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12 Days Essential New Zealand

from £1318pp

This tour makes the most of your time in this scenic country. You will travel through both the North and South island and see all that's best at your own pace.


		Day
		1

Auckland, Discover Waitakere Ranges

Private transfer from the airport to your chosen hotel for three nights. En route to the city centre, take in Mount Eden where you can admire wonderful panoramic views over Auckland. This afternoon meet with Bush and Beach Tours for a guided walk into Auckland’s spectacular Waitakere Ranges. This tour is a fabulous introduction to New Zealand with rugged coastlines, magnificent waterfalls and wild black sand beaches combined with native rainforest and natural birdlife.
Standard: Mercure Windsor
Deluxe: Langham Hotel Auckland


		Day
		2

Auckland, Waiheke Island

Catch the noon ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island and join the Ananda Tours Vineyard Tour. Waiheke Island, with its white sandy beaches and superb scenery, is fast gaining a reputation for producing great red wine. This tour will introduce you to three of the very best producing vineyards. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular views en route. On completion of your wine tour, stay on the island and watch the sun go down over Auckland, from Mudbrick Restaurant. Here, Pacific Rim dining is complemented by fabulous wines and stunning views. You may like to stay and enjoy dinner at the restaurant (own expense) before returning to downtown Auckland by ferry (ferries run until midnight). Dinner not included.


		Day
		3

Auckland, Morning Dolphin Cruise

Discover more of Auckland’s natural wonders on a morning dolphin cruise. There is a 95% chance of seeing dolphins year round in the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf, surrounded by a myriad of South Pacific Islands. Commentary on dolphins and other sea life will be provided. This afternoon is at your leisure. Why not take a 328-metre journey up the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, Sky Tower, offering fabulous views over the Hauraki Gulf and downtown Auckland? For superb shopping, take in the quaint shopping district of Parnell or the bustling Victoria Park Market, located in the heart of downtown Auckland – if you are looking for a real bargain, try Dress Smart, the largest factory outlet shopping mall in Australasia.


		Day
		4

Auckland, Waitomo Caves – Rotorua

This morning travel through the rich farmland of Waikato by coach, where you will enjoy a delicious BBQ lunch. Continue on to the Waitomo Caves and see stalactites
and stalagmites formed over thousands of years by the constant dripping of water. Enjoy a boat ride through the famous glow-worm grotto, which is illuminated by thousands of tiny lights emitted by the glow worms suspended from the cave’s ceiling. Continue to the thermal region of Rotorua and to your chosen hotel for the next two nights. (L)
Standard: Princes Gate Hotel
Deluxe: Millennium Rotorua


		Day
		5

Rotorua – Eco Thermal Tour

This morning visit the field of boiling mud just outside Wai-O-Tapu to see the amazing Lady Knox geyser and continue on to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley and enjoy a walk into the inverted volcano. In the afternoon you will be driven by 4WD up to the top of Mount Tararewa via the Kaingaroa Forest, walk down the famous ‘Scree Slide’ deep inside the massive crater. Rotorua comes alive tonight with tribal songs and dances at the unique hangi and concert. You’ll enjoy a selection of foods cooked in the traditional Maori way, on hot stones in an authentic earthen oven. (D)


		Day
		6

Rotorua – Queenstown

A private will be waiting to take you to the airport for your flight to Queenstown. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your chosen accommodation for the next four nights.
Standard: Copthorne Lakefront
Deluxe: The Heritage


		Day
		7

Queenstown, Skippers Canyon

Today you will not fail to be amazed by both the man-made and natural features of this unusual landscape. Join the four-wheel drive tour where you will enjoy breathtaking views of the river gorges. Cross the spectacular Skippers Canyon and head up to the old township of Skipper. On your return there will be the opportunity to pan for gold, the remainder of today is at leisure.
Optional Extra: If maybe you are looking for something to raise the adrenaline levels why not switch to the Dart River Safari. From just £79 per person you can jet up crystal-clear waters in the magnificent Dart River Valley, choose a short bush walk into ancient forests or you can paddle back downstream in a canoe at your own pace.


