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At a glance …
Enjoy some of New Zealand's most spectacular scenery on this exciting 20 day journey that features an eclectic mix of leisurely sightseeing & active soft adventure activities. Cruising, bush walking, jet boating, whale watching, natural wonders, culture & wildlife ... the Tasman Odyssey has it all!
Day 1: Arrive Auckland
Our representative will meet you on arrival & transfer you from the airport to your city hotel. The remainder of today is at leisure to explore the 'City of Sails'.
Stay: Heritage Hotel Auckland
Day 2: Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula (B)
This morning you meet your Tour Host and travel south to the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches that separate the Pacific Ocean from the Hauraki Gulf. It is a place where many kiwis choose to escape the hustle & hype of city life. At the quaint township of Coromandel, we ride the Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony.
Stay: Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort
Day 3: Coromandel, Rotorua (BD)
Today you travel along the Bay of Plenty coastline to Tauranga & Mt Maunganui. Then, head inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua, an area that has enchanted visitors from around the world for more than 160 years. On arrival, enjoy a twilight cruise across Lake Rotoiti to the natural mineral springs of Manupirua Pools before enjoying a lakeside BBQ dinner at your resort.
Stay: Duxton Okawa Bay (2 nights)
Day 4: Lake Tarawera Cruise & Te Wairoa Buried Village (BL)
The days highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera at the base of a gigantic dormant volcano. Your skipper will explain the early Maori and volcanic history of the area and talk about the 1886 eruption. You’ll also have the opportunity to soak in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach and experience some of the country’s best trout fishing before enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch. This afternoon, visit the Blue & Green Lakes and then wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa.
Day 5: Lake Taupo, Napier (B)
This morning, visit Wai-O-Tapu, a wonderland of geothermal activity. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the reserve’s unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. Stop at the mighty Huka Falls & Wairakei Geothermal project, then wander around the popular lakeside resort of Taupo. Continue on to Napier, one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities. Your local guide will bring this fascinating architecture to life on your walk around the town this afternoon.
Stay: Scenic Circle Te Pania Hotel (2 nights)
Day 6: Explore the Hawke's Bay (B)
Widely regarded as the 'Tuscany of the South Pacific', the region boasts some of New Zealand's best and oldest wineries. You can enjoy a guided wine trail & taste some of the great wines produced locally, visit the world's largest mainland Gannet Colony, play a challenging round of golf at Cape Kidnappers, take to the skies on an early balloon ride over vineyards, olive groves & orchards or simply relax & enjoy your surroundings.
Day 7: Wairarapa, Mt Bruce, Wellington (B)
Travel through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region to Pukaha Mount Bruce, New Zealand’s National Wildlife Centre. In this beautiful setting of native forest you will see the finest collection of New Zealand native birds to be found anywhere. Later, continue on to Wellington, the nation’s capital, where you enjoy a brief sightseeing and orientation tour before checking into your accommodation.
Stay: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Day 8: Fly Wellington to Christchurch (B)
At leisure this morning to explore what Wellington has to offer. A visit to Te Papa National Museum is highly recommended. You will be transferred to Wellington airport this afternoon for your short jet flight to Christchurch where you will be met on arrival & transferred to your hotel (flight included).
Stay: Novotel Christchurch (2 nights)
Day 9: 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 Mt Torlesse Station, viewing spectacular alpine scenery en-route. After lunch, travel by road to Arthur's Pass National Park where you return to Christchurch aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train.
Day 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: 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 15: 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 16: 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 17: 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 18: 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 19: 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 20: Depart Queenstown (B)
Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Queenstown airport today for your onward flight. |
