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Description:
Day 1: Auckland (D)
Arrival into Auckland. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover ahead of the evening’s event – a ‘Meet and Greet Dinner’ to acquaint yourself together with your travel companions whom you will share the next 27 days together on this amazing journey.
Day 2: Auckland (B, D)
Today you will see Auckland from another perspective ... Ever experienced the ‘thrill’ of being a passenger on the back of a ‘Harley Davidson’? Today’s ‘biker-ride’ includes visits to the North Shore, Parnell, Kohimarama, Mission Bay and Mt. Eden. The afternoon is yours to do as you wish, ahead of tonight’s event your ‘Exclusive Cultural Introduction’ to New Zealand performed by local tribesman, including a traditional ‘Powhiri – Maori welcome ceremony’ and dinner at a ‘Maori Marae’ – meeting house!
Day 3: Northland – Hokianga (B)
Today our travels take us north along the ‘Kauri Coast Highway’, stopping at ‘Matakohe Kauri museum’ before arriving in the tiny settlement of ‘Omapere’ in the ‘Hokianga’, where we will base ourselves for the next two nights. The highlight of this day will be an amazing evening ‘Eco – Forest Night Walk’ amongst New Zealand’s iconic 'Kauri Trees’ and the mighty ‘Waipoua Forest’ and where you have a chance to marvel at ‘Tane Mahuta’ – God of the Forest, the 2,000 year old Kauri tree - a truly spectacular view. Be indicted by the Myths and Legends presented by your own personal Maori Guide as they deliver the Cultural significance and bring to life the story of this amazing tree species through song - 'waiata' and prayer - 'mihi'.
Day 4: Hokianga (B, L, D)
Today is special as you will become the ‘artist’ and ’innovator’ of your own personal creation. A unique opportunity will evolve, as you are hosted by your very own 'Indigenous Master Carver’ and engage in an ‘artistic exercise’ of ‘self innovation’, creating your own special hand carved ‘Taonga - treasure’ in an informal environment under the watchful eye of your Maori mentor. Lunch will be provided in a most unusual and private setting designed to create the ‘ambience’ between you the – pupil, and your tutor for the day.
Day 5 – Hokianga - Bay of Islands (B, D)
Today we travel to the ‘Bay of Islands’ and Paihia where you will visit the ‘Waitangi Treaty Grounds’ and be introduced to the heritage surrounding this important piece of New Zealand's historical past. Afterwards, you embark on an ’Overnight Boat Cruise' of the Bay of Island’s. Relax in comfort while experiencing all the highlights of the magnificent ‘Bay of Islands’ onboard this vessel. During this cruise you may see ‘dolphins’, ‘penguins’ and ‘whales’ in their natural environment – an interactive way to get close to these wonderful creatures.
Day 6 – Bay of Islands– Tauranga, Bay of Plenty (B, D)
We leave the Bay of Islands and Paihia and travel south, stopping in Auckland for lunch. Thereafter we make our way over the Bombay Hills and through the Hauraki Plains arriving in the ‘Bay of Plenty’ and ‘Tauranga’. We arrive at ‘Oropi’ located in the foothills of Tauranga, and enter 'The Valley of the Sighing Waters’, where you will be greeted by your very own ‘Kaumatua – Elder’ and hear the ‘Indigenous story’ relating to ‘Mauao – Mount Maunganui’, the iconic landmark of this region. A gentle 10 minute nature walk brings us into a ‘native rain forest setting’ alongside a stunning ‘Waterfall’ as your back-drop. This area is ‘EXCLUSIVE’ to Singles downUnder, and you will have the opportunity to ‘plant’ & ‘tag’ your own ‘group native- tree’ as part of the native re-generation forest project at this location. Accommodation this evening will be spent on the ‘Marae’ – Maori meeting house’.
Day 7 – White Island – Rotorua (B,L,D)
This morning we join our cruise to ‘White Island’ and participate in the incredible experience of exploring the inner crater of New Zealand’s only ‘active marine volcano’. Late in the afternoon, we make our way to New Zealand’s premier visitor destination – ‘Rotorua’, the epi-centre of ’Maori Culture’. This evening, you will be treated to an authentic ‘Maori Cultural Performance’. See ‘Maori warriors’ arrive in their ‘war canoe’, then be entertained in authentic surroundings by Rotorua’s most exciting interactive show casing of traditional ‘song’, ‘dance’, and ‘weaponry manoeuvres’. A traditionally cooked 'Maori hangi' is provided for dinner. The evening finishes with a short 'bush walk' to the ‘crystal clear water springs’. We capture glimpses of ‘glow worms’ along the way.
