11 Day Southern Highlights – Superior Coach Tour
$2,136*
PER PERSON
Description
Explore Dunedin and New Zealand’s only castle, a beautiful manor house located out on the stunning Otago Peninsula with a dark and tragic history. In Queenstown take a gondola ride to the lofty heights of Bob’s Peak for a delicious buffet dinner and some truly spectacular views over mountains and lake.Discover mysterious Fiordland and the imposing Milford Sound by taking a cruise between its cavernous walls and even venture into the stunning inner lakes and national park region of St Arnaud to get off the beaten track.
Inclusions
- Dining inclusions – 10 breakfasts and 1 dinners
- Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shepherd
- View Moeraki Boulders
- Visit Lake Wakatipu
- Visit Arrowtown
- Fox Glacier
- Explore Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
- Te Papa Museum
- Christchurch & Wellington Tours
- Entry to Larnach Castle
- Skyline Gondola & Dinner, Queenstown
- Interislander Ferry Crossing
- Milford Sound Cruise
Other Information
Optional Extras
- Single Room Supplement
Duration
11 Days / 10 Nights
Departure
Please click on the Price & Date Tab for departure dates.
- All must see sightseeing activities
- Personalised airport transfers
- Hotel porterage
- Dedicated Coach Captains sharing local knowledge and personal experiences
- Travel in premium, well appointed and fully airconditioned 5 star coaches
- Full buffet breakfast daily
- Panoramic windows and dual entry
- Restroom on board
- Travel kit including bag, ticket wallet, umbrella, diary, local travel information & more
- The finest centrally located hotels available in each destination
Seat rotation plan
When you travel on a Kirra Coach Tour your Coach Captain maintains a daily seat rotation plan to ensure you get to know
all your travelling companions and enjoy the scenery from a different vantage point each day.
Smoking policy
All our coach tours are smoke free and are restricted to smoking during the frequent sightseeing, photographic and comfort stops. We request non-smoking hotel rooms for the comfort of our entire tour group. Travellers who prefer accommodation without such limitations are asked to make their preference known when making reservations and again at the beginning of their tour.
Travelling Alone
As a single traveller we give you the option of a guaranteed single room when you purchase the single supplement. Alternatively, as a single traveller not paying the single supplement, we will match you with another traveller on a twin share basis of the same gender. There may be instances that there are no other single travellers on the tour and in these cases we will provide you with a single room at no extra cost.
Triple discount
When sharing a triple room a saving of 5% applies to your tour price. If you also require pre and post accommodation
we have prices available on request. Please note most room configurations are double or twin in which case the third bed is likely to be a rollaway. We are unable to cater for 4 adults wishing to share one room. A triple discount does not apply to tours including the Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
Arrive Christchurch - Christchurch / Mt Cook / Omarama - Omarama / Dunedin - Dunedin / Te Anau - Te Anau / Milford Sound / Queenstown - Queenstown - Queenstown / Wanaka - Wanaka / Fox Glacier - Fox Glacier / St Arnaud - St Arnaud / Picton / Wellington - Wellington / Home
Arrive Christchurch
A representative of Acrossnz will greet you at the airport with transport waiting to take you to your hotel.
Accommodation
Elms Hotel, Christchurch
Christchurch / Mt Cook / Omarama
Before departing Christchurch this morning enjoy a brief city sights tour which will allow a deeper insight into the hardships this city has faced in recent times, but also showcases the vibrant new sense of community spirit and change that has been borne from the Earthquake tragedy. Later travel across the vast patchwork of Canterbury Plains into Mackenzie Country, an area famed for its history of sheep farming and its sparsely populated beauty. Next arrive into stunning Tekapo to view the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, and the Collie Dog statue that both overlook the powder blue waters of Lake Tekapo itself, allowing for some spectacular photo opportunities. There is also an opportunity to fly over the Southern Alps with Air Safaris if you choose (optional), a scenic flightseeing experience you will never forget! Later continue on to Mt Cook National Park, with its extraordinary scenery and awe-inspiring soaring peaks to view the iconic Mt Cook (Aoraki) itself, the highest mountain in New Zealand. Tonight you will stay in Omarama. (B)
Accommodation
Countrytime Hotel, Omarama
Omarama / Dunedin
Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley this morning, pausing at historic Oamaru with its collection of limestone heritage buildings and beautifully preserved Victorian Precinct. Next arrive into Dunedin – the “Scottish” city, which is known for its vibrant university community as well as being home to the world’s steepest street! Discover Dunedin’s striking heritage buildings and thriving city centre, the Octagon. Your early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities and your Coach Captain will be happy to assist you. Why not take a ride on the iconic Taieri Gorge Railway for striking scenery and dramatic photo opportunities, passing through tunnels and travelling across viaducts. Or perhaps you would prefer to indulge yourself on a guided tour through Dunedin’s iconic Cadbury’s Chocolate Factory or Speight’s Brewery. (B)
Accommodation
Cargills Hotel, Dunedin
Dunedin / Te Anau
This morning venture out onto the stunningly beautiful Otago Peninsula, home to lush green rolling hills, gorgeous coastal views and an abundance of wildlife. Here you will discover the historic Larnach Castle. Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating grand old house, lovingly restored to its former glory after years of neglect. Discover the scandalous and tragic story behind the castles’ original owners before setting off across rich farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden. Continue your journey inland towards the isolated Fiordland National Park area, stopping at the shores of Lake Te Anau, a moody lake which marks the entry to the untouched forests and mountains beyond. If time permits you may like to take the opportunity tonight of visiting the fascinating Te Anau Glowworm Caves which are located a scenic cruise away across the other side of Lake Te Anau (optional and at own expense). (B)
