| Day by Day Itinerary: |
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| Day 1 - Arrive Auckland |
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Welcome to New Zealand! On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your central city hotel.
Overnight: Rydges Hotel (1 night) |
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| Day2 - Auckland / Whangamata |
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 A tour of Auckland, to the summit of Skytower, at 328 metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the downtown city area and waterfront drive, then experience the thrill of sailing aboard a 15m yacht on Auckland Harbour and visiting the Maritime Museum, all before driving to the Coromandel Peninsula.
Overnight: Breakers Motel (2 nights) |
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| Day3 - Coromandel Peninsula |
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| A day of fun and entertainment with Kiwi Dundee Adventures. Explore regenerating Kauri forest and lush fern groves, the old roads to Puketui an 1890's gold mining town and visit a gold mine studded with glow-worms. Walk on isolated beaches and if conditions permit, a dip in the springs at Hotwater Beach. |
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| Day4 - Whangamata / Rotorua |
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 On to Rotorua and the Agrodome to see New Zealand's various sheep breeds and a shearing demonstration. Stroll through Rainbow Springs park to see Rainbow and Brown Trout plus native birds and animals including the Kiwi. Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over the city, lake and mountains and try a Luge ride with our compliments.
Visit Te Puia, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and Pohutu Geyser.
This evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (meal), a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, all followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka (entire group).
Overnight: Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua. |
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| Day5 - Rotorua / Turangi |
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Pass massive pine forests, see the Wairakei Geothermal Valley and Huka Falls to reach Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. A brief sightseeing tour or try white water rafting before following the shores of Lake Taupo to Turangi.
Overnight: Bridge Lodge |
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| Day 6 Turangi / Wellington |
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As you travel south the volcanic mountains - Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe dominate the view. Stop for lunch at Pukaha, Mt Bruce for a chance to get up close with some of New Zealand's endangered bird species. Continuing south you head over the Rimutaka's before reaching the Capital City, Wellington.
Overnight: Bay Plaza Hotel. |
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| Day 7 Wellington / Blenheim / Nelson |
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Join the Interislander Ferry for the scenic cruise to Picton, enjoy spectacular views of Wellington and the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound. Welcomed by your Coach Captain then on to Montana Winery for a tasting and winery tour. From this renowned wine region it's a fascinating drive to Nelson noted for its arts and crafts.
Overnight: Leisure Lodge (2 nights) |
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| Day 8 Nelson or Abel Tasman National Park |
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 We recommend an optional day tour to the Abel Tasman National Park, inclusive of all transfers and a picnic lunch. By coach to Kaiteriteri then board a comfortable launch to cruise along the parks coastline. Either go ashore at Torrent Bay and walk 2 hours to Bark Bay or come ashore at Bark Bay and explore that area. From Bark Bay by launch, retrace your journey arriving in Nelson at 5.00pm.
Alternatively, explore Nelson, follow the art trail, galleries and coffee shops featuring art, pottery, jewellery, wood and more or visit Tahunanui with its broad beaches and coastal panoramas. |
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| Day 9 Nelson / Greymouth |
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Lush farmlands then forest covered ranges to the rugged Buller Gorge - a spectacular scenic drive. Visit Westport and the coast near Cape Foulwind. South to explore the Pancake rocks at Punakaiki. At Greymouth visit Jade Boulder Gallery to see native jade, mined in remote alpine valleys crafted into fine jewellery.
Overnight: Hotel Ashley |
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| Day 10 Greymouth / Franz Josef Glacier |
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Remote farms, tiny landlocked lakes with dense native bush and forest, all dominated by the towering Southern Alps, highlight your journey to Franz Josef Glacier. Plenty of time to enjoy a guided walk to the glaciers terminal face or a helicopter flight and snow landing.
Overnight: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef |
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| Day 11 Franz Josef Glacier / Wanaka |
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 Follow the rugged coastline then inland across the Alps and the Haast Pass to the impressive bushlands of the Aspiring National Park. At Wanaka a choice of two afternoon activities. Either a launch cruise across the lake to Stevensons Island, a nature reserve, for a bush walk followed by refreshments. Look for the native Buff Weka, a small, flightless bird whose curiosity is likely to attract them close to you. Alternatively a very picturesque walk along a track beside the Clutha River as it flows from Lake Wanaka to a picnic spot. Enjoy light refreshments and a thrilling jet boat excursion on the river tailored to suit - full on exciting, leisurely scenic cruising or somewhere in between.
