4 Day Look South – Economy Coach Tour
$1,359*
PER PERSON
Description
Are you keen to see what New Zealand has to offer? Would you like to experience the North on the way to the South Island.
Come on a delightful journey of Glowworm caves, Geothermal hotspots, traditional Maori fare and activities. Find out how Kiwi farmers manage their stock and see sheep shearing in action. Hand feed fish, loll about on the Interisland ferry while you roll in to the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds and relax and enjoy the free wheeling farmlands and coastal views on the way South.
You may be able to spot the local population of seals basking on the rocks as you pass by Kaikoura on your way to the garden city Christchurch.
Inclusions
- Transport
- 3 nights accommodation
- Transfers within journey
- Waitomo Glow-worm Caves
- Maori Hangi & Concert
- Te Puia Geothermal Experience
- Rainbow Springs
- Agrodome Sheep Show
- Interislander Ferry
- TranzCoastal Train Journey
Other Information
Duration
- 4 Days (3) nights
Departure
- Reporting time 7.30 am at the Sky City Coach Terminal. Departs at 8.00 am EVERY DAY.
Additional Nights – Available to any destination of your choosing. You can add an extra night for a competitive rate. If you would like to extend your tour, please advise your consultant when making your booking. We definitely recommend that you spend extra nights prior to and after your tour to explore the gateway destinations, as these provide many unique attractions worth going the extra mile for.
Flexible Itineraries
All our New Zealand coach tours can be adapted to your individual specifications. If a tour does not entirely suit you, we can provide a personalised coach touring holiday that fits you like a glove. All you need to do is let us know what you want to do, and we will organise it for you.
Transfers Included
Transfers are included between your accommodation and transport on the Tour. If you need to we can book your pre-tour arrangements or you can make your own way to the Tour departure location.
Daily Departures
The tours operate every day and use routine train, ferry and motor coach services. All hotel, motel accommodation, transportation and essential sightseeing are pre-arranged for you.
Are meals included on your Tours?
Hotel and Motel accommodation on the tour are not inclusive of meals. There are many local restaurants and cafe’s from which you can sample, for your dining pleasure. Breakfast options are available to you and these can be provided on enquiry with your consultant.
Is there a Tour Guide travelling with us on the trip?
As you will be travelling independently, on scheduled coach and rail services, this is an unescorted tour. Unless otherwise stated your tour drivers will provide commentary for you to enjoy while you relax in comfort.
Can you tell me the difference between Silver and Bronze accommodation.
With Silver accommodation your stay will be in selected hotels or motor inns that are centrally located. They have a selection of bars and restaurants for your perusal, and deluxe rooms with the facilities expected of superior accommodation. With Bronze accommodation your stay will be in motels or hotels centrally located at your destination. Some of the motel accommodation will provide kitchen facilities, TV, radio etc.
Do I have to carry my own bags or will somebody do it for me?
With Gold and Silver hotels accommodation a porter will be able to assist you with your bags. Bronze accommodation does not have porters, but should you need assistance your driver will be happy to help.
I am travelling alone but I do not want to pay the single room supplement. Can you find me a roommate?
Regrettably we are unable to match you up with another traveller as the occurrence of another person travelling on the same tour with the same dates and class as you is extremely unlikely.
Where do your tours depart from?
The Auckland coaches depart from the Intercity terminal, at Sky City , Hobson Street . Auckland trains depart from the Britomart railway station. The Christchurch coaches depart from the Intercity Terminal at 118 Bealey Ave (between Colombo St and Durham St intersections). Christchurch trains depart from the Addington railway station at Clarence Street in Riccarton .
Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua - Rotorua - Rotorua - Wellington - Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
Board the Great Sights coach for an exciting tour to the magnificent Waitomo Caves and the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua. Travel south along the Auckland motorway to the Bombay Hills, and head into the farming province of Waikato. Your coach follows the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river, through Hamilton and Otorohanga to Waitomo.
Arrive at Waitomo for a guided tour through the spectacular Waitomo Caves and an underground boat ride through the famous ‘Glowworm Grotto’ (admission included). Please note, rain can affect water levels in the cave which may result in a shortened tour.
Leaving the caves, your journey continues through the lush Waikato Plains and on to Fitzgerald Glade – a section of highway where the native bush and trees form a canopy overhead. A traverse of the forest clad Mamaku Hills proceeds until the delicate wafts of sulphur lure you into fiery Rotorua.
Rotorua
In the morning you will be met at your accommodation by a representative from Great Sights Coachlines for your morning city tour (commentated) of Rotorua’s leading attractions..
Highlights include:
Te Puia 60 Minute Guided Tour
Te Puia is New Zealand’s leading and longest running cultural tourism attraction, offering visitors an insight into Maori history and culture, as well as an opportunity to view the spectacular Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley.
Rainbow Springs Admission
Breathe deeply, and take in the native bush, ferns, trees and plants that grow and flower all around you as you wander through the tree lined pathways at Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Enjoy the tranquillity of the crystal clear mineral water that flows tirelessly from the subterranean springs throughout the park, and marvel at the silent grace of the magnificent specimens of Rainbow, Brown and Tiger trout and feed them as they cruise the fern-fringed pools. Hear the bustling bush wildlife, and meet the curious species of native birds on display.
Agrodome Sheep Show
The Agrodome Sheep Show is a one-hour performance where you will see nineteen sheep breeds introduced onto the stage, and be shown the art of sheep shearing, along with sheepdog demonstrations, cow milking, bottle feed lambs and an exciting sheep auction. Audience participation is a major part of this entertaining show, highlighting the significance of agriculture in New Zealand.
Skyline Skyrides Rotorua – Gondola & Buffet Lunch
High on the side of Mount Ngongotaha, Skyline Skyrides will carry you to 487 metres above sea level to a stunning enviroment. Providing panoramic views of Rotorua City, Lake Rotorua and the surrounding area. A Buffet Lunch is included at the Cableway Restaurant.
Rotorua - Wellington
Leaving Rotorua on your Intercity Coach the trip to Taupo takes you through extensive exotic forest to the geothermal areas of Waimangu and Wairakei, where the steam is harnessed to produce electricity.
The start of the Waikato river signals the proximity of a huge watery crater – Lake Taupo Our drive winds along the shore of this extinct volcano before ascending the plateau to view the ominous snowclad peaks of Ruapehu, Ngaruahoe and Tongariro. Continue along the desolate and barren Desert Road to windy Waiouru before dropping down into the farming community of Taihape.
Around Bulls the road levels out, soaking up the wide stretches of the Manawatu plains to Palmerston North. Market gardens abound around Levin and Otaki until the road curves its way round the coast, through Paekakariki and over the hills into Wellington, arriving in the afternoon.
Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
In the morning you will cross Cook Strait by ferry, where you can relax indoors or out and take in the spectacular Marlborough Sounds on your journey to picturesque Picton.
On arrival in Picton you will board the Transcoastal train where you can
sit back and relax as you travel south through Marlborough and then edge down the narrow coastal strip where the Pacific pounds the rugged Kaikoura coastline. You emerge into the dry North Canterbury sheep country which takes you on to Kaiapoi before reaching Christchurch in the early evening.
| Bronze Accommodation | Silver Accommodation | Gold Accommodation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | NZ $1,779.00 | NZ $1,859.00 | NZ $2,179.00 |
| Twin Share | NZ $1,359.00 | NZ $1,399.00 | NZ $1,589.00 |