Day 8 – Rotorua (B, L)
There is a lot to see, hear and do in this ‘Geothermal & Geyser Wonderland’. Enrich your knowledge at the ‘Rotorua Museum’. Be thrilled by the museum's high impact ‘Cinema Experience’ – ‘Rotorua Stories'. We visit the ‘Whakarewarewa Thermal Village’ – the only living Maori Village in New Zealand and view spectacular geothermal activity – ‘Pohutu’ and ‘Prince of Wales Geysers’, pools of boiling water – turned to steam reaching into the heavens and bubbling mud. Why not indulge yourself in a mud bath, maybe a massage or one of the many optional activities on offer this afternoon.
Day 9 – Rotorua - Waitomo Caves – Taupo (B, L)
Today we make our way towards ‘Waitomo Caves’ where an ‘underground boat-ride’ awaits us. The ‘Waitomo Glow Worm Caves’ is where thousands of tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in their ‘cinema-like’ environment as expert guides provide informative commentary. In the surrounding area we visit pristine waterfalls and natural limestone formations. Our final destination for this day will be ‘Taupo’, located in the heart of the North Island by New Zealand’s largest lake, with ‘Mount Ruapehu’ as its backdrop.
Day 10 – Taupo – Whanganui (B)
Today is a day of leisure to experience the ‘multitudes’ of different optional activities on offer in this town. We depart Taupo mid-afternoon navigating our way around Lake Taupo and through the ‘Tongariro National Park’ arriving early evening at our accommodation in ‘Whanganui’.
Day 11 – Whanganui (B, L, D)
Enjoy this unique opportunity in one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand, Whanganui. Visit scenic spots en route to ‘Pipiriki’, the heart of the ‘Whanganui National Park’: ‘Operiki Gardens’, the ‘Jerusalem Convent’. Along the way you will see more of New Zealand’s bush forest and scenery and hear commentary on the historic features of life on the Whanganui River. Lunch will be hosted by ‘tangata whenua’ at the local Marae along our trail. You will have the choice to ‘cycle’ back to where you started! After an adventurous day a relaxing evening and ‘Barbecue dinner’ awaits.
Day 12 – Whanganui – Wellington (B, D)
This day takes us from ‘Whanganui to Wellington’, the capital city of New Zealand. On arrival to Wellington, the afternoon is yours for you to explore optional activities in and around the city at your will. You will discover that New Zealand's capital city has so much to offer. The ‘planned activity’ for this evening is to ‘engage’ you and your companions in a ‘team exercise’ involving your knowledge and ‘cooking skills’ relating to food preparation. This promises to be ‘fun & tasty’.
Day 13 - Wellington/Picton – Abel Tasman National Park (B, L)
Today we bid farewell of Wellington and the North Island as we cruise via the Marlborough Sounds into ‘Picton’. We make our way toward ‘Abel Tasman National Park’ via ‘Havelock & Queen Charlotte Sound’. Given the comfortable climate in this area, sophisticated wineries with innovative winemakers craft their knowledge of ‘grapes’ with stunning effects, it would only be appropriate that we visit such a vineyard and taste their wines as we savor our lunch amidst this glorious setting.
Day 14 - Abel Tasman National Park (B, D)
Today’s activity starts with a ‘3 hour cruise tour’ of this majestic area. Sit back and relax on this scenic cruise into the breathtaking ‘Abel Tasman National Park’, viewing world-famous ‘Split Apple Rock’, ‘fur Seals’, ‘golden sands’, and ‘crystal clear waters of Torrent’, ‘Bark’, ‘Tonga’, and ‘Awaroa’.
Day 15 – Abel Tasman National Park – Punakaiki – Hokitika (B, D)
We head towards the west coast, arriving at the ‘Punakaiki Pancake Rocks’ to view these amazing rock formations shaped by time. We journey on arriving at ‘Hokitika’ home to New Zealand’s finest Pounamu (jade) and Ruby Rock. A special event is scheduled after dinner where your Indigenous guide will prepare an evening ‘supplement’ consisting of luscious ‘Food nibbles, delicacies and Beverages’ designed to enhance the ‘wairua – spirit’ and ‘ambience’ as we watch the ‘sun fall down' on this sleepy little town.
Day 16 – Hokitika Via Hokitika Gorge – Pukekura – Franz Josef (B)
This morning you will have the chance to do an array of optional activities or just simply relax at your leisure. After leaving Hokitika, we make our way through the beautiful ‘Hokitika Gorge’ stopping for a short walk to the ‘swing bridge’. The turquoise waters and breathtaking views make this an excellent spot for photographs.
