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Day 1 - Arrive Auckland and
stay overnight |
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Located on the
waterfront Auckland city enjoys wonderful
views across the harbour to the popular
seaside village of Devonport. Auckland is a
cosmopolitan city that benefits from its mix of
Pacific and European cultures, take time to
enjoy these influences and the resulting art
and cuisine.
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Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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1 night
Gold -
Platinum
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Day 2 - Auckland to
Rotorua |
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From Auckland city make your way
towards Hamilton alongside the Waikato
River. Cambridge and Tirau provide excellent
opportunities for a 'refreshment' stop as you
near your destination, the lakeside city of
Rotorua. Here you will find a fantastic
diversity of scenery and activities to suit
all interests. |
Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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2 nights
Gold -
Platinum
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Day 3 - Rotorua |
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Full day in Rotorua to enjoy
the many thermal and cultural sights, Rotorua
also has excellent fishing, an interesting
golf course with mud pools and Geysers,
mountain bike tracks and forest trails. Scenic
drives to stunning lakeside picnic spots and
summer swims. |
Activity included:
Hotel -
Maori Concert &
Hangi Feast
Silver
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Maori Concert & Hangi Feast
Gold
- Maori Concert & Hangi Feast
Platinum - Mt Tarawera scenic
flight & landing
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Day 4 - Rotorua via Lake
Taupo to Napier/Hawkes Bay |
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Travelling via Lake Taupo, our
largest lake, you may be rewarded with
views across to the volcanoes of the Tongariro
National Park. Then head south east to Hawkes
Bay, famous for the Art Deco architecture of
Napier and Hastings and the production of
premium wines. |
Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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2 nights
Gold -
Platinum
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Day 5 - Napier/Hawkes Bay |
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Wine and food, art, nature,
cultural and architectural tours are a great
way to get the most from your stay in Hawkes
Bay. At nearby Cape Kidnappers take a tour to
the world's largest, most accessible Gannet
nesting place or play golf at the spectacular
golf course.
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Day 6 - Napier/Hawkes Bay to
Wellington |
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A highlight of today's journey
is a stop at the Mt Bruce National Wildlife
Centre with its breeding program for the
conservation of some of our most endangered
wildlife, predominantly birds. Later in the
day pass through the historic villages of the
Wairarapa Region and perhaps visit the
Martinborough Wine Centre that showcases this
regions excellent wines. Finish the day in the
harbourside city of Wellington.
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Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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1 night
Gold -
Platinum
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Day 7 - Wellington to Nelson
incl Interislander cruise |
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More than just a ferry
crossing, the trip from Wellington to Picton
is an experience in itself. A leisurely
cruise out of Wellington Harbour offers
wonderful city and coastal views, before
crossing the straight and entering Queen
Charlotte Sound. Cruising through the
sheltered waters you will be treated to
fantastic Marlborough Sounds scenery and
perhaps a dolphin escort. The drive from
Picton offers more photo opportunities as you
head for Nelson. |
Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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2 nights
Gold -
Platinum
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Day 8 - Nelson |
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Nelson is renowned for its
artisans and galleries including the highly
regarded Hoglund Art Glass studio. Local
produce including wines are also a feature of
the region. Nelson is a popular base from
which to venture into the Abel Tasman National
Park just over an hour from the city, where
you can spend a day on the walking track also
sail, cruise or kayak the sheltered waters.
Day kayaking trips are suitable for novice or
experiences paddlers. |
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Day 9 - Nelson to Punakaiki |
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From the sheltered haven of
Tasman Bay travel south through the inland
Nelson Lakes region before heading west to the
dramatic and rugged scenery of the 'coast
road'. Winding its way between the bush clad
slopes, studded with Nikau Palms and the surf
of the Tasman Sea this has to be one of New
Zealand's most beautiful drives. Your
overnight stop is Punakaiki where you will
find the intriguing Pancake Rocks and
blowholes. |
Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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1 night
Gold -
Platinum
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Day 10 - Punakaiki to Fox
Glacier (Lake Moeraki for Platinum) |
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A day packed with features
today as you travel south through historic
'gold rush' towns and settlements, past bush
clad lakes, wild beaches and onwards to the
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.
Platinum package continues through to Lake
Moeraki for an eco-lodge experience. |
Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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2 nights
Gold -
Platinum
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Day 11 - Fox Glacier (Lake
Moeraki for Platinum) |
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Fox Glacier based stays include
a guided walk onto the glacier for an
exhilarating and memorable experience.
Platinum package includes wilderness
experiences from the temperate
rainforest/coastal location near Lake Moeraki. |
Activity included:
Hotel -
Half day guided
glacier walk
Silver
-
Half day guided glacier walk
Gold
- Half day guided glacier walk
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Day 12 - Fox Glacier to
Queenstown |
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Leaving behind the lush
vegetation of South Westland you will travel
the hills and valleys of the Haast Pass where
roadside walkways provide easy access to a
number of waterfalls and mountain pools.
