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GUIDED TOURING
NEW ZEALAND ADVENTURE
DAY 3
Experience the beauty of the Bay of Islands at your own pace. Perhaps enjoy a day of sailing or a scenic flight to Cape Reinga (own expense see p168). You may prefer to take the local ferry over to the historic town of Russell, formerly known as the `hellhole of the Pacific' but nowadays a sleepy but beautiful seaside town.
Visit the fishing town of Kaikoura where there is time to take an optional whalewatching excursion (own expense, weather permitting). This afternoon, continue to historic Christchurch, the beautiful `Garden City'.
DAY 16
Continue to Hokitika to see beautiful native greenstone (jade) jewellery. Head for Greymouth and inland to Arthur's Pass, where we board the award-winning TranzAlpine train for a journey renowned as New Zealand's `Great Rail Adventure'. Enjoy stunning scenery as you journey through spectacular gorges, river valleys and across the Southern Alps to Christchurch.
DAY 10
Discover the sights of Christchurch this morning on the Christchurch Tram. Travel south and take time to photograph picturesque Lake Tekapo and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. Immerse yourself in the scenery of Mount Cook National Park, a World Heritage-listed area and home to New Zealand's highest mountain, where you can take an optional scenic flight (extra cost, weather permitting).
DAY 4
This morning take a scenic cruise to Cape Brett and, weather-permitting, through the famous `Hole in the Rock' formation. Returning to Paihia, rejoin your coach and enjoy the lush farmland scenery as you return to Auckland.
DAY 17
You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. NEED TO KNOW... DEPARTURES: Auckland to Christchurch: 2008 Apr 05, 12; May 03, 10; Jun 14; Jul 12; Aug 09, 23; Sep 06, 20*, 27; Oct 04, 11, 18*, 25; Nov 01*, 08, 22, 29*; Dec 13, 20*, 27. 2009 Jan 10*, 17, 24; Feb 07* 14*, 28*; Mar 07, 14. Christchurch to Auckland: 2008 Apr 03, 21, 28*; May 19, 26; Jun 30; Jul 28*; Aug 25; Sep 08*, 15, 22, 29; Oct 06*, 13, 20*, 27; Nov 03*, 10, 17*, 24; Dec 08*, 15*, 22. 2009 Jan 05*, 12*, 26*; Feb 02*, 05, 09*, 12, 23*, 26; Mar 02*, 05, 09*, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26, 30* *Guaranteed departures. MEAL PLAN: Daily breakfast, 11 dinners. ESCORTED: The New Zealand Adventure is escorted by an experienced Tour Driver and Tour Escort throughout and is operated by our touring partner AAT Kings. The tour includes: Arrival and departure transfers Accommodation in centrally located medium and first class hotels Sightseeing and Exclusive Experiences as detailed TRAVEL TIPS: Enjoy the beauty of New Zealand on this encompassing tour. Departures between November and March fill quickly so be sure to book early. NB Tour operation is subject to minimum numbers.
DAY 5
After an Auckland city tour, travel south to the Waitomo Caves and the underground limestone caverns to discover the incredible Glow Worm Grotto. Emerge into daylight and continue to Rotorua for a two night stay. Tonight, immerse yourself in culture with a visit to The Realm of Tane, an extraordinary journey through Maori culture, mythology and story of creation. You will be greeted with a traditional Maori welcome ceremony and later enjoy a delicious Maori Hangi (feast) and concert.
DAY 11
See the pretty Oamaru region before journeying to Dunedin. After a city tour, the afternoon is free for you to explore this charming city founded by Scottish settlers. Perhaps visit Cadbury World or take an optional Albatross and Yellow-Eyed Penguin Cruise.
DAY 12
Enjoy a guided tour of Lanarch Castle for an insight into the Scottish heritage of this region. Leaving the rolling Southland countryside, journey to the Fiordland region with its dramatic landscape.
DAY 6
Begin the day with a breakfast cruise onboard the Lakeland Queen on Lake Rotorua. Enjoy an entertaining look at farm life at the Agrodome's Sheep Show. Later, tour Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where a Maori guide escorts you past pools of boiling mud and geysers, and you may even get to spot Kiwis. The afternoon is free for you to relax or join an optional tour (own expense).
DAY 13
Experience the magnificent alpine scenery of Fiordland today. See The Chasm, Mirror Lakes and more. Cruise Milford Sound and see Mitre Peak rising sheer from the glassy waters. Later, follow the Remarkables Mountain Range to Queenstown for a twonight stay. This evening there is the option to experience the entertaining Kiwi Haka and Dinner (own expense).
DAY 7
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island. Visit the mighty Huka Falls and Lake Taupo before travelling south across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park on your way to the capital city of Wellington. Enjoy a city tour of the nation's capital.
DAY 14
Explore Queenstown at your leisure today. Queenstown is an exhilarating, year-round `Alpine Resort' perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. Maybe take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob's Peak for magnificent views or take a stroll round the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the Queenstown Gardens, a quiet oasis in an otherwise bustling town. Tonight board the historic TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for a sumptuous carvery dinner.
DAY 8
Visit Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand and explore and interact with the exhibits at your leisure. Later, board the InterIslander ferry for the picturesque journey across the Cook Strait and tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton on the South Island. Enjoy a wine tasting and dinner at the Montana Winery and overnight in Blenheim.
DAY 15
The first stop today is quaint and colourful Arrowtown, the most picturesque and best preserved gold-mining town in the area. Continue to Kawarau Gorge, Lake Wanaka and Cromwell, and travel over the Haast Pass, passing Thunder Creek Falls. Continue along the dramatic West Coast and overnight in Franz Josef.
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DAY 9
Enjoy spectacular scenery as you journey through the Marlborough region and down the east coast, and keep an eye out for New Zealand fur seals.
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1 Moeraki Boulders at sunset on the beautiful beaches of Dunedin 2 Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo 3 Cape Brett Lighthouse 4 Franz Josef Glacier 5 Auckland city waterfront
call 01306 741111 I www.kuoni.co.uk I see your travel agent
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