Accommodation
Kingsgate, Te Anau
Te Anau / Milford Sound / Queenstown
Today is a certain highlight of your New Zealand journey as you venture deep into the vast wilderness of Fiordland, with its dense forest, deep lakes and ocean flooded valleys. Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach right to the roads edge and mighty snow capped peaks tower above. Descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound dominated by Mitre Peak, a fjord once described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘Eighth wonder of the world’. A launch cruise takes you right through to the open sea, the colossal walls rising on either side in sheer cliffs that will dwarf your tiny vessel. View the Bowen and Stirling Falls as they crash down the cliffs and if you are lucky even witness a splashing seal or two. After your spectacular journey through Milford Sound you will return to your coach and begin your drive back to Te Anau, before setting off for Queenstown via the winding shores of Lake Wakatipu. Tonight enjoy spectacular views over Queenstown as you ride the scenic Skyline Gondola to the summit of Bob’s Peak for a delicious fresh New Zealand buffet dinner like no other. Take in the absolutely breathtaking panoramic views from the Skyline Restaurant and enjoy a unique night out. (B, D)
Accommodation
Tanoa Aspen Hotel, Queenstown
Queenstown
Today is at your leisure whilst in the adventure capital. You can either sit back and relax in the hotel, venture out to explore the busy streets and remarkable views, or alternatively your Coach Captain is available to assist you with any optional activities you would like to do. Discover the rugged natural beauty and isolated serenity of Skippers Canyon on a day tour, or for those who are looking for a bit of a thrill, why not try out the famous Shotover Jet with its exhilarating 360 degree spins as it speeds past canyon walls and across shallow riverbeds. And no visit to Queenstown would be complete without a trip on the historic TSS Earnslaw, a steamship which has recently celebrated its 102nd birthday. Take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu and disembark for a visit to the picturesque Walter Peak Homestead, where you can enjoy a farm tour or perhaps even a BBQ lunch or dinner. (B)
Accommodation
Tanoa Aspen Hotel, QueenstownQueenstown / Wanaka
Head back in time as you travel through areas steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era. First stop at Arrowtown, a charming village that was once a bustling centre during the height of the Gold Rush when this precious commodity was discovered at the nearby Arrow River. Next travel past picturesque Lake Hayes before arriving at Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lakes edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. This afternoon is at your leisure and we recommend, if the weather is good, you take a cruise on the lake or even a relaxing scenic stroll through town. Your coach captain will be there to assist with optional activities. (B)
Accommodation
Wanaka Hotel, Wanaka
Wanaka / Fox Glacier
Today takes you to Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka before finally you enter the dense bush and winding mountain roads of the Haast Pass. Travel through the Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks before you finally descend out of the mountain ranges to arrive at the West Coast. This spectacular stretch of coastline extends far north to the Glacier Regions, hemmed in by the ocean on your left and the lofty heights of the ranges on your right. Enjoy the wild coastal scenery as you pass windswept isolated beaches and dense bushland before reaching your destination, the township of Fox Glacier. Upon arrival there is an opportunity to take an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers for an unforgettable view. (B)
Accommodation
Heartland Hotel, Fox Glacier
Fox Glacier / St Arnaud
The journey today travels north along the scenic West Coast, stopping at the iconic Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki, a truly stunning landscape of crashing waves and windswept dramatic shores. Pause here to view the famous Pancake rocks themselves (weather permitting), unusual formations formed 30 million years ago from limestone and fragments of marine life. Next you will veer inland through Buller Gorge into an untouched heartland of pristine national parks, deep moody lakes and colossal mountain ranges that extend for miles. Discover striking Lake Rotoiti and the small town of St Arnaud where you will spend the night. Here experience a real sense of New Zealand off the beaten track at this fascinating small-town destination. (B)
Accommodation
Alpine Lodge, St Arnaud
St Arnaud / Picton / Wellington
Drive north to Picton this morning, a charming tiny village and a gateway that leads into the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound, part of a collection of drowned river valleys that extend out from the tip of the South Island, which are also home to some of the most picturesque coastal scenery in New Zealand. Enjoy a cruise on the Interislander Ferry as you cross Cook Strait and arrive into Wellington Harbour. As the Capital City of New Zealand, Wellington is well known for being a vibrant and progressive community, iconic for its art festivals, involvement in the modern global film industry, buzzing cafe culture, and also for being home to New Zealand’s most famous museum, Te Papa. 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. Later why not explore yourself (time permitting), taking the opportunity to visit Te Papa’s extraordinary displays or even take a Cable Car ride for some spectacular views! (B)
Accommodation
Bay Plaza Hotel, Wellington
Wellington / Home
Your New Zealand Coach Tour arrangements end after breakfast today. If required, you will be transferred to Wellington Airport to join your flight home. (B)
| Tour Starts | Tour Ends | Tour Status | Normal Rate | Acrossnz Discount Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 20 Mar 2015 | Mon 30 Mar 2015 | GUARANTEED | NZ $2,248.00 | NZ $2,136.00 |
| Fri 20 Nov 2015 | Mon 30 Nov 2015 | OPEN | NZ $2,248.00 | NZ $2,136.00 |
| Fri 18 Dec 2015 | Mon 28 Dec 2015 | OPEN | NZ $2,248.00 | NZ $2,136.00 |
| Fri 15 Jan 2016 | Mon 25 Jan 2016 | GUARANTEED | NZ $2,248.00 | NZ $2,136.00 |
| Fri 12 Feb 2016 | Mon 22 Feb 2016 | GUARANTEED | NZ $2,248.00 | NZ $2,136.00 |
| Fri 18 Mar 2016 | Mon 28 Mar 2016 | GUARANTEED | NZ $2,248.00 | NZ $2,136.00 |
