14-DAY NEW ZEALAND INDEPENDENT EXPLORER TOUR

Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, Queenstown,  Franz Josef & Christchurch

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INCLUDED FEATURES:

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1 Fly USA to Auckland

Please note international air from the USA has not been included in the package price.

Day 2 You cross the International Date Line

The International Date Line is an imaginary line on the earth’s surface that approximately coincides with the 180th meridian line (LONGITUDE), and separates the calendar date. Traveling east across the line takes the traveler back one day, traveling west takes the traveler forward.

Day 3 Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand

You will be met and transferred to your accommodation. Auckland, 'City of Sails', located between two stunning harbors, enjoys a mild year-round climate Auckland is the country's most visited region and largest urban area, offering exciting activities and great shopping. The City lies across an 11km wide volcanic isthmus separating two harbors. The Waitemata to the east opens into the Hauraki Gulf, and to the Pacific Ocean. The Manukau Harbour to the west offers many estuaries and surf beaches and opens to the Tasman Sea.

Days 4-6 Auckland to Coromandel to Rotorua tour

Depart Auckland for a three day experience to visit the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula.  Your Kiwi hosts make the tour fun, entertaining and filled with knowledge - their love and respect for the mountains, forest coastline and creatures within is evident from the moment you meet them. Travel is in a small group of up to six people. These three magical days focus on the Coromandel area and are designed to suit many age groups and a wide range of interests.  People of any fitness level may enjoy this tour, though please be prepared for the outdoors.

Day 6 Arrive Rotorua

You will be dropped off at your hotel on completion of your Coromandel tour. Rotorua is a thermal fantasy-island where geysers of boiling water erupt in the air, mud bubbles in mysterious pools and steam wafts in eerie clouds from the surface of the lake.

Day 7 Fly Rotorua to Queenstown (Via Christchurch)

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Queenstown.  On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Nestled beside the deep blue waters of Lake Wakatipu, at the foot of the Remarkables Mountain Range, Queenstown is a year round resort, where you can be as active as you want, or just leisurely enjoy the magnificent scenery.

Day 8 Tour - Milford Sound full day tour

An early start as you leave your hotel and coach through some of the most beautiful countryside in New Zealand.  On arrival at Milford Sound, board the vessel for a leisurely cruise along the sound to the Tasman Sea.  The vessel stops at various points and plenty of time is available to view waterfalls, rainforests, mountains and seals.  You may even see dolphins frolic alongside the boat.  A buffet lunch is included during the cruise.

Day 9 At leisure, Queenstown

At your leisure to explore the adventure capital of New Zealand. Set between the towering Remarkable Ranges and the bottomless Lake Wakitipu, Queenstown has it all - bungy jumping, jetboating, rafting, amazing scenic helicopter flights. You may wish to visit Milford or Doubtful Sound or the old gold mining town of Arrowtown.                                      

Day 10 Coach transfer from Queenstown to Franz Josef

Depart from Queenstown to arrive at Franz Josef around 4.15pm.  Sit back, relax and take in the spectacular scenery of Kawarau Gorge, Lake Hawera, Haast Pass and Fox Glacier.  A stop is made en route for lunch (own expense). If you choose the self drive option, you will drive from Queenstown to Franz Josef at your own pace.

Day 11 Tour - Franz Josef Glacier half day tour

The half day trip includes a 2-mile interpretive walk to the terminal face and the opportunity to climb on the rugged ice face of the Franz Josef Glacier.  During the walk, your guide will provide the story of the history of the glacier and geology in action, which is an experience in itself. Trip duration 4.5 hours (age restriction 5-60 years), includes up to 2 hours on the ice.  A reasonable level of fitness is recommended to fully enjoy this tour.

Day 12 TranzAlpine train from Greymouth to Christchurch

A point-to-point coach service will transport you from Franz Josef to Greymouth. A stop for lunch is made at Shantytown (own expense) before continuing on to Greymouth to connect with the TranzAlpine train. Board the Tranz Alpine train at Greymouth and farewell the glacier country as you travel through the rugged mountains of the Southern Alps to the Canterbury Plains and on to the 'English' city of Christchurch.  The train features panoramic windows for scenic views and a restaurant car to purchase snacks and drinks. This train is one the most beautiful journey's in New Zealand so bring plenty of film for your camera!  On arrival into Christchurch you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 13 At leisure, Christchurch

Christchurch, the city of parks and gardens, trees and beauty, is also buzzing with street life. Wine bars, street cafes and exciting entertainments give the central city vitality unique in New Zealand.  Christchurch is said to be the most English city outside England. The downtown district focuses on Cathedral Square, where you'll find buskers, speakers and the eccentric Wizard of Christchurch (who is classified as a living work of art). You can sedately cruise the Avon River by punt, on its meandering course through town, under many bridges and past historic landmarks, or do your own thing by canoe. Vintage car, horse and carriage, hot air ballooning and guided walking tours These are just a few ways to explore the Garden City. SW

Day 14 Fly Christchurch to USA (Via Auckalnd)

DEPART: Departs Daily

PRICES 2008: From $4285.00 per person. Based on double occupancy.