New Zealand Tour; Australia Tour packages;

New Zealand, the Youngest Country - Tourism New Zealand official travel information for Australia New Zealand

2010-11-10T00:53:00.000-08:00

New Zealand, the Youngest Country - Tourism New Zealand official travel information for Australia New Zealand

Free Flights New Zealand Offer at Tour Sale Finder

2009-12-09T16:16:00.001-08:00

Discover New Zealand on this comprehensive and popular 18 Day tour. And if you're quick to book you may be eligible for free flights. For Free Flights New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Beginning in the harbour city of Auckland, you’ll travel to the subtropical Bay of Islands before making your way through the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua and across the tranquil Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. Spend 10 days exploring natural wonders including the Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound and the World Heritage-listed Mt Cook National Park, before finishing your tour in the Garden City of Christchurch.

Here's the word from http://toursalefinder.co.nz:

"Fly Free* and because its Christmas we'll throw in 2 (free) nights accommodation (pre and post tour) including airfares, air taxes. This sale is applicable for flights and air taxes up to $140 per person ex Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. In addition if you are flying from the following cities we offer flight discounts/prices as follows: Fly Return from $250* per person ex Adelaide Fly Return from $650* per person ex Perth Valid for departures October - December 2009 and January to March 2010. Book by 31 December 2009."

Video: Year of the Kiwi: A New Zealand Working Holiday

Remember, for Free Flights New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Check out the Best New Zealand Tour

2009-12-09T16:15:00.000-08:00

Here's a tour that takes the headache out of planning -- it includes 19 breakfasts and 14 dinners for a start!

To check out what we reckon is the Best New Zealand Tour go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz.

On Travelmarvel's 20 day Best of New Zealand tour, you will discover the natural beauty of the North and South Islands.

This tour begins in Auckland and ends in Christchurch. Starting in Auckland, it's north to the Bay of Islands and a Kauri forest reserve, then further up to Cape Reinga at the northernmost tip of NZ, before heading south again to Rotorua, Napier in the sunny Hawke's Bay and Wellington. Then you'll visit the west coast of the South Island, seeing the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki and observing pounamu (jade) being carved into jewellery in Hokitika. the tour also takes in the historic Larnach Castle near Dunedin as well as the Moeraki Boulders, Mt Cook National Park and arrive in Christchurch, known as the Garden City.

Right now early booking can can save up to $700 per couple! To book your Best New Zealand Tour go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz.

Video: Dunedin, NZ

For Best New Zealand Tours go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz.

Independent Tours New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:20:00.003-08:00

Not everyone wants a fully chaperoned tour -- so for those who seek a little independence and total flexibility with their holiday, Independent Tours are worth checking out.

For Independent Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz - note these are for those 18 and over and are popular with travellers in their early 20s.

Here's just a couple of options:

The Southern Round-up bus pass gets you heading straight up the east coast of the South Island from Christchurch, rather than cutting straight over to the West Coast. You'll quickly get to see Kaikoura, Blenheim, Picton, Nelson and the Abel Tasman National Park and its famous golden beaches.
The Southlander – also known as the "Bottom Bus" is a journey into the deep south of New Zealand. The beauty of Milford Sound is well known but it’s the other stops that make this truly memorable. Starting in the city of Dunedin the bus heads to the southern-most city of Invercargill. The pass finishes with Te Anau, Milford Sound and Queenstown - but if you get the opportunity to visit Stewart Island, don't snooze. You won't be back here again for a while, if ever!
Another option is the three day journey around the Coromandel Peninsula, which lies to the east of Auckland. An island hopping ferry cruise will take you through the Hauraki Gulf and on to Coromandel Township. From there the golden sand beaches on the east coast of the peninsula are a short, easy journey.

Video: Cathedral Cove on the idyllic Coromandel Peninsula

For more on Independent Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Special Interest Tours New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:20:00.001-08:00

There's a host of special interest options available for coach tours through New Zealand, whether you're into lawn bowls, trains, air shows, garden tours or just checking out the beautiful scenery.

