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Independent Touring
The Essential New Zealand
12 Days from Auckland Independent Touring from £1318 (excludes flights)
Auckland (3 nights), Rotorua (2 nights), Queenstown (4 nights) & Christchurch (2 nights) Highlights Include · Stay three nights in the `City of Sails' Auckland · Discover Auckland's spectacular Waitakere Ranges · Take a wine tour of Waiheke Island · Enjoy a fabulous morning dolphin cruise · Take a boat ride through the famous glowworm grotto · Two nights in the geothermal region of Rotorua · See the amazing Lady Knox geyser · 4WD up to the top of Mt Tarawera · Enjoy a traditional Maori feast and concert · Stay four nights in the action-packed town of Queenstown · Experience Skippers Canyon by 4WD · Take a guided cruise on Milford Sound · Enjoy a scenic flight from Milford to Queenstown (weather permitting) · Stay two nights in lovely Christchurch · Enjoy the Kaikoura whale-watch adventure
Lake Wakatipu
Departures: from Auckland daily. 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.
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