Savings Down Under

Mount Cook Line of New Zealand, Greyhound Australia and several other motor-coach operators are offering a new “Down Under Coach Pass” that provides unlimited motor-coach travel in New Zealand and Australia.

The passes are for 9, 12, 18, 24, 32 or 45 days and can be used in either one or both of the South Pacific nations. Travel has to be completed within the specific time limit, however.

Cost of the passes are from about $160 for nine days to $520 for 45 days. Prices are good to the end of March, 1989.

The passes also offer extra perks in each country.

In New Zealand there is a 20% discount on Grey Line Sightseeing tours of Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch and Queenstown. The Auckland tour includes a harbor cruise while the Rotorua tour goes to thermal attractions, trout springs and the Agrodome. The Queenstown tour includes Skippers Canyon and Milford Sound.

A 20% discount also is offered on scheduled flights, except Milford Sound, on Mount Cook Airline. Discounts of 10% are given on ski plane glacier flights from Mt. Cook, Fox or Franz Josef glaciers; a scenic flight to Milford Sound from Queenstown, and a chairlift ride to the top of Coronet Peak in Queenstown.

In Australia there are a variety of motor-coach services to such destinations as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns and Alice Springs.

There is a 25% discount on Budget Car Rentals and assorted discounts at some sightseeing attractions through Ansett Pioneer.

The passes can be bought in the United States or in New Zealand and Australia.

If you buy one of the passes abroad, local taxes will be added. Pass start-up day is your choice, but the pass has to be validated within six months of the date it’s issued.

It’s possible to book part or all of your itinerary before leaving the United States. Advance bookings are a good idea during peak holiday periods.

More information is available from travel agents or Mount Cook Line at (800) 468-2665.