Compare New Zealand Rail, Coach and Cruise by Senior Coach Tours vs New Zealand: See & Experience it ALL in 10 Days, 1st Class Custom Tours by Charlie The Traveler
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 16 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 5,765 | $ 4,545 |
| Price Per Day | $ 360 | $ 455 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Luxury |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included | N/A |
Along with lunch on Day 8, a traditional Maori (native) dinner is included on this tour on Evening 9. We do our best to ensure you are being offered healthy and tasty local cuisine. |
| Description | New Zealand Rail, Coach and Cruise |
You absolutely will not find another tour out there as packed with activities and attractions as this one, provided by CharlieTheTraveler. You will also not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year-and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance. |
Day 1 AUCKLAND
On arrival into Auckland you will be met and transferred to our hotel, the Spencer on Byron.
Day 2 AUCKLAND, PARADISE VALLEY SPRINGS, ROTORUA
This morning enjoy an extensive city sights tour of Auckland including a visit to the Sky Tower, offering breathtaking views across Auckland. Departing Auckland we travel through magnificent countryside to Rotorua and visit Paradise Valley Spring, a superb wildlife park where you can hand feed rainbow trout. Our home for two nights is the Sudima Hotel, Lake Rotorua.
Day 3 ROTORUA
Our day begins with a Gondola ride and breakfast at Skyline Rotorua. There is also time for a luge ride, if you wish! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action packed hour of farming entertainment and education. Enjoy some free time this afternoon before we travel to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.
Day 4 ROTORUA, LAKE TAUPO, WELLINGTON
We travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls continuing to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. We pass the outer edges of Tongariro National Park and then continue south along the Kapiti Coast to the capital city of Wellington. Our home for two nights, James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor.
Day 5 WELLINGTON
Today we enjoy an extensive city tour which explains the history and culture on show in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. A highlight will be time to explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views of the land, environment and people. Enjoy some free time to explore at leisure this afternoon. The evening is also free and you may choose to dine at one of the many fine restaurants (own expense).
Day 6 INTERISLANDER FERRY, COASTAL PACIFIC, CHRISTCHURCH
This morning we board the Interislander Ferry, crossing Cook Strait then travelling through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. We join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikoura mountain ranges and rugged scenic coastline travelling through numerous tunnels and across several bridges. Our coach awaits to take us to the garden city of Christchurch and our hotel for two nights, Quality Hotel Elms.
Day 7 CHRISTCHURCH
Today we visit the International Antarctic Centre designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch and later, a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at your leisure.
Day 8 CHRISTCHURCH, TRANZALPINE RAILWAY, FRANZ JOSEF
A highlight as we board the TranzAlpine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Travelling over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges we ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. We board our coach and travel to the beachside town of Hokitika, before arriving at Franz Josef where time is available to experience a scenic flight over the spectacular glaciers (own expense, weather permitting). Tonight’s home, Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier.
Day 9 FRANZ JOSEF, HAAST PASS, QUEENSTOWN
Marvel at the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps as we travel south via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. This evening is free to dine at one of the many fine restaurants (own expense). Our hotel for two nights, Mercure Queenstown Resort or similar.
Day 10 QUEENSTOWN (Free Day)
Today is a free day to explore Queenstown at your own pace. Our crew are available to assist with the many leisure options available. This evening we board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano on your return cruise.
Day 11 QUEENSTOWN, MILFORD SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE
Our morning is spent at Arrowtown visiting the Lakes District Museum. Continuing via Te Anau to Milford Sound we board the Milford Mariner for an amazing overnight cruise. There is plenty of time to view the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife and we’re bound to encounter seals and if we’re lucky maybe dolphins and penguins. As evening falls enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the on board chef.
Day 12 MILFORD SOUND, TE ANAU
We start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Returning back to the wharf we disembark and meet our coach before taking the enjoyable scenic drive to Te Anau. Some time at leisure this afternoon. Our home tonight, the Distinction Luxmore.
Day 13 TE ANAU, DUNEDIN
Travelling via Gore and Balclutha we reach Dunedin and take an informative city tour followed by some free time to explore. Tonight a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis Ceremony and a gift. Our hotel for two nights, the Scenic Hotel Southern Cross.
Day 14 DUNEDIN
A leisurely drive along the Otago Peninsula brings us to Larnach Castle where we enjoy a guided tour. Next stop is Glenfalloch Restaurant for a delightful morning tea. We return to Dunedin for some free time this afternoon.
Day 15 DUNEDIN, CHRISTCHURCH
This morning we visit Olveston House, a prestigious historic home before travelling to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. Later we return to Christchurch and our hotel, the Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport. This evening we gather for a farewell dinner with our new found friends.
Day 16 CHRISTCHURCH
As our holiday draws to a close it’s time to say goodbye, concluding a memorable New Zealand holiday.
Day 1: A Cable Car Ride Over Stunning Landscape & the Country's Most Popular Destination
Our tour starts in Queenstown, a vibrant resort which serves as New Zealand’s most popular destination. This evening we head to a nearby place called Skyline Queenstown. There we take a cable car ride to the top of a mountain called Bob’s Peak. Beautiful views can be seen in every direction. While there, a buffet-style dinner can be purchased at a restaurant called Stratosfare. The cable car ride is included on the tour.
