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Home , Lake Mahinapua, Lake Matheson, Northerner (train), Northern Explorer

Autumn Rail &Coach Tour

Sixteen days 21th April to 6 May 2016

Itinerary: Day 1: Welcome to Christchurch (D) Thursday 21st April

Fly from your homeport to Christchurch, a Reid Tours representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Spend the afternoon on a sightseeing tour around Christchurch, then this evening enjoy a welcome dinner, with your fellow passengers, driver and tour manager.

Hotel: Rydges Hotel

Day 2: Christchurch, Punakaiki (B) (D) Friday 22nd April

This morning we join the award winning Tranz Alpine as it journeys across the Canterbury Plains then through via the scenic Waimakariri Gorge onto the Alpine Village of Arthurs Pass in the Southern Alps. We then re-join our coach, after crossing Arthurs Pass we continue via Lake Brunner to Punakaiki. This is one of New Zealand’s best coastal road. We then continue south to the Historic Gold town of Hokitika. Our hotel looks out over the Tasman Sea. Hotel: Beachfront Hokitika

Day 3: Hokitika, Franz Josef (B) (D) Saturday 23rd April

You have time to visit the Greenstone shops before we visit the Scenic where this river emerges from the Alps. We continue onto the Treetop walk at , experience life with the birds high in the ancient Rimu and Kamahi Forest. Enjoy great views of the Southern Alps, rain forest and Lake Mahinapua. Our journey continues south to our overnight stop at Franz Josef. We are staying in the Te Waionui Hotel in the rain forrest. The hotel is located next to the Glacier Hot pools.

Hotel: Te Waionui Forest Retreat Hotel.

Day 4: , Cromwell (B) (D) Sunday 24th April

This morning we travel south to Fox Glacier visiting with its wonderful views of Mt Cook and the surrounding high peaks of the Southern Alps. Continuing south through ancient rain forest and lakes we cross the Alps via the Haast Pass and onto Cromwell.

Hotel: Golden Gate Lodge

Day 5: Cromwell, Arrowtown ,Te Anau (B) (D) Monday 25th April We have plenty of time to explore Cromwell before we travel south to Arrowtown for some amazing autumn colours. Our journey continues south to Te Anau gateway to Fiordland. You have the rest of the day to explore the town. Hotel: Distinction Luxmore Day 6: Te Anau, Milford Sound, Queenstown (B) (L)(D) Tuesday 26th April Leaving Te Anau we travel via the Eglington valley and Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. You will enjoy a cruise on the Sound with lunch provided. View Mitre Peak and the numerous waterfalls of this picturesque sound. We return to Queenstown late afternoon. Hotel: Heritage Queenstown Day 7: Queenstown (B) (L) Wednesday 27th April This morning after a wonderful breakfast we travel down town to join the lady of the lake TSS Earnslaw a vintage Steamship for a cruise to Walter Peak Station for lunch. Returning to Queenstown mid afternoon you are free to explore the town. This evening you are free to dine at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Queenstown. Hotel: Heritage Queenstown Day 8: Queenstown (B) Thursday 28th April Today is a free day to enjoy the wonderful setting of Queenstown. Your tour manager will advise you of the many options available. Hotel: Heritage Queenstown Day 9: Queenstown Mt Cook (B) (D) Friday 29th April This morning we travel north via the Lindis Pass into the McKenzie Country. We travel to Mt Cook following the shore of Lake Pukaki. The Hermitage is a unique location your tour includes access to the Edmond Hillary Centre and wonderful 3d Movie of the area and Planetarium. Hotel: Mt Cook Hermitage Day10: Mt Cook Christchurch (B) (D) Saturday 30th April This morning you will have the option of a flight onto the Tasman Glacier. Then we travel via Lake Tekapo visiting the Church of the Good Shepherd then onto Christchurch via Geraldine.