For Special Interest Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

We previously blogged about the Warbirds over Wanaka Air Show, held 2-4 April 2010, and the Christchurch-based Ellerslie International Flower Show (10-14 March 2010).

If you're a lawn bowls player you can take the Lawn Bowls 18 Day Tour 2010, including luxury coach travel with 2 door access, restroom, reclining seats and panoramic windows, a professional coach captain, bowls co-ordinator, 17 nights quality hotel accommodation four cruises and four games of Lawn Bowls along the way!

But there are also journeys for rail enthusiasts, like the Tranzalpine rail journey that goes from Christchurch to Greymouth on the West Coast of the South Island. Check out the range of options on Special Interest Tours New Zealand at http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Video: Driver's perspective of the Tranzalpine rail journey

For Special Interest Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Cultural Tours New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:19:00.009-08:00

New Zealand is also known as "Aotearoa", which in the indigenous language of te reo Maori means "land of the long white cloud" -- a popular option for coach tours is to take in some Maori culture by seeing a show or visiting preserved or replica villages to observe Maori customs, dance and song.

For Cultural Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Coach tours can include trips to the East Cape and seeing Maori pas (villages), maraes (sacred meeting places) and whares (Maori meeting houses). The city of Rotorua is favoured as a tourist destination for its cultural shows, as well as its geothermal activity and bubbling mud pools.

Video: The powhiri is a ceremony of welcome extended to visitors by Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand

For Cultural Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Garden Tours New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:19:00.007-08:00

Garden tours are a popular option for coach tour holidays. To book a holiday that includes an option for Garden Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

One of the highlights of the year for NZ garden enthusiasts is the Ellerslie International Flower -- next held 10-14 March 2010, not in Ellerslie Auckland, but in Christchurch. here's the story, sourced from www.ellerslieflowershow.co.nz:

Christchurch hosted its first Ellerslie International Flower Show in 2009, New Zealand’s five-day premier garden party bringing a global audience of almost 80,000 to the Garden City for the Southern Hemisphere’s largest and most prestigious garden show.

The city bought the Ellerslie International Flower Show in 2007, relocating the annual event from Auckland to Christchurch with the aim of reclaiming Christchurch as New Zealand’s Garden City and developing Ellerslie into one of the top five garden shows in the world.

Video: The New Zealand Alpine Garden Display at Ellerslie Flower Show 2009

For Garden Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Flight Tours New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:19:00.005-08:00

Some holiday packages to New Zealand include domestic transfers or scenic flight options where you can enjoy aerial views of the land below, whether it's a short helicopter flight or a small commuter aircraft or jet.

For Flight Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

There's nothing quite like taking a scenic flight above to Queenstown, the beautiful Milford Sound to the south, or the Marlborough Sounds at the north of New Zealand's South Island. Go on, treat yourself.

Video: New Zealand scenic flight from Greymouth on the West Coast of New Zealand to Mt Cook -- simply breathtaking views!

For Flight Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Train Tours of New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:19:00.003-08:00

When you travel by rail, you'll see parts of New Zealand that you simply can't view from the highways. And you can't say that you've properly seen a country if you go city to city by air. So unwind and take a rail journey through Aotearoa.

For Train Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Here are just a few of the fantastic rail-inclusive holidays on offer:

Rail Spectacular 2009-10 -- Auckland to Christchurch 18 day Rail Spectacular premium tour, including the Tranzalpine, Franz Josef Glacier, Milford Sound, Mt Cook and more.
Tranzalpine Experience -- the world famous TranzAlpine rail journey through the Southern Alps.
Kokako Pass Tour -- travel south from Auckland to Wellington. After crossong to Picton you take the TranzCoastal train to Christchurch and the next day on to Greymouth.

Video: The TranzAlpine is considered to be one of the world's great railway journeys, travelling 451 km from coast to coast in four and a half hours through 16 tunnels and ascending to a height of 737 metres.

For Train Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Australian Tourists Go Crazy for Ski Tours New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:19:00.001-08:00

New Zealand's ski fields are world class and within an easy drive of major cities. South Island ski fields include Mt Hutt, Cardrona, Treble Cone and Coronet Peak -- and in the North Island, Turoa and Whakapapa.