Overnight: Grand Mercure Oakridge Resort |
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| Day 12 Wanaka / Queenstown |
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| Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant. (entire group) |
| OPTION 1: The Hollyford Track Guided Walk |
| Today enjoy the sights, sounds and activities of Queenstown plus attend a pre-walk briefing. Your overnight accommodation is at the Rydges Hotel. |
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| Day 13 - Queenstown / Pyke River Lodge |
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By coach to the beginning of the Hollyford Track, follow ancient Maori footsteps through beech forests, past impressive waterfalls to reach Pyke Lodge. Walking 17km - approx 5-7 hours.
Meals: Lunch, dinner |
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| Day 14 - Pyke River Lodge / Martins Bay Lodge |
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See the beautiful reflections on Lake Alabaster before crossing Fiordland's longest swing bridge to board your jetboat along the Hollyford River and onto Lake McKerrow to reach Martins Bay. Walking 30 km - approx 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner |
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| Day 15 -Martins Bay Lodge / Milford Sound |
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This morning explore Martins Bay Spit, a famous landmark separating the Hollyford Valley and powerful Tasman Sea. Learn about the diversity of this truly remote area before taking an afternoon scenic flight into Milford Sound to rejoin your tour group for the Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise -an undoubted highlight.
Overnight: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise
Meals: Breakfast and lunch |
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| Or....OPTION 2: Free Days in Queenstown |
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| Day 12 Wanaka / Queenstown |
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Drive through a picturesque region that has a fascinating history of early settlement and goldmining for a late morning arrival into the ever-popular resort of Queenstown. Dinner tonight is at the spectacular Skyline Restaurant.
At leisure in Queenstown, jet boating, lake cruises, a day on the Routeburn Track, Lord of the Rings Tours, rafting and more shops, galleries and boutiques than you can count enjoy. Dinner day 16 is not included allowing the opportunity to dine at a restaurant of your choice.
Rydges Hotel (3 nights) |
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| Day 13 - Queenstown - day at leisure |
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| Day 14 - Queenstown - day at leisure |
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| Day 15 - Queenstown / Milford Sound |
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Follow the lake to Kingston, across fertile farmlands to Fiordland. Visit moody Lake Manapouri then Lake Te Anau. Follow the Eglinton valley, native forests, lakes, waterfalls, and towering mountains. Continue through The Divide and travel into the Hollyford Valley and Homer Tunnel to reach magnificent Milford Sound. Board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise.
Overnight: Milford Mariner Overnight Cruise |
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| Day 16 Milford Sound / Dunedin |
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Wake to the sounds of silence in a pristine world. Rugged and remote mountains change to lush green countryside, which in turn gives way to rolling hills as you approach Dunedin, the "Edinburgh of the South". This evening prior to dinner you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony.
Overnight: Scenic Circle Dunedin City Hotel(2 nights) |
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| Day 17 Dunedin |
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A day to enjoy at your leisure with a multitude of optional activities available.
Your coach captain is available to assist you with any optional activities you would like to do.
We suggest a Monarch Wildlife Cruise for a half day peninsula tour including the Albatross colony and harbour cruise. Have fun! |
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| Day 18 Dunedin / Mount Cook |
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Visit Olveston, Dunedin's majestic historic home with its original furnishings. See bush clad hillsides, tidal estuaries and a rocky coastline, view the unusual Moeraki Boulders then explore Oamaru.
Pass the hydro lakes until you reach Mount Cook National Park and village amidst New Zealand's highest mountains. This afternoon visit the Tasman Glacier where you will be amazed by the floating icebergs in the nearby lake.
Overnight: Hermitage Hotel |
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| Day 19 Mount Cook / Christchurch |
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At Lake Tekapo view the Church of the Good Shepherd and Collie Dog memorial with time for a highly recommended (optional) flight with Air Safaris. Descend Burkes Pass to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch for a brief city tour.
Overnight: Pavilions Hotel |
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