Coastal Discovery

ItineraryDay 1: Auckland
Upon arrival into Auckland you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure exploring the 'City of Sails' or simply sit back and relax after your international flight.
Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Auckland

Day 2: Auckland – Bay of Islands
This morning collect your Hertz rental car and head north to the Bay of Islands. Cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and travel north via the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Stop for lunch at a local bistro (own expense). This afternoon, browse through the seaside village of Paihia or meander through local stores. This evening is at your leisure.
2 Night Stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Bay of Islands

Day 3: Bay of Islands
Today enjoy the some of the many activities that the Bay of Islands has to offer - perhaps a day excursion along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga, deep sea fishing or perhaps visit historic Russell or Kerikeri. Another popular excursion is the famous 'Cream Trip’ that departs from Paihia (own expense).

Day 4: Bay of Islands – Auckland
Today, you will journey through to the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Next is Motukokako Island and the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. The vessel makes a passage through the Hole and on to the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave. On the outward journey view sandy beaches, bays and marine wildlife as your skipper gives an informative commentary. Enjoy one of the scenic walks, a swim or ride the Subsea Adventure. This afternoon, head south back along the bay to Auckland.
Overnight: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Auckland

Day 5: Auckland – Coromandel Peninsula
This morning, continue your journey south to one of New Zealand’s popular destinations, The Coromandel Peninsula. Located just a couple of hours away from Auckland, the Coromandel offers fabulous golden and white sandy beaches with sparkling blue waters, surrounded by magnificent coastal scenery, rugged mountain peaks and native rainforests all waiting to be explored.
2 Night Stay: Grand Mercure Puka Park, Coromandel Peninsula

Day 6: Coromandel Peninsula
Today is your time to explore the wonders of the Coromandel. With over 400kms of coastline you will find an experience to suit you. Swim with dolphins, explore secluded coves along the bay, take a walk into the magical ‘Cathedral Cove’ accessible only by foot or boat, or dig your own jacuzzi in the sand on Hot Water Beach. Just sit back, unwind and relax in this wonderful coastal treasure of New Zealand.

Day 7: Coromandel Peninsula – Rotorua - Tamaki Maori Village
This morning continue with your journey south to Rotorua. Arrive early afternoon. Rotorua is the centre of Maori culture including Te Wairoa, the excavated Maori village buried when Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886. Rotorua is also the main geothermal centre. This evening your Tamaki experience begins with a journey back to pre-European times with stories, history and protocols. Travel to Tamaki village for a traditional welcome ceremony. Enter the village and the meeting house where the Rangiatea culture group offers a glimpse of the tradition, performance, songs and history of the Maori. Enjoy a traditionally cooked feast (Hangi) from earthen ovens and lively entertainment.
3 Night Stay: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua

Day 8: Rotorua
Spend this day at leisure exploring the Maori culture capital of New Zealand. With loads of different activities to chose from you will be spoilt for choice. Why not take a visit to the Polynesian Spa, one of the most famous spas in New Zealand, or take a trip on the Gondola and Luge. With spectacular views from the top, do not forget to bring your camera.

Day 9: Rotorua – White Island Optional Tour
Today you will go on a tour you will never forget. Words cannot express the experience that is walking on the active crater floor of this unique lunar landscape, part of our pacific Ring of Fire. Located 52 kilometres off the Bay of Plenty coastline the island's active volcanic vents, steaming Crater Lake, bubbling hot streams and desolate mining ruins combine to create a surreal experience. When present the sighting of dolphins in the Pacific Ocean over which we fly contrast to create an inspiring excursion. Flight time is approx. 3 hours. Speak to your Qantas Holidays representative for prices - not included in tour price.

Day 10: Rotorua – Wellington
Continue your journey south to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
2 Night Stay: James Cook Grand Chancellor, Wellington

Day 11: Wellington
Wellington combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village. With a wide range of things to chose from, you will be spoilt for choice. Why not visit Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand, get up close and personal with the wildlife at Wellington Zoo or relax and shop the day away on Lambton Quay, home to many Boutique shops as well as a wide range of restaurants and cafes.

Day 12: Wellington – Picton – Kaikoura
Today you continue travelling south, depart Wellington to set sail across the Cook Strait to Picton, experiencing one of the most spectacular 3-hour cruise in the world. Upon arrival into Picton continue your journey south to the gorgeous seaside town of Kaikoura.
Overnight: Hapuku Lodge, Kaikoura

Day 13: Kaikoura - Whale Watch Tour - Christchurch
This morning enjoy a 3-hour Whale Watch tour. Share in this breath-taking adventure as you enter the world of one of the nature's most magnificent mammals - the giant Sperm Whale. View this awesome creature with pods of Dusky Dolphins, sea birds and fur seals. This afternoon continue your journey south to Christchurch; spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
2 Night Stay: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Christchurch

Day 14: Christchurch
Spend time exploring the delights of Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island. This superb city is often described as the most English city outside of England. With its beautiful gardens and parks you will have plenty to see and do. Why not go on a hot air balloon over the Canterbury Plains with amazing views of Mt. Cook and the National Park Mountains. (today's activities at own expense)

Day 15: Christchurch – Dunedin - Peninsula Encounter Tour
Early this morning continue travelling south to New Zealand’s oldest city, Dunedin. Check into your hotel mid-morning ready for your afternoon Peninsula Encounter Tour. View estuarine and marine wildlife including the Royal Albatross, Hookers sealions, Blue Penguins and New Zealand fur seals.
Overnight: Mercure Hotel, Dunedin

Day 16: Dunedin – Queenstown
Spend this morning exploring the spectacular scenery, cultural riches and fine architecture that Dunedin is famous for. This afternoon, continue at your own pace to Queenstown ‘the adventure capital’ of New Zealand. Upon arrival at Queenstown you will drop off your Hertz rental car.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza, Queenstown

Day 17: Queenstown – Overnight Milford Sound Cruise
This morning board a Real Journeys coach in Queenstown, visitors enjoy a relaxing trip along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through rolling countryside to Te Anau. Here you will stop for a short break and have the opportunity to buy lunch (own expense) before the excursion continues along the spectacular Milford Road. There is time for photo stops and short walks along the way. Upon arrival at Milford Sound, passengers board the Milford Mariner for the overnight cruise. The vessel explores many points of interest, with plenty of time available to view waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife with the experienced nature guide on board. After reaching the open sea, subject to weather and favourable conditions the sails are hoisted for a period. The vessel anchors overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove. The overnight cruise includes a delicious four-course buffet evening meal and hearty cooked breakfast. Beverages are sold at the licensed on board bar.
Overnight: Milford Mariner. D.

Day 18: Milford Sound - Queenstown
The next morning following breakfast there is further cruising before returning to the Milford Wharf. After disembarkation passengers return to Queenstown by coach. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure enjoying Queenstown.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza, Queenstown. B.

Day 19: Queenstown
Spend this morning at leisure before you are picked up and transferred to Queenstown Airport for your international flight home.