18 Day Small Group - Grand Adventurer

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Grand Adventurer
Spectacular sightseeing experiences
– Famous TranzAlpine Train
– Franz Josef Glacier
– Adventure capital Queenstown
– Tour the Glow worm Grotto
– Overnight on Milford Sound
– Remote Stewart Island
– Wildlife on Ulva Island
– Mighty Mt. Cook
– Church of the Good Shepherd
– Spectacular Southern Alps
– Art Deco city Napier
– Lake Taupo & Huka Falls
– Thermal Reserve Rotorua
– Maori Hangi & concert
– Agrodome Sheep Show
– Coromandel Ranges
– Sights of Auckland
[IM] – INCLUDED Maori Cultural Experience
Premium holiday inclusions
Transportation
– Tour by luxury mini coach with air-conditioning, reclining seats, extra leg room, tinted windows
Professionally Escorted
– Tour with an experienced Driver/Guide
Dining Inclusions
– Full Buffet Breakfasts (17) B
– Lunch (1) L
– Dinners (9) D
Accommodation
– Twin share rooms with private facilities in especially selected hotels
Plus
– Welcome Drink
– All purpose travel wallet and map
– Airport transfers (Day prior to tour from Christchurch Airport – flights anytime; Day 18 to Auckland Airport – flights to depart after 7.00pm)
– Hotel porterage included
Itinerary
Day 1: Christchurch – Franz Josef We board the world-famous TranzAlpine
We board the world-famous TranzAlpine for our journey through the Southern Alps then visit Hokitika for a Jade jewellery demonstration. We travel through the gold-mining town of Ross before arriving at Franz Josef. This afternoon we enjoy informative commentary from our local expert glacier guide as he walks us to our viewing area at mighty Franz Josef Glacier. Tonight enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your fellow passengers.
Hotel: Franz Josef Glacier Country Retreat, Franz Josef. D

Day 2: Franz Josef - Queenstown There is time for an optional scenic flight over the glacier (weather permitting) or to take a dip in the local hot pools. Later we travel over the Haast Pass and along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea. Stop to explore the gold-mining town of Arrowtown followed by an orientation tour of Queenstown before arriving at our exclusive accommodation.
Hotel: Millbrook Resort, Queenstown, 2 nights. B

Day 3: Queenstown ‘Free Time’ Perhaps try a jet boat ride, white water rafting or a round of golf at Millbrook’s world-renowned golf course. Tonight we ride the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak for dinner with stunning views overlooking Queenstown. B - D

Day 4: Queenstown - Milford Sound We travel south along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau. Later we travel into the Fiordland National Park. We take time to explore the Mirror Lakes, Pop’s Lookout and The Chasm before arriving into Milford Sound for our overnight cruise.
Hotel: Milford Mariner, Milford Sound. B - D

Day 5: Milford Sound - Stewart Island Enjoy the many early morning activities on board. Perhaps take a walk on the foreshore or try kayaking on the Sound. Continue further south to Invercargill. This afternoon we board our ferry at Bluff to cruise to Stewart Island. Tonight is free to dine at one of the cafés or the local hotel.
Hotel: Bay Motel, Stewart Island, 2 nights. B

Day 6: Stewart Island Enjoy a Village and Bays tour before a cruise with lunch on Paterson Inlet. Stop at Ulva Island and spend time with native wildlife. It is predator-free and is a must for viewing native birds and flora. Tonight you may want to try to spot kiwis in the native bush near our accommodation! B - L

Day 7: Stewart Island - Lake Ohau We board our ferry and return to the mainland. Later we stop to try local stone fruit at Cromwell. Enjoy views of Lake Dunstan, New Zealand’s largest man-made lake as we travel over the Lindis Pass. We arrive at our wilderness retreat, with its views of Lake Ohau and Mt. Cook.
Hotel: Lake Ohau Lodge, Twizel. B - D

