The Itinerary: Queenstown to Auckland or Auckland to Queenstown in reverse order.
Day 1
Queenstown to Mt Cook: via The Cadrona Valley and Wanaka, another lakeside village that is popular with its winter and summer sports, skiing in the winter and swimming, boating in the summer. Then it's on through the Lindis Pass and onto Mt Cook village The Hermitage, set amongst snow capped mountains of the Southern Alps.
Day 2
Mt Cook to Christchurch: Before leaving Mt Cook, you have the opportunity of a flight up onto the Tasman Glacier and a snow landing. This opportunity of a flight is at additional cost. We then leave the McKenzie Basin and travel through Geraldine and on through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
Day 3
Christchurch to Kaikoura: On leaving Christchurch we travel through North Canterbury and on through to the coastal road to Kaikoura, known around the world for the whale watching. Here you will have the opportunity to go out on a vessel and observe the whales surfacing and diving in their natural habitat. This opportunity is at extra cost.
Day 4
Kaikoura to Wellington: We travel on to Blenheim following the coast for a time and into the world class wine growing area of Marlborough. Here we will have time to sample the local wines before catching the ferry to cross Cook Strait to Wellington.
Day 5
Wellington: A free day in Wellington to explore the hidden treasures of the city. Art, Fashion, National Museum, Cafe Scene, Nightlife and more.
Day 6
Wellington to Masterton: After leaving Wellington we travel through Upper Hutt and on over the Rimutaka Ranges and into the Wairarapa to Martinborough, another wine growing region. After visiting this wine growing region we travel on up to Masterton, a rural town servicing the farmers of the Wairarapa. In march every year Masterton hosts the international Golden Shears competition. Sheep shearing in the Wairarapa is both an occupation and a sport.
Day 7
Masterton to Napier: In 1931 a devastating earthquake nearly levelled the city of Napier. It was rebuilt in the style of the times, and is now considered the Art Deco Capital of the world. The vineyards of Hawke's Bay are all within easy reach of Napier. Another attraction is the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers.
Day 8
Napier to Gisborne: On our way to Gisborne we pass Lake Tutira and cross the Mohaka river known for it's fishing, kayaking and rafting. In Wairoa you will see the unusual sight of a lighthouse in it's main street. We visit Lake Waikaremoana, one of the most beautiful wilderness lakes. There are well maintained walking tracks around the lake.
Day 9
Gisborne to Whakatane: Driving up the east Cape we pass through Tolaga Bay where we take time out to walk on the 660 mtr historic wharfe. Tolaga Bay is also the home of Tolaga Bay Cashmere. A Company that has achieved a reputation among those who understand the pleasure of a treasured garment made in the world's most luxurious fibre.
Further on Te Puia Springs is a place where you can soak in hot mineral water. The village of Te Araroa is rich in Maori history and has a 600 year old pohutukawa tree, the oldest known in New Zealand. Once in Whakatane you may wish to go swimming with the Dolphins.
Day 10
Whakatane to Tauranga: Before leaving you may wish to visit just offshore White Island, a spectacular active volcano that can be visited by launch or helicopter. This is an additional cost. Te Puke makes an interesting stop—it has turned its kiwifruit industry into visitor entertainment.The Bay of Plenty beachy lifestyle becomes obvious as you near the prosperous city of Tauranga, which sprawls along the edge of an attractive harbour.There's a well developed cafe culture and boat charters are available to take you big game fishing, snorkelling or dolphin watching. Nearby Mt Maunganui is a destination for surfing and beach walking.
Day 11
Tauranga to Coromandel: On the way to Coromandel we pass through Whangamata and it is one of the country's most attractive surf towns. Enjoy the beach, cafes and bush walks. Dive and fishing tours are easily arranged. You can also hire bikes, windsurfers and kayaks. Several charter companies run day trips to Mayor Island, which is actually the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor.
Day 12
Coromandel to Auckland: Formerly a gold-mining and timber town, Coromandel is now a haven for artists, craftspeople and conservationists. It has many well-preserved Victorian buildings and an interesting museum. There are several good walks in the area and a railway enthusiast has created an hour-long train trip at Driving Creek. As you approach Auckland, you can't miss the extinct volcanic cones that dot the landscape—there are 48 in all. The city also has two huge harbours, so it's an ideal base for marine adventures. Other attractions include wine trails, forest walks and be sure to try the culinary temptations of the city's restaurant zones.
Price: $6495.00 including local tax (GST) per person twin share. This tour is suited to couples, requires 4 persons for trip to go.
Price: $9351.00 Per Person.2 persons for trip to go. (Two person twin share)
The price includes accommodation, based on bed & breakfast. Road travel between Queenstown and Auckland, and ferry crossing between North and South Islands.
