Click here to send us an email
 MAJESTIC NEW ZEALAND

Auckland to Christchurch (also Christchurch to Auckland): 17 days/16 nights

Fully Escorted Quality Touring
Scroll down to Price Panel ...
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Skyline Gondola ride and breakfast with wine 
• Wine and enjoy dinner at Montana Winery
• See the sights of Christchurch on the Christchurch Tram
• The Scottish heritage of Dunedin at Larnach Castle
• Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Reserve
• Cruise through the 'Hole in the Rock'
• Experience a Maori Hangi and Concert
• Explore Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
• Visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum
• View mighty Mt. Cook
• Explore spectacular Milford Sound
• View magnificent Franz Josef Glacier
• See the Pancake Rocks and blowholes
• Discover the beauty of the Southern Alps on-board the TranzAlpine train
* Many included meals + complimentary airport transfers
Departures: Auckland-Christchurch Departures: Christchurch-Auckland
2008
12 Jan**, 19 Jan, 26 Jan**
09 Feb**, 16 Feb**
01 Mar**, 15 Mar**
05 Apr, 12 Apr
03 May, 10 May
14 June
12 July
09 Aug, 23 Aug
06 Sep, 20 Sep**, 27 Sep
04 Oct, 11 Oct, 18 Oct**, 27 Oct
01 Nov**, 08 Nov, 22 Nov, 29 Nov**
13 Dec, 20 Dec**, 27 Dec

2009
10 Jan**, 17 Jan, 24 Jan
07 Feb**, 14 Feb**, 28 Feb**
07 Mar, 14 Mar
04 Apr, 11 Apr
02 May, 09 May
13 June
11 July
08 Aug, 22 Aug
05 Sep, 19 Sep**, 26 Sep
03 Oct, 10 Oct, 17 Oct** 
Further dates TBA		 2008
07 Jan**, 14 Jan**, 28 Jan**
04 Feb**, 07 Feb, 11 Feb**, 14 Feb, 25 Feb**, 28 Feb
03 Mar**, 10 Mar**, 24 Mar, 31 Mar**
21 Apr, 28 Apr
19 May, 26 May
30 June
28 July**
25 Aug
08 Sep**, 15 Sep, 22 Sep, 29 Sep
06 Oct**, 13 Oct, 20 Oct**, 27 Oct
03 Nov**, 10 Nov, 17 Nov**, 24 Nov
08 Dec**, 15 Dec**, 22 Dec

2009
05 Jan**, 12 Jan**, 26 Jan**
02 Feb**, 05 Feb, 09 Feb**, 12 Feb, 23 Feb**, 26 Feb
02Mar**, 05 Mar, 09 Mar**,12 Mar,16 Mar, 19 Mar, 23 Mar, 
26 Mar, 30 Mar**
02 Apr, 20 Apr, 27 Apr**
18 May, 25 May
Further dates TBA



 
                                         ** = Guaranteed departure
 

ITINERARY: Auckland to Christchurch /Christchurch to Auckland ('Majestic NZ')
Truly Ref: 1424 (AKL-CHC),  1425 (CHC-AKL)
This escorted holiday has been meticulously planned and incorporates superior accommodation, unique sightseeing experiences, many meals and the services of a professional Tour Director and Tour Driver.   It offers unrivalled value for money plus optional sightseeing opportunities at extra cost to allow you to tailor your own holiday experience.
Christchurch to Auckland itinerary is the reverse of the itinerary detailed below.

Day 1: Arrive Auckland
On arrival at the hotel the remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Auckland. Perhaps you would like to visit the Sky Tower. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director.
Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. 

Day 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands
Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and take in the amazing scenery of the Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park, then journey to the Bay of Islands.
Enjoy 'Walking with the Descendants', a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Reserve.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands, 2 nights. (BD) 

Day 3: Bay of Islands
Today is free for you to experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands at your own pace – perhaps take a coach trip to Cape Reinga, via idyllic Ninety Mile Beach; enjoy a guided sea-kayaking trip or a day of sailing. (B)
 

Day 4: Auckland
This morning take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett, renowned for its lighthouse, and, weather permitting, through the famous 'Hole in the Rock' formation. This afternoon enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.
Accommodation: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. (BD)

Day 5: Waitomo Caves

Experience a guided tour of the famous Waitomo Caves and discover the incredible Glow-worm Grotto on an underground boat trip. This evening enjoy a Maori concert and Hangi feast.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights. (BD)
 
Day 6: Rotorua
Begin your day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with sparkling wine overlooking Rotorua. Also visit Paradise Valley Springs and enjoy an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome's Sheep Show. 
Later, tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where a local Maori guide escorts us past pools of boiling mud and geysers; also see Kiwis here. This afternoon there is free time for you to relax, explore or join an optional tour. (B)

Day 7: Wellington
Highlights today include charming Taupo, in the heart of the North Island, a visit the mighty Huka Falls and a picturesque drive into the capital city of Wellington.
Accommodation: Novotel Capital, Wellington. (B)

Day 8: Blenheim
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington and panoramic views from the top of Mount Victoria.
Visit Te Papa, New Zealand's National Museum, and explore the fascinating exhibits at your leisure. Later, join the inter-island cruise across Cook Strait and tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound. Enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at the Montana Winery.
Accommodation: Blenheim Country Hotel or Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim. (BD)

Day 9: Christchurch 
Experience the stunning scenery of the east coast and see New Zealand fur seals. Visit Kaikoura where you can take an optional whale watching flight (own expense), then continue on to Christchurch.
Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch. (B)

