Coach Tour

If you are not comfortable with driving around New Zealand or the prospect of driving on the left hand side of the road then a fully escorted New Zealand coach tour is an attractive alternative.

Uplanit.com has selected Kirra Tours as their coach operator of choice. Although they are not the biggest coach touring operator, for over 40 years this New Zealand owned company has provided an excellent standard of care and a more personal and friendly service to their customers. You will stay in selected first class accommodation and make friends with fellow travellers, Australians, New Zealanders and people from around the world.

We have featured the 23 day 'All New Zealand Ultimate Tour' because it includes the very best of New Zealand sights and experiences. However, if time does not allow you to stay this long in New Zealand, select one of the shorter duration tours at the bottom of this page and it will be added to your Wish List. We will then send you a fully detailed itinerary and costing of the tour you have selected.

Day 1 - Arrive Auckland

Your flight from North America will arrive early in the morning and after clearing customs formalities at Auckland Airport you will be met with a smile and transferred to your hotel by a Kirra Tours representative. As you travel into the city centre you will spot Skytower, Auckland's iconic landmark. Your accommodation this evening is less than half a block from this landmark.

Accommodation at the Rydges Hotel, Auckland

Day 2 - Auckland / Bay of Islands

Cross Auckland's Harbour Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast skimming past the many seaside villages on the Whangaporoa Peninsula. Travel to Matakohe for a visit to the Kauri Museum that houses an exceptional display highlighting the region's early settlement and kauri gum industry, which was so important to the region's early development. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia. On arrival into Paihia we meet our local Maori guide, who will provide a comprehensive insight and history of the Bay of Islands, before a visit to New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi.

A self guided tour through the famous Treaty House, the Maori Meeting House and giant war canoe, all set in spectacular grounds overlooking the bountiful Bay of Islands. This afternoon you will experience a launch cruise through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett.

Cruise past many of the islands of the Bay. Enjoy the views as you cruise past the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Your Kirra Tours Coach Captain will meet you at the wharf to transfer to your accommodation this evening.

Accommodation at the Tanoa Hotel, Paihia

Day 3 - Bay of Islands

A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your Kirra Tours Coach Captain will happily assist with all details. We highly recommend a full day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point. At Cape Reinga you view the blending of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and an understanding of the Maori myths and legends of the area, go sand boarding down the giant sand dunes and travel along Ninety Mile Beach the highway of the north.

Other recommended optional tours are Discover Hokianga, Discover Kerikeri, Russell Mini Tour, or go swimming with the dolphins on a Dolphin Eco Experience. Tonight you can choose the optional activity Culture North Night Show, a re-enactment of the story of The Maori & European forefathers set in the meeting house of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with dramatic lighting, a powerful script and uplifting music & songs.
Duration is 2 hours and afterwards you can mingle with the cast.

Accommodation at the Tanoa Hotel, Paihia

Optional Extra: Bay of Islands Overnight Cruise Option

Day 4 - Bay of Islands / Auckland

This morning a launch cruise takes you through the sheltered waters of the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett. Cruise past many of the islands of the Bay, keeping a look out for common and bottlenose dolphins, whales and other marine life as you make your way past the Cape Brett Lighthouse, before arriving at the majestic Hole in the Rock - hold your breath as the skipper navigates through the narrow space into the Grand Cathedral Cave.

Head back into the sheltered waters of the bay. Upon reaching Paihia, board your Kirra Coach and bid farewell to the Bay of Islands. Your journey will take you south past scenic native forests and sub-tropical bush, before crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge and arriving into Auckland City.

Accommodation at the Rydges Hotel, Auckland

Day 5 - Auckland / Whangamata

Begin your day with an Auckland City Tour including a visit to the summit of the Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, and a tour of the down town city area and Waterfront Drive. Following your city tour, experience the thrill of cruising on a yacht on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, the hub of New Zealand's nautical playground. Try your hand at taking the helm or sit back, relax and take in the sights. Upon your return ashore you have the opportunity to visit the Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum, a place of daring feats, courage, and exploration.