		Day
		8

Queenstown, Milford Sound

Rise early this morning for a truly memorable day full of stunning scenery. Journey along Lake Road to Frankton, past foothills of the Remarkables mountain range, stopping for morning tea at Lake Te Anau. Continue into Fiordland National Park, one of the largest in the world; pass through lush subtropical rainforests and tumbling waterfalls which then open up to the mighty Milford Sound. Here you will enjoy the breathtaking views of Mitre Peak and the Sound, whilst relaxing on a cruise. Return to Queenstown by scenic flight, weather permitting. (L)


		Day
		9

Queenstown, Cruise Lake Wakatipu

A day at leisure to enjoy the endless scenic attractions in this fabulous lakeside resort. This evening board the vintage T.S.S Earnslaw steam ship, affectionately known as the Lady of the Lake, and cruise on the fabulous Lake Wakatipu, followed by dinner at the Colonel’s Homestead Restaurant at Walter Peak. (D)


		Day
		10

Queenstown, Mount Cook – Christchurch

This morning travel to Christchurch by coach via the majestic Mount Cook. Today’s journey takes you through some of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes, passing through Kawarau Gorge and Lindis pass. There will be an opportunity to take a scenic flight over the spectacular alpine scenery (own expense). See the amazing glacier-fed lakes in Lake Pukaki and view the Church of the Good Shepherd nestled on the edge of Lake Tekapo. Continue through the farming areas of Fairlie and Geraldine before following the Rakaia River to the beautiful Canterbury Plains and Christchurch for two nights.
Standard: Holiday Inn on Avon
Deluxe: Millennium Christchurch


		Day
		11

Christchurch, Kaikoura Whale Watch Adventure

Travel through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury to Kaikoura where mountains meet the sea. Here join your boat tour where you will have the opportunity to see giant sperm whales and Dusky Dolphins. Following the tour enjoy lunch while in The afternoon visit a seal colony where fur seals can be viewed at close quarters. On your return to Christchurch a stop will be made at a North Canterbury vineyard for local wine tasting. (L)


		Day
		12

Depart Christchurch

Transfer back to Christchurch, where your private car will take you to the airport for your onward/homeward flight.
Optional Extra: Why not rise early this morning and take a spectacular balloon ride with Up, Up and Away. Enjoy a flight over patchwork farmlands, to the west the Southern Alps dominate the horizon and to the east the ocean appears endless, after landing relive the experience over a chilled glass of wine. A perfect way to end your stay in New Zealand. Prices from £110 per person. (Note: T.S.S Earnslaw Cruise and dinner is not available between late May08–mid Jul08).

Tour Prices - Price per person, in £'s from
Accommodation Grade	Standard		Deluxe
	Twin	Single	Twin	Single
01 Jan 08-31 Jan 08 01 Feb 08-31 Mar 08 01 Apr 08-30 Apr 08 01 May 08-30 Jun 08 01 Jul 08-31 Aug 08 01 Sep 08-30 Sep 08 01 Oct 08-31 Oct 08 01 Nov 08-30 Nov 08 01 Dec 08-31 Dec 08 01 Jan 09-31 Jan 09 01 Feb 09-31 Mar 09	1367 1392 1347 1318 1350 1350 1424 1442 1413 1413 1442	1851 1901 1808 1751 1811 1811 1929 1964 1907 1907 1964	1471 1502 1406 1394 1431 1442 1532 1562 1518 1539 1562	2059 2122 1925 1902 1972 1995 2145 2204 2116 2158 2204
Supplements & minimum stays apply during special events & peak holiday periods, please call for details.

Tour Prices - Price per person, in £'s from
Accommodation Grade	Standard	Superior
Car Grade	A - Economy	C - Compact