Compare New Zealand Rail, Coach and Cruise by Senior Coach Tours

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.