Kiwi Walkabout

On this Kiwi Walkabout coach tour you will travel onboard Thrifty Tours' luxury air-conditioned coach, and view some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

Sightseeing is inevitable on this coach tour, as you head from one picturesque location to the next. Travel south to Rotorua via the rich pastoral province of Waikato, explore the fascinating Waitomo Caves where you will experience a guided tour of the famous Glowworm Grotto featuring an underground boat ride.

Visit the wildlife at Rainbow Springs, be taken on a guided tour of Taupo's highlights including the Boat Harbour, Craters of the Moon and the Aratiatia Rapids.

Thrifty Tours provides you with an excellent itinerary that is sure to make your next New Zealand holiday a memorable one!

Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua: Travel south through lush Waikato farmland, past Hamilton, to Waitomo Caves for a boat ride under a galaxy of glow-worms. Continue east to Rotorua, steeped in Maori culture and history. Highly recommendes is the Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight. Overnight at Rotorua.

Day 2 Rotorua - Taupo: This morning - see roaring geysers and boiling mud pools at the thermal area, tame trout at the springs and performing sheep and dogs at the Agrodome. This afternoon drive south past the steam fields of Wairakei to Lake Taupo in the centre of the North Island. Overnight at Taupo.

Day 3 Taupo - Tongariro National Park: A guided tour will take you to the mighty Huka Falls, Wairakei, the Aratiatia Rapids and the Craters of the Moon. In the afternoon you skirt the lake and climb the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, an active volcano. Stay 2 nights at Mt Ruapehu.

Day 4 In the Tongariro National Park: Today you will be guided over the Tongariro Crossing which is often described as the best one-day walk in New Zealand. It is a challenging walk taking 7-8 hours past volcanoes, steaming fumaroles, jagged lava flows, the Red Crater and the Emerald Lakes. A picnic lunch is included.

Day 5 National Park to Wellington: Continue by coach across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington. An evening tour takes in Parliament Buildings, Old St Paul's Cathedral and Mt Victoria. Overnight in Wellington.

Day 6 Wellington - Picton - Blenheim: Catch the ferry across Cook Strait and through the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to Picton in the South Island. A short coach ride to Blenheim is followed by a tour of the local vineyards, which form the backbone of the New Zealand wine industry. Stay 2 nights in Blenheim.

Day 7 In the Marlborough Sounds: Take a boat cruise from Picton to Ship Cove past salmon farms and sea birds on a beautiful voyage to Ship Cove, an historic and scenic reserve that Captain Cook visited several times in the 17th Century. Enjoy a guided walk along the Queen Charlotte Track from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet.

Day 8 Blenheim - Christchurch: The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Kaikoura and its surrounds are host to a wealth of sea birds and mammals. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch.

Accommodation

Thrifty Tours New Zealand offer you a choice of three levels of accommodation:

All Accommodation Includes: TV Telephone Ironing facilities Fridge in unit and breakfast available

Gold: Hotels are centrally located and have a selection of restaurants and bars and other facilities expected in first class rooms.

Silver: These properties include a variety of international chain hotels and traditional New Zealand hotels or Motor Inns. As with all accommodations, they are centrally located and provide on site restaurants and bars and other facilities are maintained to high standard.

Bronze: Stay at centrally located hotels and motels. All Thrifty Tour properties are situated near amenities, shops, activities and coach stations/depots.

Departures

Departs: Daily from 7.15am from Auckland Hotels, pick-up time confirmed at time of booking
Returns: Auckland

Highlights

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Te Puia Thermal Valley Capital city of Wellington Tongariro Crossing guided walk

Inclusions

Luxury coach transport 7 nights accommodation Glowworm Grotto Guided Tour Jet Boat Ride to Huka Falls

Additional Information

Children: Aged 0-12 years are at the child rate, when using existing bedding and sharing a room with 2 adults
Operated By: Thrifty Tours