Suggested Itineraries
If you don’t know where to go or what to see,
let us design a tour for you. Below are a few of our suggested
itineraries, however there are many more to choose from,
depending on your timing and budget. Send us an email giving
us some of your travel details, such as how many people;
how many days; arrival destination; departing destination;
month of travel and we will correspond with you to finalise
the perfect holiday package. With Vision Limousines, it’s
really easy.
AUCKLAND SIGHTSEEING:
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city with its beautiful
harbours, dormant volcanoes,
and it’s diverse cultures, creating an interesting lifestyle.
Your 4 hour comprehensive tour will cover:
- CBD – central business district and shopping area
- Mt Eden – a dormant volcano with specatacular 360
views of the city and harbours
- Domain – The city’s oldest park and home to
the Museum and Wintergardens
- Parnell Village – with historic buildings that have
become trendy boutiques, arts and crafts and specialty shops.
- Paritai Drive – some of the most expensive real
estate in Auckland
- Tamaki Drive – the beautiful waterfront along the
shores of the Waitemata Harbour
- Viaduct Basin – Built for the 1st New Zealand defence
of the America’s Cup
- Harbour Bridge – connecting the North Shore
- Mt Victoria – unsurpassed views back over the city.
(small groups only)
Extend your sightseeing tour and include a visit to:
- Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World
- Auckland Museum
- Sky Tower
- Golf – Shopping – The Zoo – Sailing
on the harbour
WEST AUCKLAND SIGHTSEEING:
This 4 hour tour includes
- Travel west to the rugged forest-clad Waitakere
Ranges and
on to the West Coasts black iron sand beaches.
- Scenic Drive – Travel through the native bush on
the Waitakere Ranges
- Arataki Visitor Centre – elevated viewing platforms,
audio visual display and a range of exhibits.
- Muriwai – This black iron sand beach with its wild
surf is popular with Kiwis.
- Gannet Colony – view the gannet colony on a cliff
top.
- Vineyards & Wineries – Wine tasting and lunch
may be included at any number of well known vineyards.
BAY OF ISLANDS:
Driving time, each way, is approximately 4 hours with stops
for scenery, photos etc.
Discover the beautiful beaches and the early history of
New Zealand.
ONE DAY TOUR
Depart Auckland and travel over the
Harbour Bridge, north up the Hibiscus Coast
- Orewa – a picturesque beach town, popular for Kiwi
holidaymakers.
- Whangarei – The largest Northland City.
- Waitangi Treaty House – The historic site, where
the Treaty was signed between the Maori and European.
In the Bay Of Islands there are many things to do and see.
Choose between the following
- Cape Brett Hole in the Rock Cruise (3
hours)
- Russell - the first capital of New Zealand
and significant in history (1 hour)
- Swim with the Dolphins - a chance to
get up close and even swim with the dolphins (subject to
weather conditions) (3 hours)
- Paihia and Kerikeri sights.(3 hours)
- Return to Auckland or Stay
TWO DAY TOUR
Day 1: as above – but
you can include more sights and activities
Day 2: Relax – cover more sights – or
- return to Auckland via the Waipoua Forest (8 hours)
- Visit “Tane Mahuta” the magnificent Kauri
tree that soars 51.5m above the forest floor.
- Visit the Matakohe
Kauri Museum – which has an interesting collection of
memorabilia as well as the world’s largest display
of Kauri gum.
THREE DAY TOUR
Day 1: as above
Day 2: Choose from
- Golf at Kerikeri or Kauri Cliffs
- Fishing
- A day tour to Cape Reinga – Seat in Coach or Private
4WD or Fly + 4WD
Day 3; Return to Auckland
Either via the Hibiscus Coast or via Waipoua Forest
Remember you can add days in the Bay Of Islands, your driver/guide
can be at your
disposal or he can return later to pick you up and connect
you with your next destination.
