Ultimate New Zealand Experience - Rail Cruise Luxury Coach - Gippsland Travel
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Ultimate New Zealand Experience
Rail Cruise Luxury Coach
12 October - 30 October 2018 (19 days)
Personally escorted from Warragul by Jacinta Anderson
Maori Culture
Explore the rich and diverse New
Zealand Maori culture. From their
mythical Polynesian homeland of
Hawaiki, the Maori shape New
Zealand's culture
Stunning Scenery
Towering mountains, beautiful
villages, thundering sea. To call New
Zealand “picturesque” would be an
understatement
THURSDAY 11 OCTOBER: MELBOURNE () Our coach will depart Warragul in the late afternoon to travel to the PARK ROYAL HOTEL at Melbourne Airport for an overnight stay. FRIDAY 12 OCTOBER: MELBOURNE - AUCKLAND (D) We shall meet and walk across to the airport terminal for our early morning flight to Auckland. We arrive in Auckland in the afternoon and will be met and transferred to our hotel, the CROWNE PLAZA AUCKLAND, for an overnight stay. Tonight, we will get together for a complimentary pre-dinner drink before dinner. SATURDAY 13 OCTOBER: AUCKLAND - BAY OF ISLANDS (B,D) This morning board our coach to travel to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri Tree. We shall enjoy a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, then travel via Whangarei to Paihia, situated in the heart of the beautiful Bay of Islands. We shall have a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. On arrival at the Bay of Islands we shall check into the SCENIC HOTEL BAY OF ISLANDS for a two-night stay. SUNDAY 14 OCTOBER BAY OF ISLANDS (B) Today we have a tour of Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach and will spend time enjoying the magnificent natural wonders of the North. You will be over-awed by the grandeur of the mighty Kauri trees, the expanse of Ninety Mile Beach and the mystique of Cape Reinga. This evening is at your leisure. MONDAY 15 OCTOBER: BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND (B,D) This morning travel aboard a luxury catamaran to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. We shall keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins before we return to Paihia then travel south via Whangarei to Auckland. We shall check into the CROWNE PLAZA AUCKLAND, for an overnight stay.
TUESDAY 16 OCTOBER: AUCKLAND - ROTORUA (B,D)
This morning we enjoy a city sights tour of Auckland before travelling to Glenbrook Vintage Railway for a
nostalgic 15 kilometre trip back in time on a beautifully restored vintage steam train. We visit the restoration
workshop and on return to Glenbrook Station, morning tea will be served.
We depart Glenbrook and travel through magnificent countryside of rolling hills and green pastures famous for
dairying. Continue to Rainbow Springs, spanning 22 acres of native trees.
A highlight will be the Kiwi Encounter experience which offers a unique behind-the-scenes tour of a working
kiwi nursery and hatchery. On arrival, we shall check into the REGENT OF ROTORUA for a two night stay
and have dinner at the hotel.
WEDNESDAY 17 OCTOBER: ROTORUA (B, D)
Today begins with a gondola ride at the Skyline Rotorua for breakfast with champagne, spectacular views
and also time for a thrilling luge ride! Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming
entertainment and education that’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. This afternoon we board the Rotorua
Duck for a Rotorua City and Lakes tour before travelling to Te Puia to see the boiling mud pools and awesome
geysers that Rotorua is famous for. This evening experience an entertaining Maori Hangi and Concert.
THURSDAY 18 OCTOBER: ROTORUA - WELLINGTON (B,D)
We travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls and then continue to Lake Taupo
for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. We then drive on via the Tongariro National Park
and continue south to the capital city of Wellington where we will check in to the INTERCONTINENTAL
WELLINGTON for a two-night stay.
FRIDAY 19 OCTOBER:
WELLINGTON (B)
A highlight this morning will be time to
explore Gallipoli: A Scale of War exhibition at Te
Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum. Cutting
edge technology brings these stories to life
through the eyes of New Zealanders who were
there. We re-board the coach for an extensive city
tour which showcases the history and culture on
show. There is free time this afternoon for you to
explore or rest and this evening is also free to
choose your own dining arrangements.
