Natural Wonders Of New Zealand in 19 Days

( 5 Star )

Visit: Christchurch - Lake Ohau - Otago Peninsula - Stewart Island - Ulva Isla nd - Queenstown - Nelson Lakes National Park - Kaikoura - Wellington - Tongariro National Park - Rotorua - Auckland

Overview
Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

Christchurch is being rebuilt into a modern city The picturesque Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo Victorian architecture in the "Scottish" city of Dunedin Natural history boat tour to the albatross colony Island hop into the natural paradise of Stewart Island Cruise through the famous Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park A full day for the bustling resort of Queenstown Excursion by ship to the heavenly Abel Tasman National Park Kaikoura with the opportunity for spectacular whale watching (surcharge ) Cruise through the lonely Marlborough Sounds A whole day for the impressive capital Wellington Hot springs and geysers at the Rotorua Maori Cultural Center Dream beaches and rainforests on the Coromandel Peninsula Auckland , the vibrant metropolis of New Zealand

During the day you will travel to the Heartland Hotel Cotswold. Upon request, a transfer can be arranged at an additional cost. The rooms are available from 3 p.m. In the evening you will be greeted by the tour guide. Then dinner together in the hotel restaurant. Meals: dinner

The short city tour in the morning shows how Christchurch has recovered from the severe earthquakes a few years ago and is well on its way to becoming the most modern city in the country. As soon as the bus leaves Christchurch in a southerly direction, fields, meadows and pastures shape the landscape. You drive through Ashburton and Geraldine, both farming centre. At Lake Tekapo, on the other hand, things can get really exciting when good weather allows a scenic flight (optional) over the snow-covered mountain ranges of the Southern Alps. But the view on the ground is not bad either. You will visit the Church of the good Sheherd offering an impressive panorama of the lake. With a little luck, Aoraki Mount Cook will not be wrapped in low-hanging clouds today. So you can marvel at the 3,724 m highest mountain in New Zealand in all its white splendor while continuing through the Tussock Plateau of Mackenzie Country. You will reach the impressive Aoraki Mount Cook National Park in the afternoon. You will spend the night in the middle of the sparsely populated highlands of the Mackenzie Country in an idyllic lodge on Lake Ohau. (approx. 440km) Meals: breakfast, dinner

The coach drives through the wide valley of the Waitaki River to the east coast in order to advance further south. Oamaru, a once important port city, is on the way, as is a heap of giant stone balls, the origin of which is still a mystery. Stroll to the beach to see the large Moeraki Boulders! Around noon you will arrive in the university town of Dunedin, which is populated by many young people. It can still be seen that it was founded by Scots. Also that the second largest city on the South Island once benefited from rich gold discoveries in the hinterland. A number of magnificent Victorian buildings from this period can be seen on a short city tour before continuing on to the neighbouring Otago Peninsula. Look forward to extraordinary nature experiences. Because the peninsula is home to the world's only known mainland colony of king albatrosses. Take the boat out to the cliffs at Taiaroa Head, where the majestic birds are best seen in flight when the wind is blowing. But you also have eyes for seals, dolphins and other sea birds, such as the rare yellow-eyed penguins that are native to the coast. Then the bus will take you to your hotel in Dunedin. (approx. 300km) Meals: breakfast, dinner

Today and tomorrow an extraordinary travel experience is in prospect: Stewart Island, the small but at least third largest island in New Zealand. But first the bus drives through the sparsely populated hill country of the Catlins Forest Park, where pristine forests meet the often stormy coast. Few tourists get here. A short hike brings you closer to the prehistoric fauna. And on it goes south: to Invercargill. The city, which was also founded by Scots, is the largest in Southland and one of the southernmost on earth. The passenger ferry to Stewart Island is waiting in the harbor of Bluff with its large fishing fleet. The crossing to Oban takes an hour, the only settlement on the natural island, where you can move into a motel room for the next two nights. (approx. 270km) Meals: breakfast

You will get to know Oban on a tour. Only about 450 people live here in isolation - a headstrong breed of people who defy water, wind and waves. The rest of the island is densely forested wilderness, for the most part protected as Rakiura National Park. A boat takes you to the uninhabited Ulva Island, a bird sanctuary with rare native species. After a hike, it's back to Oban by boat. Meals: breakfast