Your coach will then continue through to the Coromandel Peninsula, with its sea birds and sheltered bays on one side of the peninsula, and white sand surf beaches on the other, before arriving at Whangamata where you will spend the next two nights.

Accommodation at the Breakers Motel Whangamata

Day 6 - The Coromandel

A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures showcasing Coromandel Peninsula's natural heritage and scenic beauty. A photographer's dream! Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads to Puketui, an 1890's gold mining town and visit a gold mine studded with glowworms and hear the fascinating history of this magic area.

Visit stunning coastal scenery with white sand beaches, magnificent cliffs decorated with ancient Pohutukawa trees, old Maori pa sites and offshore islands. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, take a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach. Lunch will be a delightful picnic or a visit to a favourite caf?.

Accommodation at the Breakers Motel Whangamata

Day 7 - Whangamata / Rotorua

Your New Zealand Coach Tour continues on to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see the country's various sheep breeds. It's an hour of farming entertainment and education that's unlike anything you've seen before! Witness a sheep shearing demonstration and be amazed by the sheep dog's ability to respond to commands and manage the sheep. You will even get the opportunity to volunteer to feed the lambs or even hand-milk a cow! When it's all over inside, head outside to observe the talent of a sheep dog in a live dog trial with three sheep, or pop into the Woollen Mill and Shearing Shed, free of charge, to take in the history of the farming and wool industries.

Continue to Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout, farm animals and native birds including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Gondola for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a luge ride with our compliments. This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).

Accommodation at the Sudima Hotel, Lake Rotorua

Day 8 - Rotorua / Masterton

Before leaving Rotorua, your coach will take you to visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and home to the internationally renowned Pohutu Geyser and National Carving and Weaving Schools.

Continue on your way pass massive pine forests, stopping at Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka Falls before reaching Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Enjoy a brief sightseeing tour then either free time in Taupo, or try white water rafting, before following the shores of Lake Taupo to Turangi and on to Masterton.

Accommodation at the Copthorne Resort Solway Park Masterton

Day 9 - Masterton / Wellington

Leaving your accommodation, head south to Greytown where you will pick up your local guide who will share stories, history and anecdotes of the area as you drive past lovely Victorian houses, gardens and orchards. At Featherston visit the 1860's historical farmhouse which is the base of family-owned company, Lavenders Green - a thriving, innovative cottage industry, making products from its own, and local, lemon orchards. Taste some of the delicious range of cordials, curds, fudge and mustards, as well as unique Schoc chocolate made in Greytown.

Return to Greytown for a closer look at the pretty township where there are plenty of boutiques and galleries as well as historical buildings to enjoy. Re-board the coach, and travel over the majestic Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington. A city tour includes Mount Victoria, the Houses of Parliament, Wellington Cathedral, and Oriental Bay with time to explore the city and Te Papa, the "Museum of New Zealand".

Accommodation at the Bay Plaza Hotel, Wellington

Day 10 - Wellington / Blenheim / Nelson

Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton enjoying spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Upon arrival in the South Island you will be welcomed by your Kirra Tours Coach Captain and board the coach for the short drive to Brancott Estate Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it's a fascinating drive to Nelson, a town noted for its arts and crafts.

Day 11 - Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park

Today is at leisure. We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. Travel by coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the park's coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk two hours to Bark Bay, or disembark at Bark Bay and explore the area, relax on the beach, or take a swim.

From Bark Bay board your launch and retrace your journey back to Nelson. If you opt not to take the Abel Tasman Day Trip you may choose to explore Nelson and its galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more, follow the Art Trail, or visit Tahunahui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas.

Accommodation at the Leisure Lodge, Nelson

Day 12 - Nelson / Greymouth

Travel past lush farmlands and forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge - a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind where you may choose to lunch at the award winning Beach House Caf?. Continue south to Punakaiki to explore the Pancake Rocks. These rocks are columns of limestone that resemble stacks of pancakes. At high tide, with a heavy swell running, seawater is forced up through blowholes.

