Wings Over Wairarapa 2011 
17 Day New Zealand Rail Experience
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Experience New Zealand's diverse and spectacular scenery on this 17 Day New Zealand Rail Experience tour incorporating 6 rail journeys across New Zealand including the world famous TranzAlpine Train and also unique journeys like The Seasider in Otago. Our new tour also takes you to the must see locations throughout New Zealand.
During the course of the tour you will also have free time in Rotorua,Wellington and Quenstown to experience some of the unique and regional optional sightseeing activities including Polynesian Spas in Rotorua, Zest Food Tours in Wellington and the Shotover Jet Ride in Queenstown plus many more options for those wishing to explore further.
Prices include: A Meet & Greet on arrival, Return Airport Transfers, Quality twin/double ensuite accommodation throughout, travel in fully airconditioned 5 star coaches, Escorted by a professional Coach Captain, Informative commentary, Comprehensive sightseeing admission fees as perscribed in the itinerary, Baggage Handling/porterage, Travel Kit including Kirra Holidays Travel Backpack, Ticket Wallet, Notebook, Pen, DVD postcard, Postcards, New Zealand Map and more, Cook Strait Ferry Crossing, Maori Concert & Hangi Meal in Rotorua and Skyline Gondola Ride and sumptuous Taste of New Zealand Buffet in Queenstown.
Meals are optional to include in your tour package and about 95% of travellers choose to include these as they represent exceptional value. All meals start on day 2 of the tour itinerary and conclude after breakfast on the final tour day.
Highlights | Pricing | Day by Day | Dates | Map | Comments |
Included Sightseeing
- Entry to Agrodome
- Entry to Skyline Skyrides & Luge Ride
- Entry to Rainbow Springs Park
- Entry to Te Puia Thermal Reserve
- Interislander Ferry Crossing
- Entry to Te Anau Glowworm Caves
- Milford Sound Cruise & Lunch
- Macraes Mine Tour & Lunch
- Scottish Haggis Ceremony
- Entry to Larnach Castle & Gardens
- Christchurch Tram Ride
- Driving Creek Railway
- The Overlander
- The TranzCoastal
- The TranzAlpine
- The Seasider
- Taieri Gorge Railway
- Mitai Maoir Cultural Performance & Hangi Meal
- Skyline Skyride & Dinner Queenstown
Pricing Table
| Price Per Person | Adult (>15) |
|---|---|
| 01 Sep 10 - 30 Sep 10 | $4,450.00 |
| 01 Oct 10 - 31 May 11 | $4,548.88 |
| Options Extras | |
|---|---|
| Breakfast Supplement (16) | $385.00 |
| Dinner Supplement (13) | $530.00 |
| Single Supplement | $1,415.00 |
Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
| Welcome to New Zealand! Kirra Holidays will greet you at the airport, with transport waiting to take you to your hotel. Accommodation at Rydges Hotel (1 night) |
Day 2 - Auckland/Coromandel (Tairua)
| Travel south out of the city and through the rolling farmland and Bombay Hills before reaching the Coromandel Peninsula. Continue up the Western coast of the peninsula to reach Coromandel Town and the Driving Creek Railway. Experience this unique hour long journey through replanted native Kauri forests. The track includes 2 sprials, 3 short tunnels and 5 reversing points to reach the top and Eyefull tower providing panoramic views across the island studded Hauraki Gulf. Rejoin your coach for the journey across to the eastern side of the peninsula stopping at Hot Water Beach before continuing on to Tairua. Accommodation at: Pacific Harbour Motor Lodge (1 night) |
Day 3 - Coromandel (Tairua)/Rotorua
| A sightseeing tour encompasses the cultural and scenic highlights of the area. Visit the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a sheep shearing demonstration. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over city, lake and mountains and for those wanting just a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments - enjoy the thrill. Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park and see pools of rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi. At the completion of the tour (mid afternoon) there will be time for optional activities:-shopping, trout fishing or a dip in a thermal pool. This evening you will experience a Mitai Maori Cultural performance followed by a traditional Hangi (meal) which will include a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes. Accommodation at: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua (2 nights) |
Day 4 - Rotorua
| This morning visit Te Puia for the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and famous Pohutu Geyser. You will have the remainder of the day at leisure to experience Rotorua and the many activities available such as a Mt Tarawera 4WD tour, Off Road adventure or simply soak in the thermal pools. |
Day 5 - Rotorua/Wellington
| This morning travel through the Waikato and onto Te Kuiti to meet The Overlander train for your journey into Wellington. The Overlander will take you past the Central North Island ski towns of National Park and Ohakune. You also see fantastic views of New Zealand farmland, the volcanic plateau, Mount Ruapehu, the world famous Raurimu Spiral, and stunning river gorges all from the large panoramic windows or open air viewing decks allowing you the best possible views. Accommodation at: West Plaza Hotel (2 nights) |
Day 6 - Wellington
| You have a full day at leisure in New Zealand’s capital city well known for its arts and culture. Your options include exploring Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand, a number of food and walking tours of the capital as well as a day trip to Martinborough the small but famous wine growing region incorporating two local train journeys and a wine tasting tour. Your Coach Captain will be happy to provide advice on the options. |
Day 7 - Wellington/Christchurch
| Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with views of the City and its hillside suburbs. Cross Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, bush clad hillsides remote bays and isolated holiday homes. It’s time to join the TranzCoastal train for a spectacular journey to Christchurch, travel south through Blenheim before you skirt the coast into Kaikoura where the mountains meet the sea then onto Christchurch arriving early evening. Accommodation at: Holiday Inn on Avon (1 night) |