NORTH ISLAND – ITINERARY 1:
COROMANDEL – ROTORUA:
AUCKLAND – COROMANDEL
Depart from Auckland on the scenic coastal highway to the western
shores of the Firth of Thames, where thousands of migratory
birds are the main occupants of the landscape.
Arrive in the peaceful town of Thames, which once resounded
to the thunder of hundreds
of stamper batteries pounding quartz rock for the extraction
of gold.
Journey up the beautiful coast to the township of Coromandel.
Here we suggest the
Driving Creek Railway a scenic 5km line through the bush, featuring
spirals, high trestle bridges and tunnels. Coromandel peninsular
is home to many who have chosen an alternative lifestyle and
there are many arts and crafts shops on the way.
Continue over to the eastern side to Whitianga.
You can overnight in Whitianga or continue on to Tairua or
Pauanui.
(on a day trip around the Coromandel it is not possible to
do Driving Creek Railway)
COROMANDEL – ROTORUA
Today visit Hot Water beach (subject
to tides) at low tide you can dig your own thermal pool in the
sand. We pass through Whangamata and Waihi, both popular holiday
and surfing locations. The town of Katikati is gradually becoming
on open-air art gallery
with murals adorning many buildings, wine tasting can be included
here.
At Tauranga and Mt Maunganui, popular holiday resorts, enjoy
a stroll along the beach
before heading inland across the volcanic plateau. Pass many
of the regions beautiful
lakes en-route to Rotorua.
ROTORUA Sights
Visit Te Puia (formerly
known as Whakarewarewa) To view mighty
geysers and boiling mud pools, and the Maori Arts and Crafts
Institute to see craftsmen at work.
Continue through the beautiful Government gardens and around
the lake front to
Rainbow Springs this quiet majestic native bush, features native
ferns, trees and plants that are unique to New Zealand. View
trout in crystal clear springs, native birds and our own little
dinosaur, the Tuatara.
Include a Farm Show, depicting Agriculture in New Zealand,
sheepdogs, sheep shearing,
cows, goats, alpaca and ostrich.
Additional attractions you may wish to visit today are:
- Rotorua Museum – great stories that have shaped
this fascinating area
- Polynesian Spa – to relax and unwind
- Skyline Skyrides – Gondola rides and luge.
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley – Valley walk (2 hrs)
- Valley walk and Boat Cruise (3 hrs)
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland – The most colourful
thermal area, where you can also see Lady Knox geyser in
action
- Maori Hangi (traditionally cooked feast) and Concert
There are also many exciting activities
for the young, like the Zorb, the Swoop,
4WD adventures.
***Continue on – Fly on – Return to Auckland – Add
days***
Arrive Rotorua and do in reverse.
NORTH ISLAND – ITINERARY 2:
AUCKLAND – WAITOMO – ROTORUA – NAPIER– WELLINGTON:
AUCKLAND – WAITOMO - ROTORUA
Travel south over the Bombay Hills, a market gardening area,
through small farming settlements to Ngaruawahia, home of the
Maori Queen.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves – enjoy a guided tour through
these spectacular caves
including a unique boat ride through the Glowworm grotto.
Cross over the Mamaku Ranges, through Fitzgerald Glade, to
arrive in the thermal city,
Rotorua.
Visit Te Puia (formerly known as Whakarewarewa) To view mighty
geysers and boiling mud pools, and the Maori Arts and Crafts
Institute to see craftsmen at work.
Continue through the beautiful Government gardens and around
the lake front to
Rainbow Springs this quiet majestic native bush, features native
ferns, trees and plants that are unique to New Zealand. View
trout in crystal clear springs, native birds and our own little
dinosaur, the Tuatara.
Include a Farm Show, depicting Agriculture in New Zealand,
sheepdogs, sheep shearing,
cows, goats, alpaca and ostrich.
*Depart Rotorua for your journey back to Auckland, via Matamata
(Hobbiton for Lord of the Rings fan)
*Or Stay in Rotorua
ROTORUA
Rotorua sights
Additional attractions you may wish to visit today are:
- Rotorua Museum – great stories that have shaped
this fascinating area
- Polynesian Spa – to relax and unwind
- Skyline Skyrides – Gondola rides and luge.
