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Discover New Zealand with Port Bus & Leisure Time ToursTuesday 4th to Thursday 24th October 2024
Auckland, Bay of Island, Rotorua, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Queenstown.
Our Discover New Zealand tour explores the geothermal and culturally rich North Island and the contrasting natural beauty of the Scenic South Island of New Zealand. On tour we immerse ourselves in all New Zealand has to offer including the bay of Islands, Waitomo Caves, geothermal Rotorua, Maori culture, Napier & Nelson, the Tranz Alpine Train journey, Queenstown, the stunning natural beauty of Milford Sound and more. City tours include Auckland, Rotorua, Napier, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, & Dunedin.
Day 1 Tuesday 8th ARRIVE AUCKLAND (D)
Welcome to our fabulous adventure in New Zealand. We meet up with old friends and new ones as we travel to Canberra for our flight to Auckland. Welcome to New Zealand! We met on arrival at the Auckland International Airport before being transferred to our hotel.
Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, Auckland
Day 2 Wednesday 9th AUCKLAND – BAY OF ISLANDS (BD)
Departing Auckland, we travel north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge to first visit Parry Kauri Park. Here we will view some fine examples of Giant Kauri Trees. Continuing you then visit the Matakohe Kauri Museum, at Otamatea. We gain an insight into the early New Zealand pioneer history, which helped form the New Zealand that we see today. Continuing our journey, you reach Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, where we will take a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty House where New Zealand’s history began.
Accommodation: Kingsgate Autolodge, Paihia – 1 night
Day 3 Thursday 10th BAY OF ISLANDS – AUCKLAND (BD)
This morning we board a luxury catamaran to cruise the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett before making a passage through the Hole in the Rock. After our cruise we travel south following the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to arrive in Auckland, where on arrival we enjoy a highlights tour of Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, exploring the lively waterfront area and the base of New Zealand’s America’s Cup Challenge. Enjoy the relaxing views along Tamaki Drive, which runs east past peaceful sheltered bays to Auckland's most expensive real estate. Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel Auckland City, Auckland
Day 4 Friday 11th AUCKLAND – WAITOMO – ROTORUA (BD)
This morning we visit the Auckland Sky Tower – at 328m tall it is one of the tallest buildings in the Southern Hemisphere offering outstanding views of the Auckland CBD and the surrounding region. Departing Auckland, we travel south crossing the Bombay Hills through the dairy-rich Waikato countryside we arrive at the famous Waitomo Caves. Here a guide will take us underground to view the amazing limestone caves featuring stalagmites and stalactites, which have taken centuries to form. Continue to walk down to an underground stream to board a small boat to view the glow-worm grotto – an underground cavern featuring millions of glow-worms. From Waitomo, we travel to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua, the Sulphur City. Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, beautiful coloured hot springs and terrace formations created by mineral water. Rotorua also has a large Maori population whose cultural activities are interesting and accessible as will be witnessed tomorrow evening. This afternoon we enjoy a relaxing guided walk through the Redwood Forest. A daytime discovery experience like no other, walk high amongst giant 120-year-old redwood trees and open your eyes to the natural beauty of our forest. A peaceful haven for you to discover above the forest floor, surround yourself with gentle giants, native fauna and sweeping silver ferns. The Treewalk takes an average 40 minutes to complete.
Accommodation: Sudima Hotel, Rotorua – 2 nights
Day 5 Saturday 12th ROTORUA (BD)
Today is at our leisure. our Optional Touring Booklet will give us plenty of options on how to spend your time.
In the late afternoon visit Te Puia for a guided tour followed by the Te Po (the night) experience – an immersive feast of indigenous cultural storytelling, entertainment, and food. Your guided tour provides a premier Māori culture experience combined with an introduction to the magnificent geothermal activity in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Whilst in the valley see the boiling mud pools, steaming silica terraces, hot springs and geysers including the famous Pohutu Geyser which can erupt up to 30 metres high, depending on its mood. Visit the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute where young Māori are learning the traditional carving and weaving skills of their ancestors.
Your evening experience will commence with a sumptuous buffet dinner including food from the hangi (traditional Māori method of cooking) served in the Pātaka Kai Restaurant.