Trip back to Bluff, where you get on the bus again to cross the sparsely populated Southland on the designated “Southern Scenic Route”. Contemplative village settlements are on the way, emerged from rough whaling stations or logging centers. The destination of today's stage is Te Anau on the lake of the same name, one of the deepest in New Zealand, right on the border of the huge Fiordland National Park, which is a World Heritage Site because of its uniqueness. Overnight in Te Anau. Before that, you should take a relaxing walk on the secluded lakeshore, combined with a visit to the small bird park. Your tour guide will be happy to show you the way. (Ferry + approx. 190km) Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Today the famous Milford Sound is on the program. A real highlight, especially when the weather is nice. Untouched nature flanks the bus ride on Milford Road to the Homer Tunnel, behind which narrow serpentines lead steeply downwards, which gives breathtaking views of Milford Sound when the visibility is good. You can also admire its beauty up close: on a boat tour to the fjord opening on the Tasman Sea. The onward journey is first back to Te Anau, then on to Queenstown, beautifully situated on Lake Wakatipu. Two hotel nights are reserved for you there. (approx. 410km) Meals: breakfast, dinner

You will be in the front row of the popular holiday resort: at the foot of the imposing mountain range and directly on the deep blue lake. You won't be bored here, I promise! Take advantage of the program-free day for a romantic sea trip on the historic steamship "TSS Earnslaw" (optional) or take the cable car (optional) to Bob's Peak, including a picture-perfect panorama. Of course you can also hike the mountain slopes in the area or enjoy the wonderful lake view along the shore. But Queenstown is best known as New Zealand's adventure playground: spectacular activities for the ultimate adrenaline rush are offered here. Meals: breakfast

You will like Arrowtown. The nicely prepared gold rush settlement from pioneering days is only 20 km away and is on the program right after the descent. The route then climbs in tight serpentines up the Crown Range, New Zealand's highest mountain pass, and follows the lonely shores of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka to Mount Aspiring National Park. What a change in the vegetation! Instead of the dry grassy landscape of Central Otago, you are suddenly surrounded by evergreen rainforest. The Haast Pass acts as a water and weather divide for the Southern Alps. Behind it you go down to the west coast, where you can take an afternoon stroll through the rainforest thicket to the roaring surf of the Tasman Sea. Further north, Westland National Park welcomes you rather cold: with icy high mountain glaciers in one of the most typical and diverse nature reserves in New Zealand, a refuge for rare bird species such as keas, the endemic mountain parrots. You will spend the night not far from Fox Glacier in the village of the same name. Before that, you have the opportunity to take off in a helicopter for a magnificent sightseeing flight (optional) over glaciers and high mountain peaks - if the weather permits. (approx. 340km) Meals: breakfast

The bus ride to the Franz Josef Glacier, which is melting in the valley, is short, the natural spectacle is magnificent: gray melt water flows from the jagged ice masses through the lush green rainforest - and soon afterwards into the sea. The journey continues along the evergreen west coast to the north, via once booming gold rush locations such as Harihari and Ross. It is especially “green” in Hokitika. The small town is the center of greenstone processing. New Zealand jade was already of particular value among the Maori. Watch in a workshop how the stones are cut into treasures. Perhaps you will find your personal travel souvenir here. Further north, a stop in Paparoa National Park is a must. Because from the limestone coast near Punakaiki the roaring surf of the Tasman Sea has carved the famous pancake rocks. The rocks look like huge stacks of pancakes. Convince yourself up close, if possible without getting soaked by the water fountains that can be splashy. On the Buller River, the route turns away from the wild and romantic West Coast and follows the bank upstream through a rugged gorge into the interior of the South Island. The day's destination is St. Arnaud, which is wonderfully situated on a mountain lake on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. (approx. 420km) Arnaud on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. (approx. 420km) Arnaud on the edge of Nelson Lakes National Park. (approx. 420km) Meals: breakfast, dinner

In the morning you take the bus to the sun-drenched Tasman Bay, starting point for a boat trip to the enchanting Abel Tasman National Park. The gentle natural paradise in the northwest of the South Island flatters creation. It is known for its golden sandy beaches between green rainforest thickets and turquoise ocean waves. Enjoy the views from the boat. And watch out for seals that like to warm themselves on the rocks in the sun. Well-leveled paths in the park invite you to take a short hike under tree-high ferns. Or you can just stay on the beach and take a dip in the Tasman Sea. After returning by ship, the bus takes you to Nelson, where the numerous local artists and artisans ensure a very special flair. (approx. 190km) Meals: breakfast, dinner

Today's stage leads to the east coast and touches the enchanting fjord landscape of the Marlborough Sounds in Havelock. The small coastal town lives with and from mussel farming (greenshell mussels). As you continue through the province of Marlborough, vineyards as far as the eye can see: In New Zealand's largest and most famous wine-growing region, tasty Sauvignon Blanc and spicy Pinot Noir thrive. In Kaikoura you can see the blue of the Pacific Ocean again - and possibly whales emerging from the waves, provided you join a boat trip to the “Whale Watch” (optional). In the very nutrient-rich water off the coast, there are mainly powerful sperm whales. Whale watch tours only take place in favorable weather conditions. The likelihood of seeing an animal or two from the boat is big. (approx. 250km) Meals: breakfast

