2023/24 - 18 Days: Highlights Tour of New Zealand
Explore the North and South Islands
Bay of Islands and Rotorua in the North
Christchurch and Fox Glacier in the South
Lunch at two local Probus Clubs – one in Hamilton on the North Island and the other in Christchurch
Great accommodation and your own private touring coach
Day 1 (D): Melbourne/Auckland
At Melbourne Airport we will meet for a group check in, prior to our non stop Air New Zealand Flight to Auckland. Our flight, across ‘the ditch” as its affectionately called, takes around 3 hours. On arrival our local hosts will meet us at Auckland’s International Airport and complete the transfer to our city based hotel. (Meal inclusions: Welcome dinner)
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City – 1 night
Day 2 (BD): Auckland to Bay of Islands
Welcome to Auckland - the ‘City of Sails’. We take a brief look around the city before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge to visit the Parry Kauri Park. At Otamatea’s Matakohe Kauri Museum we willl gain an insight into New Zealand’s early pioneer history. Then to Paihia - in the beautiful Bay of Islands. This is where New Zealand’s history began, as explained on our guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty House. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & Dinner in the hotel)
Accommodation: Kingsgate Autolodge, Paihia – 2 nights
Day 3 (B): Bay of Islands
What a morning we have ahead of us! The Bay of Islands comprises 144 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula. The stunning scenery, golden beaches and fresh seafood make it one of the most prominent tourist destinations in New Zealand. This morning, aboard a luxury catamaran, we take a cruise through the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett and on through the Hole in the Rock. There is some free time this afternoon to explore the quaint village of Russell. Perhaps try a seafood lunch at New Zealand’s oldest hotel – the Duke of Marlborough located on the waterfront. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in the hotel)
Day 4 (BD): Bay of Islands – Hamilton
From Paihia this morning we follow the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to Auckland. From here we journey south over the Bombay Hills, where market gardens supply home and export produce and through some of the country’s richest farmland in the lush Waikato Valley to the city of Hamilton set on the banks of the Waikato River. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the hotel)
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Hamilton – 1 night
Day 5 (BL): Hamilton – Rotorua
First stop - the Hamilton Gardens. The unique theme of these Gardens is ‘the story of gardens’ which is explored through a series of five garden collections: The Paradise Garden Collection, the Productive Garden Collection, The Fantasy Garden Collection, The Cultivar Garden Collection and the Landscape Garden Collection. We will then be hosted for lunch by a local Probus Club! This afternoon we travel from Hamilton to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua - the Sulphur City! Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, beautiful coloured hot springs and terrace formations created by mineral water. Rotorua also has a large Maori population whose cultural activities are interesting and accessible as will be witnessed tomorrow evening. (Meal inclusions: breakfast in the Hotel/Lunch)
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Rotorua – 2 nights
Day 6 (BD): Rotorua
We have a fascinating morning ahead of us at the Te Puia – The New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley featuring the famous Pohutu Geyser. Then some free time before tonight’s traditional Hangi (feast) and Maori Concert. Experience the warmth of the Maori people during an evening of ceremonial rituals, powerful cultural performance, storytelling & hangi feasting. Enter the pre-European Maori village, witness the earth being scraped carefully away from the hangi pit and enter their ancestral Meeting House to relax as their family entertains us with a powerful cultural performance before dining on the traditional hangi buffet dinner (Maori feast) cooked the traditional Maori way in an earth oven. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in the hotel/Hangi Buffet)
Day 7 (B): Rotorua - Napier
From Rotorua this morning we travel via New Zealand’s largest pine tree forests to Taupo, with a stop enroute at Wairakei Geothermal Steam Field. This was a world-first, generating electricity by tapping a natural steam field then channelling the steam to a nearby power generation plant. Next are the mighty Huka Falls. Huka in Maori translates to “snow” as the water here has the appearance of snow falling as it is forced along from Lake Taupo, through the falls, on its journey along the Waikato River. Then through the ‘Fruit Bowl’ of New Zealand, Hawkes Bay to Napier. This evening is free to dine at one of the many restaurants in the city centre. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in the hotel)
Accommodation: Scenic Te Pania Hotel, Napier - 1 night
Day 8 (BD): Napier - Wellington
Our morning city tour of Napier features some of the beautiful Art Deco buildings which have given Napier the reputation as being the Art Deco capital of the world! Ten to Wellington where we spend the rest of the day enjoying an informative sightseeing tour, including a visit to Te Papa, (Our Place) New Zealand’s national museum. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & Dinner in the hotel)
Accommodation: James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel, Wellington – 1 night
Day 9 (BD): Wellington - Christchurch
Following breakfast, we cross Cook Strait heading for the South Island. On arrival in Picton, we travel south via Blenheim along the rugged coastline through Kaikoura, where we have a chance to view the seals basking in the sun on the coastal rocks. From here we make our way into Christchurch – our base for the next two nights. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the hotel)
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch – 2 nights
Day 10 (BL): Christchurch
Christchurch emerged revitalized following the earthquake that devastated much of the city in February 2011. The destruction of several landmark historic buildings led to the development of new city plans, a bold public art programme and innovative use of space. Christchurch’s historical charm and atmosphere has seen it often compared with England and it is often referred to as ‘the most English city outside of England’. Once again we will be hosted by a local Probus Club for lunch followed by a free afternoon. Take some time to enjoy the City Centre, visit the Art Centre or perhaps take a ride on the Christchurch Tramcar. (Breakfast in the hotel/Probus Hosted lunch)