After dinner enjoy a cultural performance in the fully carved Te Aronui-a-Rua meeting house where highlights include waiata (song), mōteatea (traditional chant) poi and haka.
Following the concert, the evening culminates with hot chocolate and steamed pudding served in the geothermal valley bathed in coloured light.
Day 6 Sunday 13th ROTORUA – NAPIER (BD)
Departing Rotorua, you travel via New Zealand’s largest pine tree forests to Taupo. En route, you make a visit to the Wairakei Geothermal Steam Field. This was a world-first, generating electricity by tapping a natural steam field and then channelling the steam to a nearby power generation plant. Continuing you view the mighty Huka Falls. Huka in Maori translates to “snow” as the water here has the appearance of snow falling as it is forced along from Lake Taupo through the falls on its journey along the Waikato River. This afternoon we continue to the ‘Fruit Bowl’ of New Zealand, Hawkes Bay – Napier. Accommodation: Scenic Te Pania Hotel, Napier
Day 7 Monday 14th NAPIER – WELLINGTON (BD)
Before we depart Napier, we take a city sights tour, featuring beautiful Art Deco buildings to give us an insight into why Napier is known as the Art Deco capital of the world. This afternoon we continue south to Wellington where we spend the rest of the day enjoying an informative sightseeing tour, including a visit to Te Papa, (Our Place) New Zealand’s national museum.
Accommodation: West Plaza Hotel, Wellington
Day 8 Tuesday 15th WELLINGTON – NELSON (BD)
Today begins as we cruise the Wellington Harbour out onto the Cook Strait on the Interislander and through New Zealand’s only true sounds, the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound into Picton. The bustling port of Picton is the terminal for inter-island ferries, and gateway to the ‘Mainland’, the South Island’s self-proclaimed nickname. Reboarding our coach, we continue to tour through Pelorus Bridge. Here we can walk through the Beech and Podocarp Forest as well as view the many sculptured boulders in the Pelorous River. Continuing for a tour of Nelson – the first city of New Zealand. Accommodation: Rutherford Hotel, Nelson
Day 09 Wednesday 16th NELSON – CHRISTCHURCH (BD)
Depart Nelson and drive through farmlands, pine plantations then the Rai Valley to the vineyards surrounding Blenheim in the Marlborough Wine Country. Here we enjoy a tasting at a local winery. From here continue to travel south down the eastern coastline along the thin ledge of land pinned between the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean and the rugged ranges to Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea. From Kaikoura continue following State Highway 1 to Waipara continuing onwards through the Canterbury plains to Christchurch. Known as the "Garden City" the city has a major reconstruction underway after the devastating earthquake of February 2011 where you enjoy the sights of the ‘Garden City’ also known as “the most English city outside of England”, en route to our accommodation.
Accommodation: Quality Hotel Elms, Christchurch
Day 10 Thursday 17th CHRISTCHURCH – FOX GLACIER (BD)
From Christchurch, we traverse the Southern Alps aboard the famous Tranz-Alpine rail journey to Arthurs Pass. From our carriage, we will see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Our train then climbs into the Southern Alps. Once we have crossed into the Southern Alps we are met at the village of Arthurs Pass by our coach to continue our journey to the West Coast – or the Coast as locals call it, stopping in Hokitika where a visit is made to the Greenstone and Glass Blowing factories. Further south you tour the Westland National Park, the home of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. On arrival, time is available for optional scenic flights, before continuing onto our accommodation for the night. Heartland Hotel, Fox Glacier
Day 11 Friday 18th FRANZ JOSEF – QUEENSTOWN (B)
Driving towards the southern end of the South Island’s West Coast Road, there is a strong sense of entering a primeval land and a feeling of total isolation. Arriving at Haast, we are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. From the Westland National Park, we travel through the Haast River valleys and over the Haast Pass to Makaroa and onto the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka. Travelling past Lake Hawea we reach the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River. This afternoon you travel via Cromwell following the Kawarau Gorge Road into Queenstown. Tonight is free for you to explore the local restaurants, cafes and bars.
