Coach Tour

If you are not comfortable with 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 good 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, tick 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 and transferred to your overnight accommodation. If you have enough vacation time, please feel free to ask uplanit.com for an extra night or two in Auckland, a city with many attractions for the international visitor.
Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 2 - Auckland / Bay of Islands

This morning join your fellow traveling companions at Rydges Hotel before you set off across Auckland's Harbor Bridge and drive north along the Hibiscus Coast to Matakohe and the Kauri Museum. Here you will hear the history of New Zealand's largest and most impressive tree, the Kauri, and about this regions early settlement - the displays are superb and their stories fascinating. Continue north through Kawakawa to Paihia and visit New Zealand's birthplace, Waitangi. Then north through Kawakawa to Paihia, where you meet our local Maori guide, a descendant of the original settlers to the region, 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 bay.
Hotel Paihia. (2 nights)

Day 3 - Bay of Islands

A day free for you to relax and enjoy the many optional activities available. Your Coach Captain will happily assist with details. A full day Tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northern most point and Ninety Mile Beach or explore historic Russell, New Zealand's first settlement, and visit its original Church, Mission House and Museum.

Day 4 - Bay of Islands / Auckland

A launch cruise will take you across the Bay and world acclaimed fishing grounds to Cape Brett and the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. Returning to Paihia, board your Coach for the journey south through Whangarei and Warkworth passing the satellite tracking station. Shortly Auckland city and Harbor come into view. Rydges Hotel (1 night)

Day 5 - Auckland / Whangamata

A tour of Auckland, to the summit of Skytower, at over 1000 ft the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, then the downtown city area and waterfront drive, followed by the thrill of sailing aboard a 50 ft yacht on Auckland Harbor. Visit the Maritime Museum before driving to the Coromandel Peninsula. Breakers Motel (2 nights)

Day 6 - The Coromandel

A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. 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 glow worms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, the springs at Hotwater Beach.

Day 7 - Whangamata / Rotorua

On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand's various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride 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.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua(1 night)

Day 8 - Rotorua / Turangi

Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser. Pass massive pine forests, see the Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka Falls to reach Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Skirt its shores to Turangi with time for trout fishing, many picturesque walks or if you are daring, white water rafting.
Bridge Tongariro Resort (1 night)

Day 9 - Turangi / Wellington

Cross the National Park with its volcanic peaks to Bulls and Levin, then along the Kapiti coast to the Capital City, Wellington, a tour includes Mt Victoria, the Houses of Parliament, Wellington Cathedral and Oriental Bay with time to explore the city and Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, or an optional ride on the famous Cable Car.
Bay Plaza Hotel (1 night)

Day 10 - Wellington / Blenheim / Nelson

Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton in the South island, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it's a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts.
Leisure Lodge. (2 nights)

Day 11 - Nelson

Day 12 - Nelson / Greymouth

Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge - a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind, possibly lunch at the award winning Beach House Cafe and south to explore the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery.
Hotel Ashley (1 night)

Day 13 - Greymouth / Fox Glacier

Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Fox Glacier. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face, a helicopter flight and snow landing or walk to nearby Lake Matheson.
Fox Glacier Hotel. (1 night)

Day 14 - Fox Glacier / Wanaka

Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands 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.
Mt Aspiring Hotel (1 night)

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).

Day 16 and Day 17 at leisure in Queenstown

Day 18 - Queenstown / Milford Sound

Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton Valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls and towering mountains. At The Divide collect the Greenstone Trek group and travel through the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise - an undoubted highlight. (1 night)

Day 19 - Milford Sound / Dunedin

Wake to the sounds of silence in the pristine world of Milford Sound. Your coach then travels rugged and remote mountains that 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.
Cargills Hotel. (2 nights)

Day 20 - Dunedin

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

Day 21 - Dunedin / Omarama

Visit Olveston, Dunedin's majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes to Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel. (1 night)

Day 22 - Omarama / Mt Cook / Christchurch

Pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and village, amidst New Zealand's highest mountains. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. If you have enough vacation time, please feel free to ask uplanit.com for an extra night or two in Christchurch, time to visit nearby Akaroa or to go Whale Watching at Kaikoura.
Pavillions Hotel (1 night)

Day 23 - Depart New Zealand

This afternoon you will be called for at the Pavillions Hotel and transferred to Christchurch Airport and your return flight to North America

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.

ALL 2009/10 DEPARTURE DATES TO BE ADDED SOON (28 May 2009)

Inclusions

• Quality, twin share or double accommodation
• A hearty cooked breakfast each morning (Optional)
• A 3 course multi-choice dinner each evening (Optional)
• Travel in luxurious, well appointed and fully air conditioned tour coaches
• Escorted by a professional Coach Captain
• An informative commentary as you travel
• Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as detailed with each itinerary
• Cook Strait ferry crossing
• Baggage handling/ porterage
• Travel kit including travel bag, ticket wallet, maps and itinerary
• New Zealand Goods and Services tax

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: