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Twin Islands |
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Day 1 Auckland - Rotorua Journey south to the farms of the Waikato. Follow the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest, to Hamilton before continuing on to the Waitomo Caves. Visit the Glow Worm Caves with their millions of fairy lights. (included) Reboarding the coach traverse the Mamaku Ranges before descending to Lake Rotorua and the City. This evening we recommend you experience a Maori Hangi and Concert. Day 2 Rotorua The today is free to continue exploring this popular destination. Suggest sights include the Waimangi Geothermal Valley, the Buried Village, and Mt Tarawera. The adventurous may try white water rafting on the Kaituna River or Skyline luge ride. Day 3 Rotorua - Taupo - Napier Late this morning travel south through the massive man made forests and view the geothermal power stations prior to arriving in Taupo. Traverse the rugged Kaimanawa Ranges to reach the Hawkes Bay and Napier - famous for its Art Deco buildings built after the destructive 1931 earthquake. Hawkes Bay is also well known for quality vineyards and orchards. Day 4 Napier - Wellington Begin with a tour of Napier City and environs. This afternoon travel across the Takapau Plains and through the Scandinavian settlements of Norsewood and Danevirke to reach Woodville. Enter the Manawatu Gorge with its surging river and journey below the Tararua Ranges. Pass through the market garden towns of Levin and Otaki to arrive in Wellington. Day 5 Wellington - Picton - Christchurch Cross Cook Strait on the Interislander and cruise through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. Disembarking at Picton board the TranzCoastal train and cross the Wairau Valley, New Zealand’s premier wine producing region. Returning to the coast the railway hugs the rugged shore to Kaikoura, renowned for its lobster fishing and whale watching. Skirt the Hundalee Hills to reach Christchurch. Day 6 Christchurch - Glaciers Cross the Canterbury Plains on the TranzAlpine train. Following the banks of the Waimakariri River reach the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. Exiting the Otira Tunnel it’s on to Greymouth. Farewelling the train, board your coach. Drive through stands of native forest and over swift flowing rivers to arrive at the Glaciers. Tonight will be at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier. Day 7 Glaciers The day is free for activities. Popular are glacier and bush walks or a scenic flight with an on snow landing. Alternatively just sit back and enjoy the delightful alpine scenery. Day 8 Glaciers - Queenstown Pass by pristine lakes and forests. Cross the Haast River before climbing alongside lofty peaks and cascading waterfalls to Hasst Pass. Descending to Otago hug the shores of Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan to reach Cromwell. The Kawarau Gorge with its thundering river preludes Lake Hayes and Queenstown. Day 9 Queenstown A free day to explore this premier resort with its extensive range of attractions. Suggested activities include a Skippers Canyon excursion, a Lake cruise on the Earnslaw and a ride on the Shotover Jet. The daring may consider parapenting off Bob’s Peak, white water rafting, or a thrilling bungy jump. Included is the Bob’s Peak (and light refreshments) gondola ride for magnificent alpine views. Day 10 Milford Day Excursion Round Lake Wakatipu and cross northern Southland to reach Te Anau. Drive through the Eglinton Valley with its hanging glacier valleys, pristine temperate rainforest and towering peaks. Exiting the Homer Tunnel arrive at Milford Sound. Cruise on the Sound and inspect up close the cascading waterfalls, sea life and towering rock faces which rise over 5000 ft. Leaving Milford retrace your travels to Queenstown. Day 11 Queenstown - Dunedin Depart Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell. Join the Taieri Connection. Pass the impressive Clyde Dam and cross the wilds of the Maniototo. Board the Taieri train and enjoy a spectacular rail journey over historic viaducts and bridges as you travel through the rugged Mt. Allen region to arrive in Dunedin. Day 12 Dunedin - Christchurch The morning is free. This afternoon the highway
north climbs over Mt. Cargill and the Kilmog Hill prior to arriving
at the seaside village of Waitati. Continue along the coast passing
the beautiful Blue Skin Bay and Katiki Beach to arrive in Oamaru.
Catch a glimpse of the towns famous stone buildings before crossing
the Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch. Arrive approximately
6.30 pm. |
New Zealand Bush Walk
Riding the Rails
Wellington - The Nations Capital
The TransAlpine & the Southern Alps |
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008 |
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