- Waimangu Volcanic Valley – Valley walk (2 hrs)
- Valley walk and Boat Cruise (3 hrs)
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland – The most colourful
thermal area, where you can also see Lady Knox geyser in
action
- Maori Hangi (traditionally cooked feast) and Concert
There are also many exciting activities for the young, like
the Zorb, the Swoop,
4WD adventures.
***Add more days – continue on – return to Auckland – connect
with your flight***
ROTORUA – TAUPO – NAPIER
Head south through the Kaingaroa Forest (the largest
man-made radiate forest in the world) pass the Wairakei Geothermal
area before stopping at Huka Falls.
Then descend into Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake.
Napier has one of the highest concentrations of Stripped
Classical, Spanish Mission and Art Deco building styles in
the world.
Stay 2 days in Napier and include:
- Art Deco tour
- Wine tour
- Cape Kidnappers tour (where up to 10,000 gannets occupy
the plateau 120m above sea level.
- Cape Kidnappers Golf Course.
***Add more days – continue on – return to Auckland – connect
with your flight***
NAPIER – WELLINGTON
Travel south through the towns of Norsewood and Dannevirke
(which originated as bush settlements by Scandivavian migrants)
then onto to Masterton, a busy rural town. Over the Rimutaka
Ranges and into Wellington
Things to do and see:
- Te Papa – one of the largest new museums in the
world
- Botanic Gardens – 26ha featuring over 300 rose varieties,
as well as succulents, ferns, rhododendrons and exotic
trees.
- Old St Pauls’ Cathedral – featuring a number
of native timbers
- Parliament Buildings and The Beehive
***Add more days – Ferry crossing to South Island – Fly
out - return to Auckland.***
Or commence tour from Wellington
SOUTH ISLAND – ITINERARY 1:
WELLINGTON – PICTON – KAIKOURA – CHRISTCHURCH
Your North Island driver will say goodbye after seeing you
aboard the Inter-island ferry,
for your journey across the Cook Strait and down the beautiful
Marlborough Sounds
to Picton, were you’ll be met by your South Island
driver/guide. Head south east to the rugged Kaikoura costline.
Kaikoura
Whale watching cruise – marvel
at the giant sperm whale. Continue through undulating hill country
to the Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch.
Christchurch (The Garden City)
Include a half or full day sightseeing
of historic buildings, spectacular gardens and parks.
Travel out to the Port Hills, where, on a clear day, the views
across the Canterbury Plains
are magnificent.
Optional:
- International Antarctic Centre
- Balloon Flight
- Day tour to Akaroa : This romantic seaside town on the
Banks Peninsula offers diverse culture
combined with galleries, historic cottages, a boutique
cheese factory, and
a chance to see the Hector Dolphin and Little Blue Penguin.
CHRISTCHURCH – ARTHURS PASS – FRANZ JOSEF/FOX
GLACIER
Travel either with your driver/guide or take the Tranz Alpine
Express (one of the world’s great railway adventures,
to Kumara junction, to meet with your driver. Travel down the
west coast through Hokitika once one of the busiest ports in
the country and home of
New Zealand Jade. To either Franz Josef or Fox Glacier.
Overnight at one of these.
Optional: Scenic
flight over the glaciers
GLACIERS – WANAKA – QUEENSTOWN
Travel past lakes, native bush, spectacular mountain ranges
through Haast Pass to Wanaka.
Overnight in Wanaka or continue
to Queenstown.
Travel south to Cromwell, the site of a hydroelectric
power scheme that involved creating
the huge Clyde dam to harness the Clutha River. Continue west
through the Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown.
QUEENSTOWN (The adventure Capital)
Queenstown occupies one of New Zealand’s most scenic
locations set against the Majestic Eyre Mountains and the snow-capped
splendor of the Remarkables.
