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| Day 1 Arrive Christchurch |
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Day 10 Kaikoura - Blenheim |
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Transfer from airport to hotel, check-in, then see Christchurch your way. In the evening join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and dinner
Hotel: Rendezvous Hotel. D
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Travelling along the rugged East Coast we reach Kaikoura where you may take an optional Scenic Whale Watching flight. See New Zealand fur seals up close at Ohau Point. Pass the Grassmere Salt Works and arrive at Blenheim for an orientation tour before a tour, tasting and dinner at George Michel Wine Estate.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Marlborough. B HD
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| Day 2 TranzAlpine - Punakaiki |
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Day 11 Wellington |
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We catch the TranzAlpine for a world class journey from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass. Experience the Pancake Rocks and Blowholes on arrival in Punakaiki, where we'll spend the night at our exclusive resort right on the waterfront.
Hotel: Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki. B D
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A visit to Picton and a cruise of tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound get things going, before we head to Wellington. A view filled City Sights Tour then we visit Te Papa the Museum of New Zealand.
Hotel: Travelodge. B D
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| Day 3 Punakaiki - Franz Josef |
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Day 12 Wellington - Rotorua |
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Travel via Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, to Hokitika to visit a New Zealand native jade factory for a jewellery demonstration. Continue to Franz Josef Glacier, the world's most accessible glacier.
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier. B D
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Traversing the coast and the dairy farming land of Manawatu en route to Tongariro National Park we'll sight Mt. Ruapehu. Lake Taupo, Huka Falls and Rotorua. An orientation tour takes in views of Lake Rotorua. The Realm of Tãne and then you are invited to a Maori Hangi feast and concert at the Tamaki Family Marae.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights. B D
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| Day 4 Franz Josef - Queenstown |
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Day 13 Rotorua |
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Today take in Haast Pass, Thunder Creek Falls, a small rainforest bush walk, Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, Lake Dunstan, the stone fruit capital of Cromwell, historic Arrowtown and finally Queenstown, for an orientation tour on arrival.
Hotel: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights. B
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Start the day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with stunning views over Lake Rotorua. Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. See volcanic craters, steaming ground and bubbling mud pools on an exclusive guided tour of the geothermal valley. B
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| Day 5 Queenstown 'Free Time' |
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Day 14 Rotorua - Auckland |
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Enjoy a day of free time. This evening cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a carvery Highlight Dinner at the Colonel's Homestead. B HD
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We tour the Glow Worm Grotto by boat at Waitomo Caves. Then trace the Waikato River into Auckland for a city tour of Bastian Point, Viaduct Harbour and more. Dine tonight at the top of the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, Auckland's Skytower at Orbit, a revolving restaurant with 360 degree views of the city.
Hotel: Skycity Grand Hotel. B D
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| Day 6 Milford Sound |
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Day 15 Auckland - Bay of Islands |
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Over the Devil's Staircase, along Lake Wakatipu's shores to Te Anau. World Heritage Fiordland National Park is next. We travel through rainforest, see glaciers and mountain ranges, pass through the hand built Homer Tunnel, to the abundant photo opportunities of the Mirror Lakes, Pop's Lookout, Claudu Valley, The Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and Milford Sound, where you'll cruise on the waters of this natural wonder.
Hotel: Distinction Hotel, Te Anau. B D
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Over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, we travel up the Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park. We have time to explore Whangarei. Then it's off to Paihia in Bay of Islands. We cruise to Cape Brett, through the famous 'Hole in the Rock'. Meander through picturesque islands, see sandy beaches, secluded bays and explore Urupukapuka Island on your return to Paihia.
Hotel: Copthorne Hotel & Resort (Water View), Bay of Islands, 2 nights. B D
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| Day 7 Te Anau - Dunedin |
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Day 16 Bay of Islands 'Free Time' |
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Travel from Te Anau to Dunedin over rich fertile farmland. A city tour, then Dunedin is yours to enjoy - take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Factory - it's your call!
Hotel: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City. B D
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The Bay of Islands is yours to explore. Dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, walk the Ninety Mile Beach or a day of sailing or even a guided sea-kayaking trip. B
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| Day 8 Dunedin |
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Day 17 Bay of Islands - Auckland |
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A guided tour of Larnach Castle starts the day. Then enjoy some free time before heading to Omarama via Oamaru, famous for its limestone buildings, and the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam.
Hotel: Heritage Gateway Hotel, Omarama. B D
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We visit the Waitangi Treaty Reserve which includes the Maori War Canoe (Waka) and Marae (Meeting House). We'll then return to Auckland.
Hotel: SkyCity Grand Hotel B
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| Day 9 Mount Cook - Christchurch |
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Day 18 Depart Auckland |
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Mt. Cook National Park is today's highlight. En route to Christchurch we'll see Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, the Church of the Good Shepherd. You are Invited - enjoy a taste of country life with a barbecue lunch on a working farm. Travel over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. We'll have a Christchurch city orientation tour.
Hotel: Rendezvous Hotel. B L
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Your tour concludes after breakfast. Today we'll transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. B
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(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner (HD) Highlight Dinner
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