Your tour departs from the Rydges Auckland Hotel, Corner Kingston & Federal Streets, Auckland at 7.30am. Cross Auckland's distinctive Harbour Bridge for the drive north along the scenic Hibiscus Coast with its numerous beach front holiday settlements then on through Kawakawa to Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands. Visit Waitangi, so important to New Zealand's early history with its famous Treaty House and giant Maori war canoe all located on a promontory overlooking the Bay. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise on the Bay crossing the areas world renowned game fishing grounds made famous by Zane Grey, to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and spectacular "Hole in the Rock". Return through the inner islands with their beautiful sandy beaches, sparkling waters and marine life. Overnight accommodation is at Paihia Holiday Motor Inn.

A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. A full day Tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New Zealand’s first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum. Overnight accommodation is at Paihia Holiday Motor Inn.

South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and its majestic harbour soon comes into view. A city tour will visit the summit of Skytower, at 328metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. Your overnight accommodation is at the Lake Plaza Hotel.

A sightseeing tour encompasses the cultural and scenic highlights of the area. Visit the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a sheep shearing demonstration. Whilst at the Agrodome, be sure to visit the Bliss Confectionery factory & shop for a complimentary treat and tempting sweet delights. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park and see pools of rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over city, lake and mountains and for those wanting just a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments - enjoy the thrill. At the completion of the tour (mid afternoon) there will be time for optional activities:-shopping, trout fishing or a dip in a thermal pool. This evening you will enjoy a Maori hangi (meal) which will include a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka. Your overnight accommodation is at Lake Plaza Hotel.

This morning visit Whakarewarewa, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and famous Pohutu Geyser. After departure from Rotorua we skirt some of the worlds largest man made pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity and on to view the Mighty Huka Falls where the full force of the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm. Pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand and world famous for its trout fishing. Continue on across the Central Plateau noted for its intensive forestry development to the Hawkes Bay region and the city of Napier claimed to be the art deco capital of the world. A city tour will encompass the Marine Parade and foreshore area and many of the buildings that capture the cities art deco theme. Overnight accommodation is at Blue Water Hotel.

Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings and across the northern Wairarapa Region to Dannevirke and Woodville for an early afternoon arrival in New Zealand's Capital City, Wellington. An extensive city tour will include the summit of Mount Victoria for spectacular views over the city and its magnificent Harbour. See the Houses of Parliament dominated by the distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, the central city and business area and Oriental Bay. There is ample opportunity to also explore the city yourselves and if you wish take a ride on the famous Cable Car, but be sure not to miss Te Papa, the "Museum of New Zealand". Overnight accommodation is at Bay Plaza Hotel.

Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with views of the City and its hillside suburbs. Cross Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, bush clad hillsides remote bays and isolated holiday homes. In Picton, you are welcomed by your South Island Coach Captain. Explore Picton then drive to Blenheim for an afternoon’s sightseeing. A visit to the Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea. Your overnight accommodation will be at the Blenheim Country Lodge Hotel.

Past Lake Grassmere then follow the coastline to Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching. Over the Hundalee Ranges and onto the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch. Visit the International Antarctic Centre before a city tour highlighting a strong English influence. See the parklands and River Avon before boarding the Tourist Tram for a circuit of the city centre which showcases all the main points of interest. Your overnight accommodation will be at the Pavilions Hotel.

Depart Christchurch across the broad expanse of the Canterbury Plains with the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine, ascend Burkes Pass into the barren Mackenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd dedicated to the early pioneers of the region and the Collie Dog memorial overlooking the milky blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Time also for a spectacular flight over the Southern Alps, lakes and glaciers with Air Safaris (optional) before continuing your journey into the Mt Cook National Park. A stop at the Mt Cook Alpine Village allows time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand’s highest snow capped peaks before travelling on around the shores of Lake Pukaki to the town of Twizel and onto Omarama. Overnight accommodation is at Heritage Gateway Hotel.

Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin - the "Scottish" city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton’s Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals. Enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge train excursion, play 18 holes of golf at Chisholm Park Golf Course, or just explore the city only a few minutes walk away. Your overnight accommodation will be at the Leviathan Hotel.

Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich, rolling farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden, to reach picturesque Lake Manapouri with its backdrop of rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau. Your overnight accommodation is at Te Anau Downs Motor Lodge.

A highlight of any tour. Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach right to the roads edge and mighty snow capped peaks tower above, pass the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you right to the open sea and shows such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling Falls. Ample time this afternoon to relax and really appreciate your surroundings, take a short walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm a spectacular waterfall then pause at the entrance to the Homer Tunnel. If time and conditions permit your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Hollyford Valley before returning to Te Anau later in the afternoon. Your overnight accommodation is at Te Anau Downs Motor Lodge.

Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the underground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow worms, an unforgettable sight. This afternoon drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown. This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak Sheep Station. Your overnight accommodation is at Rydges Hotel.

A day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many optional sightseeing and recreational activities available to you. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola ride to the Skyline high above , a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon, or for the adventurous - white water rafting. Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries - the choice is yours. Your overnight accommodation is at Rydges Hotel.

Pass picturesque Lake Hayes, then on through the rugged Kawarau Gorge and follow the turbulent Clutha river toward Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora and into Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the glacier region. Explore the township or take the optional guided walk to the glacier’s terminal face (daylight hours permitting). Your overnight accommodation is at the Fox Glacier Hotel.

Time this morning for an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers, then travel north passing tiny lakes and farming settlements. Stop at Greymouth for a visit to a Greenstone (Jade) factory to see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. An interpretive tour will cover the history, mining and crafting of jade. Join the world famous Tranz Alpine train, through valleys of native forest and past Lake Brunner to Otira and through a rail tunnel to Arthurs Pass, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps. Follow the Waimakariri river valley to cross the Canterbury Plains into Christchurch.

Your tour concludes at approximately 6.35pm.

It is recommended to arrive at least one day early in preparation for the morning tour departure. Additional accommodations can be arranged at the start and the end of the tour.

Prices and booking conditions.

SINGLE TRAVELERS: 
Choose either a guaranteed single at time of booking OR request a twin share in which case you will be matched with another traveler of the same gender or if another traveler is not available, you will receive a single room at no extra cost.

Bookings and Information: (OR book online!) 
Destinations Downunder, Travel Specialists to Australia and New Zealand
3712 N. Broadway, PMB #251, Chicago, Il. 60618 USA
Ph:(773) 832-1699 Fax: (773)832-1699 Email: travel@koalakiwi.com
Web: koalakiwi.com