Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour
Auckland to Christchurch
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Pure Discoveries

Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour

A superb tour for those that want to experience the highlights of both of New Zealand’s main islands. In the North Island you will see amazing geothermal activities, learn about authentic Māori culture, and enjoy a traditional feast. Explore some of the South Island’s jaw-dropping scenery as you journey from Queenstown deep into Fiordland National Park to cruise the iconic Milford Sound

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Quick Itinerary Details

Small Group Tour Escorted

This suggested tour costs from NZD$6,850 per person (twin share, low season)

Starts in Auckland, finishes in Christchurch

10 days/9 nights

Hotel 4 star

 Pre and post tour options? YES

 Viewed 90 times in the last 7 days

Tour Inclusions

Auckland City Tour
Maori Village Experience & Hangi (dinner), Rotorua
Rotorua City and Lakes Tour
Milford Sound Cruise and Lunch
Arrowtown Lakes Distrit Museum
Christchurch Tram
Punting on the River Avon
9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Tour at a glance

Day 1: Arrive into Auckland
Accommodation: M Social Hotel Auckland (or similar)

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Day 3: Rotorua to Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown (or similar)

Day 4: Queenstown to Te Anau
Accommodation: Distinction Hotels Luxmore, Te Anau (or similar)

Day 5: Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown (or similar)

Day 6: Queenstown free day
Accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown (or similar)

Day 7: Queenstown to Mt Cook to Twizel
Accommodation: Distinction MacKenzie Country Hotel, Twizel (or similar)

Day 8: Twizel to Christchurch
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch (or similar)

Day 9: Christchurch free day
Accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch (or similar)

Day 10: Depart Christchurch

Tour full itinerary

Detailed itinerary: 10 day tour starting in Auckland

Day 1 - Arrive into Auckland
Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour - Day 1
Pure Discoveries 10 days Nikau Tour

A superb tour for those that want to experience the highlights of both of New Zealand’s main islands. In the North Island you will see amazing geothermal activities, learn about authentic Māori culture, and enjoy a traditional feast. Explore some of the South Island’s jaw-dropping scenery as you journey from Queenstown deep into Fiordland National Park to cruise the iconic Milford Sound.

Arrive into Auckland

Haere mai – welcome! Arrive in Auckland where you will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Spend the afternoon and evening at your leisure exploring the ‘City of Sails’.

Your accommodation: M Social Hotel Auckland (or similar)

A contemporary hotel for the curious, the explorers and those who thrive on new experiences. Functionally chic, this contemporary hotel overlooks the vibrant Princes Wharf that is home to a good array of dining, entertainment and shopping experiences.
Day 2 - Auckland to Rotorua
Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour - Day 2
Auckland to Rotorua

This morning, enjoy an Auckland City tour including panoramic views from Bastion Point, the informative Māori and Pacific Islands displays at the Auckland Museum, quaint Parnell Village, and some of the most popular waterfront areas. Departing Auckland we travel to Rotorua – the heart of New Zealand’s famous thermal and cultural region. On arrival, we will enjoy a city tour, before checking into our central accommodation. This afternoon we have some time out to relax before travelling to a local Marae (Māori Village). This evening visit Tamaki Māori Village for Te Pā Tū. The evening experience and feast is aligned to and changes with the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar). Feast on Māori song, tradition, and divine seasonal kai (cuisine) within the forest Pā (village) amidst towering Tawa trees, blazing bonfires, and forest - formed amphitheatre. Hākari (feasting) begins with forest horotai (canapes) and culminates in a lavish 4 -course fusion feast. Hāngī is featured in varied seasonal menus designed by Māori chefs served to table, al fresco when warm, or in the wharekai (dining room) if cooler. During summer months, Tū Te Rā celebrates harvest and concepts concerning ancient Māori warfare and peace. Over winter months, Tū Te Ihi celebrates the Matariki star cluster with mystical ritual, energy, and passion. Return hotel transfers included –other travellers will be on board

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Your accommodation: Millennium Hotel Rotorua

Rotorua's largest 4 star deluxe hotel is perfectly situated in the heart of the city overlooking Lake Rotorua. Five levels of accommodation offer guests a wide variety of scenic views.
Day 3 - Rotorua to Queenstown
Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour - Day 3
Rotorua to Queenstown

Rotorua is the epicentre not only of New Zealand’s geothermal activity but of Māori heritage. No visit to Rotorua would be complete without including Te Puia, an active geothermal site and the nation’s centre for indigenous arts and crafts and a Kiwi conservation project. At Te Puia, it’s part of their culture to welcome, guide, entertain, and treat you like part of the family. You are treated to a private guide throughout your time here. Next travel out to visit the Blue and Green Lakes, and Lake Tarawera –the site of Buried Village to see remains of the Māori village Te Wairoa that was devastated by the volcanic eruption of Mt. Tarawera during the night of June 10, 1886. The excavated village offers a first - hand insight into the chaos and destruction that ensued following the eruption of Mt. Tarawera. This eruption also destroyed the famed Pink and White Terraces, once considered to be the eighth wonder of the world. This afternoon fly to Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier year -round alpine resort. It offers a host of holiday attractions for the visitor from helicopter flights and trips on jet -boats, to walks and tramps. The town is steeped in the history of the goldmining days, evident from the many relics scattered in and among the surrounding hills

