AUSTRALIAN Pacific Tours, British Airways Holidays and Mount Cook Line have added short, fixed-base tours to their programmes for 2000.
The product is aimed at those who want to be based in one city and use it as a starting point for day trips into the surrounding countryside.
APT sales and marketing co-ordinator Anita Wilson said: “Feedback indicates that people don’t always like moving on every day. This way you stay in the same hotel for five days, go sightseeing each day and return in the evening to enjoy the facilities of either Auckland, Christchurch or Queens- town.
Prices for five-day Regional Explorer escorted tours start at £630 and include accommodation, transport, sightseeing and some meals.
BAH has two new five-day escorted tours, one based in Auckland on North Island, the other in Queenstown on South Island. Assistant programme manager Matt Brabner said: “Some people find 12 days on the road too much. We have found the demand is there for shorter tours.”
Both tours cost £595 and include transport, twin-room accommodation, dinners and lunch, but not breakfast. Tours depart weekly from both cities and clients can do them separately or tag them together.
Mount Cook Line’s Stay Put Holidays are aimed at those on a stopover in New Zealand.
Regional manager Leanne Lengton said: “They are designed for those with four days to spare. Our package is very easy for agents to sell as we have put together all the components for them – hotel, transport and sightseeing.
“It could also be used for clients who want to get over their jet lag for a few days before heading off in a motorhome.”
Prices start at £124 for three nights in Auckland and include airport transfers and sightseeing.