Copthorne Lakefront Resort and Hotel, Queenstown – 2 nights
Day 12 Saturday 19th QUEENSTOWN (BD)
This morning, get ready for an insane 60-minute Queenstown Jet boat ride thundering across three waterways travelling at speeds of up to 95kph in the fastest and meanest Jet boats in town. Blast across Lake Wakatipu and down the world-famous Kawarau and Shotover Rivers with 45km of unforgettable thrills, 360-degree spins and adrenaline in one of the world’s most stunning locations. Afterwards, head down two flights of stairs under Lake Wakatipu into an underwater theatre. The famous fish, diving ducks and slinky eels are visible until a large cinema screen descends, and you begin your time travel journey. As you wait for the next time jump window to open, you’ll get to see the beautiful love story and Māori Legend of Lake Wakatipu. Your time travel pilot will guide you back 90 million years, through the time of the dinosaurs, take you to when New Zealand was formed, fly you deep into the earth when the Southern Alps were created and through the glacier that carved out Lake Wakatipu. Ending in present-day Queenstown, you then experience adventure activities you can do – all from the comfort of your rumbling seat! This afternoon is at leisure. This evening you take a cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the steamer TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station to dine at the Colonel’s Homestead
Day 13 Sunday 20th QUEENSTOWN – TE ANAU (BLD)
Leaving Queenstown you skirt the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s third-largest lake. Travelling via Te Anau we reach the beautiful Eglinton Valley climbing to Homer Tunnel before descending through the spectacular Cleddau Canyon to reach Milford Sound where we enjoy a cruise of the Sound. The Sound is dominated by the grandeur of Mitre Peak and the Bowen Falls. From Milford Sound, we return to Te Anau reaching our overnight accommodation. Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Lake Te Anau
Day 14 Monday 21st TE ANAU – DUNEDIN (BD)
Departing Te Anau, we travel through some of New Zealand’s most populated sheep country through to Lumsden and onto Gore before arriving in Dunedin – “the Edinburgh of the South”. Upon our arrival into Dunedin, there is time for leisure. Victoria Hotel, Dunedin
Day 15 Tuesday 22nd DUNEDIN – OMARAMA (BD)
This morning we visit Olveston House – an impressive turn-of-the-century house that is still home to all the lavish furnishings and art collections that have been collected from all corners of the world. We continue to take in the sights of this old Scottish city before travelling onto Oamaru where we have time to look at the ‘White Stone City’ where the old buildings have been constructed with local limestone. It was from Oamaru that New Zealand’s first frozen meat was shipped in 1882 taking over three months to reach England, and thus began New Zealand’s most important export industry. Travelling inland through Benmore and Otematata, through Sailors Cutting we arrive at Omarama.
Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama
Day 16 Wednesday 23rd OMARAMA – CHRISTCHURCH (BD)
A day for spectacular sights. We head north to skirt the shore of Lake Pukaki to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Time is available to enjoy an optional scenic flight over the ancient rivers of ice and the West Coast Glaciers (weather permitting – a highly recommended option). Travelling to Tekapo we witness the magnificent blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Here we visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the statue of the Collie dog, before travelling the vast Mackenzie Basin, over Burke’s Pass through Fairlie, Geraldine, Ashburton and across the Canterbury Plains into Christchurch. Quality Hotel Elms, Christchurch
Day 17 Thursday 24th CHRISTCHURCH – HOMEPORT (B)
Farewell from New Zealand. After breakfast, we will be transferred from the hotel to Christchurch International Airport for your flight back home
RATE INCLUDES:
• Meet & greet at arrival airport.
• Arrival and departure transfers are based on one group arrival and one group departure transfer. Should members of the group require transfers outside of group arrival/departure times, we can assist with additional transfers at the passenger’s additional expense.
• Accommodation as listed all with private facilities – prices are based on twin share – single rooms are available with Single Supplement Surcharge (no forced singles). Accommodation is subject to availability, and we reserve the right to find alternative accommodation if there is no availability at the time of the booking. If alternative accommodation needs to be sourced, the price could change. You will be made aware at the time if this is necessary.
• All Tour Admissions as per itinerary
• Breakfasts (B), Lunches (L), and Dinners (D) were indicated on the itinerary – unless otherwise Breakfasts and Dinners will be provided at your touring accommodation.
• Private Coach Charter in a modern air-conditioned coach with English speaking driver/guide
• Rates are quoted in New Zealand dollars and are current for touring dates as per the itinerary provided. Changes in travel date or confirmation after 30 days of quotation may require a revised quotation.
