Magical New Zealand

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From only £1995 per person

23 days from only £1995 per person

Our relaxed itinerary generally includes two or three nights in each destination, allowing plenty of free time to fully explore each area at your own pace. With prices starting at only £1995 per person including all your breakfasts and many exciting excursions, the Magical New Zealand tour really does offer exceptional value for money.

Singapore, Christchurch, Queenstown, Fox Glacier, Wellington, Rotorua, Bay of Islands, Auckland

Tour itinerary

B - Breakfast 

L - Lunch

D - Dinner

Day 1  Depart UK

A choice of morning flights from London Heathrow or Manchester with award winning Singapore Airlines. Then it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy a selection of complimentary food and drinks along with the excellent in-flight entertainment.  L

Day 2  Arrive Singapore

After collecting luggage, we’ll meet our local tour guide and transfer to the Hotel Rendezvous (or similar) where we spend two nights. The remainder of the day is free to explore the fantastic city of Singapore. Possible sightseeing includes taking an authentic Chinese junk river cruise or joining a night safari to discover the native jungle’s nocturnal activity.  B

Day 3  Singapore

We begin our sightseeing tour with a drive through the “Colonial Heart” en route to one of Singapore’s oldest temples - Thian Hock Keng. From here, we pass through Chinatown to Merlion Park for a fantastic view of Marina Bay and the mythological Merlion. The tour continues with a stroll through the National Orchid Garden within the beautiful Botanic Gardens. Our final stop is Little India, where wall-to-wall shops entice passers by with the smell of freshly ground spices and colourful jewellery and clothing. The remainder of the day is free. Why not relax and unwind with a Singapore Sling at Raffles?  B

Day 4  Depart Singapore

An optional excursion to Sentosa Island or the Chinese and Japanese gardens provides a pleasant contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. Alternatively, make use of the hotel facilities, by simply relaxing by the pool. Rooms have been held into the afternoon. Evening transfer to the airport.  B D

Day 5  Arrive Christchurch

Once luggage has been collected we will meet our Coach Captain and transfer to the Chateau on the Park. Christchurch is a charming city, famous for its many lovely parks and gardens.  River Avon is a wonderful way to spend this free afternoon.  B

Day 6  Christchurch

Our sightseeing tour begins with a drive through the Cashmere Hills to the Sign of the Takahe. From here we enjoy fantastic views spanning the edge of the Pacific Ocean, over the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains, to the imposing Southern Alps in the distance. The tour continues with a stop at Cathedral Square and the excellent Arts Centre, housed in beautiful Gothic buildings. Before returning to the hotel, we stroll around Hagley Park and its pristine Botanical Gardens - home to New Zealand’s finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants. The remainder of the day is at leisure. A welcome dinner in the hotel has been arranged this evening, giving us a great chance to become better acquainted with the other members of our party.  B D

Day 7  Christchurch - Queenstown

On leaving Christchurch, we head south-west across the Canterbury Plains before ascending into Mackenzie Country. A stop is made at the turquoise coloured Lake Tekapo, which gains its beautiful colour from the melting water of a glacier. We continue through the Lindis Pass to the restored 19th century gold mining settlement of Arrowtown, before arriving at the A-Line Hotel in Queenstown - home for the next three nights. B

Day 8  Queenstown

Today we have the opportunity to take a full day optional excursion to the magnificent Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. The scenic drive takes us through a variety of landscapes - farming areas, lush beech forests and impressive glacial valleys - before arriving at Milford to begin our cruise on the fiord. Only out on Milford Sound itself can the dramatic scenery be fully appreciated. Sheer peaks rise all around and spectacular waterfalls plunge into the calm water.  The cruise takes in the impressive Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls, and seals and dolphins are often found playing in the waters.  B

