New Zealand Eco Tour (15 Day Tour)

Tour code : NZ2

PLEASE NOTE: This is not a fully guided group tour. On a number of legs public transport services are used.

Day 1 - Auckland – Waitomo – Rotorua (coach)
Travel from Auckland to Waitomo for a guided tour through the Glow Worm Cave.  Then travel to Rotorua for a stop at Rainbow Springs for an informative look at examples of New Zealand's native flora and fauna, including Tuatara and Kiwi. We finish the day with a tour of the Whakarewrewa Thermal Reserve before dropping you at your accommodation.

Day 2 - Rotorua
This is a free day for you to explore the many other attractions of Rotorua. You may like to pre-book some of the options we offer.

Day 3 - Rotorua – Taupo (coach)
Travel to the city of Taupo on the edge of New Zealand's largest lake. This day includes a tour of the Taupo area taking in the breathtaking Huka Falls and the Craters of the Moon thermal area before dropping at your accommodation.

Day 4 - Taupo – Mt Ruapehu (coach)
Free morning in Taupo before departing at 2pm for Mount Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park.

Day 5 - Mt Ruapehu – Wellington (coach & train)
Free morning to explore your surroundings and soak up the beauty of the area before being transfered to National Park Railway Station to catch the Overlander train to Wellington.

Day 6 - Wellington
Free day to explore New Zealand's capital city. Check the National Museum, Te Papa. Drop in on Parliment. Take a ride on the Kelburn cable car for fantastic views over the city and harbour.

Day 7 - Wellington – Picton
Today you have the choice of a 25 minute flight across Cook Strait with Sounds Air or a leisurely 3 hour ferry trip with the Interislander line. Both services offer breathtaking views of the Marlborough Sounds on the way to Picton.

Picton – Christchurch (train)
from Picton you join the Tranz Coastal train to Christchurch. Along the way travel down the rugged Kaikoura Coast, watch out for seals, and across the lush Canterbury farmland. Arrival in Christchurch is 7:30pm.

Day 8 - Christchurch
Free day to explore the Garden City. A visit to the Arts Centre is highly recommended with a vast array of crafts on sale. Take a tram ride around the city centre or visit the Art Museum. For young and old the Science Museum with its hands on exhibits is great fun. The Antarctic centre or the Air Force Museum also provide great outings.

Day 9 - Christchurch - Queenstown (coach)

Day 10 - Queenstown
Free day in Queenstown. Take a jet boat ride for a real thrill. Or relax in stately comfort on the Steamship Earnslaw for a leisurely cruise. Catch the gondola for the view of a lifetime.

Day 11 - Queenstown – Milford Sound – Te Anau (coach)
Travel with the Barbeque Bus for a great day out to Milford Sound. Stop for lunch (provided) in the spectacular Hollyford Valley. On arrival in Milford you join a cruise that will leave you spellbound. At the end of the day you will be dropped at your accommodation in Te Anau.

Day 12 - Doubtful Sound – Queenstown (coach)
Day tour to Doubtful Sound, including a cruise and a tour of the Manapouri underground power station. In the evening you are returned to your accommodation in Queenstown.

Day 13 - Queenstown – Dunedin (coach/train)
Travel by coach from Queenstown to Pukerangi where you join the Taeri Gorge Railway for the final part of the journey to Dunedin.

Day 14 - Dunedin
Free day to explore. (We give you a Dunedin Explorer bus pass). You might like to see Larnach Castle or take a wildlife tour of the Dunedin Peninsula.

Day 15 - Dunedin – Christchurch (coach)