18 Day Ultimate New Zealand

Discover both the North and South Islands on this 18 day 'All New Zealand' tour. From large cities to secluded villages, there is something to please everyone. Steaming geysers, World Heritage listed National Parks, breathtaking cruises and stunning scenery are just a few things you will experience on this exceptional tour.

Day 1 - Auckland/Whangamata

Take a tour of this “City of Sails ”. Visit the summit of Skytower, at 328m the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the downtown city area and Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas. Sail aboard a yacht on Auckland Harbour for spectacular views of the city and waterfront, then visit the Maritime Museum. Rejoin your coach for the journey to the Coromandel Peninsula. Overnight accommodation is at Breakers Motel.

Day 2 - Whangamata

Experience a day of fun, entertainment and knowledge with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. We look forward to sharing with you our deep love and respect for the mountains, forests and coastline of the Coromandel Peninsula. Highlights of your day will be a leisurely walk through beautiful regenerating Kauri Forest full of fern trees, along the old roads of Puketui, the 1890's gold mining town. Visit an underground jail and discover old gold caves now home to the sparkling beauty of glowworms. From the panorama of mountains and forest, travel to the contrasting coastal scenery with beautiful beaches and off-shore islands. Walk barefoot along isolated white sandy beaches and the blue Pacific rippling at your feet. If the tide is right visit Hotwater Beach where you can dabble your feet in the hot springs on the beach. Learn the fascinating history about the gold and timber, and see the old Maori fortifications along the coastline with their spectacular views. Captain Cook named many of the beaches and Islands you will see in this wonderful corner of New Zealand. Overnight accommodation is at Breakers Motel.

Day 3 - Whangamata / Rotorua

Visit a working orchard producing Kiwi Fruit, Avocados and export flowers including Proteas. On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand's various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a luge ride with our compliments. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka. Your overnight accommodation is at Lake Plaza Hotel.

Day 4 - Rotorua / Turangi

Visit Whakarewarewa, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Pass massive pine forests, see the Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka Falls to reach Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Skirt its shores to Turangi with time for trout fishing, many picturesque walks or if you are daring, white water rafting. Your overnight accommodation is at Bridge Tongariro Resort.

Day 5 - Turangi / Wellington

Cross the National Park with its volcanic peaks to Bulls and Levin, then along the Kapiti coast to the Capital City, Wellington, a tour includes Mt Victoria, the Houses of Parliament, Wellington Cathedral and Oriental Bay with time to explore the city and Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand. Your overnight accommodation is at Bay Plaza Hotel.

Day 6 - Wellington / Blenheim / Nelson

Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it's a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts. Your overnight accommodation is at Leisure Lodge.

Day 7 - Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park

We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving in Nelson at 5.00pm.

Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunahui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas.

Your overnight accommodation is at Leisure Lodge.

Day 8 - Nelson / Greymouth

Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge - a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery. Your overnight accommodation is at Hotel Ashley.

Day 9 - Greymouth / Fox Glacier

Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Fox Glacier. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk to nearby Lake Matheson.
Fox Glacier Hotel. (1 night)

Day 10 - Fox Glacier / Wanaka

Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka a choice of two afternoon activities. Either a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you. Alternatively a very picturesque walk along a track beside the Clutha River as it flows from Lake Wanaka to a picnic spot. Enjoy light refreshments and a thrilling jet boat excursion on the river tailored to suit - full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between. Your overnight accommodation is at Mt Aspiring Hotel.

Day 11 - Wanaka/Queenstown

Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. At leisure in Queenstown on Friday, Saturday & Sunday, jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count - enjoy Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant.

Your overnight accommodation is at the Rydges Hotel.

OPTION 1 Day 12 - Queenstown At leisure in Queenstown. Your overnight accommodation is at the Rydges Hotel . Day 13 - Queenstown At leisure in Queenstown. You have the opportunity this evening of dining at a restaurant of your choice. Your overnight accommodation is at the Rydges Hotel. Day 14 - Queenstown/Milford Sound Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise - an undoubted highlight. OPTION 2 Day 12 - Greenstone Valley Guided Walk By coach to Glenorchy then onto the track, stately beech forests, rocky gorges and silent river pools with Robins and Tom Tits for company. Its 18 km to Steel Creek Lodge nestled on broad river flats. Day 13 - Greenstone Valley Guided Walk Red tussock land, ancient bog pines and cottonwoods with sheer mountainsides above and possible deer on the forests edge. 14 km to Lake McKellar Lodge. Day 14 - Greenstone Valley Guided Walk To the Greenstone Saddle, through lush forests to Lake Howden, then ascend Key Summit (919m) an area of alpine swamp with incredible 360degree views, so spectacular, then down to rejoin your Tour on the Milford Road. Travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise - an undoubted highlight.

Day 15 - Milford Sound / Dunedin

Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the “Edinburgh of the South ”. This evening prior to dinner, you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift. Your overnight accommodation is at Cargills Hotel.

Day 16 - Dunedin

A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. A Monarch Wildlife Cruise, Natures Wonders Tour (both featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Newtons Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or Tour the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery. Have fun! Your overnight accommodation is at Cargills Hotel.

Day 17 Dunedin/Omarama

Visit Olveston, Dunedin's majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama. Your overnights accommodation is at Heritage Gateway Hotel.

Day 18 - Omarama / Mt Cook / Christchurch

Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand's highest mountains. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Your tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm.

• The scenic and cultural icons of New Zealand combined in one superb 18-day itinerary. This outstanding holiday has been designed to offer a range of activities not generally found on a typical New Zealand tour. These include yachting on Auckland Harbour and a visit to the Maritime Museum, two nights on the Coromandel Peninsula and a day's nature activities with Kiwi Dundee and an overnight cruise on Milford Sound. The Ultimate gives passengers the opportunity to take the 3-day Greenstone Valley Guided Walk and a full day to explore Abel Tasman National Park or enjoy your own sightseeing.

• Sightseeing tours of Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin and Christchurch
• Auckland’s Maritime Museum
• Auckland’s Skytower
• Working Kiwi fruit and Avocado Orchard
• Volcanic and Geothermal Region
• Agrodome – Sheep shearing and working dog demonstration
• Authentic Maori Hangi and concert
• Rotorua’s Thermal Wonderland
• Rainbow Springs and Kiwi House
• Te Puia Thermal Reserve
• Skyline Gondola and Luge ride
• Te Papa – Museum of New Zealand
• Montana winery visit and tasting
• Visit Greenstone (Jade) factory
• West Coast Glaciers
• Remote National Parks of Fiordland and Westland
• Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant
• Awe inspiring Milford Sound
• Spectacular Southern Lakes
• Olveston House
• Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
• World renowned Mt Cook Region

(Twin Share)
• Kirra’s Recommended Tour Price from
  NZ $3,795.00 per person

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(Twin Share)
• Acrossnz Tour price from
  NZ $3,605.00 per person

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• A warm welcome at the Airport on arrival to begin your tour (see ‘Airport Transfers’ note).
• Transfers Airport-Hotel-Airport at the beginning and end of your tour (see ‘Airport Transfers’ note).
• Quality, twin share or double accommodation.
• A hearty cooked breakfast each morning (Optional).
• A 3 course multi-choice dinner each evening (Optional).
• Travel in luxurious, well appointed and fully air-conditioned tour coaches.
• Escorted by a professional Coach Captain.
• An informative commentary as you travel.
• Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as detailed with each itinerary.
• Cook Strait ferry crossing where applicable.
• Baggage handling / porterage
• Travel kit including travel bag, ticket wallet, maps and itinerary.