|
Tour Details . . .
10 Day Tour
From NZ$1410
Depart Auckland
Finish Christchurch
Available in Reverse
Departs Daily
See Costs below
|
Highlights . . .
Waitomo Caves
Rotorua Geo-thermals
Farm Stay
Mt Cook
Queenstown
Milford Sound Cruise
West Coast Rain Forest
Fox Glacier
|
Day 1 Auckland - Waitomo 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 ( Entrance fee included ). Departing the caves traverse
the Mamaku Ranges. Descend to Lake Rotorua and the City. This evening
we recommend you experience a Maori Hangi and Concert.
Overnight Aroden Home Stay 2 nights
Day 2 Rotorua
Today is free to discover this spectacular wonderland.
Included sightseeing comprises of entrance fees to the Agrodome,
Paradise Valley Nature Park and Whakarewerawa geo-thermal reserve.
You may also consider partaking in a marae (meeting ground) based
Maori Concert or a Lake cruise. The more adventurous should opt
for a Mt. Tarawera 4WD excursion or a whitewater rafting trip. Rotorua
boasts an extensive range of attractions and cultural experiences.
Day 3 Rotorua - Taupo - Wellington
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.
Overnight Harbourview Home Stay
Day 4 Wellington - Christchurch
Return your car to the Ferry Terminal. Cruise
across Cook Strait to the Marlborough Sounds and Picton. Uplift
a replacement vehicle and drive through the famous wine producing
Wairau Valley. Rejoining the coast, hug the rugged seashore to Kaikoura,
renowned for its lobster fishing and whale watching. Skirt the Hundalee
Hills and over the North Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch.
Overnight Highsted Homestead
Day 5 Christchurch - Fairlie
Depart Christchurch and travel over the Canterbury
Plains. Cross New Zealand's finest salmon rivers to reach Geraldine.
From Geraldine travel a short distance to the foothills of the Southern
Alps to Fairlie and your farm stay. This afternoon your hosts will
be delighted to introduce you to New Zealand farming life style.
Overnight Hillcrest Farm Stay
Day 6 Fairlie - Mt. Cook - Queenstown
Depart Fairlie and climb Burkes Pass and skirt
the shores of picturesque Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki to reach Mount
Cook. Arriving at Mt. Cook time allows for an optional scenic flight.
Cross the Mackenzie Country with its expanses of tussock and snow
capped Southern Alps. Traverse Lindis Pass before hugging the banks
of the Kawarau Gorge to arrive Queenstown.
The Stable Home Stay 3 nights
Day 7 Queenstown
A free day to explore New Zealand's premier resort.
Suggested activities include a Skippers Canyon excursion, a Lake
Wakatipu cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw and a ride on the Shotover
Jet. The more daring may consider parapenting off Bob's Peak, white
water rafting, or a thrilling bungy jump. Included is the Bob's
Peak Gondola ride for magnificent views over Lake Wakatipu and the
Remarkable Mountains.
Day 8 Milford Sound 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 9 Queenstown - Fox Glacier
Farewelling Queenstown drive 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.
Overnight The Homestead Farm B & B
Day 10 Fox Glacier - Christchurch
Time allows a morning glacier visit. Cross numerous
rivers and through tall stands of beach forest to Kumera Junction.
Drive along the banks of the Taramakau River and through dense bush
to arrive at Otira. Traverse Arthur's Pass to reach the Alpine settlement
of the same name. Hug the banks of the Waimakariri River for some
distance before crossing the Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch
- the garden city.
|