Journey through the North Island of New Zealand and explore Waitomo, Rotorua and Lake Taupo, and discover the natural beauty of Kaikoura and Christchurch on this 5-day trip from Auckland to Christchurch or vice versa. See the glow worms at Waitomo Caves, relax at Rotorua's geothermal wonderland, see Giant Sperm Whales where mountains meet sea and be mesmerized by the natural beauty of New Zealand. This 5-day tour will have you travelling by coach, train and ferry with plenty of time at leisure to make this holiday truly magical.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Rotorua Activities
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔ TranzCoastal train journey between Picton and Kaikoura (only from 01 October to 30 April)
✔ 4 nights accommodation
✔ Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour
✔ Waitomo Glow Worm Caves tour
✔ Ferry between Wellington and Picton
✖ Food and drinks
✖ Gratuities (Optional)
Pickup Locations
1. Avani Auckland Metropolis Residences
2. M Social Auckland
3. The Chancellor on Hobson
4. SkyCity Hotel
5. Crowne Plaza Auckland, an IHG Hotel
6. Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West
7. Grand Millennium Auckland
8. Airedale Boutique Suites
9. M Social Auckland
10. SkyCity Hotel Auckland
11. Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
12. Auckland City Hotel - Hobson St
13. VR Queen Street
14. The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
15. Movenpick Hotel Auckland
16. Auckland Harbour Suites
17. Copthorne Hotel Auckland City
18. CityLife Auckland
19. Parkside Hotel & Apartments
20. Econo Lodge City Central
Additional Info: We also pick up from Christchurch for those who wish to do a reverse tour (Christchurch to Auckland). Please provide the name of your Christchurch City Hotel when making a booking.
For those staying in an AirBnb, private residency or outside of the the central city limits, then please advise so we can provide you with a central pick up location.
Itinerary
Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
1
Waitomo Glowworm Caves
Today you will depart from Auckland and drive to the magical Waitomo Caves. Here you will have a guided tour of the caves, before taking a short boat ride along the river to the grotto. Be enchanted by the thousands of glow worms emitting tiny lights that twinkle in the darkness. Later, you drive to Rotorua, passing through the Fitzgerald Glade, a section of highway where native bush forms a canopy overhead. Be dropped off at your accommodation and spend the rest of your day at your leisure.
Duration: 5 hours
Rotorua
1
Te Puia
You will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to Te Puia to experience Rotorua's famous Maori culture and geothermal activity with a tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley - a place where mud pools bubble and boil and geysers shoot steam high into the air.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Rainbow Springs Nature Park
Discover New Zealand wildlife and natural scenery at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, where you can get up close to native flora and fauna including the famous kiwi - a flightless native bird. Wander through native forest and discover New Zealand birds, fish and lizards (including the ancient tuatara), as well as exotic animals from around the world.
Duration: 60 minutes
3
Agrodome
See Rotorua's agricultural industry in action at the Agrodome: a working organic farm where you can find out all about farming life in New Zealand. Watch a sheep shearing display and see sheep dog trials where the farm dogs show off their amazing skills. Afterwards, be transferred back to your accommodation where you can spend the afternoon at your leisure
Duration: 60 minutes
Rotorua – Lake Taupo – Wellington
1
Lake Tekapo
After being picked up from your accommodation, travel from Rotorua to Wellington by road via Lake Taupo, the Central Plateau (home to several active volcanoes), Palmerston North and the Kapiti Coast, arriving in Wellington by late afternoon where you will be dropped off at your evening accommodation.
Duration: 8 hours
Wellington - Picton - Kaikoura
1
Wellington
You will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Interislander Cook Strait Ferry for ferry crossings from Wellington to Picton. See spectacular spectacular sights on the beautiful Marlborough Sounds on your arrival into Picton on the South Island.
Duration: 3 hours
2
Picton
Transfer from the ferry terminal to the Pacific Coast Railway Station and join the Coastal Railway Journey from Picton to the stunning seaside township of Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea. You will then be taken to your evening accommodation. (This portion will be replaced by coach if train is unavailable)
Duration: 2 hours
Kaikoura - Christchurch
1
Whale Watch Kaikoura
On this final day you will join a Whale Watch tour in Kaikoura where you will see the Giant Sperm Whale and a host of marine life including dolphins, seals and seabirds. This afternoon continue onto Christchurch where your tour concludes.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Additional info
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable
• This tour is independent touring, different coach and driver each day, all pickups and drop-offs will be at your accommodation.
• Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
• The coach service between Rotorua /Wellington is an Intercity Coach, this is a full size tour coach, (door to door service provided) however, no commentary