Include a full day sightseeing out to Arrowtown, a picturesque
gold town with a number of preserved wooden cottages. Lake
Hayes this small lake surrounded by exotic trees and farmland
is renowned for its perfect reflections.
Optional:
- Bungy Jumping
- Jet Boating
- White Water Rafting
- Gondola Rides
MILFORD SOUND DAY TOUR
Follow the southern arm of Lake Wakatipu to Lumsden and on
to Lake Te Anau.
Travel through the amazing Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound.
Enjoy a cruise on this world famous fiord, dominated by
Mitre Peak and the Bowen Falls.
Return to Queenstown with your
driver or fly (weather permitting). Or stay Te Anau
TE ANAU – DUNEDIN
Drive past trout filled waters and the lunar landscape of
Central Otago, to arrive at
Dunedin, a city of Scottish heritage.
Add a day tour of the Otago Peninsular out to Taiaroa Head,
visit the Royal Albatross colony, past the Sandymount Lime
Kilns and a visit to Larnach Castle before returning
to Dunedin.
DUNEDIN – MT COOK
Continue North up the east coast to view the Moeraki Boulders,
large spherical boulders scattered along the beach, to Oamaru.
This white stone city grew from the limestone that was quarried
in the area.
Follow the Waitaki Valley route through the mountainous interior,
past a series of spectacular constructed and natural lakes.
Cross over the Aviemore Dam and then back over Benmore Dam.
The largest artificial lake in the country.
Omarama is an excellent fishing area and is also becoming very
popular for gliding, due to the north-west thermal currents.
Travel past Lake Ohau which marks the boundary between Canterbury
and Otago, to
Mt Cook. New Zealand’s highest mountain and longest glacier.
MT COOK – CHRISTCHURCH
Depart the World heritage site, down the shore line of Lake
Pukaki to Lake Tekapo.
The lake provides a picturesque, alp-framed setting from
the Church of the Good Shepherd. Continue on to Fairlie,
known as the gateway to the Mackenzie Country,
you will notice the marked difference in the scenery. Through
Geraldine, a picturesque
little town with a number of early settlers’ cottages,
at the Museum you can view the world’s last surviving
1929 Spartan biplane.
Ashburton, a district bounded by the Rakaia and Rangitata Rivers,
in the 1850s was an
inhospitable “desert” buffeted by continual nor’westers,
now features magnificent stands of trees. Continue over the
Canterbury Plains to Christchurch.
SOUTH ISLAND – ITINERARY 2
PICTON – NELSON
Depart Picton for Havelock North, the export centre for the
famous Marlborough Sounds
Green-lipped mussels. Over the historic Pelorus bridge
to Nelson.
Nelson, one of the sunniest regions in New Zealand. A great
place to try the local seafood and wines.
NELSON – WESTPORT - PUNAKAIKI
Much of this trip follows the mighty Buller River, through
sleepy little towns to a dramatic gorge where the road
is cut into a vertical cliff face, Hawks Crag.
Continue down the coast where on one side of the highway
there are rocky beaches pounded by booming surf and on
the other dense, fern-filled forest.
Visit the famous limestone Pancake Rocks at Dolomite Point,
with their dramatic
blowholes and tunnels.
PUNAKAIKI – GREYMOUTH
Take a short drive along the narrow rocky road along Bullock
Creek to experience the ‘karst’ landscape, before
traveling down the coast to Greymouth
In Greymouth you may like to visit Monteith’s Brewing
Company to sample their award
winning beers.
***From Greymouth you may take the Tranz Alpine to Christchurch
or continue to the
Glacier region, as per itinerary 1***
From Christchurch a day tour to Kaikoura for whale watching
can be arranged.
You may add days – do in reverse
The suggested itineraries are only a small selection of tours
you may do.
We hope, from all the information we have provided, you will
be able to decide
what suits you best. There are many more awe inspiring sights,
activities, historical
and cultural things that you can do in our beautiful country.
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