SATURDAY 20 OCTOBER: WELLINGTON - CHRISTCHURCH (B,D) This morning we board the Interislander Ferry to cross the Cook Strait and we will enjoy the scenery as we travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. We then join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that follows a thin wedge of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges. We shall join up with the coach in the fishing village of Kaikoura for our journey across the Northern Canterbury Plains to the garden city of Christchurch. On our arrival, we shall check into THE GEORGE, for two nights. SUNDAY 21 OCTOBER: CHRISTCHURCH (B) Today we visit the International Antarctic Centre designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This is followed by an introductory city tour of Christchurch. This afternoon includes a journey on board the Christchurch Tram at your leisure, one of Christchurch’s leading attractions. This evening is also free to enjoy one of the many eateries near our hotel. MONDAY 22 OCTOBER: ARTHUR’S PASS - FOX GLACIER (B,D) This morning we board the TranzAlpine, renowned as one of the great train journeys of the world. We will travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges as we ascend to Arthur’s Pass located in the centre of the Southern Alps. We then board you Ultimate Coach and travel to Hokitika, famous for its Greenstone before continuing via Franz Josef to Fox Glacier where we will check into the DISTINCTION FOX GLACIER for an overnight stay. OPTIONAL: Experience a scenic flight (weather permitting) over the spectacular glaciers. (not included in tour price). See additional information for costings. TUESDAY 23 OCTOBER: FOX GLACIER - QUEENSTOWN (B) We will see the snowcapped peaks of the Southern Alps as we travel south along the West Coast. We continue on via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty. We will experience the untouched national beauty of Te Wahipounamu whilst travelling on a fully enclosed jet boat on our Haast River Safari.. We continue on to Arrowtown to visit the Lakes District Museum and then to the picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. Our hotel for the next two nights is the MILLENNIUM HOTEL QUEENSTOWN. This evening is free and you may choose to dine out at one of the many fine restaurants close by.
WEDNESDAY 24 OCTOBER: QUEENSTOWN (B,D) This morning we will have the chance to view Queenstown and its gorgeous surrounds from the Skyline Gondola. High above the city on Bob’s Peak we will see Coronet Peak and The Remarkables Mountain range and from Lake Wakatiu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. This afternoon is free to explore Queenstown. This evening we board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of us at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner we can enjoy a short farm tour then re-board the TSS Earnslaw for a sing along by the piano on our return cruise. THURSDAY 25 OCTOBER DOUBTFUL SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE (B,L,D) Today we travel via Te Anau to Manapouri and will enjoy a picnic lunch as we cruise across this glacial lake. A short ride over the Wilmot Pass brings us to the boarding point to join the Fiordland Navigator for an amazing overnight experience. As we cruise through the pristine beauty of Doubtful Sound, naturalist guides will provide commentary and point out the resident wildlife. When evening falls, we enjoy a delicious carvery buffet prepared freshly by the onboard chef. FRIDAY 26 OCTOBER: DOUBTFUL SOUND - TE ANAU (B,D) We start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back to Deep Cove for the trip back to Manapouri. We return to the wharf for the journey back to Te Anau. This afternoon, we cruise across Lake Te Anau to visit the Glow Worm Caves where we will admire the incredible limestone caverns, waterfalls and mystery of the Glow Worm Grotto. Tonight we will stay at the DISTINCTION TE ANAU HOTEL & VILLAS.
SATURDAY 27 OCTOBER: TE ANAU - DUNEDIN (B,D) After breakfast, we travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin. After time for lunch, we board the Silver Fern railcar for a journey along spectacular clifftops overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Blueskin Bay. On our return to Dunedin’s historic Edwardian Railway Station, we re-board the coach for an informative city tour before arriving at your hotel, the DISTINCTION DUNDEDON for a two-night stay. SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER: DUNEDIN (B,D) We shall travel along the Otago Peninsula to Larnach Castle to hear the tragic and scandalous stories on a guided tour. We will have time to wander around this Garden of International Significance followed by a high tea served in the Grand Ballroom. After time for lunch we board the Taieri Gorge Railway for a journey through spectacular scenery of Central Otago Hinterland and up the rugged Coast north of Dunedin. MONDAY 29 OCTOBER: DUNEDIN - CHRISTCHURCH (B, FD) This morning we visit Olveston House, a prestigious historic home before travelling to Oamaru, famous for its limestone. On our arrival in Christchurch we will check into THE GEORGE hotel for our final night. This evening we will enjoy our Farewell Dinner. TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER: DEPART CHRISTCHURCH (B) Time to say goodbye. We will transfer to the airport for our flight home after a memorable New Zealand holiday. On arrival in Melbourne, we will be met by our coach and transferred back to Warragul.
THE ULTIMATE COACH
Be dazzled by this state of the art full size coach (13.5 metres long) which would normally house 48 seats and
has been configured with only 20 luxury leather seats complete with incredible amenities.
Onboard the coach, the luxuries extend through
a wide range of features including:
• 20 luxury leather fully reclining seats with
extra-width with adjustable headrest and calf
support for added comfort.
• Panoramic viewing, air conditioning and
seat belts.
• Wood grain timber tray table with built in cup
holder.
