Scenic South
13 Days and 12 Nights
- Departs from: Christchurch or Auckland
- From: $2839
Day 1: Christchurch - Dunedin
Travel across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, white stone Oamaru and along the coastline to Palmerston. 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 it's 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 then your first glimpse of Fiordland. Overnight in Te Anau.Day 3: Te Anau - Milford Sound - Queenstown
A you travel through the Fiordland National Park you will pass the Mirror Lakes, 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. Two nights in QueenstownDay 4: In Queenstown
Today is at your leisure in 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, from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris, bungy jumping.Day 5: Queenstown - Wanaka
It is a short drive through the spectacular Kawarau Gorge to Lake Wanaka. The rest of the day is at your leisure, perhaps to visit Puzzling World or the Fighter Pilots' Museum. Overnight in WanakaDay 6: Wanaka - Glaciers
Travel through the southern lake district to the Haast Pass. As you travel into the remote Westland region, you may like to take a jet boat ride(optional). Dense rainforest contrasts with rugged coastal vistas as you travel north towads the glaciers. Stay two nights at Fox or Franz Josef Glacier.Day 7: At Fox or Franz Josef Glacier
A whole day is available for optional excursions onto the glacier, by foot or by helicopter, for bush walks or local sightseeing.Day 8: Glaciers - Christchurch
Travel north past Hokitika, where you can see jade carvers at work, to Greymouth. Here you board the renowned Tranz Alpine train and travel through the lengthy Otira Tunnel, over Arthurs Pass and across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch once more. Overnight in Christchurch.Day 9: 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. Stay 2 nights in Wellington.Day 10: At Wellington
This morning a half-day tour of the city will take in the Parliament Buildings and 'Beehive', Old St Paul's Cathedral, panoramic views of the harbour and city from Mt Victoria and a ride on the cable car. This afternoon is free, perhaps to visit Te Papa Museum or the Museum of City and Sea.Day 11: 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 and concert tonight (optional). Stay two nights in RotoruaDay 12: 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 - there are many activities to attract you.Day 13: 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 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$2839 | NZ$3238 | NZ$3447 |
| Single | NZ$3960 | NZ$4701 | NZ$5186 |
| Triple | NZ$2659 | NZ$3001 | NZ$3181 |
- 13 magnificent days from Auckland to Christchurch, by ferry boat, coach and train, including NZ´s top tourist sites—Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound and many many more...
- 12 nights Accommodation
- Coach Transport
- Transfers
- Waitomo Glow-worm Caves
- Te Puia Thermal valley
- Rainbow Springs
- Agrodome Farm Show
- Wellington City Tour
- Interislander Ferry Cruise
- TranzCoastal Train Journey
- TranzAlpine Train Journey
- Skyline Gondola
- Milford Sound Cruise
- Plus - TOUR BONUS: Option of full day Wairarapa Wine tour
- This tour operates in reverse from Christchurch.
-
(Twin Share)
- Thrifty Tours Recommended Tour Price from
$2989.00 - Acrossnz Tour price from
$2839.00
(Twin Share)
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
