Welcome to The Faraway Traveller
 NEW ZEALAND - Some recommended holidays
This uncrowded escapist paradise is one of the most consistently beautiful countries in the world.   It is a land of contrasts ranging from sub-tropical vistas in the north, through volcanic mud-pools and thermal geysers, to fjords and glaciers in the south.    The visitor has a good choice of accommodation, food and wine and the climate is largely agreeable.   The locals are friendly whilst the Maori culture and traditions add an extra dimension to any holiday.
 
 HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW ZEALAND holiday: 
 9 nights/10 days in NZ.   Ref.DA63
Because of the fluid nature of flights from the UK to NZ, we have not included the international air cost in any prices shown - we will obtain the most appropriate flight at the time of booking; or you are free to arrange your own flight!.
Typical Itinerary:
DAY 1  Auckland: On arrival at Auckland airport transfer to your hotel for 1 night
DAY 2  Auckland/Waitomo/Rotorua: Travel south via the Waikato Valley to Waitomo Caves and see the famous grottos where thousands of glow-worms light up the caves.   Continue to Rotorua for a 2 night stay.   145 miles.   (BLD) 
DAY 3 Rotorua: Included are visits to Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Rainbow Springs and farm show.   Enjoy lunch & graet views from the top of the skyline Gondola.   Dinner is the a traditional Maori feast (Hangi) and concert.   (BLD)
DAY 4  Rotorua/Christchurch:   Transfer to airport for (included) flight to Christchurch for 1 night.   (BD) 
DAY 5  Christchurch/Mt Cook/Queenstown:  Travel over the Canterbury Plains, through Burkes Pass and then past Lake Tekapo.   Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before continuing through the Tasman Valley and on to New Zealand's highest mountain, Mt Cook.   optional scenic flights are available from Lake Tekapo & Mt. Cook airfields, weather permitting.   Drive on through Lidis Pass & the Kawarau Gorge to spectacular Queenstown for 3 nights.   300 miles.   (BD)
DAY 6 Queenstown:   Free day to explore the picturesque lakeside resort town with time for optional excursions such as a Shotover jetboat ride.   (BD)
DAY 7 Milford Sound: A scenic full day tour including a cruise through the majestic fjordland scenery.   360 miles.   (BD)
DAY 8 Queenstown/Franz Josef Glacier:   Enjoy magnificent alpine scenery as the route follow the Kawarau River to Lake Hawea before a climb to Haast Pass and then a breathtaking descent down to the rainforests of South Westland. Continue to Franz Josef for 1 night.   250 miles.   (BD)
DAY 9  Franz Josef/Tranz Alpine Train/Christchurch:   North through lovely coastal scenery to Greymouth then board the famous train for a memorable journey across the spectacular Southern Alps to Christchurch for 1 night.   245 miles.  (BD)
DAY 10:  Christchurch: Tour ends after breakfast.    Travel to the airport for your onward flight, or perhaps extend your stay in the lovely Garden City (B)
GUIDE PRICE per person - Highlights of NZ.   Standard Class Hotels 