Day 8: Twizel - Christchurch Soak up the scenery of Mt. Cook National Park with an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). We’ll see Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. This afternoon enjoy a city tour then perhaps ride the Christchurch Tram or just relax.
Hotel: Copthorne Central, Christchurch. B
Day 9: Christchurch - Punakaiki We journey over the Southern Alps through scenic Lewis Pass. Continue to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast. This afternoon we travel along the picturesque coast road to Punakaiki. Visit the fascinating Pancake Rocks and Blowholes before we overnight at our exclusive eco-friendly resort right on the waterfront at Punakaiki. Enjoy dinner with your fellow passengers while watching the thundering surf at your door step!
Hotel: Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki. B - D

Day 10: Punakaiki - Nelson We soak up the scenic wilderness of the Heritage Highway through the impressive Buller Gorge and the Kahurangi National Park before arriving in Nelson. This afternoon we visit the World of Wearable Arts and Collectable Cars.
Hotel: Trailways Hotel, Nelson, 2 nights. B - D

Day 11: Nelson 'Free Time' Option to journey to the top of the South Island and enjoy a relaxing cruise in the Abel Tasman National Park. Perhaps try a short bush walk, relax in sunny Nelson or explore the many arts and craft shops. B

Day 12: Nelson - Wellington Travel to the small seaside town of Picton. We cruise on Queen Charlotte Sound and across Cook Strait to Wellington for a short city tour on arrival.
Hotel: Museum Hotel, Wellington, 2 nights. B

Day 13: Wellington 'Free Time' Why not explore Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand? Perhaps go shopping or enjoy a meal at one of the many cafés or restaurants in Wellington. B

Day 14: Wellington - Napier Travel along the Kapiti Coast through to Palmerston North. Continue to Napier for a tour of this Art Deco city.
Hotel: Scenic Circle Te Pania Hotel, Napier. B

Day 15: Napier - Rotorua Our exclusive local guide takes us on a walking tour to show the many different types of Art Deco architecture. In 1931 Napier was struck by an earthquake measuring 7.8. The subsequent fires destroyed most of the city which was later rebuilt in Art Deco style. This afternoon we visit Taupo on the shores of Lake Taupo. View the Huka Falls and pass the Wairakei Geothermal Power Station. [IM] On arrival in Rotorua visit the Whakarewarewa Village for an authentic look at how Maori live today. Top off the day with a Maori Hangi & concert.
Hotel: Princess Gate Hotel, Rotorua. B - D
Day 16: Cambridge Farm Stay
Enjoy a view of life on the farm at the Agrodome Sheep Show. Visit Rainbow Springs for a guided tour. Later we travel to the English country town of Cambridge where you will be collected by your local farm host for some genuine kiwi hospitality – an overnight Farm Stay!
Hotel: Farm Stay, Cambridge. B - D

Day 17: Farm Stay – Coromandel
Travel towards the Coromandel Ranges. We meet ‘Kiwi Dundee’ for a tour of the region and a look at native wildlife. Our unique accommodation is set amongst native bush in luxury tree huts.
Hotel: Puka Park, Coromandel. B - D

Day 18: Depart Auckland
Travel through the Coromandel Ranges and stop at the old gold-mining town of Thames. Later we see the sights of Auckland before being transferred to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. B
Best of New Zealand

18 days, Priced from $3995
Small Group Touring, Departs from Christchurch, finishes at Auckland Tour code ZSCA

Tour Dates
Departs on
Returns on
2009
$4395
26 Oct
12 Nov
23 Nov
10 Dec
14 Dec
31 Dec
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Departs on
Returns on
2010
$4395
04 Jan
21 Jan
25 Jan
11 Feb
08 Feb
25 Feb
22 Feb
11 Mar
15 Mar
01 Apr
29Mar
15 Apr
26 Apr
13 May
$3995
28 Jun
15 Jul
23 Aug
09 Sep
20 Sep
07 Oct
$4570
25 Oct
11 Dec
22 Nov
09 Dec
13 Dec
30 Dec
Red shaded dates are Guaranteed Departures
Prices AUD Land Content Only
Single Supplement (May - Sep) $1520
Single Supplement (Oct - Apr) $1795
Child 15 years and under Save $880
King Club Save $220
Triple Share Save $220
Friendly Fours Save $220
Concession Card Holders Save $75
 
Note: Itinerary & departure dates may change from 01/10/10. Price is guaranteed upon payment of deposit.

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