For Ski Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

A recent news story on www.stuff.co.nz says that during 2009 New Zealand skifields have had their best season ever, with a record 1.5 million visits to the slopes:

A combination of good conditions and more Australians - reportedly here spending their $1100 tax payout meant to help stimulate their own economy - saw last year's record of 1.4m visits easily topped.

Australians made up 32 percent of skifield visits, up from 30 percent last year.

Increased government spending on tourism promotion in Australia helped draw them across, Ski Areas Association of New Zealand executive director Miles Davidson told NZPA.

The country's 15 commercial and 11 club fields were delighted the 1.5m mark had been broken, he said.

"They haven't just scraped through, they have smashed it."

Video: Extreme skiing at New Zealand's world class ski fields located in both the North Island and South Island.

For Ski Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Treat Your Taste Buds with Wine Tours New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:18:00.007-08:00

New Zealand is a wine-producing nation, famous for its Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, during the 1990s well known British wine critic Oz Clarke wrote that New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc was "arguably the best in the world". If you're heading to New Zealand, make sure you take in a wine tour along the way.

For Wine Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Here's some information sourced from Wikipedia about the NZ wine's entry onto the world stage:

In the 1970s, Montana in Marlborough started producing wines which were labelled by year of production (vintage) and grape variety (in the style of wine producers in Australia). The first production of a Sauvignon Blanc of great note appears to have occurred in 1977. Also produced in that year were superior quality wines of Muller Thurgau, Riesling and Pinotage.

The excitement created from these successes and from the early results of Cabernet Sauvignon from Auckland and Hawkes Bay launched the industry with ever increasing investment, leading to more hectares planted, rising land prices and greater local interest and pride. Such was the boom that over-planting occurred, particularly in the "wrong" varietals that fell out of fashion in the early 1980s. In 1984 the then Labour Government paid growers to pull up vines to address a glut that was damaging the industry. Ironically many growers used the Government grant not to restrict planting, but to swap from less economic varieties (such as Müller Thurgau and other hybrids) to more fashionable varieties (Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc), using the old root stock. The glut was only temporary in any case, as boom times returned swiftly.

Video: The Marlborough wine region in northern part of the South Island, New Zealand

For Wine Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Plan a Different Vacation with Adventure Tours New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:18:00.005-08:00

Looking for adventure? There's plenty to be found in New Zealand, with its coastlines, alps, lakes, bush and glaciers -- if you check out the vast choice of Adventure Tour packages available, you'll see that there's something for everyone.

For Adventure Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Just some of the tours available through Toursalefinder.co.nz:

Adrenalin Sparks & Spiritual Solace 10 day tour of the South Island with unsurpassed scenery and memorable activities.
Northern Round-up takes you through the core of New Zealand’s North Island and includes the amazing beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, the geysers of Rotorua and the Central Volcanic Plateau
Southern Alps Tours -- starting in Wellington and taking the Interisland Ferry across Cook Strait to the South Island via the gorgeous Queen Charlotte Sound. Then it's south via Marlborough’s wine region, along the rocky coast to Kaikoura, Christchurch and across the Canterbury Plains for stunning views of Mt Cook and the Southern Alps. Final stop is Queenstown with its bungee jumping, skydiving, white water rafting and river sledging
Whole Kit & Caboodle -- a bus pass for those that want to see it all, right up to Cape Reinga at the northern tip and all the way down to Invercargill, with stops at all of great adventure tourism activities along the way, including a free Milford Sound cruise.

Video: Footage from a Milford Sound cruise

For more on Adventure Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Check Out Premium Tours New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:18:00.003-08:00

Premium or luxury tours offer first class comfort and five star accommodation. Experience the best New Zealand has to offer, not only in terms of scenery but with comfortable coach journeys and outstanding dining.

