Kirra Tours 18 day Classic New Zealand Panorama

Welcome to Auckland, transfer to hotel

On arrival into Auckland a representative of Kirra Tours will meet you from your flight and a transfer will deliver you to your hotel accommodation. Tonight, enjoy a welcome drinks reception with your fellow travellers.

Head north from Auckland to the Bay of Islands

Drive north to Paihia in the Bay of Islands. Meet your local Maori guide who will provide an insight and history of the Bay of Islands before a visit to New Zealand’s birthplace, Waitangi. A self guided tour through the Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and war canoe. This afternoon enjoy a launch cruise to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and ‘Hole in the Rock’.

Bay of Islands free day

A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. Options include a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach, explore historic Russell, New Zealand's first settlement and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum or enjoy some big game fishing, kayaking or a relaxing afternoon on a yacht.

Bay of Islands to Rotorua

South through the city of Whangarei to Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Auckland and its majestic harbour soon come into view and a city tour includes a visit to the summit of Skytower, at 328m one of the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere offering spectacular panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the central city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs. Cross the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato noted for its horse studs, and the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua.

Rotorua

A sightseeing tour visits the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand's various sheep breeds, a sheep shearing demonstration before heading to Rainbow Springs to see rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. The spectacular Skyline Gondola offers superb views over the city, lake and mountains and for a little excitement try an exciting luge ride. There will be time this afternoon for optional activities such as a helicopter tour to see Mt. Tarawera, a visit to the Buried Village or enjoy the government gardens and the local award winning museum. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal) with traditionally prepared meats and vegetables followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka.

Rotorua to Napier

View the mighty Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal project before stopping at Lake Taupo, the largest in New Zealand. Continue across the Central Plateau to the Hawkes Bay region and Napier, often regarded as the world's Art Deco Capital. On arrival, enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the city.

Journey from Napier to the capital city of Wellington

Orchards and vineyards give way to farmland as you travel into the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region. You travel south over the Rimutaka ranges into the Capital city, Wellington. A city tour includes the summit of Mount Victoria for views over the city and its harbour, the Houses of Parliament and distinctive 'Beehive', Wellington Cathedral, the central city and business area and Oriental Bay. Also explore the city yourself. Don't miss Te Papa, the ''Museum of New Zealand" or take a ride on the famous Cable Car.

Wellington to Picton to Hanmer Springs

Enjoy some free time this morning to either relax or make the most of Wellington’s endless sights. Join the afternoon Interislander Ferry which affords great views of Wellington and its hillside suburbs and cross the Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound and the South Island. Upon arrival into Picton, continue south through Blenheim and then over the Dry hills and into North Canterbury. The spa resort town of Hanmer Springs awaits and a dip in the famous hot pools.

Hanmer Springs to Christchurch

Continue south through the Waipara Valley and onto the garden city, Christchurch. A visit to the International Antarctic Centre before heading to your hotel.

Christchurch to Omarama via Mt Cook National Park

Cross the broad Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps to the west. Enter the foothills near Geraldine to the barren MacKenzie Country. View the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Collie Dog Memorial overlooking Lake Tekapo. Visit Mt Cook National Park, with time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand’s highest snow capped peaks and a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre before travelling around Lake Pukaki to Twizel and Omarama.

Omarama to Dunedin

Pass large hydro lakes as you travel along the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and then south to Dunedin - the "Scottish" city. An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities. Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton's Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals,  enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge train journey or explore the city only a few minutes walk away.

From Dunedin travel to Te Anau - gateway to the Milford Sound

Visit historic Larnach Castle on the Otago Peninsula looking back over Dunedin, before setting off across rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau.

Milford Sound and Scenic Cruise

Follow the Hollyford Valley where the beech forests reach to the roads edge and snow capped peaks tower above. Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to Milford Sound, dominated by Mitre Peak. A launch cruise takes you to the open sea and shows such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling Falls. If time and weather permits, walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm, a spectacular waterfall, and then pause at the Homer Tunnel. After your tour you will return to Te Anau.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITY - Overnight Cruise Milford Sound option

The Milford Mariner offers you a very special dinner, bed and breakfast experience on Milford Sound. On board the Milford Mariner you will cruise the full length of this spectacular fiord to the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. Accompanied by a nature guide you can go exploring in the tender craft and kayaks or simply relax on deck. After the days activities you enjoy a delicious evening buffet in the spacious saloon before retiring to your private cabin.

The vessel itself was designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand coastal trading scow to reflect Fiordland’s heritage. Departing from the Milford Wharf, the Milford Mariner cruises the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea leisurely exploring on the way many points of interest, There is plenty of time to view the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife and the experienced nature guide on board will be able to answer any questions you may have. After reaching the open sea, subject to weather and favourable conditions the sails are hoisted for a period. The vessel returns to the calm and shelter of Harrison Cove for your overnight stay.

Te Anau to Queenstown

This morning we drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Picturesque Queenstown, the Adventure capital of New Zealand, where you will be able to explore the many activities at hand.  This evening cruise across the lake, aboard the steamship TSS Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Queenstown free day

A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. Highly recommended is a jet boat ride on the world famous Shotover River or the Kawarua River with KJet. For a longer wilderness experience try the Dart River Wilderness Safari trip from Glenorchy, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon with Nomad Safaris or even white water rafting combined with a thrilling helicopter ride. Or you could simply relax, explore the shops and cafes and soak in the atmosphere. Queenstown really does have something for everyone.

Queenstown to Franz Josef via Haast

Pass picturesque Lake Hayes, on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the gold mining era, and then to Lake Wanaka. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora, cross the Haast Pass into the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the magnificent Glacier region.

Franz Josef to Christchurch

Today we head north along the coast and pay a visit to a Pounamu (also known as Greenstone or Jade) factory. Pounamu is considered a treasure in Maori culture and is seen as a sign of status and power. It is a hard, highly valued stone found only on the south island. It was often given as gifts to seal important agreements. See how beautiful jewellery is created out of this amazing green stone. At Greymouth, board the famous TranzAlpine Train. Renowned as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, this coast to coast rail adventure will take you through the Southern Alps, over massive viaducts, river valleys and gorges.

Transfer to Christchurch airport

You will be collected from your hotel and transferred to Christchurch airport in time for your onward flight.