Majestic New Zealand

Experience the natural wonders of New Zealand on this Majestic New Zealand Tour brought to you by Thrifty Tours. Travel on board a luxury air-conditioned coach and enjoy the spectacular scenery as you explore the north and south island on this New Zealand holiday.

Spend your days visiting Mt Cook National Park, where you can experience the sheer thrill of a scenic flight over some of New Zealand's finest alpine scenery, and enjoy a cruise on the picturesque Milford Sound. There is a whole day of free time in Queenstown, where you can experience white water rafting or a jet boat ride. If you would like something a little less adventurous, why not explore Queenstown you way, with shopping, sightseeing or a wine and garden tour.

With such a great itinerary, you are sure to experience New Zealand in a way you never thought possible in 9 days! With plenty of free time and staying longer at each destination, you are able to enjoy some fantastic optional tours that are available along the way.

Accommodation

All of the tours offer a choice of five levels of accommodation, to suit different budgets and holiday styles.

All Accommodation Includes: TV Telephone Ironing facilities Fridge in unit and breakfast available

Motel: Centrally-located motel accommodation, for those on a budget.

Bronze: Clean, comfortable, value for money accommodation.

Silver: Tourist properties with full facilities on site.

Gold: First class tourist properties providing excellent locations and services.

Apartment: Modern apartment-style accommodation, featuring separate bedrooms and kitchen facilities.

Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua: The Bombay Hills signal the end of sprawling city as the lush Waikato pasture lands take you past Hamilton and on to Waitomo caves for a subterranean boat ride under an eerie canopy of lights. Across the Waikato and the Mamaku Hills to fiery Rotorua. Highly recommended is the fascinating Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight (optional). Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 2 At Rotorua: The half day grand sightseeing tour is included - you will see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon is free - there are many activities to attract you.

Day 3 Rotorua - Wellington: Drive south through exotic forests, past Wairakei's permanent mantle of steam, then to Lake Taupo. The ominous peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu watch over our drive to Waiouru, drop down to the fertile Manawatu plains, past coastal horticultural farms, and rocky seascapes to Wellington. Stay overnight in Wellington.

Day 4 Wellington - Picton - Christchurch: Catch the ferries across Cook Strait and through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Board the TranzCoastal train to edge down a narrow coastal strip where the surf pounds the rugged Kaikora Ranges. Cross the dry North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch where you will overnight. As you will arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day to explore the most 'English' city.

Day 5 Christchurch - Mt Cook - Queenstown: Cross the manicured Canterbury Plains, over Burkes Pass to Lake Tekapo, home of the Church of the Good Shepperd. The tussocky plains of the Mackenzie Country lie before you as you head towards Mt Cook village in the heart of the Southern Alps. You have a brief stop here for optional flightseeing or lunch(not included). Follow the southern Alps southward through the Lindis Pass and Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown, where you will stay 3 nights.

Day 6 Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown: An early start takes you alongside Lake Wakatipu to Kingston then onto Mossburn and Lake Te Anau. Travel through the Fiordland National Park, passing the Mirror Lakes, the Chasm, the Homer Tunnel and the Cleddau Canyon. A cruise on Milford Sound beneath lofty Mitre Peak, waterfalls and out to the mouth of the Tasman Sea is included. Then you climb out of Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening.

Day 7 At Queenstown: Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous resort - included in your tour is the Skyline Gondola. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping. Overnight in Queenstown.

Day 8 Queenstown - Glaciers: Travel to Cromwell and on through the Southern Lake district to the Haast Pass. Dense rainforest contrasts with rugged coastal vistas as you travel north towards the glaciers. A shuttle will take you to the viewing platform to see one of these massive rivers of ice. Overnight at either Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers.

Day 9 Glaciers - Christchurch: Travel North past Hokitika, where you can see jade carvers at work, to Greymouth. Here you board the renowned TranzAlpine train and travel through the lengthy Otira Tunnel, over Arthurs Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch once more.

Highlights

• Maori Hangi & Concert
• Waitomo Glowworm Grotto
• TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey
• Rainbow Springs Nature Park

Inclusions

• Luxury coach transport
• 8 nights accommodation
• Rotorua Sightseeing Tour
• Milford Sound Day Excursion

Departures

Departs: Daily from 7.15am from Auckland Hotels, pick-up time confirmed at time of booking
Returns: Auckland
Please Note: This tour also operates in reverse from Christchurch

Additional Information

Children: Aged 0-12 years are at the child rate, when using existing bedding and sharing a room with 2 adults
Operated By: Thrifty Tours