Day 9  Queenstown

Our day is free to take advantage of the incredible variety of activities and excursions available in and around New Zealand’s most glamourous alpine resort. Thrill seekers in the party might like to try the Shotover Jet boat - an exhilarating ride amongst the crags and boulders of the Shotover River canyon. For a more relaxing experience, join a tour of Queenstown’s lovely gardens. Alternatively, explore the region’s wine trail - an enjoyable day spent wine tasting and sightseeing. In the evening an optional vintage steamboat cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw is always very popular. The cruise includes dinner at the Walter Peak Homestead and a good old fashioned sing along during the cruise home.  B

Day 10  Queenstown - Fox Glacier

This morning we leave Queenstown in our wake and journey to the wild and rugged West Coast. We wind our way between the glorious lakes of Wanaka and Hawea, and pass through Mount Aspiring National Park before reaching the charming little village of Fox Glacier and the Glacier Country Hotel.  B

Day 11  Fox Glacier - Christchurch

There’s an opportunity this morning (weather permitting) to take an optional scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers to enjoy a close up view of its pristine ice formations and crevasses. We will then embark on one of the most spectacular drives in New Zealand. Beginning among the lush rain forest and rocky beaches, we make our way to Franz Josef to view New Zealand’s most famous glacier. Our journey continues through the snow-tipped Southern Alps and across Arthurs Pass, before descending to the patchwork fields of the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch.  B

Day 12  Christchurch

A free day to perhaps join an optional trip to the historic French settlement of Akaroa on the Banks Peninsula. Alternatively, enjoy a full day excursion to Kaikoura where whale watching tours frequently encounter sperm whales, dolphins and fur seals.  B

Day 13  Christchurch - Wellington

Departing Christchurch, we travel along the South Island’s east coast to the picturesque fishing port of Picton. Our ferry leaves Picton through Queen Charlotte Sound and crosses the Cook Strait before reaching Wellington’s impressive harbour. New Zealand’s capital city is also its cultural centre - with a delightful selection of museums, galleries, cafes and restaurants. The next two nights are spent at the Hotel Ibis, perfectly located in the heart of the city.  B

Day 14  Wellington

Wellington’s interesting and varied architecture provides a good starting point for our orientation tour this morning. We begin in the city’s administrative area, taking in Parliament House and the ‘Beehive’ (you’ll understand its name when you see it), before heading to the top of Mount Victoria for a stunning vista of the city and its picturesque harbour. A visit to Te Papa museum is highly recommended during our free afternoon - offering a fascinating insight into New Zealand’s rich history and cultural heritage.  B

Day 15  Wellington - Rotorua

After breakfast, we travel north along the Desert Road. Our arrival at the Tongariro National Park, with its three active volcanoes - Tongariro, Ruapehu & Ngauruhoe - marks the beginning of our journey through New Zealand’s main volcanic region. We continue alongside Lake Taupo, the country’s largest freshwater lake, before arriving in Rotorua for a two night stay.  B

Day 16  Rotorua

Today we are taken to Te Puia and the Whakarewarewa thermal reserve to examine the amazing impact of geothermal activity on Rotorua and its surrounding area. Whakarewarewa’s gushing geysers and gurgling mud pools are understandably one of the major attractions in New Zealand. We have plenty of time to explore the reserve and nearby Maori Arts and Crafts Institute before returning to the hotel. The afternoon is left at leisure. Rotorua is at the heart of New Zealand’s rich Maori culture and tonight we attend a concert featuring traditional Maori songs and dance, including the famous war dance ‘The Haka’. A Hangi buffet dinner is included this evening, cooked using a traditional Maori method.  B D

Day 17  Rotorua - Bay of Islands

After breakfast, we leave Rotorua and pass through Auckland, crossing the impressive Waitemata harbour bridge. Our journey continues with a beautiful scenic drive along the Hibiscus Coast to the Bay of Islands Hotel in Paihia, home for the next three nights.  B

Day 18  Bay of Islands

Our included cruise to Cape Brett is the perfect way to explore the Bay of Island’s wonderful coastal scenery. The cruise takes us to the ‘Hole in the Rock’ and often dolphins are found playing in nearby waters. A final stop is made in historic Russell, a romantic little village across the bay from Paihia. Our free afternoon provides an excellent opportunity to visit the grounds of the Waitangi National Reserve, where the Waitangi Treaty was signed between British and Maori chiefs.  B