Hotel: Rydges Day 11: Christchurch – (B) Sunday 1st May Today we join the Train for its amazing journey to Picton via the Kaikoura seacoast. The train travels across the Canterbury Plains before emerging onto the sea coast and Pacific Ocean. it follows the coast for one hundred kilometres travelling through numerous tunnels and crossing many braided rivers. We then pass the vineyards of Marlborough before joining the ferry in Picton. We arrive into Wellington late afternoon. You also have option of flying from Christchurch to Wellington if you would prefer a shorter day. Hotel: Rydges Day 12: Wellington (B) (D) Monday 2nd May After a great breakfast we will visit Te Papa New Zealand’s National Museum and enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington. We then travel north via the Kapiti Coast to our overnight stay at Palmerston North. This evening we travel north to Marton and the prestigious Turakina Maori Girls College, we will join the entire college for a traditional welcome dinner and concert. You do have the option of dinner at the hotel. Hotel: Copthorne Day 13: Palmerston North Chateau Tongariro (B) (D) Tuesday 3rd May This morning we join the Train at Palmerston, the train climbs from the Manawatu onto the Volcanic Plateau. We pass the stunning Mount Ruapehu crossing numerous viaducts before descending the amazing Raurimu spiral to Taumaranui. Re-joining our coach for a short drive to the stunning Chateau Tongariro located at the foot of Mount Ruapehu. Tonight enjoy a wonderful meal in this iconic setting.

Day 14: Chateau Tongariro – Rotorua (B) (D) Wednesday 4th May After a wonderful breakfast we travel north via Lake Taupo New Zealand’s largest lake. We will vist Huka Falls before continuing onto Rotorua. Our hotel the Sudima is located by the Lakefront next to the Polynesian Pools.

Hotel: Sudima Rotorua Day 15: Rotorua (B) Thursday 5th May This morning we visit the Agrodome where you will see a performing sheep show and shearing. Then onto Te Puia to see the geysers, boiling mud pools and craft institute. The afternoon is free to relax, explore the town or lie in the Polynesian Pools. Hotel Sudima Rotorua Day 16: Rotorua (B) Friday 6th May Our journey north takes us to visit the world famous Waitomo Caves for a guided tour. Travelling north we arrive Auckland city mid after-noon. Shuttles will transfer you home. We hope you enjoyed your tour.

REID TOURS

Inclusions:

Fifteen night’s Accommodation on a twin share basis. Meals as indicated on Itinerary. 16 days 5 star quality coach travel. Air flight to Christchurch. Home pickup and return by Shuttle. Tranz Alpine Train Rain Forrest Treetop walk Hokitika. TSS Earnslaw Cruise and BBQ Lunch. Milford Sound Cruise Including Lunch. Coastal Pacific Train. Interislander Ferry. Turakina Maori Girls College Concert and Dinner. Train. Agrodome Show. Te Puia Thermal Geysers. Waitomo Caves.

Price Per Person Twin Share $4,195 Single Room Supplement: $1,575

Deposit of $200 per person at time of booking. A confirmation of final tour details will be posted eight weeks prior to departure. Final balance due six weeks prior to departure.

Refund Policy: Prior to departure Reid Tours will refund you fare less any costs it cannot recover. No refunds are possible once the tour has commenced.

. Return to: Reid Tours P.O. Box 39-141 Harewood Christchurch 8545

Phone Reid Tours 0800 446 886 Anytime

Email [email protected] Seating on the coach will be rotated on a daily basis. Please be prepared to comply with this requirement. Payment can be made by cheque, direct credit or Visa. Reid Tours Bank Account: 06-0817-0144682-00 Let me know if you require any further information. Malcolm Reid Reid Tours

Autumn New Zealand Rail & Coach Tour Booking Form:

21 April 2016 to 6 May 2016: This form enables us to complete your travel arrangements, so please complete and return with your deposit as soon as possible.

Mr/Mrs/Miss: Surname: First Name:

Address: Email: Ph: Please indicate whom we can contact on your behalf in the case of an emergency while you are on tour: Name: Address: Phone: Do you require a walk in shower? Yes / No (Please circle you preference)

Any special dietary requirement?