Day 10: Mt. Cook
Discover the sights of Christchurch this morning on the Christchurch Tram. Visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and see the Church of the Good Shepherd. Also take in the scenery of Mt. Cook National Park, home to New Zealand's highest mountain and you have the chance to take a spectacular optional scenic flight (weather permitting).
Accommodation: MacKenzie Country Inn (Deluxe Rooms), Twizel. (BD) 
 
Day 11: Dunedin
See the pretty Oamaru region today before journeying on to Dunedin. This afternoon is free for you to explore this charming town founded by Scottish settlers – perhaps visit Cadbury World or take an optional Albatross and Yellow Eyed Penguin Cruise.
Accommodation: Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin. (BD) 

Day 12: Dunedin – Te Anau 
This morning enjoy a guided tour and morning tea at Larnach Castle, followed by the highlights of Dunedin on a sightseeing tour. This evening stay in pretty Te Anau.
Accommodation: Village Inn, Te Anau. (BD) 
 
Day 13: Milford Sound
Experience the magnificent alpine scenery of Fiordland today. Drive through the mile long hand hewn Homer Tunnel and see The Chasm. Later, cruise on Milford Sound seeing Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls.
Why not experience the entertaining Kiwi Haka and Dinner tonight?
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights. (B)

Day 14: Queenstown 
Explore Queenstown at your leisure today. Tonight board the historic steamship T.S.S. Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station where you experience a sumptuous carvery dinner. (BD)

Day 15: Franz Josef 
Colourful Arrowtown is your first stop today. We also see Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell, Lake Wanaka, travel over the Haast Pass and stop at Thunder Creek Falls. Continue along the coastal road to Franz Josef.
Accommodation: Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef. (BD) 

Day 16: Franz Josef – TranzAlpine
Discover the magnificent Franz Josef Glacier today. Next visit Hokitika where you can see beautiful native greenstone (jade) jewellery and artefacts then view the fascinating Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki. At Arthur's Pass board the TranzAlpine train for a spectacular journey over the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
Accommodation: The Heritage Hotel, Christchurch. (B)

Day 17: Depart Christchurch
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. (B)

ITINERARY MAY BE MODIFIED WITHOUT NOTICE
 

INCLUDED IN YOUR COACH TOUR
Transportation. Tour by luxury coach, air-conditioned,2-door access, restroom equipped, reclining seats with seatbelts and large panoramic tinted windows
Professionally Escorted. Discover Queensland with your experienced professional Tour Director and Tour Driver
Accommodation. Rooms with private facilities in centrally located hotels, on a Twin Share basis
Dining Inclusions - as shown in itinerary
• Full Buffet Breakfasts  • Lunch   • Dinner
Plus
• Welcome Drink
• All purpose travel bag and map
• Airport transfers included, subject to flight timings  
(Day 1 Auckland Airport to hotel – flights to arrive prior to 4.00pm; Day 17 to Christchurch Airport – flights anytime)
• Hotel porterage included

Air fares are NOT included
 

WEATHER
New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as -10 C in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.

Summer - New Zealand’s summer months are December to February, bringing high temperatures and sunshine. Days are long and sunny, nights are mild.

Autumn - March to May are New Zealand’s autumn months. While temperatures are a little cooler than summer, the weather can be excellent, and it is possible to swim in some places on the North Island until April while the South Island can experience snow and showers.

Winter - New Zealand’s winter months of June to August bring colder weather to much of the country, and more rain to most areas in the North Island. Mountain ranges in both islands become snow-covered, providing beautiful vistas. While the South Island has cooler winter temperatures, some areas of the island experience little rainfall in winter, so this is an excellent time to visit glaciers, mountains, and other areas of scenic beauty.

Spring - Lasts from September to November, and New Zealand’s spring weather can range from cold and frosty to warm and hot. During spring buds, blossoms, and other new growth bursts forth throughout the country and new born lambs can be seen playing in the fields.

 
PRICES: Majestic New Zealand coach tour
Per person per tour

Until 30 Apr 2008

 From May 2008 Truly
Ref
Twin Share Single** Triple Share Twin Share Single** Triple Share
17 days/16 nights Auckland to Christchurch A$4920 A$6324 A$4674 Request Request Request 1424
17 days/16 nights Christchurch to Auckland A$4920 A$6324 A$4674 Request Request Request 1425
Prices are in Australian Dollars (A$) NOT New Zealand Dollars
** A same gender room share can be requested to save paying the single room supplement (all room shares will be in non-smoking rooms)
Reductions for children 15 years and under and sharing a room with 2 adults are available on request
Click here for details of How to Book /How to Make a Secure Payment
Please use the Truly Reference Number when making booking enquiries
To check approximate prices in other key currencies, see our Currency Converter
NOTE: Other than for '** Guaranteed Departures', our local Australian coach operator partner reserves the right to cancel a tour up to 42 days before departure and offer an alternative tour or your money back.  Please bear this in mind if you are organising complex touring arrangements within Australia.   The itinerary shown may also be modified without notice. 
Bookings made with Truly Australia are covered by our ABTA Bond - this financial protection does NOT apply to bookings made direct with the local operator or hotel.   You are completely free to arrange your own flights to Australia - or, if you are departing from the UK, we can quote separately by Email for competitive flight prices, including in business class.
  
Return to - Top    Coach Tours Intro Summary    or hit 'Back' Button to return to previous page
 HOME