• New Zealand GST set at 15% is included.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
• Any necessary flights to/from New Zealand or within New Zealand
• Any applicable airline surcharges or airport departure taxes.
• Use of hotel rooms before/after normal check-in/out times or pre-registration
• Any services not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Any other meals not specified in the itinerary.
• Morning and afternoon teas are not included unless specified.
• Travel insurance is not included but is highly recommended for all travelling passengers including your staff.
• Gratuities and items of a personal nature, such as medical or hospital expenses, mini-bar, beverages, hotel porterage, laundry service, room service, internet usage and telephone calls.
• Any further Government taxes or duties that may be introduced or increased.
PLEASE NOTE:
• Costs quoted are subject to availability and confirmation of accommodation and touring as specified.
• We strongly suggest that you, purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover all aspects of your holiday including loss of deposit through cancellations, loss of baggage and personal items, personal injury and death, inclement weather clause, pre-existing medical condition waiver (includes travelling parties and immediate family).
• The company reserves the right to amend the itinerary due to the result of circumstances outside of the company’s control e.g., weather or road conditions/closures, strikes or airline disruptions etc. If additional costs are incurred these will be the responsibility of the client.
LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
• Luggage is restricted to one suitcase and one small item of hand luggage per person. Baggage handling of one suitcase per person, at each hotel, is included in the trip price. Due to limited storage capacity in the motorcoaches used on tour, each case should have dimensions not exceeding 30” x 18” x 10” (76x46x25cm) and 62 linear inches (157cm) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs (23kg).
• Carry-on/hand luggage is restricted to one piece per person, not exceeding 12” x 11” x 6” (30x28x14cm) to fit under your coach seat. Carry-on/hand luggage handling is the responsibility of each guest and must be taken on and off the motorcoach by you each day of the trip.
HEALTH AND FITNESS
• Passengers should be in good health and able to walk moderate distances to fully participate and experience the sightseeing opportunities within the enclosed package. All passengers are required to acknowledge that they are of reasonable health are fit to travel and are not travelling contrary to any medical advice. By acknowledging their health and fitness to participate passengers are indemnifying us from all actions, claims and demands arising out of any lack of health and fitness. We reserve the right to remove a passenger from a tour if their health or fitness interferes with any other passenger’s experiences or the day-to-day running of the tour. In this instance, our normal cancellation terms and conditions will apply.
COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY
• For the health and safety of all passengers and staff on tour any illness (such as fever, coughing or difficulty breathing) will not be accepted onboard the coach unless they can provide us with a negative COVID-19 test result received within the past 72 hours. Should any passenger start to feel unwell on arrival or while on tour, they must immediately advise their tour manager and contact Healthline then visit a medical practitioner/medical centre/hospital. To return to the tour the passenger must be deemed fit and well to participate fully on a coach tour, obtaining and providing us with a written medical clearance i.e. not just a negative COVID-19 test. Any costs incurred will be at the passenger’s own expense.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL PROTOCOLS
• All passengers who travel to New Zealand must abide by all Government-mandated COVID-19 travel protocols. Travel Time South Pacific cannot be held liable/responsible for any costs incurred due to changes to New Zealand Government travel protocols. Any additional costs incurred will be the responsibility of the traveller.
VISA REGULATIONS, CUSTOMS AND QUARANTINE
• Compliance with immigration, customs and/or quarantine regulations is the client’s responsibility. We cannot, under any circumstances, be held liable and/or responsible for any losses if applicable rules and regulations are not observed.
• Australian Passports require an additional 6-month validity from the date of departing New Zealand.
• ETA/IVL:
From 01 October 2019, some visitors and transit passengers must have an Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) and pay an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) BEFORE travelling to New Zealand.
The NZeTA platform is live for visitors to access and apply:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/about-visa/nzeta
Information sheet for travellers to New Zealand:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/documents/communications-toolkit/traveller-information-sheet-nzeta.pdf
Twin-share $9,894 pp
Single sup + $2,271
Deposit $1,000
Balance due 1st September 2024
Airfares will be approx. $1,200 pp return
For more information or to book;
Phone 02 6583 3330
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.portbus.com.au
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