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New Zealand Panorama |
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Day 1 Auckland - Watomo Caves -
Rotorua Journey south to the farms of the Waikato. Follow the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest, to Hamilton before continuing on to the Waitomo Caves. Visit the Glow Worm Caves with their millions of fairy lights. (Included) Reboarding the coach traverse the Mamaku Ranges before descending to Lake Rotorua and the City. This evening we recommend you experience a Maori Hangi and Concert. Day 2 Rotorua This morning’s half day tour first visits geysers, steaming pools and boiling mud. The excitement continues at the Agrodome where the stars of the show are nearly all sheep. After learning of New Zealand's farming heritage relax amongst the native bush and crystal clear pools teaming with Brown and Rainbow trout. The afternoon is free. Day 3 Rotorua - Wellington Travel through the World’s largest man-made forest and view New Zealand’s geothermal power stations. Round Lake Taupo to Turangi. Pass below the mighty volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park prior to descending 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 4 Wellington Commence with a morning tour, highlights include the Beehive, Parliament Buildings, the Cable Car, Mt. Victoria, Te Papa Museum of New Zealand and the wild southern. coastline. This afternoon will be free. In addition to being the Nation’s Capital the city is the country’s food and entertainment capital, with its limitless dining options, live theatre and art galleries. Day 5 Wellington - Christchurch Cross Cook Strait on the Interislander and cruise through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds. Disembarking at Picton board the Coastal Pacific train and cross the Wairau Valley, New Zealand’s premier wine producing region. Returning to the coast the railway hugs the rugged shore to Kaikoura, renowned for its lobster fishing and whale watching. Skirt the Hundalee Hills and over the North Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch. Day 6 Christchurch - Glaciers Cross the Canterbury Plains on the TranzAlpine train. Following the banks of the Waimakariri River reach the Southern Alps and Arthur’s Pass. Exiting the Otira Tunnel its on to Greymouth. Farewelling the train board your coach. Drive through stands of native forest and over swift flowing rivers to arrive at the Glaciers. Tonight will be at either Fox or Franz Josef Glacier. Day 7 Glaciers The day is free for activities. Popular are glacier and bush walks or a scenic flight with an on snow landing. Alternatively just sit back and enjoy the delightful alpine scenery. Day 8 Glaciers - Queenstown Pass by pristine lakes and forests. Cross the Haast River before climbing alongside lofty peaks and cascading waterfalls to Haast Pass. Descending to Otago hug the shores of Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan to reach Cromwell. The Kawarau Gorge with its thundering river prelude Lake Hayes and beautiful resort of Queenstown. Day 9 Queenstown A free day to explore this premier resort with its extensive range of attractions. Suggested activities include a Skippers Canyon excursion, a Lake 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 (and light refreshments) gondola ride for magnificent alpine views. Day 10 Milford Day Excursion Round Lake Wakatipu and cross 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. Leaving Milford retrace your travels to Queenstown. Day 11 Queenstown - Christchurch Depart Queenstown via the Kawarau Gorge with its thundering river. Pass Cromwell and along the shores of Lake Dunstan before traversing the Lindis Pass. Cross the Mackenzie Country with its expanses of tussock and snow capped Southern Alps. Arriving at Mt. Cook time allows for an optional scenic flight. Pass Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo before travelling over the Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch. |
Huka Falls near Lake Taupo
Queenstown from Gondola
The TranzAlpine Train
Lake Wanaka |
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Prices are valid until 30 September 2008
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