Invigorated from a day’s adventure, or refreshed from rest and relaxation in Queenstown, we depart Queenstown for Haast.  En route we visit scenic and historic points of interest.   Travel via the stark and dramatic Kawerau Gorge to the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka.  This is a small town, sleepy in summer, but hectic in winter when the ski season begins.  The residents here are blessed with picture card perfect scenery and a lifestyle moulded around the outdoors. The drive to the West Coast takes us past another beautiful lake, Hawea, before crossing the Main Divide over the Haast Pass.  The scenery features beautiful beech forest and wild tumbling streams, including the famous Gates of Haast.  We arrive in Fox Glacier late in the afternoon.

DAY 26: FOX GLACIER – HOKITIKA – GREYMOUTH; DBB
The West Coast is another example of New Zealand’s diverse landscapes.  The rainfall on the West Coast is almost three times that of the east. This wet climate plays the determining role in this lush and grand landscape.  The highlight of the day will be Fox Glacier. Take the opportunity to view the rivers of ice from the air on an optional helicopter or light aircraft flight-seeing excursion up onto the frozen environment.  Prepare to be surprised at lunch time today in an unusual setting  - the West Coast's smallest town with a population of two.  Further north, we pass through Hokitika, famous for its greenstone craftsmen and products, and visit an opossum skin factory in Greymouth where exquisite garments are made from fine opossum merino blends.

DAY 27: GREYMOUTH  – PUNAKAIKI – GREYMOUTH - CHRISTCHURCH; DBB
Still further north this morning we explore the West Coast wild coastline with a visit to a fascinating natural formation, known as the ‘Pancake Rocks’ of Punakaiki.   Layers of water sculpted limestone resembling stacks of pancakes, form a fantastic tableau - made even more dramatic by the shooting geysers of sea spray often evident at high tides. We then return to Greymouth. You have an option this afternoon of taking a train ride rated as one of the greatest in the world!  The Tranz Alpine Express.  Crossing the Main Divide by train is the ultimate scenic journey, offering clear views of mountain, valley and river. For those who prefer the coach we will also be returning by road to Christchurch, also a very scenic ride – the choice is yours. Arrive in Christchurch awed by the journey, and wind down by relaxing and reflecting on the South Island Panorama. Tonight we have our farewell Dinner and prepare for our journey homewards tomorrow.

DAY 28: CHRISTCHURCH – Home    B
HAERE RA.  Sadly here the tour ends and until we meet again, we bid you farewell from Tour Time. Till next time!

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