 International flight cost is extra

 Share Twin Single Room
£1100 - £1200 approx. £1450 - £1550 approx
This tour is not escorted.  There will be an experienced driver/guide on most segments but you will not travel on the same coach throughout.    EMAIL US IF YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DEPARTURE DATE IN MIND and we will give you a precise price.
 Accommodation is the 'best available' in your chosen category and will have en-suite facilities.
Meals are included only as shown (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner).   Sightseeing is included as shown.
  GRAND NEW ZEALAND holiday: 17 nights/18 days in NZ.  Ref. DA64
Because of the fluid nature of flights from the UK to NZ, we have not included the international air cost in any prices shown - we will obtain the most appropriate flight at the time of booking; or you are free to arrange your own flight!.
Typical Itinerary:
DAY 1  Auckland: Make your own way to the Sky City Hotel (Standard room ) for an 1 night. 
DAY 2  Auckland/Bay of Islands: Drive to the beautiful Bay of Islands which will be your base of the next 2 nights. Visit the Matakohe Kauri and Pioneer Museum and the Waitangi Treaty House and Meeting House, where Maori and Europeans formed the nation of New Zealand back in 1840.  185 miles.  (BD).
DAY 3  Bay of Islands: Enjoy a full day at leisure in this scenic area. Take an optional trip to Cape Reinga at the very top of the North Island, a schooner sailing ship or even swim with the dolphins! (B)
DAY 4  Bay of Islands/Auckland: Take a cruise around the Bay of Islands and see the ‘Hole in the Rock’. This afternoon, return for 1 night in  Auckland, the city of sails . 233 miles. (BD).
DAY 5  Auckland/Waitomo/Rotorua:  A brief sightseeing tour of the city before heading south to the famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves for a tour, then continue to Rotorua for 2 nights.  This evening enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi (feast) and concert. 248 miles. (BD).
DAY 6  Rotorua: Visit Whakrewarewa, home of the Thermal Reserve, famous for its bubbling mud pools and spouting geysers.  Visit Rainbow Springs wildlife park and experience the Great NZ Farm show.  The rest of the day is free (B).
DAY 7  Rotorua/Wellington: Drive south to Wairakei Steam Valley and the world’s largest geo-thermal power station. View Huka Falls before travelling to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Head through the sheep farming area to Wellington for 1 night.   310 miles.  (BD).
DAY 8  Wellington/Blenheim: Enjoy a brief sightseeing tour of Wellington city before embarking on a ferry cruise across the Cook Strait to Picton.  Continue to Blenheim for 1 night.   31 miles.  (BD).
DAY 9  Blenheim/Christchurch: Enjoy a brief sightseeing tour of the Marlborough wine region, then head south to Kaikoura. Follow the coastline to Christchurch for 1 night.  233 miles. (BD).
DAY 10  Christchurch/Franz Josef Glacier:  Borad the renowned 'TranzAlpine' train to travel from coast to coast through stunning scenery and on through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass when you swith back to a coach to Hokatika and then on to the spectacular Franz Joseph Glacier.  1 night near to Franz Josef Glacier. 124 miles. (BD).
DAY 11  Franz Josef Glacier/Queenstown: Another day of magnificent scenery as you pass through a world of mountains and glaciers en route to Queenstown for a 2 night stay.   248 miles. (BD).
DAY 12  Queenstown: Relax today, or try some of the many optional activities including jet boating and river rafting available in New Zealand’s premier tourist resort. (B).
DAY 13  Queenstown/Milford Sound/Te Anau: Head south to Fjordland National Park and on to magnificent Milford Sound. Enjoy a cruise to see mile high Mitre Peak and cascading Bowen Falls. Continue to Te Anau for an 1 night.  263 miles. (BD).
DAY 14  Te Anau/Dunedin: Travel to Dunedin for a 1 night stay.  Enjoy an afternoon at leisure and perhaps take a cruise (at extra cost locally) to view the albatross and penguins long the coastline.  202 miles. (BD).
DAY 15  Dunedin/Twizel: Visit historic Olveston House before leaving Dunedin for Omaramu, famous for its limestone buildings, then on to Twizel in the the heart of MacKenzie sheep country for 1 night.  171 miles. (BD).
DAY 16  Twizel/Mount Cook/Christchurch: Travel to Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest Mountain, where (weather permitting) you my enjoy an optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps. Continue to beautiful Lake Tekapo and then over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch for a 2 night stay.  248 miles. (BD).
DAY 17  Christchurch: A free day to pursue your own activities (B).
DAY 18:  Tour ends after breakfast.    Travel to the airport for your onward flight, or perhaps extend your stay in the lovely Garden City (B)
 SELF DRIVE TOUR (DAILY DEPARTURES)
The Grand New Zealand tour is also available on a self drive un-escorted basis with daily departures.    The route is mapped out for you and includes standard hotel accommodation, meals and sightseeing as detailed in the itinerary (except TranzAlpine train due to car hire locations).   To offer the independent fly drive traveller even greater flexibility, the sightseeing excursions detailed in the main tour itinerary may be taken at anytime during your stay in a particular destination.   The prices shown in the price box below are based on each of 2 adults sharing a intermediate size car and include unlimited mileage, collision damage waiver and goods and services tax at 12.5%.   Car hire is with Maui Rental Car Rental and the car is collected on Day 2. 
 GUIDE PRICE per person - Grand NZ

 Grand NZ Coach Tour

Grand NZ Self-Drive
 International flight cost is extra Share Twin Single Supplement Share Twin
£2300-£2450 approx £650-£750 approx £1300-£1400approx**
On the coach tour there will be an experienced driver/guide from Day 2 until arrival in Christchurch on Day 16 
Accommodation is the 'best available' in standard grade & will have en-suite facilities.
 EMAIL US IF YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DEPARTURE DATE IN MIND and we will give you a precise price.
Meals are included only as shown (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner).   Sightseeing is included as shown.
 FURTHER INFORMATION
  • Return to Holiday Regions Summary
  • Click for details of TRAVEL INSURANCE
  • For visa and health information see the 'Links' on our Terms & Conditions page
  • All our chosen holidays, & the prices shown, are subject to availability at the time of booking.   In some instances flight schedules may alter, and the itinerary may have to be modified to suit
  • All the holidays are organised by ATOL-bonded operators for whom we act as agents (see Terms & Conditions)
  • If you would like to vary any of our suggested holidays, click here for a Tailor-Made Quote
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