33

Auckland

Wellington

Christchurch

Blenheim

Kaikoura

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1

1

Interislander Ferry

Train Journey

Suggested arrival/departure point

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Rotorua

Lake Taupo

Pauanui

Matamata

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1

2

Itinerary

8 DAY

Day 1 Arrive Christchurch On arrival in Christchurch, a Kirra Holidays representative will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.

Stay: Rendezvous Hotel

Day 2 Kaikoura, Blenheim (B,D)An early start this morning as we board the Coastal Pacific train for the journey to the small seaside village of Kaikoura, located on a narrow strip of coastline with the Kaikoura Mountains to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. Time to explore before rejoining your coach and driving on to Blenheim. A short tour of the region includes a visit to Yealands Estate. Enjoy a hosted tour of the winery where you will learn about and taste their range of famous Marlborough wines.

Stay: Scenic Marlborough Hotel

Day 3 Picton, Wellington (B,D) A short drive brings us to the picturesque fishing village of Picton. Board the Interislander Ferry and cruise through the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound into Cook Strait. Enjoy stunning views of New Zealand’s capital city as you arrive into Wellington Harbour. Your city tour takes in all the major sights and there is free time for exploring on your own. Situated on the Wellington waterfront, a visit to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, is highly recommended.

Stay: Ibis Wellington Hotel

Day 4 Taupo, Rotorua (B,D)Leaving the city behind, we travel through rolling farmland as we enter the Tongariro National Park, dominated by the volcanic cone of Mt Ruapehu. Follow the Desert Road to the popular lakeside resort of Taupo, located on the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. Stop to view

the mighty Huka Falls and travel past massive pine forests to reach Rotorua, centre of Maori culture and famous for its geysers, boiling mud pools and steaming craters.

Stay: Sudima Lake Rotorua (2 nights)

Day 5 Rotorua Sightseeing (B,D) Today begins with a visit to the Agrodome to see a unique New Zealand farm show. This is followed by a visit to Te Puia, home to Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Centre. Here you will witness all of nature’s thermal wonders including silica terraces and the famous Pohutu Geyser. Enjoy some free time this afternoon for optional activities before visiting Tamaki Village for an evening of fun and culture. You will experience a traditionally prepared Maori Hangi (feast) followed by a cultural performance featuring Maori songs, chants and dance including the stirring haka.

Day 6 Hobbiton, Pauanui (B,D)Cross the Mamaku Ranges into the Waikato region, well known for its dairy farming, world famous horse studs and champion Rugby team! At Matamata, a guide will escort your group on a Hobbiton Movie Set and Farm Tour. Enjoy a visit to the set used in The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies. On to Pauanui, a favourite New Zealand holiday beach resort for our overnight stay.

Stay: Grand Mercure Puka Park Lodge

Day 7 Coromandel, Auckland (B,D)The Coromandel Peninsula is a beautiful, rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches and is a place where many kiwis choose to escape the hustle and hype of city life. At the quaint township of Coromandel, ride the famous Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony. On to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’ and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight with your new found friends.

Stay: Rydges Auckland Hotel

Day 8 Depart Auckland (B)Sadly, your holiday ends today and you will be transferred to Auckland airport to connect with your onward flight.

NIKAU

INCLUSIONS

· 7 nights accommodation in superior hotels· 7 fully cooked breakfasts (B) & 6 dinners (D)· Travel by luxury touring coach· Services of a professional Coach Captain· Hotel porterage · Complimentary private airport transfers

HIGHLIGHTS

· Stunning South Island scenery· Wellington, the nation’s capital· Thermal Wonderland of Rotorua· Stunning Coromandel Peninsula

FEATURED EXPERIENCES

· Coastal Pacific Train· Authentic Maori Village, Hangi & Cultural Performance· Hobbiton Movie Set & Farm Tour· Driving Creek Railway, Coromandel

ICONIC SIGHTSEEING

· City tours of Wellington & Auckland· Yealands Estate Winery tour & tasting· Interislander Ferry Crossing· Agrodome Farm Show· Te Puia Thermal Reserve

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2016/17 GUARANTEED DEPARTURE DATES

DEPARTS FINISHES

SUN 25 SEP 2016* SUN 02 OCT 2016

SUN 09 OCT 2016 SUN 16 OCT 2016

SUN 23 OCT 2016 SUN 30 OCT 2016

SUN 20 NOV 2016 SUN 27 NOV 2016

SUN 04 DEC 2016 SUN 11 DEC 2016

SUN 15 JAN 2017 SUN 22 JAN 2017

SUN 22 JAN 2017 SUN 29 JAN 2017

SUN 12 FEB 2017 SUN 19 FEB 2017

SUN 19 FEB 2017 SUN 26 FEB 2017

SUN 05 MAR 2017 SUN 12 MAR 2017

SUN 12 MAR 2017 SUN 19 MAR 2017

SUN 19 MAR 2017 SUN 26 MAR 2017

SUN 02 APR 2017 SUN 09 APR 2017

SUN 16 APR 2017 SUN 23 APR 2017

SUN 07 MAY 2017* SUN 14 MAY 2017

SUN 17 SEP 2017* SUN 24 SEP 2017