New Zealand Itinerary

15 days

Day 1

ARRIVE Christchurch

Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand. On arrival a Kirra representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your downtown city hotel.

In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome cocktail party.

Day 2

CHRISTCHURCH > MT. COOK > OMARAMA

After a brief tour of Christchurch, cross the Canterbury Plains into the MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Memorial overlooking Lake Tekapo.

Visit the Mount Cook National Park, a World Heritage listed site covering over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery. Enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand’s highest snow-capped peaks and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre before travelling on to Omarama.

Optional ski-plane and helicopter flights are available subject to weather conditions.

Day 3

OMARAMA > TE ANAU

Begin the accent over the Lindis Pass to the township of Cromwell. Then, continue on to the historic village of Clyde, nestled in a sheltered basin at the foot of an immense and crooked gorge.

Stop for lunch at Alexandra, located on the banks of the mighty Clutha River. Then, travel across the farmlands of Central Otago to the township of Gore before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau, the gateway to the Fiordland National Park.

Day 4

TE ANAU > DOUBTFUL SOUND > QUEENSTOWN

After breakfast, travel to Manapouri and enjoy a leisurely cruise across this picturesque lake to West Arm. Travel over the Wilmot Pass and pause to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view the Doubtful Sound fjord glistening far below.

Board the ‘Patea Explorer’ for a three hour cruise through this pristine fiord. During the cruise, knowledgeable and friendly nature guides will share with you their passion for the region through their commentary. They will answer questions, point out landmarks and provide you with information about the varied wildlife you may encounter like dolphins, fur seals and the rare Fiordland crested penguin. As the majesty of Doubtful Sound unfolds before you, its vastness will take your breath away.

In the afternoon, travel on to New Zealand’s adventure capital of Queenstown.

Day 5

Queenstown

Queenstown boasts an incredible array of adventure and leisure activities in all its various forms; your Coach Captain will happily recommend and assist with any optional activities you would like to do. Alternatively, you may prefer to browse in the many shops and galleries.

Tonight, ride the Skyline gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed.

Day 6

QUEENSTOWN > GLACIER REGION

In the morning, we visit Arrowtown. Set beneath the rugged Crown Range, this historic village was once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s and features a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of last century.

Afterward, stop at Wanaka: a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. View the untouched wilderness and pristine lakes of the Mt. Aspiring and Westland National Parks before arriving on the rugged and wild West Coast, home to the twin glaciers of Fox and Franz Josef.

Day 7

Glacier Region

Before our departure in the morning, there is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region [subject to weather conditions]

At Hokitika, we stop to visit to a Pounamu, (also known as greenstone or jade) factory. Pounamu is considered a treasure in Maori culture and is seen as a sign of status and power.

Afterward at Punakaiki, marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that are the Pancake Rocks & Blowhole. Then stay the night at a friendly eco resort located in the Paparoa National Park only a stone’s throw from the beach.

Day 8

Glacier region

Skirt the west coastline before heading inland to Murchison. Travel north through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is the busiest fishing port in New Zealand.

In the afternoon, visit the World of Wearable Art & Classic Car Museum.

Day 9

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK

A short drive brings us to Kaiterteri where you board your vessel for a scenic cruise of the famous Abel Tasman National Maritime Park. Cruise through the Astrolabe Roadstead to Torrent Bay & Bark Bay calling in to picturesque beaches and coves. Pause to view the antics at Tonga Island Seal Colony on your way to Totaranui.

An optional coastal walk may be available for those wishing to spend time ashore, see your Coach Captain for details. (B)

Day 10

Nelson > WELLINGTON

A short drive brings us to the picturesque fishing village of Picton. Board the Interislander Ferry and cruise through the spectacular Queens Charlotte Sound into Cook Strait. Enjoy stunning views of New Zealand’s capital city as you arrive into Wellington Harbour.

Enjoy a brief city tour taking in all the major sights with free time for exploring on your own afterward. Situated on the Wellington waterfront, a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, is highly recommended.