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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 a 'City Sights tour' enables you to see Auckland and surrounds with 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, a ‘Cultural Introduction’ and dinner performed by local tribesman.
Day 3: Auckland – Hokianga (B, D)
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 - Paihia, Bay of Islands (B, L)
This morning we leave the small settlement of Omapere and travel coast to coast arriving in the Bay of Islands and Paihia. There are many activities to choose from in this area and the rest of the day will be set aside for you to experience at your own leisure what the Bay of Islands has to offer.
Day 5 – Bay of Islands (B, D)
This morning we make a visit to the ‘Waitangi Treaty Grounds’ where you will 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 Indigenous Trails, 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.
Day 7 – Tauranga – Rotorua (B,D)
The morning is enjoyed at your leisure in and around Tauranga before making our way late afternoon to New Zealand’s premier visitor destination – ‘Rotorua’, the epi-centre of ’Maori Culture’. First - up, a visit to 'Whakarewarewa Thermal Village' - the only living Maori village in New Zealand surrounded, by amazing geothermal activity and view the - 'Pohutu' and 'Prince of Wales' geysers as they reach for the skies amidst boiling water and bubbling mud. Later 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)
There is a lot to see, hear and do in this ‘Geothermal & Geyser Wonderland’. This day is for you to relax and enjoy Rotorua on your own. Why not indulge yourself in a mud bath, maybe a massage or one of the many optional activities Rotorua has offer?
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 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 (B)
Today is free for you to experience the ‘multitudes’ of different optional activities on offer in Taupo. A day trip to ‘Tongariro National Park’ or a 'Jet Boat' ride on the Waikato River are just some of the many things to experience in this popular destination.
Day 11 – Taupo - New Plymouth (B,D)
Today we make our way south with our destination for the day being ‘New Plymouth’, located on the West coast of the North Island. Along the way you will see changing landscape formations before our arrival into the province of 'Taranaki'. Here you will be hosted by a local Indigenous family and treated to sublime hospitality and mystique with ‘Mount Taranaki’ as your backdrop. A 'Marae' - style accommodation is arranged at this facility where you also get to hear the legendary and unique stories through mythology of the ‘Warrior Mountains’.
Day 12 – New Plymouth – Wellington (B)
This day takes us from ‘New Plymouth to Wellington’, the capital city of New Zealand. You will experience the natural beauty of spectacular landscape as we make various stops along the way. On arrival to Wellington, the rest of the day is yours to explore the city at will. You will discover that New Zealand's capital city has a vibrancy and uniqueness differing from most other cities you will visit here.
Day 13 - Wellington/Picton – Abel Tasman National Park (B)
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)
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)
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.
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' you will have the chance to relax and unwind at your leisure.
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 'City Sights tour' of Dunedin before heading toward the 'Otago peninsula' visiting the mysterious 'Larnach Castle' We visit a sanctuary where you will observe up close 'Yellow-eyed penguins'. Our next stop is the ‘Moeraki Boulders’ before arriving early evening in our destination for this day in ‘Oamaru’.
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)
Departing Lake Tekapo, we arrive in Christchurch taking in a 'City Sights tour' including a visit to the 'Cashmere Hills' where you will see unsurpassed views of Christchurch, Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. The rest of the evening free for you to relax or explore Christchurch's 'night-life'.
DAY 26 – Christchurch – Kaikoura – Christchurch (B,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. 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 …
DAY 27 – Depart Christchurch (B)
This morning you will check-out from your hotel for transfer to the airport.
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