• Seat side personal storage area providing
easy access to your travel bag.
• Personal audio control unit with multiple
music channels and a complimentary set of
headphones.
• Individual USB point for charging your
camera, mobile phone, iPod and iPad.
• Stylish centre galley area equipped with
refrigerated drinking fountain and fridge units.
• Complimentary daily on board Wi-Fi
allowance.
• Onboard restroom.
4.5 STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
Carefully handpicked a collection of stylish hotels are
part of this luxurious experience. You will be treated to
a very high standard in each location. Each of the
hotels used offer a premium level of comfort, extensive
guest facilities and excellent location.
TOUR LEADER
Jacinta has worked in the Travel Industry since 1994 dealing with both leisure
& corporate travellers. Having visited many destinations extensively, her
favourite destinations are Egypt, Turkey, South Korea and more recently
Bhutan, China and Patagonia.
Jacinta has travelled on the North Island of New Zealand exploring Auckland,
The Bay of Islands and Wellington. “I am looking forward to experiencing all
the South Island has to offer and sharing this experience and many others
with you all. I am sure we will take home some wonderful memories.”
Ultimate New Zealand Experience
Tour Cost: $10,459 per person on a twin share basis
Single supplement – $2,740
Upgrade to premium economy or business class – cost on application
Should you select to travel on flights other than the included group flights, or upgrade to business/first
class, payment for the air fares will be required at the time of booking the flights.
Payment Details:
Full Deposit: $1000 per person due by Friday, 22 September 2017
(then becomes non-refundable)
Final payment: due Wednesday, 11 July 2018
INCLUSIONS
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds* • Eye Witness New Zealand Guide Book
• Dolphin / Hole in the Rock Cruise • All airport transfers throughout tour
• Kauri Museum* • Return economy airfares and taxes – Melbourne
• Glenbrook Vintage Railway to Auckland and Christchurch to Melbourne.
• Kiwi Encounter* • Coach transfer from Warragul to Melbourne
• Rainbow Springs* airport and return.
• Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge Ride • Throughout New Zealand, Ultimate Small Group
Tour Coach with 20 luxury leather reclining seats
• Agrodome
on a full size vehicle, 2 door access and
• Thermal mud pools & geysers* panoramic windows
• Te Puia traditional Maori Hangi & Concert • Professional Coach Captain
• Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum • Personalised Meet & Greet on arrival
• Cruise on the Interislander Ferry • Personally escorted throughout entire tour.
• International Antarctic Centre • Waterproof Touring Jacket (valued at $69)
• Christchurch Tram • All tipping of tour director, drivers and local
• TranzAlpine Rail Journey guides for included tours
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw • Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise
• Lakes District Museum • 18 nights 4.5 star hotel accommodation
• HIGHLIGHT Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise • 4 rail journeys
• Cruise Lake Te Anau, visit Glow Worm Caves • 5 cruises
• Silver Fern Seasider Rail Journey • 6 two night stays
• Larnach Castle* • Hotel porterage
• Olveston House* • All sightseeing and pre paid attractions
• City sights tour of Auckland, Wellington, • 18 cooked breakfasts including a specialty
Christchurch & Dunedin breakfast: Skyline Restaurant, Rotorua
• Taieri Gorge Rail Journey • 14 sumptuous dinners including 3 specialty
• Haast River Safari dinners: Maori Hangi & Concert, Rotorua; Walter
• Queenstown Gondola Peak Homestead, Queenstown; Farewell Dinner,
• Rotorua Duck selected beverages, Christchurch
• Cape Reinga Wander tour • 1 picnic lunch; 2 delicious morning teas including
• Ponting on the Avon High Tea at Larnach Castle
• Queenstown Gondola & Hop On/Hop Off • ..
• Coastal Pacific Train Journey
EXCLUSIONS
• Travel insurance (a surcharge may apply for passengers over 70 years or if there is a pre-
existing medical condition)
• Expenses of a personal nature like laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic beverages,
medical expenses
• Any meals not included in the itinerary
SPECIAL NOTES
Flight schedules to be advised.
The order of the sightseeing may vary depending on local conditions.
CANCELLATION FEES
For cancellations received more than 90 days prior to tour departure, a cancellation fee of $1000
plus airline ticket will be charged, which cannot be credited to another booking. Notice of
cancellation must be made in writing to Gippsland Travel Centre. If notice of cancellation is
received 90 days or less, prior to departure, the following fees apply:
No of days prior to tour departure Cancellation fee as a % of tour cost
59 – 8 days 75%
7 days or less 100%
All costs are based on the exchange rate prevailing as at 7 September 2017
You can also read