Day 8 - Christchurch/Greymouth/Fox Glacier
| Depart Christchurch on board the TranzAlpine train across the broad expanse of the Canterbury Plains then inland through gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River and then climb through to the Southern Alps before descending through lush rain forest into the West Coast and Greymouth. Meet your coach to continue your journey past remote farms, dense native bush and landlocked lakes to arrive in Fox Glacier. Time permitting this afternoon you can take an optional guided walk to the terminal face of the glacier or alternatively a helicopter flight with snow landing or a walk to nearby Lake Matheson. Accommodation at: Heartland Hotel Fox Glacier (1 night) |
Day 9 - Fox Glacier/Queenstown
| Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bush lands of the Aspiring National Park skirting the shores of Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea to arrive in Wanaka. Continue through this picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and gold mining to arrive in Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the Skyline Restaurant, where both the dining and the views are unsurpassed. Accommodation at: Rydges Hotel (2 nights) |
Day 10 - Queenstown
| A free day to explore the delights of this alpine resort at your leisure. Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many sightseeing activities available. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet boat ride, take the Gondola high above Queenstown, a 4WD tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon along with an abundance of other options or alternatively browse through the many shops and cafes. |
Day 11 - Queenstown/Te Anau
| This morning travel south following the lake to Kingston to join the Kingston Flyer Vintage Steam Train for a short 30 minute journey from Kingston to Fairlight pulled by steam locomotive and in heritage carriages dating back to 1898. Continue on through the lush farming country to arrive in Te Anau where you will be at leisure, perhaps a visit to the Shadowlands cinema or a stroll along the lakefront prior to an early dinner, its your choice your Coach Captain will be happy to provide advice on the options. This evening cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the under-ground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow-worms, an unforgettable sight. Accommodation at: Distinction Luxmore Hotel (1 night) |
Day 12 - Te Anau/Milford Sound/Invercargill
| A highlight of any New Zealand tour. Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach right to the roads edge and mighty snow capped peaks tower above, pass the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound dominated by Mitre Peak. A scenic launch cruise takes you right to the open sea and shows such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling Falls (a picnic lunch is included with the cost of your cruise). Following your cruise join your coach to continue through to New Zealand’s southern most city; Invercargill. Accommodation at: Ascot Park Hotel (1 night) |
Day 13 - Invercargill/Catlins Coast/Dunedin
| Heading north travel through the spectacular Catlin’s region, a true hidden gem, then onto the southern agricultural towns of Gore and Balclutha to arrive in Dunedin. There is time this afternoon to explore the Scottish city of Dunedin and the peninsula. This evening prior to dinner, you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift. Accommodation at: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City (2 nights) |
Day 14 - Otago Railroad To Gold Day Excursion
| Today experience an exciting new day excursion with Taieri Gorge Railway firstly joining The Seasider Train, taking in Dunedin’s picturesque harbour side suburbs and rail causeway, Mihiwaka hill climb, intriguing history and spectacular cliff-top coastal scenery en route to Palmerston, a busy highway town. Upon arrival join your tour to Macraes Mine, visit heritage mining sites including a complete battery stamper. View the gigantic Fraser’s open cast pit and the CAT maintenance base along with enormous trucks and excavators. Also included is the Otago Fish and Game hatchery as well as the historic village of Macraes and see the churches,stables and agricultural machinery of a bygone era. Finish the day off by joining the Taieri Gorge Railway at Pukerangi travelling through the rugged and spectacular Taieri River Gorge, through tunnels and steep viaducts which were carved over 100 years ago before concluding in Dunedin (a two course lunch & afternoon tea are included in your tour today). |
Day 15 - Dunedin/Mt Cook Village
| Visit Larnach Castle & Gardens for a guided tour and morning tea, the Southern Hemisphere’s only castle with its superb gardens. Travel north from Dunedin, see bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru. Follow the Waitaki Valley, passing several hydro lakes, pass the milky blue waters of Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook National Park and village through to the Mt Cook Village. You may wish to explore the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre or take a walk into the valley or simply relax and soak up the views of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain. Accommodation at: The Hermitage Hotel (1 night) |
Day 16 - Mt Cook Village/Christchurch
| This morning we highly recommend (optional) flightseeing with Air Safairs to explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park and the Westland World Heritage Parks from the air. At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial before continuing through Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch. This afternoon join the Christchurch Tramway for a circuit of the city centre showcasing the central city highlights and districts. Accommodation at: Holiday Inn on Avon (1 night) |
Day 17 - Christchurch/Home
| Today it is goodbye to your new found friends. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport in ample time to join your flight. |
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