Day 2: Flight-Seeing Over Fjords & a Majestic Boat Ride
Today we make a daytrip to Milford Sound, getting to there and back to Queenstown by scenic flight. Upon arrival, we go on a boat tour cruising atop clear waters and in between postcard-perfect mountains. Milford Sound has been judged the world’s top travel destination in an international survey taken by TripAdvisor, receiving the Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards. Milford Sound is acclaimed as New Zealand's most famous tourist attraction.
Please note that due to unpredictable weather conditions in and around Milford Sound, it is common our customers get to there or return from there by land. When this happens, stops are made so we can enjoy Lake Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, the mountainous Monkey Creek and a national park called the ‘Chasm’.
Day 3: Rapid Jet-Boating, Zip-Lining, Exploring a Gorge & a Cruise on a Vintage Steamship
We start our day with a quick drive to a picturesque gorge called Skippers Canyon. It is mostly one-way, narrow and steep with sheer drops of several hundred meters. After our scenic land expedition, we head to the nearby Shotover River. There we go on a very fast and swerving jet-boating ride. Following lunch, we go zip-lining near the village of Glenorchy.
Our day ends with a cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. While on the tour, we make a stop at a homestead which is known for its sheep, alpacas and a beautiful garden. After dinner, we visit a purpose-built amphitheater. There we see a farmyard of sheep shearing (cutting the sheep’s wool) and otherwise watch a ‘sheepdog round-up’ (the dog makes the sheep walk together as a group).
Day 4: Approaching the Highest Mountain in New Zealand
Today we relocate from Queenstown to Mount Cook Village. Upon arrival, we are provided with a guided tour inside Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park’s Hooker Valley Track. The lookout point at the end of the track is the closest any walking track comes to seeing the highest mountain in New Zealand (Mount Cook). The end of the track reveals completely unobstructed views, with Hooker Glacier seen in the valley below.
Day 5: A Plane Landing on Tasman Glacier & Visiting Ice Grottoes and Caves
Before relocating to the city of Christchurch, we make a daytrip to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park’s Tasman Glacier. We get to there and back to Mount Cook Village by scenic flight. Of New Zealand's 20 peaks over 3,000 meters, all except one lie in this park. Glaciers cover 40 percent of the park area, notably the Tasman Glacier. After landing on this glacier, we go on a guided snow shoeing hike, seeing blue ice grottoes and caves.
Please note that due to unpredictable weather conditions in and around Tasman Glacier, it is common our customers get to there or return from there by land. When this happens between September and May, we replace the flight-seeing tour with a popular boat ride which visits icebergs. When this happens between June and August, we replace the flight-seeing tour with a four-wheel drive expedition around Tasman Valley.
Day 6: The Historic Architecture of Christchurch & Sightseeing
Before relocating to the town of Nelson by flight, we are provided with a guided tour around Christchurch. This city was established in 1850 by Anglican English settlers. The heritage shows in its fine older buildings, especially the neo-gothic ones. The city highlights are the cathedral, riverside market and botanical gardens.
Day 7: The Finest Beaches on This Tour
Before relocating to the city of Auckland, we make a daytrip from Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park. There we are provided with a scenic boat tour. Abel Tasman National Park is in one of the sunniest places in the country, with over 2,000 hours of sunlight per year. The most notable features of this park are its golden-sand beaches, arguably the finest in New Zealand.
Day 8: Where Lord of the Rings was Filmed & Glowworm Grottoes
When relocating from Auckland to the town of Rotorua, two important stops are made along the way. The first is at the Hobbiton Movie Set, home to the internationally acclaimed Lord of the Rings trilogy. There we are provided with a guided tour and lunch. The other important stop before reaching Rotorua is at the Waitomo Caves. There we are provided with a boat ride through glowworm grottoes. The site is spectacular, to say the least.
Day 9: A Mud Bath, Volcanic Craters, Hot Water Springs & a Native Show with Dinner
This morning starts with a daytrip to the nearby Waimangu Volcanic Valley, which includes Lake Rotomahana. On a self-guided tour, there we see volcanic craters, hot water springs and other geothermal features. Upon returning to Rotorua, we are taken to the so-called Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa. There we bathe in a mud pool. The evening ends at the nearby Tamaki Maori Village. There we learn about native rituals, watch a show and have a traditional dinner. The meal is included this evening.
Day 10: Our Tour Ends Today
Rotorua is the final destination on our tour around New Zealand. Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport.
Note that you can extend this standard 10-day tour by one day if you wish to engage in some extreme sports activities near Queenstown. Specifically, on this added day, you would jump off a 43-meter (141-foot) bridge called Kawarau as well as run off a 60-meter (196.85-foot) cliff. It is called the Fox Jump. Obviously, these two activities are not for everyone. This is why we are offering it as a one-day extension to our standard 10-day tour around New Zealand. Let us know if you are interested.
Also, note that you can extend this standard 10-day tour by returning to and visiting Auckland once done in Rotorua. Some customers want a day or two to go sightseeing in New Zealand’s largest city. We offer guided tours upon request. Ask us for details.
