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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: Hotel Grand Chancellor (2 nights)
Day 2: 4WD High Country Tranz Alpine Experience (BL)
Travel by road through the Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri Gorge in the foothills of the rugged Southern Alps. Travel by jet boat through the gorge deep into the Southern Alps to areas otherwise inaccessible. Rendezvous with the Unimog and travel in this unique 4WD vehicle to Flock Hill Station, viewing spectacular alpine scenery en-route. After lunch, travel by road to Arthur's Pass National Park where you return to Christchurch abroad the world-famous Tranz Alpine train.
Day 3: Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura (B)
After a leisurely breakfast, we travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs, nestled in a valley surrounded by a superb expanse of mountains and forest clad hills. Relax in hot thermal pools at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve before continuing on to Kaikoura, located in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean.
Stay: White Morph Inn
Day 4: Whale Watching or Swim with Dolphins, 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 tour 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. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrel & 7 types of Shearwater. For those choosing to swim with the dolphins, all diving gear is supplied. Later, we 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: The Honest Lawyer (2 nights)
Day 5: Abel Tasman National Park Bush 'n' Beach walk (BL)
Today you can choose from a number of included Cruise & Walk or Cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise into protected bays & view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. The launch hugs the shore, travelling in close to idyllic beaches fringed by native forest. The Abel Tasman Coastal track is well formed & shaded and comes out onto protected beaches excellent for swimming. Your Tour Host will give you details of the various choices available & will be happy to guide you onto the best tour that suits your own individual needs. 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 is the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes.
Stay: Punakaiki Rocks Hotel
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 village of Franz Josef.
Stay: Punga Grove
Day 8: Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown (B)
There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region (subject to weather conditions) before our departure this morning. 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. We then travel over the magnificent Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes District. 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)
Today is at your leisure. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Here you can take a thrilling jet boat ride, pan for gold, raft the white water rapids, take a wine trail, fish for trout, play golf or 4WD sheer canyons. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection.
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 to Milford Sound where you board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea & view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. The Milford Mariner is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand trading scow to reflect Fiordland's heritage and you will be accommodated in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms in this purpose-built vessel. It boasts spacious deck areas for viewing the wilderness, scenery & wildlife of Milford and 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 and 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)
This morning we board our aircraft for the flight north to the geothermal city of Rotorua. Rotorua's raw beauty has enchanted visitors from around the world for more than 160 years. 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. Whakaari (the Maori translation), is New Zealand's only active marine volcano and perhaps the most accessible on earth, attracting scientists and volcanologists worldwide as well as many tourists. Located 52km's 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 we fly contrast to create an awesome & inspiring excursion.
Day 15: Bay of Plenty, Coromandel Peninsula (B)
Travel north this morning to Tairua Harbour on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula, a region where many kiwis choose to escape the bustle and stress of city life. This afternoon, we board a state-of the-art rigid hull inflatable boat. The Explorer trip is an hour long, travels up to 12kms, and takes us into coastal Islands of the marine reserve, reefs, massive sea caves and bays, including the world famous Cathedral Cove. The magnificence of this natural volcanic scenery is legendary and the approach by sea, combined with an insightful yet relaxed commentary further enhances the experience.
Stay: Pacific Harbour Lodge
Day 16: Cathedral Cove, Hahei Beach, Auckland (B)
Today's journey takes us over the divide to the quaint goldmining township of Coromandel and on down the Thames Coast to Auckland, the 'City of Sails', New Zealand's largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences.
Stay: Hyatt 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. NZL40 was built for the 1995 America's Cup challenge in San Diego and you will have the chance to take the helm, trim on the grinders or just sit back and relax and enjoy the action as you sail down the Auckland Harbour. This afternoon is free for some last minute sightseeing or 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. |
