13 Day Auckland to Christchurch Small GroupTour

Ask our expert Chris Hawkins about the 13 Day Auckland to Christchurch Small GroupTour

Please note that the below itinerary is new and commences 01 Apr 2012. Please call us for travel before this date for full itinerary 

Day 1               Arrive Auckland
On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred by limousine toyour city hotel. The 'City of Sails' is New Zealand's largest and most vibrant,offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences.

Stay:    HeritageHotel   ( 2 nights)

Day 2               Auckland at leisure (B)
Auckland's blend of islands, rainforest, Polynesian culture, glisteningharbours and modern city environment creates an unbelievable lifestyle that isranked amongst the highest in the world. Auckland provides visitors with somany wonderful experiences, plenty within easy reach of the downtown citycentre. Today is a free day at leisure to relax & explore what Auckland hasto offer. Day 3               Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula (B)
Today,travel south to the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed withdozens of excellent beaches that separate the Pacific Ocean from the HaurakiGulf. It is a place where many kiwis choose to escape the hustle & hype ofcity life and is home to many arts & crafts people who seek an alternativelifestyle. At the quaint township of Coromandel, we ride the Driving Creeknarrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony before crossing the divideto the eastern side of the peninsula for our overnight stay. 
 
Stay:    MercureGrand Puka Park Resort  

Day 4               Coromandel, Rotorua    (B,D)

Travelalong the Bay of Plenty Coastline to the popular beachside towns of Tauranga& Mt Maunganui. Then head inland across the volcanic plateau to thegeothermal city of Rotorua, an area that has enchanted visitors from around theworld for more than 160 years. Tonight, enjoy a lakeside BBQ at your hotel. Stay:   Amora Lake ResortOkawa Bay  (2 nights)

Day 5               Lake Tarawera Cruise & Te Wairoa Buried Village    (B,L)

Today’s highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear watersof Lake Tarawera aboard the luxury vessel ‘Clearwater Spirit’. You’ll have theopportunity to soak in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach and experience someof the country’s best trout fishing before enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch. Thisafternoon, visit the Blue & Green Lakes and then wander around the famousburied village of Te Wairoa.
 
Day 6               Lake Taupo, Napier    (B)

This morning, visit Wai-O-Tapu (meaning Sacred Waters), a wonderland ofgeothermal activity. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the reserves uniquefeatures that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud,steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terraceformations.  Stop to view the mighty HukaFalls & Wairakei Geothermal project and then take time to wander around thelakeside resort of Taupo. Then it’s on to Napier, one of the world’s finest ArtDeco cities. Your local guide will bring this fascinating architecture to lifeon your walk around the town this afternoon.

Stay:    TePania Hotel  (2 nights)

Day 7               At leisure in the Hawke's Bay    (B)

Widelyregarded as the ‘Tuscany of the South Pacific’, this region boasts some of NewZealand’s best and oldest wineries. Enjoy a free day to experience some of themany optional activities available. Perhaps take a guided wine trail and tastesome of the great wines produced locally, visit the world’s largest mainlandGannet Colony, play a challenging round of golf at Cape Kidnappers, take to theskies on an early morning balloon ride over vineyards, olive groves andorchards or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Day 8               Wairarapa, Wellington    (B)

Travelthis morning through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region en-route to Wellington,the nation’s capital, where you enjoy a brief sightseeing and orientation tourbefore checking into your accommodation. A visit to Te Papa National Museum ishighly recommended.
Stay:    JamesCook Grand Chancellor Hotel  

Day 9               Picton & the MarlboroughSounds   (B,D)

Thismorning cruise across Cook Strait by Interislander ferry to the picturesquefishing village of Picton. Transfer by floatplane to your remote resort locatedin the stunning Kenepuru Sound. A scenic mussel cruise to the resort is also availablefor those who prefer to travel by boat. 
  
Stay:    RaetihiLodge  (2 nights) (Passengersleaving the tour in Wellington today will be transferred to the airport for theironward flight)

Day 10             Enjoy Kenepuru Sound     (B,D)

Afree day to relax & marvel at the magic that is the Marlborough Sounds. Lodgestaff will share their love of the region with you through the wide range ofwater and nature based experiences they put at your fingertips. Complimentaryfishing tackle, kayaks & mountains bikes are provided at the lodge andthere is a number of bush walks to enjoy. Nearby is a picturesque 13-hole ruralgolf course grazed by sheep with fenced greens or you can simply relax with abook & soak in the spectacular scenery.
 
Day 11             Blenheim, Kaikoura     (B)

Return to Havelock by water taxi and rejoin your coach. Travel throughBlenheim to Kaikoura, a coastal town nestled between the Kaikoura mountainrange & the Pacific Ocean. There is time to enjoy one of the many optionalmarine activities like whale-watching, swimming with dolphins and seals orgetting up close and personal to the largest wingspan in the world on aWandering Albatross encounter.  or joinlocal Maori for a unique, award winning cultural experience.

Stay:    White Morph Inn  

Day 12             Coastal Pacific Train to Christchurch  (B)

Todayyou will enjoy a multi-award winning eco-cultural experience with local Maori. Yourhosts belong to the Ngai Tahu tribe and are descendants of Paikea, The Whale Rider. They will give you an insight into theirculture, traditions, and spiritual values as well as an understanding of howthey view the natural world. Later this afternoon, join the Coastal Pacifictrain for the scenic rail journey to Christchurch, the South Island’s largestcity. On arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Stay:    The George Hotel

Day 13             Depart Christchurch    (B)

Sadly,your holiday ends today and you will be transferred to Christchurch airport toconnect with your onward flight.

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