To book Premium Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Some of the tours on offer include:

Rail Spectacular 2009-10 Auckland to Christchurch -- a 18 day Rail Spectacular premium tour, experience amazing rail journeys across the Tranzalpine, taking in Franz Josef Glacier and Milford Sound.
Bay of Islands Cruise 2009-10 -- a two day Bay of Islands cruise with spectacular scenery. See dolphins, seals, whales and more.
Warbirds Over Wanaka eight day tour -- experience all of the excitement and entertainment of vintage aircraft at this biennial show. The last Warbirds Over Wanaka attracted 86,000 people over three days, from all over the globe.

Video: P40 Kittyhawk Live Firing at the Warbirds over Wanaka Airshow 2008 in Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand

Check out Premium Tours New Zealand at http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Budget Tours New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:18:00.001-08:00

You don't have to spend a fortune on holidaying in New Zealand. It's a land full of natural beauty and there are so many spectacular sights to take in and inexpensive, fun things to do -- whether it's heading to the beach, taking in the geothermal wonderlands, taking a close up look at a glacier or whale watching.

For Budget Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Some examples of New Zealand Budget tours:

Coromandel Discovery -- 3 days of laid back travel on the Coromandel Peninsula (from NZD $164 per person)
Total Northland -- includes the Northland Escape plus a day trip to Cape Reinga at the northern tip of New Zealand. ( from NZD $213 per person)
Rotorua Geothermal Delights -- fully guided day trips to experience Rotorua's Geothermal wonders. (from NZD $250 per person)
Top of the South travel north from Christchurch to Kaikoura to see whales, dolphins and seals. (from NZD $349 per person)

Check out http://toursalefinder.co.nz -- there are packages to suit all tastes.

Video: Watching whales off the coast of Kaikoura -- a humpback mother and calf flanked by dusky dolphins and fur seal.

For Budget Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Golf Tours New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:17:00.002-08:00

One thing visitors to New Zealand often remark on when they arrive is just how lush and green the country is. Golfing is very popular in New Zealand so consider bringing your clubs with you and enjoying a golfing holiday.

To book Golf Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

There's a variety of greens and courses for every level of golfer and if bringing your own clubs is "too much baggage" for you, it's easy to hire a set. There are over 400 golf courses in New Zealand and each of them has its own unique and beautiful setting. What are you waiting for?

Video: See some of New Zealand's international golf courses set in stunning locations with panoramic views.

To book Golf Tours New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Top Ten Reasons to Tour New Zealand

2009-11-22T11:17:00.001-08:00

In the below clip from the Late Show with david Letterman, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key reads out a Top Ten list of "Reasons You Should Visit New Zealand"

For great deals on Tour New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Here's the top ten list:

10. "The Auckland Airport now has a Cinnabon"
9. "We have the loosest slot machines in the Pacific Rim"
8. "Only a convenient 20-hour flight away"
7. "It's like England without the attitude"
6. "Down there Leno's on at 9 o'clock"
5. "Get the whanau together, stay in a bach, crack open the chilly bin and slap on your jandals"
4. "Visit in the next 30 days, I'll pick you up at the airport"
3. "70% of our energy is generated through renewable hydropower--look they don't all have to be jokes"
2. "We drive on the left side of the road, like the British and Lindsay Lohan"
1. "Unlike most of the world we still like Americans"

Video: NZ Prime Minister John Key appears on The Late Show with David Letterman

Remember, for great deals on Tour New Zealand go to http://toursalefinder.co.nz

Couch Tour Blog - Our first post!

2009-09-15T19:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our first Coach Tour post - yes I know this site looks pretty bare at the moment, but we will be posted some great deals and websites for tours around New Zealand and Australia and around the world.

We operated by one of New Zealand's and Australasia's largest online travel bookers, iMall Brands. Our strong buying power ensures we access all the best tour sale prices and packages - many which are not available elsewhere.

Watch this space for the opening of our new website. If you have any questions, contact Karl Morphett by email (Karl@iMallBrands.com) or one of the numbers below:

New Zealand

0800 144 129

Australia

02 6100 2101 - ACT - Canberra
02 8002 4733 - NSW - Sydney
07 3503 6794 - QLD - Brisbane
07 5630 2563 - QLD - Gold Coast
03 8399 9427 - VIC - Melbourne
08 7100 5483 - SA - Adelaide
08 6102 7244 - WA – Perth