Included- Flight to Queenstown
Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown (or similar)

Scenic Suites Queenstown offers guests exquisite style, comfort and spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. The hotel prides itself on its four star hospitality that will make your stay in Queenstown even more memorable.
Day 4 - Queenstown to Te Anau
Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour - Day 4
Queenstown to Te Anau

Depart Queenstown to visit historic Arrowtown – a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River. Continue your journey via the road pinned between the base of the Remarkables mountain range and spectacular Lake Wakatipu. Journey through a glacial formed a valley that is now farmland, to reach Lake Te Anau, the largest (by volume) freshwater lake in the South Island and gateway to Fiordland National Park

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Distinction Hotels Luxmore, Te Anau (or similar)

The Te Anau Hotel and Villas offers a range of accommodation from hotel rooms and suites to villas. Ideally located on the lake front the hotel is just a few minutes stroll for the shops. cafes and activities on offer.
Day 5 - Te Anau to Milford Sound to Queenstown
Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour - Day 5
Te Anau to Milford Sounds to Queenstown

The journey from Te Anau to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic experiences you can have on four wheels. Fiordland National Park, part of the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Areais on of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, Milford Sound is breath- taking in any weather. Board a comfortable vessel for a cruise past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Keep an eye peeled for seals and dolphins which are often seen in the waters of the fiord. Following the cruise, retrace your journey back to Te Anau travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley then across the Southland farmlands and around spectacular Lake Wakatipu to Queenstown

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Your accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown (or similar)

Scenic Suites Queenstown offers guests exquisite style, comfort and spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. The hotel prides itself on its four star hospitality that will make your stay in Queenstown even more memorable.
Day 6 - Queenstown free day
Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour - Day 6
Queenstown free day

Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal -clear Lake Wakatipu, the natural beauty and the unique energy of Queenstown create the perfect backdrop for a visit full of adventure, exploration or relaxation. Today is free for you to do your own thing: thrill seekers may choose to zip- line at Bob’s Peak, get drenched on a Shotover jet -boat ride or go white -water rafting. Other enjoyable but less hair -raising activities include the gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak, or a 4WD safari to Skippers Canyon. Boutique wineries and local gardens welcome visitors and the classic steamship TSS Earnslaw is an elegant way to discover Lake Wakatipu during a cruise to Walter Peak High Country Farm.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Scenic Suites Queenstown (or similar)

Scenic Suites Queenstown offers guests exquisite style, comfort and spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and the Southern Alps. The hotel prides itself on its four star hospitality that will make your stay in Queenstown even more memorable.
Day 7 - Queenstown to Mt Cook to Twizel
Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour - Day 7
Queenstown to Mt Cook to Twizel

Continue north through the rugged Kawarau Gorge, past pretty Lake Dunstan and across the distinctive Central Otago countryside to the Lindis Pass. Descend into the unique Mackenzie Basin where the Southern Alps dominate the horizon. Take a beautiful drive along Lake Pukaki to Mt Cook Village, home to New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/Mt Cook. We stay overnight in the rural town of Twizel

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Distinction MacKenzie Country Hotel, Twizel (or similar)

Located in the heart of the Mackenzie region the hotel's natural stone architecture compliments the mountains and rivers of New Zealand's Southern Alps. With 108 well equipped rooms the hotel can offer every facility needed for a comfortable stay.
Day 8 - Twizel to Christchurch
Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour - Day 8
Twizel to Christchurch

Visit a local home set on the shores of Lake Tekapo and learn the secrets of making a Pavlova - a truly Kiwi dessert! For morning tea, enjoy the taste of your pavlova as you drink in the views of this beautiful lake. View the Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand’s most -photographed spots; a tiny church set against a majestic backdrop of the Southern Alps. Pass across the high country’s tussock plains, through the small rural towns of Fairlie and Geraldine, and onto Ashburton. From here travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Most English of New Zealand cities suffered a succession of terrible earthquakes in 2010/11. Post-earthquake the city combines urban regeneration and innovation with heritage, culture, and creativity.

Meals included: Breakfast

Your accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch (or similar)

This 4 star hotel is centrally located in the revitalised Cathedral Square. Ideally positioned, only a few minutes walk from the brand new Christchurch Convention Centre.
Day 9 - Christchurch free day
Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour - Day 9
Christchurch free day

This morning we join punting boatmen, resplendent with straw boaters and traditional Edwardian dress for a relaxing cruise in flat-bottomed punts along the River Avon through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Enjoy a journey in style onboard a beautifully restored heritage tram through the changing face of Christchurch’s city centre. This is the final part of our journey together so tonight we enjoy a relaxed farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Your accommodation: Distinction Hotel Christchurch (or similar)

This 4 star hotel is centrally located in the revitalised Cathedral Square. Ideally positioned, only a few minutes walk from the brand new Christchurch Convention Centre.
Day 10 - Depart Christchurch
Pure Discoveries 10 Day Nikau Tour - Day 10
Depart Christchurch

Haere rā– farewell from New Zealand. After breakfast you are transferred to the Christchurch Airport for your return home, taking with you your fond memories of your time in New Zealand. Alternatively, should you wish to extend your stay, we can assist you with additional travel arrangements

Meals included: Breakfast
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Nov 7, 2023
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