AUCKLAND - KAURI MUSEUM AND FORESTS - HOKIANGA - BAY OF ISLANDS - CAPE REINGA - NINETY MILE BEACH - WAITANGI DAY CELEBRATIONS - HISTORIC RUSSELL - WHANGAREI - HOBBITON - WAITOMO CAVES - ROTORUA - TAUPO - WELLINGTON - PICTON - KAIKOURA - WHALE WATCH CRUISE - CHRISTCHURCH - MT COOK - DUNEDIN - 'TAIERI GORGE RAILWAY" - CATLINS - BLUFF - STEWART ISLAND CRUISE AND TOUR - DOUBTFUL SOUND CRUISE (Optional overnight cruise) - TE ANAU - TE ANAU LIMESTONE CAVES CRUISE - MILFORD SOUND - QUEENSTOWN - WANAKA - GLACIERS - PUNAKAIKI - CHRISTCHURCH

24 days/23 nights accommodated
Grand Tour commences Auckland 3rd February, 2012
Includes Waitangi National Day celebrations in the Bay of Islands

South Island Grand Discovery Tour Commences Wellington 11th February, 2012
Commences Christchurch 12th February, 2012-
Escorted small group coach tour (Minimum 2 - Maximum 16 in group)

SPECIAL FEATURES:
Two and 3 night stays in most places!
Only 2 starts before 9am!
Bay of Islands overnight cruise option
Overnight at the Hermitage Mt Cook,
2 nights Dunedin,
Catlins area,
Stewart Island cruise and tour,
Milford AND Doubtful Sound cruises included

JOIN OR LEAVE ANYWHERE EN ROUTE PROVIDED A MINIMUM OF 7 CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS ARE SPENT ON TOUR

Option 1.
Join in Christchurch Monday, 13 February day 11 with transfer from the airport provided. End at Christchurch airport or city on Sunday day 24. Tour cost per person,
Standard: 2 per room $3,700. Single room $4,600
First Class: 2 per room: $4,300. Single room $5,240

Option 2.
Join in Wellington Saturday February 11, day 9 . End in Christchurch sunday 26 February day 24.
Tour cost per person,
Standard: 2 per room $4,650. Single room 5,760

Day 1. Friday. AUCKLAND ARRIVE
Arrive Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation. Arrivals before 4pm will receive a complimentary 1 hour tour of introduction to Auckland en route including the summit of Mt Eden for a panoramic view over the city, Domain and Rose Gardens, Tamaki Waterfront Drive, Mission Bay, city and university areas, Albert Park.
Accommodation at Amora Hotel or similar

Day 2. Saturday. AUCKLAND - KAURI FORESTS - BAY OF ISLANDS
Depart Auckland 9.00am. Drive north over the harbour Bridge and along the Hibiscus Coast to the Otamatea Kauri and Early Settlers Museum. Learn of the importance of the kauri tree to the development of Northland and see the lifestyle of the early settlers. Continue through Dargaville into the Waipoua kauri forest. Visit "Tane Mahuta" giant kauri tree - some 2000 years old. Enjoy the views of the Hokianga Harbour and sand dunes before arriving in the Bay of Islands. Accommodation for 3 nights at Scenic Circle Bay of Islands Hotel or similar.

Day 3. Sunday. CAPE REINGA (BL)
You will be picked up by Fullers special coach for a full day excursion north through historic Keri Keri and the Puketi forest plus the beautiful Mangonui Harbour and Coopers Beach to Cape Reinga at the top of New Zealand. Travel part way on the sands of Ninety Mile Beach. See the meeting of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean and return to the Bay of Islands early evening. A picnic lunch is included today.

Day 4. Monday. BAY OF ISLANDS - WAITANGI DAY (B)
On the 6th February, 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the northern maori tribes and the British government paving the way for the modern New Zealand. Today is free to enjoy as many of the celebrations as you wish from the Dawn ceremony to the beating of the retreat at sunset.

Day 5. Tuesday. BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND (B)
Morning cruise around the Bay of Islands and through the ‘Hole in the Rock’ - weather permitting. Cruise past the islands and into secluded bays and stopover at Urupukapuka Island. Often dolphins are to be seen during the cruise. Disembark at historic Russell for a tour of the town including Bishop Pompalliers restored printery, The oldest church in New Zealand, and Flagstaff Hill before returning to Auckland arriving mid evening..

OVERNIGHT CRUISE OPTION.
Instead of the above cruise transfer to Opua midday monday to join your overnight cruise vessel Ipipiri. Check into your twin bed de luxe cabin with en suite and uninterrupted sea views. Sail early afternoon and explore and explore the bays and islands of the Bay of Islands. Anchor overnight in a sheltered anchorage and enjoy the service and cuisine of your crew. Afternoon tea, dinner, and lunch on board included. The ship has a diving and snorkelling platform and kayaks are available as are island excursions. Return to Opua around 10.30am Tuesday for your tour of Russell and return to Auckland. Extra cost per person - 2 per room $270. Single room $500

Day 6. Wednesday. AUCKLAND - HOBBITON - WAITOMO CAVES - ROTORUA (B)
Depart Auckland 9.00am and drive south over the Bombay Hills and through fertile Waikato dairy farmland to the town of Cambridge. Visit Hobbiton from the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" films and continue to the Waitomo Caves. Enjoy a guided tour through the main limestone cave and cruise through the glowworm grotto. Continue to Rotorua via the Arapuni Hydro Dam. Arrive late afternoon. Why not relax in the soothing hot thermal waters of the Polynesian Spa this evening - extra expense.
Accommodation at Novotel Lakeside Hotel.

