Introduction to New Zealand, Tours and Lodges — New Zealand — Kuoni Travel Australia, New Zealand & South Pacific 2008/09 online holiday brochure

SELF-DRIVE NEW ZEALAND DAY 1 Arrive into Auckland and transfer to Heritage Auckland for a two night stay. Next day, enjoy a Maori guided walk of Auckland with the afternoon at leisure. DAY 3 Collect your rental vehicle and head south towards the town of Thames, the western gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula. The road snakes along the coast, past pretty little bays and rocky beaches. Enjoy a day to explore the peninsula, perhaps stroll along a deserted beach or visiting one of historical gold-mining towns. Spend two nights at Mercure Grand Puka Park (p172). DAY 12 Leave the North Island for the less populated South Island. The ferry crossing is spectacularly scenic as you glide past the scenic bays and inlets of Marlborough Sounds. Arrive in the port of Picton at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound and travel west towards Nelson for a two night stay at the Monaco Hotel. The Nelson region boasts more sunshine than any other part of New Zealand and some of the top beaches. Head into the Abel Tasman National Park for beautiful scenery, fantastic walking and exciting kayaking. DAY 14 Punakaiki is a small settlement on the rugged West Coast, best known for its pancake rocks and blowholes. The water surges into caverns below the rocks and blows out from impressive geyser-like blowholes. Overnight at Punakaiki Resort (p182). DAY 15 Continue your journey down the rugged and scenic West Coast through Hokitika to Franz Josef. Guided walks and scenic flights are the best way to appreciate its full beauty. Overnight at Franz Josef Glacier Retreat. DAY 16 Today's drive takes you south east past awe-inspiring Mount Cook, through the Haast Pass and around Lake Wanaka to New Zealand's adventure capital Queenstown for a two night stay at Heritage Queenstown (p187). Enjoy a day to explore this pretty alpine town located on the banks of glorious Lake Wakatipu. DAY 18 Te Anau is found in the spectacular Fiordland National Park, in New Zealand's southwest. This World Heritage area is a raw wilderness and home to Milford and Doubtful Sounds as well as many walking tracks. Overnight at Te Anau Villas. DAY 19 Dunedin is the South Island's second city and home of New Zealand's first university. Founded by Scottish settlers, Dunedin is Celtic for Edinburgh. Overnight at historic Lanarch Castle. DAY 20 Today head north along the pretty east coast to the capital of the South Island, Christchurch. Overnight at Heritage Christchurch. DAY 18 Your journey ends in Christchurch today. optional bay of islands extension (from auckland) 5 NIGHTS AUCKLAND: 1 NIGHT PAIHIA: 2 NIGHTS KAITAIA: 1 NIGHT AUCKLAND: 1 NIGHT Per person in twin from �355 Per person in single from �660 DAY 1 Arrive into Auckland and collect your rental vehicle. Overnight at Heritage Auckland. DAY 5 Head south to the geothermal city of Rotorua. It has the highest energetic thermal activity in the country, with bubbling mud pools, gurgling hot springs and gushing geysers. Rotorua has a large Maori population and is the best place in New Zealand to experience a traditional hangi � meals cooked in an earth oven. Don't miss a visit to a thermal reserve, a walk round or a cruise on the lake and a relaxing dip in a thermal pool. Spend two nights at the Novotel Lakeside. DAY 2 Head north from Auckland along the Hibiscus Coast to Paihia in the stunning Bay of Islands. Spend two nights at Copthorne Bay of Islands (p169). DAY 4 Today continue to the far north of New Zealand and the town of Kaitaia. Maybe take a trip up Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's most northerly point. Overnight at Shipwreck Lodge. DAY 7 Continue south towards New Zealand's largest lake, Lake Taupo. A massive volcanic explosion formed the lake and the surrounding area is still volcanically active. Lake Taupo is also the source of New Zealand's longest river the Waikato which flows through the spectacular Huka Falls, a great torrent of water that plunges through a narrow cleft in the rock. Overnight at Millennium Hotel Manuels (p173). DAY 8 Head out to the coast and the Art Deco city of Napier. The Hawke's Bay area is famous for its wine and there are many top wineries only a short distance from the city. If you happen to be passing through in the third week of February, Napier holds Art Deco weekend, with dinners, balls, bands and much fancy dress. Spend two nights at Scenic Circle Te Pania (p172). DAY 10 Continue your journey south into the Wairarapa region; principally a sheep farming district, hidden away is the town of Martinborough with its many vineyards. The region is particularly known for its pinot noir and sauvignon blanc. Overnight at Peppers Martinborough (p172). DAY 11 Enjoy the short scenic drive to the nation's capital, Wellington. Set on a picturesque harbour, the city prides itself as a cultural and artistic centre. Don't miss Te Papa, the `Museum of New Zealand'; it is an inspiring look at New Zealand's culture and history. Overnight at The Bolton. DAY 5 Drive south back to Auckland and overnight at Heritage Auckland dropping off your vehicle the following day. NEED TO KNOW... DEPARTURES: Daily from Apr 01-Mar 31. Some restrictions may apply, please ask for details. MEAL PLAN: With the great value and choice available in New Zealand, no meals have been included. The tour includes: First class accommodation A Hertz Group D car on a rental only basis including unlimited mileage. Upgrades are available on request A comprehensive step by step self drive holiday guide with maps, driving instructions and sightseeing information 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency Interislander ferry crossing 1 2 1 Self-drive New Zealand 2 Geysers at Rotorua call 01306 741111 I www.kuoni.co.uk I see your travel agent 157

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