Journeying on, we arrive at ‘Pukekura’, the west coasts ‘smallest town’, before making our way toward our end destination for the day, ‘Franz Josef’.
Day 17 – Franz Josef Glacier (B)
Awake this morning to the glory of the ‘Southern Alps’. You are in the heart of the ‘Westland National Park’, which is a part of the ‘unique South West New Zealand World Heritage Area’.
The remnant of a much older and larger glacier, Franz Josef, is estimated to be 7,000 years old and now extends just 12 kilometers from the three feeder glaciers, with the terminal face being situated 5 kilometers from the town. This area is also home to some of New Zealand’s rarest flora and fauna – the ‘Southern Rata’, the ‘Okarito Brown Kiwi’ and the ‘Kotuku’ (White Heron) as well as seals which can be sighted on the foreshore.
Day 18 – Franz Josef – Wanaka (B)
Enjoy the thrills and spills on the ‘Waiatoto River’. This ‘Jet Boat Safari’ is New Zealand's only sea to mountain safari adventure! Described as ‘a place of extraordinary contrast and exceptional beauty’ this area has some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world. On arrival in 'Wanaka' we visit the ‘Puzzling World’, a unique attraction specializing in puzzling eccentricity which entertains and amazes visitors of all ages. This is the world's first ‘modern styled Great Maze’ and incredible Illusion Rooms. Be truly amazed by the Puzzling World in Wanaka.
Day 19 – Full Day Wanaka (B)
‘Wanaka’ is primarily a resort town and has both summer and winter seasons based around many outdoor opportunities. Nestled behind the ‘Southern Alps’ in the South Island of New Zealand, Wanaka has something for everyone, whatever age, ability or sense of adventure. You will have the whole day here to engage in different optional activities on offer.
Day 20 – Wanaka – Queenstown (B,D)
Leaving Wanaka we closely follow the course of the mighty ‘Kawarau River’ home to a number of adventure activities such as ‘jet boating’, ‘white water rafting’, ‘river surfing’ and ‘Bungy Jumping’. The river was also featured as a setting for the ‘Pillars of the Kings’ and the ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. We will stop at the ‘Kawarau Bridge’, the world's first commercial Bungy jumping operation – for those adventurous enough to experience the ‘original’ Bungy jump as an option, or maybe just to watch others do so. Next on the agenda is a ‘Wine tour’ and ‘wine tasting’ session where we will travel through underground caves which provide the perfect natural environment to mature their award-winning local wines. The picturesque settlement of ‘Arrowtown’ is our next stop. The last leg of our journey today takes us via ‘Lake Hayes’ to ‘Queenstown’ with time to discover this effervescent lakeside town. Together we take the spectacular ‘Gondola’ ride up to the ‘Skyline’ complex located on ‘Bob’s Peak’. From the observation decks you can revel in the breathtaking ‘panoramic views’ which includes Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, Queenstown and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks, before enjoying dinner amidst the evenings silhouette.
Day 21 – Queenstown – Doubtful Sound – Manapouri (B, L, D)
Later today we embark on a magnificent overnight tour of ‘Doubtful Sounds’ and ‘Lake Manapouri’. We join our cruise across island-studded ‘Lake Manapouri’ and a coach trip over ‘Wilmot Pass’. You descend into ‘Doubtful Sound’ and board your vessel awaiting you in ‘Deep Cove’. During the afternoon, you will cruise the full length of the ‘fiord’, weaving through hidden coves and waterways. ‘Bottlenose dolphins’ are often encountered, ‘fur seals bask on the rocks’ and, at times, ‘rare penguins’ can be seen. As evening draws near, the crew will drop anchor in a sheltered cove, allowing you to explore the shoreline by ‘kayak’ or ‘tender craft’ (small boat). In the evening, enjoy a delicious meal prepared onboard and relax in the saloon before retiring for the evening.
Day 22 – Manapouri – Dunedin (B,L)
You will be collected in ‘Manapouri’ on return from your overnight cruise as we make our way towards ‘Dunedin’, making stops along the way in ‘Lumsden’, ‘Gore’ and ‘Balclutha’. Dunedin is New Zealand’s fifth largest city with dramatic hills surrounding a long, natural harbor which attracted ‘Maori settlers’ to the site over four centuries ago. More recently the area was settled by ‘whalers’, ‘gold miners’ and ‘migrants’ from ‘Scotland’ and ‘China’. Memorable for its historical architecture, Dunedin is one of the best preserved ‘Victorian’ and ‘Edwardian’ cities in the southern hemisphere.