Day 7. Thursday. ROTORUA (BD)
Enjoy the Agrodome sheep show plus spinning and weaving demonstrations and visit the kiwifruit orchard. Also visit the lakefront and government gardens. Enjoy a guided tour of Te Puia cultural centre, the Whakarewarewa thermal area and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Maori concert and hangi steam cooked dinner tonight.

Day 8. Friday. ROTORUA - TAUPO - TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK - WELLINGTON (BL)
Drive south through part of the vast Kaiangaroa pine forest to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Visit the Wairakei geothermal area, Huka falls and lakefront then continue along the shores of Lake Taupo to lunch at the magnificent Grand Chateau and visit to the National Park headquarters and "Top of the Bruce" - weather permitting. Magnificent views of the central North island mountains are enjoyed in fine weather as we cross the Desert Road. Arrive Wellington late afternoon. Accommodation at West Plaza Hotel or similar.

Day 9. Saturday. WELLINGTON - PICTON - KAIKOURA. (BD)
Morning sightseeing includes the summit of Mt Victoria for a panoramic view over the city, part of the spectacular Marine Drive, Weta Workshops cave - home of special effects for "Lord of the Rings", Last Samurai, King Kong, and other major films, Oriental Bay, Beehive, Parliament Buildings, Rose garden, and a ride on the cable car. This afternoon enjoy the 3 hour scenic cruise across Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton and drive to the charming seaside resort of Kaikoura. Accommodation at White Morph Motor Inn. Special fresh seafood dinner included tonight

Day 10. Sunday. KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH (B)
Enjoy a 3 hour whale watch cruise this morning (whale watch flight will be substituted if cruise is cancelled through weather). This afternoon drive south to Christchurch for accommodation at Chateau on the Park or similar hotel.

Day 11. Monday. CHRISTCHURCH - MT COOK. (BD)
Drive across the Canterbury Plains through Ashburton and Geraldine and over Burkes Pass to beautiful Lake Tekapo. See the sheep dog monument and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd before driving along the shores of Lake Pukaki into the heart of the Mt Cook National Park. You have time to visit the National Park Headquarters, take a short alpine walk, or an optional ski plane or helicopter flight to land on the snows of the glacier and enjoy the magnificent panorama of New Zealand from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean, and the Southern Alps. Enjoy a cruise on the glacial lake at the base of the Tasman Glacier. Overnight at the Hermitage hotel with magnificent views of Mt Cook in fine weather.

Day 12. Tuesday. MOUNT COOK - DUNEDIN (B)
Drive down the Waitaki River Valley with a visit to the massive Benmore hydro dam en route to Oamaru. Visit the historical area and continue south to the unique Moeraki Boulders for some beach time and on to Dunedin. This afternoon enjoy a ride on the privately operated "Taieri Gorge Railway" to Pukerangi and return. Accommodation at Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel or similar.

Day 13. Wednesday. DUNEDIN (B)
Visit the Octagon and some of the historic buildings of Dunedin - Scottish city of the south, including Knox Church and "Olveston House". Also enjoy a guided tour of Cadbury's chocolate factory - samples included!. This afternoon tour the Otago Peninsula including Larnachs Castle, the Albatross colony, and a nature tour to see the seals and penguins.

Day 14. Thursday DUNEDIN - CATLINS - INVERCARGILL (BD)
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Catlins, one of New Zealand's most unspoiled wilderness areas. See the wildlife, waterfalls, and beautiful coastal scenery including Nugget Point lighthouse. Two nights in Invercargill at Kelvin Hotel or similar. Dinner included tonight.

Day 15. Friday INVERCARGILL - STEWART ISLAND - BLUFF - INVERCARGILL (B)
Drive to Bluff near the southernmost tip of the South Island overlooking Foveaux Strait and cruise to Stewart Island. Transfer to a local boat for a cruise on Patterson Inlet to the amazing nature reserve of Ulva island with some of the friendliest native birds in New Zealand! Tour Oban before cruising back to Bluff and drive to Invercargill for accommodation at the Kelvin Hotel. (optional flight back from Stewart Island by light plane if you wish - extra expense $50)

Day 16. Saturday INVERCARGILL - TE ANAU. (DOUBTFUL SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE OPTION) (B)
We take the scenic back roads through Tuatapere and Riverton to Te Anau. This afternoon cruise across the Lake to visit the glowworm caves and see the stalactites and 'cave of rushing waters'. Accommodation at
Standard: Kingsgate Hotel
First Class: Te Anau Hotel