Today you will reach the North Island by ferry. But first we continue by bus, along the coast for a long time. Opportunity to see one or the other seal on the rocks in the water. The terminus on the South Island is Picton. The car ferries drop off and on several times a day in the pretty harbor town. Your approximately three and a half hour mini cruise through the lonely Marlborough Sounds into the open sea of Cook Strait and on to Wellington begins here. Relax on board and keep an eye out for schools of dolphins that, playful, sometimes accompany the ship. Upon arrival in Wellington, transfer to the centrally located hotel. (approx. 170km) Meals: Breakfast

The capital of New Zealand has a lot to offer. Explore Wellington on your own! Stroll along the beautiful harbor promenade and discover well-preserved Victorian architecture in the city. The bright red cable car (optional) takes you up to the well-tended botanical garden. There is no way around Te Papa, the lavishly equipped national museum. And maybe you can make the detour to Zealandia (optional). The wilderness oasis near the city center is home to endangered species. Even prehistoric tuataras can be seen here - almost like in the wild. Meals: breakfast

The bus trip to the north of the Kapiti coast follows for a long time, named after the offshore island that you have in view here. The route then turns inland and crosses the extensive farm areas of the Manawatu region. The day's destination is the central plateau of the North Island, characterized by three volcanoes that are still quite active: Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro. The exciting natural landscape is under protection as Tongariro National Park: New Zealand's oldest national park was one of the first in the world and is a UNESCO natural heritage site. You will spend the night in a place in or on the edge of the national park. (approx. 350km) Meals: Breakfast

Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, accompanies the bus trip in the morning for a long time. It was created during a huge volcanic eruption just under 27,000 years ago. Then visit the Maori of the Ngati Tuwharetoa tribe. After the traditional greeting, there is the unique opportunity to talk and exchange ideas with a tribal elder. Opportunity to experience the Maori culture and to experience it directly. Your visit to the Ngati Tuwharetoa is rounded off with a “Morning Tea”. Another marvelous view of the foaming cascades of the mighty Huka Falls, as the waterfalls of the Waikato River are called. In the afternoon, when the approximately 80 km² large Lake Rotorua comes into view, the hot heart of the North Island is reached: exciting thermal areas surround the lake, which emerged from the caldera of a volcano. Arrival in Rotorua, New Zealand thermal center and an important center of Maori culture. (approx. 190km) Meals: breakfast

This morning you are guaranteed to see a shy kiwi bird at Rotorua: in a breeding station that helps to secure the population of the almost extinct native species. Then visit the Whakarewarewa thermal park with the Te Puia cultural center. Against the backdrop of spouting geysers and steaming springs, learn about the manners and customs of New Zealand's first immigrants. This is also where the Maori Arts and Craft Institute is located, where you can watch wood carvers at work. Then you will be surprised by the Maori with colorful Polynesian folklore, such as traditional dances and chants. The sensational war dance, the "Haka", should not be missing either. Finally, a rich buffet lunch with delicious dishes from the "Hangi" earth oven. You leave Rotorua - past the forest and water-rich wilderness of the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, the bus takes you through the fertile hinterland of the Bay of Plenty to the enchanting Coromandel Peninsula. You stay overnight in a small coastal town on the scenic east side. (approx. 220km) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Hangi)

The peninsula is a small natural paradise with rugged rock massifs inside and soft sandy beaches around it. On the spectacular Hot Water Beach near Hahei, even hot thermal springs penetrate the sand to the surface - great bathing fun at low tide. A short hike down to Cathedral Cove leads to a white dream beach against a dramatic rock backdrop. The way to the northwest, to the attractive metropolis of Auckland, fills the other half of the day's stage. The largest city in the country is beautifully situated on a huge natural harbor bay - and on 53 volcanic cones. Statistically, every third New Zealander lives in Auckland, which results in around 1.6 million inhabitants. You stay in a centrally located hotel. (about 170km) Meals: breakfast

The program ends after breakfast. On request, an airport transfer can be organized at an additional cost. Meals: breakfast

Inclusion

Airport transfer on arrival
18 nights’ sharing twin accommodation
Transfers and meals as specified
New Zealand GST
Coach transport in modern ac-coach with commentary driver
All services as per service list above incl. entrance fees
Porterage of 1 piece of luggage per person (where applicable)
Concession fees for National Parks
Luggage transport (max. 20 kg per person, max 1 piece per person)

Exclusion

International airfares
Optional activities
Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
Personal equipment
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
Travel and medical insurance
Any items not mentioned as included

Note

Minimum Travel Group 08 Pax and Maximum 15 Pax for departure. Incase we do not have minimum 08pax for departure we will provide with alternate provision or itinerary or refund amount.