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New Zealand - home to awesome landscapes, lush forests, diverse physical, cultural, and unique experiences – and all so close to each other making it the perfect holiday destination!  With some meals included, quality budget accommodation already sorted and heaps to keep you busy – this is the perfect travel option if you want to kick back and relax and enjoy the ride!

DAY 1:  AUCKLAND TO ROTORUA MARAE STAY

Today you’ll meet your fellow travellers and head off on your journey southwards. You’ll see that Rotorua is truly alive as we drive through it on our way to our night’s accommodation. Tonight we will be staying in a traditional Maori Marae and on arrival, we will be welcomed onto the Marae by the elders in traditional style.  If you wish you can take a walk to the Okere Falls or an afternoon swim in the lake. Tonight is yours to enjoy the company of your friends, learn Maori history and folklore or star gaze when the lights go down.

NOTE:  Your first night on tour will be spent on a Traditional Maori Marae.  We ask that you pack down to an overnight bag to use tonight.

OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Dinner

Traditional Maori Marae Stay – open plan multi-share accommodation

DAY 2:  ROTORUA

After breakfast we will depart the Marae and head to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve.  Learn of the Maori lifestyle, history and customs on our tour and concert in this unique village.  See displays about traditional weapons, instruments and learn the intricate details of woodcarving. The afternoon is yours to explore Rotorua or you have time for an optional tour*, mud baths and massages might be for you, or if you feel a bit more active hire a mountain bike and explore the fantastic Redwood Forest or try white water rafting. After dinner you might want to relax under the stars as you soak in the natural thermally heated waters of the motel spas and pool.

OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Breakfast

Alpin Motel
Rotorua

DAY 3:  ROTORUA TO WELLINGTON

We’ll journey past Wairakei Geo-thermal area and visit the raging waters of Huka Falls before reaching Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake.  Take a plunge toward the clear waters of the Waikato River at the Taupo bungy site* if you are game.   On the road again, we head around the beautiful Lake Taupo and travel past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe – the classical conical volcano most commonly recognised as Mt Doom from the epic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy.  We reach the nation’s capital late this afternoon where it’s time to hang up our travellin’ shoes and explore the many cosmopolitan cafes of the capital, or perhaps you’d prefer to “shop til’ you drop” or catch up on your e-mails.  Otherwise, try out the scenic cable car up to the Botanic Gardens above the city*.  You can grab a meal out at one of the many nearby great value, local restaurants tonight and check out the nightlife as the evening is still young! 
 
OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Breakfast 
Nomads Capital 
Wellington 

DAY 4:  WELLINGTON TO NELSON

This morning check out Te Papa the National Museum of New Zealand, not your ordinary museum - very ”hands-on” and full of interesting displays; before we farewell the North Island and make our way to the Interislander ferry for our journey across Cook Strait.  Enjoy the beauty of the serene blue waters of the Marlborough Sounds from the outer viewing decks as we cruise into the little town of Picton.  You’ll immediately notice the change as we arrive in the South Island, home to mountains, lakes and breath-taking coastline.  After disembarking in Picton we will travel through the Marlborough region famous for its wines. It's then onwards to Nelson to check into our “home-away-from-home” for the next two nights by Tahunanui Beach. 

OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

Aloha Lodge (Motel)
Tahunanui, Nelson

DAY 5:  NELSON

Awake to Nelson with the highest recorded days of sunshine in all of New Zealand and the day is yours to explore this amazing area.  The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers a journey into a world of native bush greeting golden sands, hidden bays and blue-green clear waters.  Explore the park by boat*, the ever-popular walking tracks or from the water as you paddle in your ocean kayaks* along the incredible shoreline.  For a different look at the park try jumping out of a perfectly good plane and take in the incredible views as you skydive back to base on a tandem skydive*.   There’s always horse riding* and quad biking* with ocean views for those who prefer to remain grounded!  Tonight we’ll gather for a meal and reflect on the day.

 OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Breakfast

Aloha Lodge (Motel)
Tahunanui, Nelson

DAY 6:  NELSON TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA KAIKOURA

Today we head back across the ranges through the Marlborough region, continuing south we stop at Ohau Point to spy out some NZ Fur Seals before reaching our destination of Kaikoura.  This small town nestles at the foothills of the Kaikoura ranges and the pale blue waters of the Pacific lap at its grey pebbly shore and is a picturesque lunch stop. In summer you have the chance to get up close and personal with some of our marine mammals while in winter you have the chance to visit a local winery to sample some of NZ’s finest wines. Later we trek southwards to Christchurch and have the chance to do some exploring around the city before heading out to enjoy a meal out at a local hotspot.

OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Breakfast

Cathedral Camelot Hotel (Hotel)
Christchurch

DAY 7:  CHRISTCHURCH TO THE HIGH COUNTRY EXPERIENCE

The scenery will totally amaze you today as we head off across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps.  Today we get to experience some real authentic Kiwi hospitality in the heart of NZ’s High Country at Flock Hill Station.  Flock Hill is a 14,000 hectare working station farming fine wool sheep, beef cattle and red deer all set on a picturesque backdrop that regardless of the time of year you’ll be blown away!  Plus if you’ve seen the movie Narnia, things are going to look a little familiar!  Once you’re settled in and enjoyed afternoon tea at the property you get to explore further a field. Learn about the colourful local history and farming practices of this remote area as well as hearing accounts from the early pioneering days in New Zealand. Watch the art of sheep shearing (seasonal) and see sheepdogs work the cattle and sheep. Choose from a range of activities*, such as walking, mountain biking, horse riding, or just relax and stroll the property before you sit down to a true ‘kiwi meal’.

OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

Flock Hill Lodge (lodge)
Great Alpine Highway, Cass

DAY 8:  FLOCK HILL STATION TO FOX GLACIER

An early start today, as travel through well known Arthur’s Pass on to the Otira Gorge with waterfalls cascading overhead.  Welcome to the wild West Coast as we head into the town of Hokitika, we’ll stop at the Jade factory and see the carvers skilfully creating works of art from the greenstone, known as jade, and have the chance to purchase a souvenir pendant.  It’s then onwards to Fox Glacier, where we will grab a quick lunch before our afternoon adventures. Westland National Park abounds with high mountain peaks and glaciers and today we'll have a chance to walk on a flowing river of ice!  A half day guided hike* is an excellent way to take a closer look at Fox Glacier as your guides take you alongside the glacier through rejuvenating temperate rainforest and onto the lower icefall.  If you prefer to search higher on the glacier for stunning ice caves and formations take a heli-hike* onto the upper icefall and enjoy a more sedate walking pace as you explore with your guides and await the return of your helicopter.

OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

Fox Glacier Hotel, Fox Glacier

DAY 9:  FOX GLACIER TO QUEENSTOWN

Make sure you have your camera out today as the scenery in breath-taking. Let’s hope Lake Matheson’s waters are still and the skies are clear so that we can get that famous reflection of New Zealand’s two tallest mountain peaks in it’s waters as we stretch our legs with an early morning walk. We will make several stops for photos and short walks today. A stop at Thunder Creek Falls, which flows into the Haast River amidst rainforest, shows the beauty of this World Heritage area.  We’ll break at Makarora for lunch then journey past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and onto our destination, the adrenalin mecca of the southern hemisphere - Queenstown!!

OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Breakfast

Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

DAY 10:  QUEENSTOWN

Today is time to play and adventure awaits at every turn! Queenstown is perfect for everyone from the adrenaline junkies to the leisure seekers, there is so much to do. Try a bungy jump* (or three!) at the home of commercial bungy jumping. A shot of adrenalin up the Shotover Jet* as you skim past the canyon walls, or the breathtaking scenery of the Dart River on a jetboat safari* or by horseback*. If adrenalin is not your cup of tea, enjoy the mountains and views from a bike* or hike to Ben Lomond for 360 degree views. Admire the view from the skyline gondola or any of the fantastic walks Queenstown has to offer. Or just chill out in any of the restaurants, cafes or bars Queenstown is famous for.

OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Breakfast

Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

DAY 11:  FIORDLAND EXPERIENCE

After a leisurely morning in Queenstown we farewell this adventure playground and head to the Fiords.  We’ll visit the township of Te Anau on the shores of one of New Zealand’s many large glacial carved lakes.  There will be time to stop and admire the reflection in Mirror Lake, the views down the Hollyford Valley, and a short walk at the Chasm before we literally drive through the mountain via the Homer Tunnel and emerge back into a landscape of spectacular mountains and waterfalls.  Our cruise tonight in the Tasman Sea is a real highlight!  There will be plenty of time on your overnight cruise to enjoy the stunning views and to discover the hidden arms of the Sound.  Fur seals and bottlenose dolphins are often seen and at times, rare penguins can be observed.  There is also time for you to kayak around the shoreline or go exploring in the tender craft with the nature guide.  As the shadows lengthen we’ll drop anchor at a favourite mooring for the night.  After the days activities, enjoy a delicious evening buffet meal in the dining saloon.

OVERNIGHT         Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Real Journeys overnight cruise (Quad bunks – share facilities)

DAY 12:  FIORDLAND TO LAKE OHAU

There is time for additional cruising this morning before returning to the wharf.  We make our way back through Te Anau and onwards along the Kawarau River this afternoon, with its familiar “Lord of the Rings” scenery, and home to AJ Hackett’s original Bridge Bungy site – the first commercial bungy jump in the world.  Continuing through the Cromwell district, we take the chance to stop and stretch and sample the famous fresh and dried fruits grown in the region.  We journey over the Lindis Pass and wonder at the dramatic variation in scenery of these ranges to those we’ve encountered in the west.  Our home tonight is nestled on the shores of Lake Ohau.  You will have time for an evening stroll or quiet drink on the deck as we watch the sunset silhouette Mt Cook as it sets to the west.

OVERNIGHT         Meals:  Breakfast & Dinner

Lake Ohau Lodge (lodge)

DAY 13:  LAKE OHAU TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA MT COOK VILLAGE

Awake to magnificent views. Today we make tracks and follow the Southern Lakes hydroelectricity scheme around impressive blue water lakes and the ever-present Southern Alps as a backdrop.  We’ll head to Mt Cook village and, if the weather is right, there is the opportunity to take a walk in the National Park, or simply sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery.  Next stop, Lake Pukaki, and a chance for some amazing photos as we gaze across the clear blue waters back to Mt Cook – known to the Maori people as Aoraki or “cloud piercer” – hopefully no clouds in sight to obscure our view! The blue waters of Lake Tekapo greet us as we make a scenic stop at the “Church of the Good Shepard” . You may choose to do the breathtaking 40 minute fixed wing flight* over the lakes, Southern Alps and glaciers. After lunch we make our way to the town of Geraldine – situated smack in the heart of rugby country.  From here it’s flat going as we once again enter the Canterbury Plains and reach our final destination.  We make our farewells, say our goodbye’s and reflect on our time in the grandeur of New Zealand or “middle earth”, as it is known to some!

 Meals:  Breakfast
 

**Our experienced guides will tailor all of the activities based on seasonal & cultural conditions throughout the year, to maximise your experience and enjoyment.  Any deviation from this itinerary will be made with serious consideration and your best interests and safety our priority.