|
Day 1 & 2: Depart from
Home
Today you board your flight and begin the adventure of a lifetime. En route to
New Zealand, you cross the International Date Line, losing a full day.
Day 3: Auckland, New Zealand
Your tour begins today in the "City of Sails" Auckland, New Zealand. This
evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. For May 2008- April
2009 itineraries, this evening enjoy the perfect introduction to New Zealand
with a visit to Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World. Take part in a "behind the
scenes" guided tour of Stingray Bay with a feeding, followed by a delightful
dinner overlooking the bay. (D)
Day 4: Auckland - Bay of Islands
This morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Auckland including America's Cup
Village, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, spectacular views
from the top of Mt. Eden (a dormant volcano), a visit to the Auckland War
Memorial Museum, Tamaki waterfront and Waitemata Harbour. Later, travel north to
the Bay of Islands. (B, D)
Day 5: Bay of Islands
Begin your day with a cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock and view Cape
Brett Lighthouse. This afternoon, visit the Waitangi Treaty House and enjoy the
remainder of your day exploring on your own. (B)
Day 6: Bay of Islands - Rotorua
Depart for the center of Maori civilization and home to numerous geothermal
springs, the city of Rotorua. Tonight, enjoy a home stay and dinner with one of
New Zealand's families. This is a great way to meet the Kiwis and perhaps make a
lifelong friend. (B, D)
Day 7: Rotorua
Begin the day at the impressive Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. You'll see
amazing geysers, hot springs, hot mud pools and the Kiwi bird! See craftsmen at
work in a typical Maori village, and take part in an interactive demonstration
about the Maori dress and weaving process. Enjoy a sheepshearing demonstration
at the Agrodome, and meet jade carvers at a local jade factory. Tonight, receive
a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal followed by songs, dances, and many
other festivities. (B, D)
Day 8: Rotorua - Wellington
Travel south through the rolling countryside of the North Island to New
Zealand's capital city, Wellington. (B)
Day 9: Wellington
Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington viewing the Beehive, New
Zealand's Parliament, historic St. Paul's Church, and the government building,
the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour, you
visit the national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongawera Museum. (B)
Day 10: Wellington - Picton - Christchurch
Travel by ferry to Picton, on New Zealand's South Island, and experience the
beauty of the eastern coastline. Enjoy a visit to a local winery where a guided
tour gives you an inside look at what makes the Marlborough region one of the
world's best for wine production. Then, head further south to the picturesque
city of Christchurch, located on the Avon River. A sightseeing tour features the
Neo-Gothic Cathedral, the downtown park district, stunning Victorian-style
bulidings. (B)
Day 11: Christchurch - Franz Josef Glacier Region
Board the majestic Tranz Alpine train this morning to journey into the heart of
New Zealand's South Island. Marvel at the rugged snow-capped peaks and deep
river gorges as you wind your way to New Zealand's spectacular west coast on
this fantastic cross-country voyage. Arrive in the breathtaking Franz Josef
Glacier Region this evening. (B, D)
Day 12: Franz Josef - Queenstown
Enjoy a picture stop of Franz Josef before leaving the South Island's lush west
coast. Take in the stunning scenery as you pass through rain forest surrounded
by the Southern Alps and travel the twisting coastline. This is a land of one
lane bridges, green glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls and dramatic landscape
changes. After crossing the Haast Pass, arrive in Queenstown, one of New
Zealand's prettiest towns. Dinner is included at the Skyline Restaurant
overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains, and Lake Wakatipu. (B, D)
Day 13: Queenstown
Spend the day at leisure in this charming South Island town. Or, experience the
optional "Safari of the Rings" adventure traveling into the spectacular
landscape. (B)
Day 14: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau
Travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via
the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a leisurely cruise of this spectacular
fjord and experience the breathtaking surroundings. Overnight on the southern
shores of Lake Te Anau. (B, L, D)
Day 15: Te Anau - Dunedin
Journey through the scenic, unspoiled countryside of southern New Zealand before
arriving in Dunedin, "The Edinburgh of the South." This afternoon, visit the
Royal Albatross Center, the only mainland colony of albatross in the world. (B,
D)
Day 16: Dunedin
A morning tour of this lovely city will feature some of the best-preserved sites
of Edwardian Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. View Olveston
Manor and the beautiful university campus. Enjoy an evening at leisure. (B)
Day 17: Dunedin - Mt. Cook Region
Journey through the spectacular river gorges aboard the Taieri Gorge Railway
this morning. Then, board your coach to journey further into the countryside,
arriving at Mt. Cook National Park. Explore this marvelous land with a nature
walk or an optional flightseeing tour, weather permitting, with close-up views
of Mt. Cook and the glaciers. (B, D)
Day 18: Mt. Cook - Christchurch
Travel back to Christchurch this morning. The day is yours to explore this
quaint city. Tonight, celebrate the end of your tour as you dine in a restored
mansion which was once the homestead of the first family to settle in
Christchurch. (B, D)
Day 19: Christchurch - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today in Christchurch. (B) |
Travel Packages
TRAVEL
GUIDES