On to Greymouth to visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native greenstone (jade), which has been mined in remote alpine valleys, learn about the carving process, and have the opportunity to observe craftsmen create fine traditional and contemporary jewellery.

Accommodation at the Hotel Ashley, Greymouth

Day 13 - Greymouth / Fox Glacier

Your journey to Franz Josef is highlighted by remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes and dense native bush & forest dominated by the towering Southern Alps. Upon reaching the township, there is plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glacier's terminal face, a half day glacier walk, or a glacier heli-hike. Or, to see the glacier from a different angle, we highly recommend a helicopter flight and snow landing. Alternatively you may choose to simply relax in the Glacier Hot Pools.

Accommodation at the Scenic Hotel, Franz Josef

Day 14 - Fox Glacier / Wanaka

Follow the rugged coastline then head inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bush land of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka you'll have a choice of two afternoon activities: a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island nature reserve for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you. Alternatively enjoy a thrilling jet boat excursion on the lake - full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between.

Accommodation at the Mercure Grand Oakridge Resort

Day 15 - Wanaka / Queenstown

Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and gold mining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant (entire group). You have 2 choices for the next three days and Kirra Tours enthusiastically recommends the Hollyford Track Guided Walk option (available on select departures).

Accommodation at the Rydges Hotel, Queenstown

Day 16 - Queenstown

Enjoy a day at leisure with many optional activities to choose from - Jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track. Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count - Enjoy!

Alternatively take the once in a life time opportunity to experience the 3 Day Hollyford track.

Accommodation at the Rydges Hotel, Queenstown

Optional Extra: 3 Day Hollyford Track Walk Option

Day 17 - Queenstown at Leisure

A day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at leisure. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola ride to the Skyline high above the resort, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon, white water rafting or browse in the many shops and galleries.

Accommodation at the Rydges Hotel, Queenstown

Day 18 - Queenstown / Milford Sound

Follow the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Kingston, then cross fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri with its rugged bush clad mountains before continuing to Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, past native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. Continue through The Divide and travel into the Hollyford Valley and through the Homer Tunnel to reach magnificent Milford Sound.

Enjoy an overnight cruise on Milford Sound on the Milford Mariner, a purpose built vessel. A large open deck area and observation lounge provide for unequal views of the Sound. When the day visitors have departed a silence descends on the fiord. Cruise to the mouth of the Tasman Sea before anchoring for the night in sheltered Harrison Cove. Here you have the opportunity to go kayaking and explore the shoreline on the tender craft with a nature guide. As evening falls, enjoy a lavish carvery buffet on the dining saloon.

**Due to limited space in the cabins we suggest you leave your suitcase on the coach and only take an overnight bag with you. Included in your overnight bag should be an extra set of clothes in case you get wet while kayaking, or from the waterfalls' mist**

Accommodation at the Milford Sound Overnight Cruise Milford Mariner

Day 19 - Milford Sound / Dunedin

Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. After a hearty breakfast retrace your journey back up the fiord and on disembarkation at the wharf rejoin your coach for the journey back to Te Anau for a short stop before continuing on to Dunedin. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the 'Edinburgh of the South'. This evening prior to Dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.

Accommodation at the Scenic Hotel Dunedin City Hotel

Day 20 - Dunedin

A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available. Kirra Tours recommends the Monarch Wildlife Cruise or Natures Wonders Tour (featuring penguins, seals and birdlife), the Taieri Gorge Railway, a Citibus Tour, fascinating Larnach Castle or the Cadbury Factory or Speights Brewery tours. Have fun!

Day 21 - Dunedin / Omarama

Visit Olveston, Dunedin's majestic historic home with its original furnishings. A tour of Olveston allows an intimate glimpse into the lifestyle of a privileged family in the early 1900's. There is no better example in New Zealand. After rejoining you coach pass bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and the rocky coastline before stopping to view the unusual Moeraki Boulders - a number of huge, spherical stones found strewn along a stretch of Koekohe Beach near Moeraki. The boulders weigh several tonnes and are up to three metres in diameter.

Continue on to nearby Oamaru, a town of unique colonial heritage that helped shape the nation's wealth, with time to explore the grand Victorian architecture. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes, into Omarama.