Emerge into the tussock country of the
Southern Lakes district as you pass lakes
Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan. The fruit and wine
growing region around Cromwell leads you to
the craggy confines of the Kawarau Gorge
famous for its historic bridge and some
spectacularly located vineyards. Finish this
full day of sightseeing in beautiful
Queenstown. |
Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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3 nights
Gold -
Platinum
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Days 13 & 14 - Queenstown |
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Journey up the
Dart River
into the stunning scenery of the Mount
Aspiring National Park. Then free time to enjoy
some of the many other Queenstown activities. Ride
the Gondola for spectacular views over the
town and across the lake to the mountains,
Bungy jump, take
one of the many hikes including the famous
Routeburn Track for a day. Catch a fish, white
water rafting, horse treks, winery visits, the
possibilities are endless! |
Activity included:
Hotel -
Dart River Safari
Silver
- Dart River Safari
Gold -
Dart River Safari
Platinum
-
Ultimate Nature
Experience Incl Dart River Safari
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Day 15 - Queenstown to
Te Anau |
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A two and a
half hour drive today means you can spend the
morning in Queenstown or the afternoon in Te
Anau, allowing time to visit the amazing glow
worm caves. The journey today begins
with a scenic drive beside Lake Wakatipu
before crossing predominantly grazing country,
then to the boundary of the Fiordland National
Park. |
Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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2 nights
Gold -
Platinum
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Day 16 - Te Anau day trip
to Milford Sound |
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Drive
from Te Anau taking in the sights of the
Milford Road, stop for short walks, before
cruising the wonderful Milford Sound with its
soaring peaks and cascading waterfalls. Watch
for seals, dolphins and penguins as you make
your way to where the fiord meets the sea and
back. |
Activity included:
Hotel -
Milford Sound
Nature Cruise
Silver
-
Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Gold
- Milford Sound Nature Cruise
Platinum - Milford Sound Small Boat
Cruise
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Day 17 - Te Anau to
Dunedin |
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The journey east
today takes you through the verdant grazing
countryside of the Southland Region. The
numerous valleys and their streams feed the
rivers that are treasured by fishing
enthusiasts from around the world.
Dunedin, dotted with architectural examples of
the economic boom that started with the Otago
gold rush, is a mix of staid Scottish heritage
and the present day vitality of a university
town. |
Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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2 nights
Gold -
Platinum
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Day 18 - Dunedin |
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Close to Dunedin
is the Otago Peninsula popular for its
wildlife attractions. Home to colonies of
nesting yellow-eyed penguins and Royal
Albatross, join Monarch Wildlife Cruises and
Tours for a day trip that visits these
colonies and includes a visit to Larnach
Castle. |
Activity included:
Hotel -
Monarch Wildlife Cruise
3L
Silver
-
Monarch Wildlife Cruise
3L
Gold
- Monarch Wildlife Cruise
3L
Platinum - Monarch Wildlife Cruise
3L
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Day 19 - Dunedin to
Mount Cook |
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From Dunedin travel north to
the town of Oamaru with its majestic white
stone buildings and historic precinct. Turn
inland to follow the Waitaki Valley and pass
the hydro lakes of Aviemore and Benmore before
making your way along the shores of Lake
Pukaki
to the Mount Cook National Park. Mount Cook
Village enjoys fabulous mountain views and a
number of short walks from the village are
ideal for taking in the scenery and clear
mountain air. |
Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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1 night
Gold -
Platinum
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Day 20 - Mount Cook to
Christchurch |
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Enjoy the return trip beside
Lake Pukaki then pass iconic Lake Tekapo,
these glacial lakes are often a stunning azure
blue, setting off the snow capped peaks
beyond. Then take the 'Inland Scenic Route' as
a peaceful alternative to the main highway and
includes the dramatic Rakaia Gorge, great
mountain and rural vistas are enjoyed most of
the way. Christchurch is an eclectic mix of
colonial heritage and new world modernism. The
Avon River, with its cascading willows, cuts
through the city and provides the setting for
numerous parks and gardens. |
Accommodation:
Hotel
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Silver -
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2 nights
Gold -
Platinum
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Day 21 - Christchurch |
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Consider an early morning balloon flight the ideal way to experience stunning views
across the plains to the Southern Alps and
Pegasus Bay. Spend the day visiting galleries
and gardens or take a nature cruise on nearby
Lyttelton Harbour. Beyond the harbour you will
find the intriguing volcanic land form of
Banks Peninsula with its many sheltered bays
and settlements including picturesque Akaroa
where you can enjoy lunch in the village and
swim with dolphins in the sheltered waters. |
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Day 22 - Christchurch and end trip |
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Remember the
above itinerary can be amended to
fit your schedule and interests.
If you have more
days available - there's plenty more to see
and do! |
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