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At a glance …
The Antipodean Adventure will take you off the beaten track with soft adventure activities that focus on nature, wildlife, landscapes, history & culture ... and sometimes a mixture of them all! Included activities have been designed to stimulate the body and mind so that you end the day refreshed & invigorated. Best of all, they're fun and a great way to explore and learn about the various regions you visit.
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
On arrival at Christchurch airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Thought of as the most English of New Zealand cities, it is the nation's second largest city & is alive with colour, atmosphere and world class attractions.
Stay: Novotel Christchurch (2 nights)
Day 2: 4WD High Country Tranz Alpine Experience (BL)
Travel by road & jet boat deep into the Southern Alps to areas otherwise inaccessible. Rendezvous with the Unimog and travel in this unique 4WD vehicle to Mt Torlesse Station. After lunch, return to Christchurch aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train.
Day 3: Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura (B)
Travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs & relax in the thermal pools. Continue to Kaikoura, a small township located in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean.
Stay: White Morph Inn
Day 4: Whale Watch cruise, Nelson (B)
Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch cruise may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. Continue north to Blenheim, gateway to the well-known Marlborough Sounds region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand.
Stay: Heritage Rutherford Hotel (2 nights)
Day 5: Abel Tasman National Park (BL)
Today you can choose from a number of included cruise & walk or cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Maritime Park. Enjoy a great day on the water combining cruising, sightseeing, bush walks, beach stops & plenty of relaxing!
Day 6: Nelson Lakes, Punakaiki Rocks (B)
Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that are the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes.
Stay: Punakaiki Resort
Day 7: Greymouth, Franz Josef Glacier (B)
The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860's. Our overnight stay tonight is in the glacial village of Franz Josef.
Stay: Punga Grove
Day 8: Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown (B)
Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before travelling over the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand's premier holiday destination.
Stay: Heritage Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
Day 9: Explore Queenstown & Surrounds (B)
Enjoy a free day today to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Your Tour Host will be pleased to recommend and offer advice on the many options available.
Day 10: Milford Sound Overnight Cruise (BD)
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-strewn Homer Tunnel. At Milford Sound, board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise of the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea. View spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. Activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline.
Overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove.
Day 11: Return to Queenstown, day at leisure (B)
For those wishing to return to Queenstown by air, an optional scenic flight is available (subject to weather conditions). Upon our return, the rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer.
Stay: Heritage Hotel Queenstown (2 nights)
Day 12: Mighty Dart River Jetboat Safari (B)
Join the Dart River Safari and jet boat on crystal clear waters in a wild and scenic landscape, amidst towering peaks, glaciers and the ancient rainforests of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is far more than a jet boat ride, it's a rare journey into the enchanted wilderness of a World Heritage area.
Day 13: Fly Queenstown to Rotorua (BD)
Today, fly north to the geothermal city of Rotorua. Here you can stand upon volcanoes, peer into massive craters, see boiling mud, exploding geysers and marvel at the unspoiled native forests that cloak the land. Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori hangi (feast) & cultural evening.
Stay: Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay (2 nights)
Day 14: Helicopter to White Island Volcano (B)
Today board your helicopter for an incredible flight over the geothermal region of the Volcanic Plateau to White Island, New Zealand's only active marine volcano. Located 52kms off the Bay of Plenty coastline, the islands' active volcanic vents, steaming crater lake, bubbling hot streams and desolate mining ruins combine to create a surreal experience. When present, the sighting of dolphins in the Pacific Ocean over which you fly contrast to create an awesome & inspiring excursion.
Day 15: Bay of Plenty, Coromandel Peninsula (B)
Travel north this morning to the popular beachside towns of Tauranga & Mt Maunganui. Continue your journey to Pauanui on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula, a region where many kiwis choose to escape the bustle and stress of city life.
Stay: Mercure Grand Puka Park Resort
Day 16: Pauanui Beach, Auckland (B)
After a leisurely breakfast and a stroll along the local beaches, travel on to Auckland, the 'City of Sails', New Zealand's largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences. Enjoy a sightseeing & orientation tour on arrival.
Stay: Heritage Hotel Auckland (2 nights)
Day 17: Sail Auckland Harbour (B)
Today you have the opportunity to crew on an original America's Cup racing yacht. You will have the chance to take the helm, trim on the grinders or simply sit back and relax and enjoy the action as you sail down the Auckland Harbour. This afternoon is free for some last minute sightseeing and shopping.
Day 18: Depart Auckland (B)
Sadly your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Auckland airport for your onward flight. Here we bid you farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand. |