Accommodation at the Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama

Day 22 - Omarama / Mt Cook / Christchurch

Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and Village set amidst New Zealand's highest mountains. Aoraki Mount Cook, at 3754 metres, is New Zealand's highest, however in the Southern Alps there are 27 other mountains which peak at over 3050 metres and hundreds of others not far short of that. Take time to visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre showcasing the Aoraki Mount Cook region and its people.

At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd, built to commemorate the pioneers of the Mackenzie Country, and the Collie Dog memorial built to honour the Collie Dogs' contribution to the farming industry in the region. Here you have the opportunity to take a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris over the Southern Alps, lakes and glaciers. Leaving Tekapo, descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. Your tour concludes at approximately 5.00pm after a brief city tour.

Christchurch
Currently tours travelling through Christchurch are being relocated. We are doing this in order to ensure our New Zealand holiday experience remains unaffected by the tragic earthquake in Christchurch.

Accommodation at the Pavilions Hotel, Christchurch

Day 23 - Christchurch / Home

It is farewell to your new found friends and travelling companions. This completes your New Zealand Holiday. We at Kirra Tours thank you for choosing us to show you New Zealand on your New Zealand Coach Tour and trust we will see you back here in the near future. You will be transferred to the Christchurch International Airport in ample time to join your flight home. Safe travels.

The escorted portion of this tour starts on day 2 when you join Kirra Coach Tours at Rydges Hotel and finishes on the afternoon of day 22 when you arrive in Christchurch.

Inclusions

• Sightseeing tours of Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin and Christchurch
• Auckland Harbour Bridge
• Bay of Islands
• Hibiscus Coast
• Whangarei
• Matakohe Kauri Museum
• Waitangi Treaty House
• Cape Brett "Hole in the Rock" Cruise
• Auckland's Skytower
• Sailing on Auckland Harbour
• Full Day Kiwi Dundee tour in Coromandel Peninsula
• Volcanic and Geothermal Region
• Agrodome Farm Show
• Authentic Maori Hangi and Concert
• Rotorua's Thermal Wonderland
• Rainbow Springs Nature Park
• Te Puia Thermal Reserve
• Skyline Gondola and Luge ride
• Te Papa - Museum of New Zealand
• Zest Greytown Gourmet tour
• Brancott Estate winery visit and tasting
• Visit Greenstone (Jade) factory
• West Coast Glaciers
• Remote National Parks of Fiordland and Westland
• Wanaka Lake Cruise or Jet Boat Ride
• Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant
• Overnight Cruise in awe inspiring Milford Sound
• Spectacular Southern Lakes
• Olveston House
• Traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony
• World renowned Mt Cook Region

Feature Dinners

The Maori Hangi (meal cooked in underground oven) and Concert in Rotorua is included in the cost.

Meals:

If you include the Breakfast and Dinner options it eliminates any concerns about where you dine each day and how much it will cost. More than 90% of all tour members purchase the full meal plan so social benefits are considerable.

Meal plans cannot be purchased once your tour has commenced. All meal plans begin on Day 2 and conclude after breakfast on Day 22. On one of your nights in Queenstown dinner is not included so you can experience one of the many fine restaurants available.

Typical Meals will be:

Breakfast: A choice of cooked dishes such as bacon, eggs, sausages etc with tea/coffee toast and preserves. With the healthy eater in mind, breakfast also includes, fruit juices, cereals, fruit and often yogurt.

Dinner: Will either be table service with selections from a 3 course menu or buffet style, offering an extensive choice to well satisfy both the discerning diner and largest appetite.

Kirra Tours Included Sightseeing

All Kirra Tours holidays include admissions to a diverse cross-section of the most popular sightseeing attractions which complement New Zealand's magnificent natural beauty. Details of these inclusions are shown in each itinerary.

Meeting & Welcome on Arrival

On arrival at Auckland you will be met and transferred to your hotel and a transfer service to Christchurch Airport when departing New Zealand is also included.

We recommend:

Options:

Some shorter duration alternatives: