Essential New Zealand

10 Days and 9 Nights

• Departs from: Christchurch
• From: $2231

Day 1: Christchurch - Dunedin

Travel south to Timaru, and Oamaru. Cross Mt Cargill to Dunedin, the 'Edinburg of the South'. Arrive in early afternoon with time for optional sightseeing of the wildlife of the Otago Peninsula. Overnight in Dunedin.

Day 2: Dunedin - Te Anau

This morning is free for optional sightseeing. - Now is the rich farming country of South Otago and Southland as we travel to Balclutha and turn west to Gore. The countryside becomes drier as you reach Lumsden, Mossburn and your first glimpse of Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau.

Day 3: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown

As you travel through the Fiordland National Park you will pass the Mirror Lake, the Chasm, the Homer Tunnel and the Cleddau Chasm. A cruise on Milford Sound beneath lofty Mitre Peak, waterfalls and out to the mouth of the Tasman Sea is included. Then you climb out of Milford Sound to Te Anau and across country to the alpine playground of Queenstown. Three nights in Queenstown

Days 4 and 5: At Queenstown

Two full days for you to enjoy this fabulous resort. We have included the Skyline Gondola and the Kiwi Magic Movie in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities as well, thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping.

Day 6: Queenstown - Mt Cook - Christchurch

Travel through the rocky Kawarau Gorge and past Cromwell to climb up and over the Lindis Pass. The Mackenzie Country lies before you as you head towards Mt Cook in the heart of the Southern Alps. You have a brief stop here for optional flight seeing or lunch(not included) before travelling on to Tekapo to see the Church of the Good Shepperd. Cross Burkes Pass to Fairlies before returning to Christchurch, where you will overnight.

Day 7: Christchurch - Picton - Wellington

The Tranz Coastal train makes an early start through dry North Canterbury sheep country. Next it edges along the narrow coastal strip between the ocean and the rugged Kaikora Ranges, before turning inland to Blenheim and Picton. Board the Interislander ferry to cruise through the Marlborough Sounds and across Cook Strait to the Wellington in the North Island. You will arrive in the late afternoon so consider an evening sightseeing tour or an additional night in Wellington to explore the capital city. Overnight in Wellington.

Day 8: Wellington - Rotorua

Travel north along the Kaikora Coast and then ascend the central plateau, where the peaks of Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe stand watch over Lake Taupo. Pass the steam fields of Wairakei and exotic forests to arrive in fiery Rotorua. We recommend you attend a fascinating Maori hangi(feast) and concert tonight (optional). Stay two nights in Rotorua

Day 9: At Rotorua

A half day sightseeing tour is included. You will see roaring geysers, boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon is free and there are many activities to enjoy.

Day 10: Rotorua - Waitomo - Auckland

After leaving fiery Rotorua, you travel to Waitomo for a tour of the limestone caves. Board an underground punt to cruise in awe below a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue via Hamilton and the Waikato River to Auckland once more. You arrive at approximately 5.10 pm.

This tour operates in reverse from Auckland

Prices valid until 30 September 2009. Quoted per person. Please contact us for Self-Drive option prices.
Tour Pricing	Bronze	Silver	Gold
Share Twin	NZ$2231	NZ$2469	NZ$2735
Single	NZ$3134	NZ$3590	NZ$4131
Triple	NZ$2079	NZ$2269	NZ$2507

• Everything from Auckland to Queenstown.
• A full 10 day tour through New Zealand from the hot pools of Rotorua to the icy peaks of the southern alps...

• 9 nights Accommodation
• Coach Transport
• Transfers
• Waitomo glow-worm Caves
• Te Puia Thermal Valley
• Rainbow Springs
• Agrodome Farm Show
• Interislander Ferry Cruise
• TranzCoastal Train Journey
• Milford Sound Cruise
• Mount Cook National Park
• Skyline Gondola
• Plus − TOUR BONUS: Free Rotorua City Flight by helicopter or floatplane
• This tour operates in reverse from Christchurch.

(Twin Share)
• Thrifty Tours Recommended Tour Price from
  $2349.00

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(Twin Share)
• Acrossnz Tour price from
  $2231.00

Thrifty Tours operate EVERY DAY using regular motor coach, train and ferry services

Independent Holidays

• All the advantages of an independent New Zealand holiday combined with the assurances of a well planned, pre-booked itinerary at a very reasonable cost.

Flexible Itineraries

• Our New Zealand coach tours can be adapted or extended according to your requirements.
• If you do not find a Thrifty Tour that suits you, just ask us to provide you with a personalised coach touring holiday.

Daily Departures

• Thrifty Tours operate EVERY DAY using regular motor coach, train and ferry services.
• We arrange your transportation, hotel or motel accommodation and essential sightseeing.

Transfers Included

• Transfers between your transport and accommodation are provided as part of your Thrifty Tour