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Peaks and Pastures |
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Day 1 Arrive Auckland Arriving Auckland you will be welcomed by the driver / guide for the North Island section of your New Zealand experience. Transfer to your accommodation. Alternatively our representative will meet your with your rental car. The balance of the day will be free to explore Auckland's stunning waterfront, central business district and the eclectic shopping districts of Ponsonby and Parnel. Overnight Auckland Hilton Day 2 Auckland - Waitomo Caves - Rotorua This morning travel South over the Bombay Hills to the Waikato, one of New Zealand's richest farming districts. Pass through the City of Hamilton and continue South on Highway 3 to the Waitomo Caves, famous for their glow worm displays and limestone formations. A one hour tour through the Glow Worm Cave is included. From the Waitomo Caves the route travels over the Kaimi Ranges to Rotorua the geo-thermal capital of New Zealand. Overnight Solitaire Lodge Day 3 Rotorua A full day is free to explore Rotorua's wide variety of attractions. Must sees include the Whakarewarewa terminal district and traditional Maori village, Rainbow Springs a park like surrounding with wild trout, a Kiwi House and beautiful bush walks. We strongly suggest visitors take a scenic flight over Mount Tarawera's awesome crater. Overnight Solitaire Lodge Day 4 Rotorua - Taupo - Christchurch Travel south to Lake Taupo the scene of the World's largest known volcanic eruption in 1086 AD. The route to Taupo first travels through some of the World's a largest man made forest and then past the spectacular Huka Falls. In addition to visiting the Falls we suggest a visit to the Craters of the Moon geothermal reserve. This afternoon fly South to Christchurch. On arrival you will be greeted by your driver/guide for the South Island section of your travel. Alternatively our representative will meet you with your replacement rental car. The balance of the day will be free. City attractions include, The Cathedral and The Square, The Arts Centre, Canterbury Provincial buildings to name a few options. Overnight The Weston House Day 5 Christchurch - Greymouth Departing Christchurch the route travels west over the Southern Alps, the South Island's main divide. Traverse Porters and Arthurs Pass both at an elevation of over a 1000 meters. Decend rapidly towards the Tasman Sea along a highway surround by towering snow capped mountains with lower slopes covered with luxuriant native forest. Situated at short distance from Greymouth is Lake Brunner, a still deep lake surrounded by beautiful forested mountains. Overnight Lake Brunner Lodge Day 6 Greymouth - Franz Josef Today travel down the West Coast of the South Island. Drive through stands of native forest and over swift flowing rivers to arrive at Franz Josef Glacier. Time should be allowed during the journey for numerous photo stops and small detours to view the many scenic lakes and walks. A scenic helicopter flight over the Glacier with on snow landing is one of the popular activities. For the more active the opportunity exists to take a guided Glacier walk. Overnight Franz Josef Glacier Hotel Day 7 Franz Josef - Queenstown Leaving Franz Josef the route travels south over Mount Hercules to Franz Josef 's sister town of Fox Glacier, before continuing on to Haast. Farewelling the coast the highway follows the Landsborough River before traversing Hasst Pass. The route passes through some of New Zealand's finest scenery, with spectacular waterfalls, towering mountains and dense rain forests. Crossing the Pass the highway skirts Lakes Wanaka and Hawea before continuing past the hydro lake, Lake Dunstan. Travel through the rugged Kawarau Gorge to the alpine resort of Queenstown. Overnight Mountvista Hotel Day 8 Queenstown Today is free to take in the sights around the Queenstown region. Recommended activities include a ride on the Shotover Jet billed as the World's most exciting jet boat ride, a trip on the Earnslaw, a historic steam ship operating on lake Wakatipu and an excursion to the nearby historic minning community of Arrowtown. A ride up the Skyline Gondola for a panoramic view of Queenstown and the Remarkables is included. Overnight Mountvista Hotel Day 9 Milford Sound Excursion Depart Queenstown early this morning and round Lake Wakatipu before crossing 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. The flight back to Queenstown provides views of hanging valleys, alpine lakes and cloud-piercing summits hidden from the road. The return flight is truly memorable. Note: rental car travellers will travel by luxuary coach to Milford before flying back Overnight Mountvista Hotel Day 10 Queenstown - Dunedin Leaving Queenstown retrace the route along the Kawarau Gorge to Cromwell before heading east towards Dunedin. Travel through the arid bolder strewn Central Otago, amazingly this hostile land is one of New Zealand's premier fruit growing regions. Traverse Saddle Hill to arrive in Dunedin. The City takes its unusual name from the Gaelic name for Edinburgh Scotland. This afternoon sightseeing may include an excursion on the Otago Peninsula to visit the Royal Albatross Colony, Blue and Yellow Eyed Penguin colonies and the many fur-seals that bask on the Peninsula's shores. Alternatively for a more relaxing time explore the City's many fine examples of New Zealand's Victorian architecture. Overnight Larnach Castle Day 11 Dunedin - Mt. Cook Drive north from Dunedin over Kilmog Hill and past beautiful Blue Skin Bay to the town of Oamaru, famous for its white sandstone buildings. Travelling inland follow the Waitaki River to the Waitaki and MacKenzie Basins. The highway passes by many vast hydro lakes and power stations - this region produces a large percentage of New Zealand's electricity. Arrive Mount Cook village, at the base New Zealand's highest mountain (Mt. Cook 3754 metres). Recommended is a scenic flight with on snow landing. Many short alpine walks can be under taken around Mount Cook village. All have breathtaking views in every direction. Overnight The Hermitage Day 12 Mt. Cook - Christchurch Departing Mount Cook pass Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo before crossing Burkes Pass and descending towards the Canterbury Plains. Cross the Plains, a patch work of perfectly ploughed and planted fields, to arrive Christchurch. Overnight The Weston House Day 13 Christchurch Today is free to explore Christchurch and Canterbury. Suggested activities include a visit to Kaikoura for a whalewatch excursion to view the giant sperm whale, the largest of all toothed whales. For those wishing a more relaxing time in Christchurch enjoying the many fine shops and attractions which include the Arts Centre, Cathedral and Avon River all are located within easy walk of your accommodation. Overnight The Weston House Day 14 Depart Christchurch A late check out, if required, has been arranged with the hotel. Transfer to the Airport or alternatively your rental car may be left at the airport. |
Hilton Auckland
Solitaire Lodge
Lake Brunner
Dunedine at Sunset
Yellow-eyed Penguin
Lake Tekapo |
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008 |
Prices are valid until 30 September 2008 |
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