Day 19  Bay of Islands

Today we have the opportunity to join a fantastic optional trip to Cape Reinga. The full day excursion visits the northern tip of New Zealand, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Cape Reinga - or Te Rerenga-Wairua - holds special spiritual significance in Maori tradition, as the place where departed spirits enter the ‘Underworld’ through the roots of a lone (and still standing) 800 year old pohutukawa tree. The excursion includes magnificent coastal landscapes, exotic forests and a ride in a specially designed coach along the sands of Ninety Mile Beach.  B

Day 20  Bay of Islands - Auckland

Our route today takes us alongside the pretty harbour at Hokianga to a natural highlight of New Zealand, the Kauri Coast. We stop at Tane Mahuta - ‘Lord of the Forest’, set within the incredible Waipoua Kauri Forest sanctuary, and continue to Auckland where we spend our final two nights in New Zealand.  B

Day 21  Auckland

Auckland is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a beautiful waterside setting and a landscape dotted with volcanic hills. Our sightseeing tour today begins with a fantastic 3600 view of the city from the top of one of the extinct volcanoes, Mount Eden. The next stop is in Parnell, a fashionable suburb packed with boutique shops and Victorian buildings. We continue via Victoria Park Market (great for souvenir and craft stalls) to Viaduct Harbour, host to many America’s Cup celebrations. On our final evening, we bid farewell to New Zealand and our travelling companions in the best possible way - enjoying dinner at the top of Sky Tower. The panoramic views from the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere are truly amazing.  B D

Day 22  Depart New Zealand

Transfer to Auckland airport for our flight to Singapore. Those taking advantage of the early booking offer will stay in Singapore for the following two nights. The remainder of the party will catch a connecting flight in Singapore to either London Heathrow or Manchester. B D See below for details on our early booking offer - two nights in Singapore for only £29 per person. 

Day 23 Arrive UK

Breakfast is served shortly before our morning arrival into London Heathrow or Manchester. B

About your holiday

Included in the price

Scheduled flights

From either London Heathrow or Manchester with Singapore Airlines

Transfers

Between overseas airports and hotels

Accommodation

In twin or double rooms with private en-suite facilities Single occupancy supplement £595

Full breakfast

In every hotel, every day

Evening meals

Welcome dinner

Farewell dinner

Hangi buffet dinner

Tour coach

Four star air-conditioned coach

Coach Captain

Experienced and knowledgeable driver guide

Luggage service

For one piece of luggage per person

Ferry

Inter-island ferry crossing between Picton and Wellington

Local and state taxes

Airport taxes

Including fuel surcharges and air passenger duty of £40 per person Not included - a personal New Zealand departure tax of NZ$25

Included excursions

City sightseeing tours

Singapore

Christchurch

Wellington

Auckland

Cruise

Cape Brett Cruise around the Bay of Islands

Maori concert

Entrance to a traditional Maori concert

Te Puia

Entrance to Te Puia, including Whakarewarewa thermal reserve and the Maori arts and crafts institute in Rotorua

Not included in the price

Telephone, laundry, items of a personal nature and meals not indicated. Gratuities for the drivers / local guides / Tour Managers. Personal departure taxes as specified. The tour price is based on current airfares at September 2007 and exchange rates of £1 = Singapore $3.01, New Zealand $2.89, Australia $2.42, South African Rand14.55, US $2.02

Extend your holiday

Extended holidays should be requested with your travel advisor at the time of booking. Holiday extensions can be at either the start or end of your holiday (except South Africa, where you must travel out with the group), subject to flight schedules. Unless otherwise stated overseas transfers are not included on extended stays and you must therefore make your own arrangements. We will be happy to help you with making these arrangements. Extended stays will incur an administration charge of £25 per person. Please remember - your travel insurance must cover the whole duration of your holiday.