DOUBTFUL SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE OPTION.
Arrive Manapouri midday for our triple treat cruise across bush fringed Lake Manapouri - one of the most beautiful in New Zealand, drive across Wilmot Pass through the Beech forests, and join the "Fiordland Navigator" for our leisurely cruise down spectacular Doubtful Sound, which is vastly more extensive than Milford Sound. Explore the side fjords, see the seal colonies. Anchor overnight in a secluded wilderness area and you have the opportunity to kayak or take a cruise on the ships tender for even greater appreciation of the quietness of the fjord and majesty of creation. Return to Te Anau Monday afternoon. Picnic lunch sunday, dinner, and breakfast included. Extra cost $180 per person 2 per cabin.

Day 17. Sunday. DOUBTFUL SOUND (BL)
Full day 'triple treat' excursion cruising across Lake Manapouri, driving across Wilmot Pass, and cruising the length of Doubtful Sound before returning to Te Anau. Picnic lunch included.

Day 18. Monday. MILFORD SOUND (BL)
Another day of magnificent scenery as we drive through the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys to Milford Sound with a visit to the Mirror Lakes, and 'Roaring Chasm' en route. Enjoy a leisurely nature cruise to the head of Milford Sound under majestic Mitre Peak, see Bowen Waterfall, and visit the unique undersea aquarium before retracing our steps to Te Anau.

Day 19. Tuesday. TE ANAU - QUEENSTOWN (BD)
Drive to Fairlight to join the "Kingston Flyer" histroci steam train for the ride to Kingston at the southern end of Lake Wakatipu. Drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown and the resot of the day is free to enjoy this magnificent resort. A buffet dinner is included tonight at the Skyline restaurant high above Queenstown.

Day 20. Wednesday. QUEENSTOWN. (BD)
Morning tour to the historic gold mining centre of Arrowtown and to the Coronet Peak lookout for a panoramic view over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkable Mountains.
Free afternoon with many optional activities available such as an exciting jet boat ride, bunjy jump, whitewater rafting, or just enjoy the beauty of this great resort. This evening we cruise across Lake Wakatipu on the historic steamer "Earnslaw" to the Walter Peak sheep station for dinner, farm show, and singalong around the piano during the cruise home.

Day 21. Thursday. QUEENSTOWN (B)
The day is completely free to enjoy Queenstown at your leisure. Many optional activities are available. Maybe take a 'Lord of the Rings' tour, experience a Dart River jet boat safari, or whatever you wish. All activities during the day are extra expense.
Please note: This is your driver/guides legally required day off. He will not be available for transfers and sightseeing.

Day 22. Friday QUEENSTOWN - FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER (B)
Drive north through the Kawarau Gorge and fruit growing region of Cromwell to Wanaka. (Optional visit to Puzzling World - admission extra). After a brief stop in Wanaka continue over the Haast Pass to the rainforest and spectacular coastal scenery of the West Coast. Visit a Salmon farm and beautiful Lake Matheson. Overnight at Rainforest Retreat

Optional scenic flight by ski plane or helicopter - extra expense and weather permitting.

Day 23. Saturday FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER - PUNAKAIKI - CHRISTCHURCH (B)
Drive north to Hokitika to see jade carvers and glass blowers at work. After a brief tour of Greymouth continue to the beautiful Punakakiki Pancake rocks and blowholes in the Paparoa National Park with time to explore the area. (optional visit to Shantytown to pan for gold and ride the steam train to recapture something of the atmosphere of the gold rush era INSTEAD of Punakaiki available - extra cost $20 per person). Drive across the Southern Alps, through spectacular Arthurs Pass and back across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.

Optional ride on the TRANZ ALPINE EXPRESS from Greymouth to Christchurch on one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world - extra cost including transfers $150 per person

Day 24. CHRISTCHURCH DEPART. (B)
Our morning tour of the 'Garden City'includes the Port Hills, Sumner beach, Avon River, Museum, Botanical Gardens, and Arts Centre. Tour ends in the city at 12.30pm or at the airport at 1pm. You are welcome to stay longer in Christchurch if you wish.

Tour cost includes (full tour):
** 23 nights accommodation at comfortable Motor Inns and first class hotels - all rooms with private bathroom, tea and coffee, television, etc
** All travel from Auckland to christchurch including Interislander and train.
** 23 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 dinners including hangi dinner at Rotorua.
** Sightseeing admissions to Kauri museum, Waitangi Treaty House, Cape Reinga special tour, Bay of Islands cruise, Hobbiton, Waitomo Caves, Agrodome farm show and tour, Whakarewarewa thermal area, Maori concert, Wellington cable car, Kaikoura Whale Watch cruise or flight, Mt Cook Glacier cruise, "Taieri Gorge" railway, Cadbury's chocolate factory, Larnachs castle, Penguin and seal tour, Stewart Island cruise and tour, Doubtful Sound cruise, Milford Sound cruise, Skyline Gondola and dinner, Walter Peak cruise and dinner.