Day 11 (BD): Christchurch – Fox Glacier
From Christchurch we traverse the Southern Alps aboard the famous Tranz-Alpine rail journey to Arthurs Pass. From our carriage we will see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. We then climb into the Southern Alps. Crossing Southern Alps. At Arthurs Pass our coach will be waiting for us to complete our journey to the West Coast – or “the Coast” as locals call it, stopping in Hokitika to visit the Greenstone and Glass Blowing factories. Further south is the Westland National Park – home to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. On arrival, time is available for optional scenic flights, before continuing onto our accommodation for the night. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the hotel)
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Te Weheka Hotel, Fox Glacier – 1 night
Day 12 (B): Fox Glacier - Queenstown
Driving towards the southern end of the South Island’s West Coast Road, there is a strong sense of entering a primeval land, and a feeling of total isolation. Arriving at Haast, we are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. From the Westland National Park, we travel through the Haast River Valleys and over the Haast Pass to Makaroa - and onto the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka - the starting point of the mighty Clutha River. From here we continue, via Cromwell, following the Kawarau Gorge Road into Queenstown. Tonight is free for you to explore the local restaurants, cafes and bars. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in the hotel)
Accommodation: Copthorne Lakefront Hotel, Queenstown – 2 nights
Day 13 (BD): Queenstown
Today is at leisure. Visit the Remarkable’s or Coronet Peak. Experience the thrill of a jet-boat ride along the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers. Perhaps a scenic 4 wheel drive excursion through Skippers Canyon, it’s up to you. Tonight we take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the steamer TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast in the hotel/Dinner at Walter Peak Station)
Day 14 (BLD): Milford Sound - Te Anau
Leaving Queenstown we drive around the shores of Lake Wakatipu - New Zealand’s third largest lake – to Te Anau. From here we access the beautiful Eglinton Valley, climbing to Homer Tunnel before descending through the spectacular Cleddau Canyon to reach Milford Sound. A cruise of Milford Sound – dominated by grandeur of Mitre Peak and the Bowen Falls is a must! Our accommodation tonight is at Te Anau. (Meal inclusions: breakfast & dinner in the hotel, light lunch)
Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Lake Te Anau – 1 night
Day 15 (BD): Te Anau – Dunedin
Departing Te Anau, we travel through some of New Zealand’s most populated sheep country - through to Lumsden and onto Gore before arriving in Dunedin – “the Edinburgh of the South”. Our orientation tour of the city includes the Botanical Gardens and the Octagon. (Meal inclusions” Breakfast & dinner in the hotel)
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Dunedin – 1 night
Day 16 (BD): Dunedin - Omarama
First stop[ this morning is Olveston House – an impressive turn-of-the-century house that is still home to all the lavish furnishings and art collections that have been collected from all corners of the world. We then take in the sights of this old Scottish City before travelling onto Oamaru and the ‘White Stone City’ where the old buildings have been constructed with local limestone. It was from Oamaru that New Zealand’s first frozen meat was shipped in 1882 taking over three months to reach England beginning New Zealand’s most important export industry. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & dinner in the hotel)
Accommodation: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama – 1 night
Day 17 (BD): To Christchurch
More spectacular sights today as we head north to Lake Pukaki and then to Mount Cook - New Zealand’s highest mountain. Time is available to enjoy an optional scenic flight over the ancient rivers of ice and the West Coast Glaciers (weather permitting – a highly recommended option). We will see Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the statue of the Collie Dog. Finally we travel across the Canterbury Plains into Christchurch. (Meal inclusions: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner in the hotel)
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel, Christchurch – 1 night
Day 18 (B): Heading Home
What a trip this has been! We will be transferred from the hotel to Christchurch International Airport to connect with our flight back to Melbourne (NZ135 departs Auckland at 6,30pm/Arrives Melbourne at 8.50pm).
Tour Price
Price on application
Fully Escorted from Melbourne
Next Steps
To arrange a tour for your club simply contact Alex Corones from Australian Road Journeys on 0488 117 682 with your preferred date of travel – he will do the rest! When everything is confirmed, ARJ will provide printed itineraries for distribution to interested club members.
Read some testimonials from past groups here.
Tour Conditions
A deposit of $350 per person is required to secure your booking. This deposit is fully refundable until 60 days prior to the day of departure. Final payment is required 45 days prior to the day of departure. Bookings cancelled within 14 days prior to the day of departure are non-refundable. No additional cancellation fees apply.
Personal Travel Insurance is strongly recommended.
The Itinerary may be subject to change without notice. Whilst every effort is made to adhere to the itinerary as provided, Australian Road Journey’s reserves the right to alter the touring and attractions as dictated by circumstances and conditions outside the company’s control. Alterations may be made to ensure the smooth running of the tour. Every attempt will be made to ensure alterations do not adversely affect the operation of the tour. Australian Road Journey’s will not be held responsible for weather based cancellations or those closures made at the venue’s discretion. All itineraries are subject to change due to occasional restrictions in opening times/days of some attractions, e.g. churches, wineries etc.