Day 23 – Dunedin – Moeraki – Oamaru (B, L)
Today, we embark on a tour of ‘Dunedin’s sights’, starting with a visit to the mysterious 'Larnach Castle'. A drive past 'Baldwin Street', (world’s steepest street) bringing us to ‘Speight’s Ale House’ for lunch and beer tasting! Following lunch, we depart to experience a 'private conservation' area to observe up close, the hyper activity of a New Zealand 'fur seal rookery'. On a sandy beach in a lovely bay your next close encounter meets and observes two of the world’s rarest creatures, 'Hooker Sea lions' resting, and 'Yellow-eyed penguins' with their young in the nesting area. After dinner, our next stop is the ‘Moeraki Boulders’ to capture some stunning ‘sunset’ photo shots. Our journey today ends with us arriving late evening in ‘Oamaru’. After a long and interesting day, for those looking to ‘paint the town’, there are a number of entertainment options to choose from.
Day 24 – Oamaru – MT Cook (Aoraki) – Lake Tekapo (B)
This morning we leave the Otago region and head into the Canterbury province, home of New Zealand’s highest mountain – ‘Aoraki’ (Mt Cook). After lunch we head directly towards the Southern Alps and ‘Aoraki’ (Maori name) or ‘Mt Cook’. Towering over the Alps at a height of 3,754 metres ‘Aoraki’ is New Zealand’s highest mountain and one of its best known icons. At the Mount Cook Village we will embark on a 'Tasman Glacier tour'. You will encounter towering ice- cliffs and huge floating icebergs. The boat provides a safe way to unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier. After experiencing such an awesome natural wonder we resume our day’s journey, travelling through the infamous ‘Mackenzie Country’. We end our day on the southern shores of ‘Lake Tekapo’, a popular area for walking, mountain biking, boating, kayaking, fishing, stargazing; horse trekking, skiing and snowboarding. Later this evening we journey together atop ‘Mount John’ for an amazing ‘stargazing excursion’ as your guides bring to life the neighboring stars, galaxies, star clusters and planets.
Day 25 – Lake Tekapo – Christchurch (B,D)
On arrival in Christchurch we make our way to the 'Cashmere Hills' arriving at ‘the sign of the Takahe' - look-out. Here you will see unsurpassed views of Christchurch, Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. We make our way to a contemporary ‘Maori Village' where you will be greeted with a ‘powerful challenge’ by a ‘fearsome warrior’. You will come face to face with the South Islands premier 'Maori cultural experience' and participate in a series of team-building exercises, starting with the famous ‘Haka’ - Maori war dance, performed nowadays by New Zealand's premier Rugby sports team the 'All Blacks'. The next activity allows you to paddle a Maori ‘war canoe - waka’ in the historic ‘hunting grounds’ of Christchurch. Your Indigenous story tellers will teach you the art of paddling a 'waka', the meaning, usage and importance they played in the early interactions between European settlers and South Island Maori tribe. You will also be taught how to ‘weave’ with natural flax and swing the 'poi - ball'. We then visit a 'Wild-life' sanctuary, with the main highlight bringing you within millimeters of our National icon, the ‘Kiwi Bird’.
DAY 26 – Christchurch – Kaikoura – Christchurch (B, L, D)
Today we will make our way north-east to ‘Kaikoura’ and board a vessel to view ‘Giant Sperm Whales’ as part of a unique and popular ‘eco – experience’. Kaikoura is a special place of lush pastures and towering, snow covered peaks that fall into the sea. This rare magic continues just offshore where a deep undersea canyon combines with unusual sea currents attracting an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the 'Sperm Whale'. ‘Whale Watching’ in Kaikoura is the ‘must-do activity’ while in this wondrous, peaceful town. Not only do you get a rare chance to get up close with these majestic mammals, you also get to appreciate the importance of the environment they reside in. A late lunch in the form of your ‘typical’ Kiwi – ‘Fish n Chips’ will be enjoyed on the beach. On return to Christchurch, you will have the chance to freshen up before our ‘FAREWELL DINNER – HAERE RA’ Group party. This evenings ‘special dinner’ has been arranged for YOU to indulge in a union of comradeship and friendship before departing New Zealand. Hosts for the night will be your ‘Indigenous Guides’, and a customary – ‘Poroporoaki – Maori Farewell’, performed in acknowledgement that soon you will be leaving these shores to venture onwards on your eternal journey …
DAY 27 – Depart Christchurch (B)
With the morning check-out there is the opportunity to store your luggage at the hotel. Maybe there is still some time for that last minute shopping before your transfer to the airport. |
