17-Day New Zealand Premier Coach Tour

Ask our expert Chris Hawkins about the 17-Day New Zealand Premier Coach Tour

Day 1: Auckland, Freedom of Choice touring
Discover the ‘City of Sails’ this morning. Perhaps climb Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, visit Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, cruise Waitemata Harbour or enjoy a relaxing head, neck and shoulder massage - the choice is all yours.
Stay: Auckland, Rendezvous Grand Hotel

Day 2: Auckland, Bay of Islands
Cross Auckland’s Harbour Bridge and travel along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe’s Kauri Museum. In the Northland region, visit the Waitangi Treaty House, and the War Canoe.
Stay: Two Nights: Waitangi, Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands

Day 3: Bay of Islands, Freedom of Choice touring
The Bay of Islands await your discovery today as you choose from a range of sightseeing inclusions. Perhaps drive along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach on a Cape Reinga Day Tour, or enjoy the R. Tucker Thompson sailing adventure. This evening, you have the option to enjoy an included overnight cruise on the Bay of Islands (must be pre booked).

Day 4: Bay of Islands, Auckland
Begin today with a dolphin-watching cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock. See the incredible array of birdlife and marine wildlife here. Back in Auckland tonight we enjoy a delicious dinner at our hotel.
Stay: Auckland, Rendezvous Grand Hotel

Day 5: Waitomo, Rotorua, Hangi feast
The Waitomo region is home to the famous glowworm caves, where thousands of tiny luminescent creatures radiate an unmistakable glow. We discover this natural wonder on a guided tour, before continuing to Rotorua. This evening, the Tamaki Maori Village welcomes us as we experience the dance, music and fascinating culture of the Maori people at a traditional Hangi feast.
Stay: Two Nights: Rotorua, Holiday Inn

Day 6: Rotorua, Freedom of Choice touring
Indulge in a relaxing spa treatment using the mud from Rotorua’s geothermal region, or experience the icons of Rotorua at Te Puia Thermal Reserve. Alternatively, take a ‘Hobbiton Movie Set’ tour or a thrilling 4WD bush safari. Perhaps spend tonight on a Country Homestay (enquire for details, must be pre-booked).

Day 7: Wellington, Freedom of Choice touring
Today, travel through a region abundant with geothermal activity, crystal clear lakes and streams, natural spas and rich Maori culture. Visit Lake Taupo and thundering Huka Falls. Then continue on to Wellington. Tonight, enjoy a choice of dining options.
Stay: Two Nights: Wellington, Amora Hotel

Day 8: Wellington, Freedom of Choice touring
Today choose from a selection of activities including a Wellington sightseeing tour, an enthralling visit to Zealandia: Karori Eco Sanctuary, or a visit the Carter Observatory and Planetarium with a return trip on the Wellington cable car.

Day 9: Cook Strait, Kaikoura
Named after Captain James Cook, Cook Strait separates the North and South islands. The Interislander ferry journey is one of the most picturesque cruises in the world. Once in Picton, we travel to Kaikoura, famous for its whale watching, before arriving in Methven.
Stay: Methven Resort

Day 10: TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef
Rated as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine Train takes us through gorges, river valleys and across the magnificent Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass. Re-boarding our coach we drive down the west coast to marvel at Franz Josef Glacier.
Stay: Franz Josef Glacier, Scenic Hotel

Day 11: Franz Josef, Queenstown, Freedom of Choice touring
Enjoy a day of incredible scenery as you travel along the Haast River, capturing views of the massive glacier-formed Haast River Valley; towering peaks, waterfalls and rainforest. In Queenstown, choose from a delicious range of included dining options.
Stay: Two Nights: Queenstown, Novotel Queenstown Lakeside

Day 12: Queenstown, Freedom of Choice touring
Tailor your sightseeing today in Queenstown. Options include a thrilling Shotover Jet boat ride deep into river canyons, indulging in some of Central Otago’s finest wines, or perhaps exploring your favourite scenes from the famous ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy on a Safari of the Scenes tour.

Day 13: Milford Sound, Te Anau
We journey along the Milford Road this morning, through the Eglinton and Hollyford valleys. Witness the dramatic scenery as we exit the Homer Tunnel. Cruise the full length of pristine Milford Sound - a highlight of any visit to New Zealand, then continue to Te Anau.
Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel and Villas

Day 14: Te Anau, Dunedin, Freedom of Choice touring
Leaving the Fiordland region, our journey takes us through rolling Southland countryside to Dunedin. Later, choose your sightseeing activity. Perhaps visit New Zealand’s only castle, journey aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway, or enjoy a brewery tour and tasting.
Stay: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City

Day 15: Mt Cook, Freedom of Choice touring
We travel north along the coast and stop to view the unusual Moeraki Boulders, before continuing to Mt Cook National Park. Here, perhaps visit the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre, or enjoy an up close iceberg encounter.
Stay: Mt Cook, The Hermitage

Day 16: Mt Cook, Christchurch
Leaving the snow-capped mountains of Mt Cook National Park, we travel by coach to Lake Tekapo. Here, we’ll visit the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, a tribute to the region’s early pioneers.
Stay: Christchurch, The Ashley Hotel

Day 17: Depart Christchurch
Enjoy the morning at leisure before an included transfer to the airport for your onward flight. 

Guaranteed Tour Dates, starting in Auckland:      
2013: May 4, 22; Jul 10; Sep 18, 23; Oct 12; Nov 9, 23; Dec 21.
2014:Jan 4; Feb 5, 8.

For alternative departure dates, which will operate subject to minimum numbers, please call our travel specialists.

01342 310 581

• Back to Premier Escorted Touring
• Back to Homepage