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The Explorer |
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Day 1 Auckland - Rotorua This morning take delivery of your rental vehicle. Drive South over the Bombay Hills and follow the New Zealand's mighty Waitako River to arrive Hamilton. You may consider deviating South and travelling via the Waitomo Caves. Departing the city traverse the Mamaku Ranges and descend to Rotorua. The balance of the day is free. Day 2 Rotorua Today is free to discover this spectacular wonderland. Suggested sights include a visit to the geothermal areas, a farm show and a Maori Concert at a traditional marae ( meeting ground ). The more adventurous may consider a Mt. Tarawera excursion or a whitewater rafting trip. Rotorua boasts an extensive range of attractions. Day 3 Rotorua - Taupo - Mt. Ruapehu Travel south past through the World’s largest man-made forest. View New Zealand’s geothermal power stations and the Huka Falls before arriving in Taupo. Round Lake Taupo to Turangi. Traverse Pihanga Saddle to enter Tongariro National Park with its awesome volcanoes. Day 4 Mt. Ruapehu - Wellington This morning we suggest you drive up the Bruce Road to the “Top of the Bruce” here the opportunity exists to ride the chairlifts (optional) to the Knoll Ridge Chalet New Zealand’s highest restaurant. Leaving the Park round Mt. Ruapehu to the military town of Waiouru. Rejoining the main highway and descend to the Manawatu plains. Journey through the market garden towns of Levin and Otaki and past Kapiti Island Bird sanctuary to arrive Wellington - the Nation’s Capital. Day 5 Wellington - Christchurch Return your car at the Ferry Terminal. Cruise across Cook Strait to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. Farewell the ferry and ride the Coastal Pacific train across the wine producing soils of the Wairau Valley. Returning to the coast hug the rugged seashore to Kaikoura, renowned for its lobster fishing and whale watching. Skirt the Hundalee Hills to reach Christchurch. On arrival uplift a new car for your South Island travels. Day 6 Christchurch - Mt. Cook Depart Christchurch and travel south against a back drop of the Southern Alps as you cross the Canterbury Plains. Reaching Geraldine commence your climb towards Burkes Pass. Skirt the shores of the picturesque Lake Tekapo and follow the shoreline of Lake Pukaki to reach Mt. Cook village. Day 7 Mt. Cook - Dunedin This morning time allows for sightseeing in the National Park. Recommended is a scenic flight over the Alps (optional). Farewell Mount Cook, travel across the tussock lands of the Mackenzie Basin. Depart Omarama follow the Waitaki river to Oamaru with its fine whitestone buildings. Then its on to the tranquil Blue Skin Bay and over Mt. Cargill to Dunedin. Day 8 Dunedin - Te Anau This morning is free to explore Dunedin and the Otago Peninsula with its abundant wildlife. Traverse Saddle Hill to Mosgiel and the Taieri Plains. Round Lake Waihola and continue over the rolling South Otago farmland to Gore. Leaving the main highway it is on to Lumsden and Mossburn before reaching Te Anau. Day 9 Te Anau - Milford sound - Queenstown Drive through the Eglinton Valley with its hanging glacier valleys, pristine temperate rainforest and towering mountain peaks. Exit the Homer Tunnel to arrive at the spectacular Milford Sound. A cruise (optional) on the Sound will provide a close up view of the cascading waterfalls, sea life and towering rock faces which rise to over 5000 ft. Return to Te Anau before crossing over Southland’s fertile farmlands to reach Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown. Day 10 Queenstown A free day to explore New Zealand’s premier resort. The range of activities are extensive. Suggested activities include a Skippers Canyon excursion, a Lake Wakatipu 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 gondola ride (and light refreshments) with magnificent alpine views. Day 11 Queenstown - Glaciers Farewell Queenstown and retrace your route down the Kawarau Gorge. Arriving Cromwell journey past Lakes Dunstan, Hawea and Wanaka. Entering the Westland forest the highway climbs to the summit of Haast Pass. Surrounded by cascading waterfalls and lofty peaks the route crosses the Haast River to join the coast. Pass serene lakes and virgin forests to reach the Glaciers. Day 12 Glaciers - Christchurch Time allows a morning glacier visit. Crossing numerous rivers and through tall stands of beach forest reach Greymouth. Return your rental car and board the TranzAlpine train for one of the World's premier rail trips. Pass Lake Brunner and through dense bush to arrive at Otira. Exiting the tunnel at Arthur's Pass the railway hugs the banks of the Waimakariri River before reaching the plains and Christchurch. |
A Geo - thermal Lake near Rotorua
Lake Taupo & Tongariro Nat. Park
Interisland Ferry & Wellington City
South Island Bush Walk
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008
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