Mainland Express

Tour Code: T4

9 Days/ 8 Nights from $2,209

A full 8 day tour from Auckland to Queenstown including Waitomo caves, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound and Mt Cook...

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. We recommend you attend a Maori hangi (feast) and concert tonight.Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 2: At Rotorua
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. Your afternoon is free – there are many activities to enjoy.

Day 3: Rotorua – Wellington
Drive south to Wairakei - wreathed by steam, then to Taupo. Skirt Lake Taupo, and cross the volcanic landscape of the Desert Rd past the majestic peaks of Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu. Continue across the fertile plains of the Manawatu and along the rugged Kapiti coastline to Wellington. Overnight in Wellington.

Day 4: Wellington – Picton – Christchurch
Cross Cook Strait by ferry, to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. The TranzCoastal train skims the spectacular coastline between the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific. Continue through North Canterbury sheep country to Christchurch. As you arrive in the evening, consider adding an extra day in our most ‘English’ city. Overnight in Christchurch 

Day 5: Christchurch – Dunedin
Travel south across the Canterbury Plains through seaside Timaru, and historic Oamaru to Dunedin – "the Edinburgh of the South". Arrive early afternoon.Overnight in Dunedin.
Please note, no commentary is provided on this journey

Day 6: Dunedin – Taieri Gorge – Queenstown
This morning is at your leisure for optional sightseeing. Board the Taieri Gorge train for a journey through spectacular gorges and over historic viaducts to Pukerangi where you join your coach for the remainder of the journey to Queenstown. Arrive in Queenstown in the late evening and stay for 3 nights.

Day 7: Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown
An early start around the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu to Lake Te Anau, then into Fiordland National Park. Pass through pristine beech forests and the Homer Tunnel to view the majesty of Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls aboard a cruise on the Sound. Climb out of Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening. Enjoy your lunch on the Milford Sound boat. Depart Milford Sound to return to Queenstown by evening.

Day 8: At Queenstown
Today is free for you to enjoy this fabulous resort – we have included the Skyline Gondola in your tour. There are dozens of optional activities from thrilling jet boat rides to leisurely lake cruises, 4WD safaris and bungy jumping.

Day 9: Queenstown – Mt Cook – Christchurch
Through the Kawarau Gorge with it’s historic gold mines, then past the stone fruit growing area of Cromwell to the Lindis Pass. Cross the spectacular Mackenzie Country bounded by the Southern Alps to the glacial lakes and into the Mount Cook National Park. Optional lunch at the Hermitage or perhaps a ski plane flight.Continue north through Burkes Pass, Fairlie and Geraldine to Christchurch.

TOUR BONUS
Your tour bonus is on day 7 with a free lunch on the Milford Sound boat.

  Tour Inclusions:

*Departs from Sky City Coach Terminal, Hobson Street EVERY DAY.
*All tours are flexible. Extra nights and pre and post tour accommodation available.