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Essence of New Zealand
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Highlights:
For an introduction to New Zealand, a suggested program like this is hard to beat. You get to explore both islands from Auckland to Queenstown with a myriad of stops along the way.
Adventures aplenty plus good food and wine. This particular version suggests an automatic rental car to get you from one area to another. Once in the area, local guides show you around. The distances are not that great and the routes - easy to follow. Of course, if you prefer a driver that too can be arranged.
For an introduction to New Zealand, a suggested program like this is hard to beat. You get to explore both islands from Auckland to Queenstown with a myriad of stops along the way.
Adventures aplenty plus good food and wine. This particular version suggests an automatic rental car to get you from one area to another. Once in the area, local guides show you around. The distances are not that great and the routes - easy to follow. Of course, if you prefer a driver that too can be arranged.
SKU:
Explore: New Zealand
Customizable Itinerary - 16 Days (from $7,678 / person)
Day 1: Depart USA
Today you depart your home town on an aircraft bound across the Pacific and the beginning of your Custom New Zealand Vacation.
Day 2: En route
As you cross the International Date Line you will instantly move ahead 24 hours but even though you have a day taken from you, it will be returned in full on your return.
Day 3: Auckland Arrival
You will arrive in Auckland very early in the morning and be met by one of our drivers who will take you to your elegant hotel overlooking Albert Park and Waitemata Harbour. Your room is pre-reserved but if you want breakfast for taking a nap, be our guest. After the chance for a nap, some fresh air will help blow away the cobwebs. Just 18 miles from centre city is the national park known as the Waitakere Ranges which allows you to leave the city and immerse yourself in a rainforest. From here you get panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Cross over to the rugged west coast and feel the black sand beneath your feet.
Breakfast
Day 4: A Gourmet Visit to Waiheke Island
After breakfast you stroll down to the ferry terminal to catch a ferry to Waiheke Island. The trip takes about 35 minutes but you will hardly notice as you enjoy the sights of Hauraki Gulf. Upon landing you will meet your guide for the day. A visit to a local olive oil mill starts your tour followed by two boutique vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet goodies to pair with their wine it could be succulent oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, the famous local green herb spread and a small cheese board. Your guide will then take you on a tour of the island supplemented by running commentary. Lunch will be served at one of the top vineyard restaurants. The platters include meats, seafood, bread and dips although vegetarian options are available. After lunch you can head back to the ferry or decide to explore more of the island. You can also decide on staying for dinner since ferries run late into the evening.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Driving and Black Water Rafting
Today you will pick up your automatic rental car that will get you from one experience to another in comfort. You will drive to Waitomo which will take out three hours. Once you arrive you set up for a fun exploration of the Ruakori cave. A guide will ensure that you are properly equipped for your adventure including some fun techniques. You then climb into nature’s underground network for an enjoyable cave tubing experience. Streams spill, twist, turn and join to build a river canyon. Glide with the water as it drops down the ‘hidden’ waterfall and tumbles down rocky chutes before sliding through vaulted limestone galleries to finally emerge into the dazzling green Waitomo Forest. Complete the experience with a hot shower, hearty soup and a legendary black water bagel. Feeling refreshed, you step into your car for the two hour drive to Rotorua. Your elegant hotel started out as a 1950’s motel and was completely reworked as a boutique hotel. The restaurant zone or lakefront area is just a stroll away from your room.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Enjoying Nature’s Bounty
Today will involve a lot of activities but all above ground. Meet your guide for the day and travel to nearby Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest to enjoy mountain biking, your first adventure. You will ride for up to two hours and you can choose from over 80 miles of purpose built tracks designed for all skill levels. You can meander through back roads or take a challenging jump trail. It’s up to you. You will then be transferred to Okere Falls for some Grade 5+ Waterfall Rafting on the Kaituna River. Once you are briefed and kitted out you will embark on your guided raft as you go over waterfalls that are three feet, six feet and the grand finale at 21 feet. By now the adrenaline will have built up an appetite so enjoy a delicious lunch before your last activity of the day. You will head out on Lake Rotoiti in kayaks along with your guide. This area of New Zealand is known for hot thermal springs but most come up on land, here the hot springs rise through the lake so you have the chance to soak in the warm water and cool off by jumping in the lake a little way away, a Unique experience. Return to the shore and be transferred back to your hotel.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Tongariro National Park
Today you will be driving to Tongariro National Park which you could do in about three hours. We suggest and will provide directions that you take some time doing a geothermal walk at Waimangu or Wai-O-Tapu Valleys plus a Maori village at Te Puia. You could also stop at Huka Falls. Eventually you will arrive at your hotel which is not unlike the grand hotels to be found in the US and Canadian National Parks complete with nine-hole golf course, a games room with billiards and a cinema.
Breakfast
Day 8: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This morning you will enjoy a scenic walk across the National Park with a chance to view a series of mountain peaks. You meet up with your guide in the Mangatepopo Valley which sits at 3,300 feet. For the first two hours the trek is an upward gentle gradient to Soda Springs. The next section is steeper but done at a slower pace to allow all to keep up. You arrive at South Crater located at 5,000 feet and from there you ascend to Red Crater Summit at 5,600 feet. You descend to Emerald Lakes for lunch and a well-earned break. You then proceed to the summit of Mt. Tongariro at 6,000 feet and from there it is a scenic downhill walk with spectacular scenery.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Wellington and the Museum of New Zealand
You have a full day to make the drive to Wellington the compact capital of New Zealand. Since the drive takes about four hours we suggest that you stop for lunch along the way but leave time to visit Te Papa-The Museum of New Zealand to which admission is free. This interactive museum provides a great insight into New Zealand culture. It is also adjacent to your hotel making it convenient as well as informative.
Breakfast
Day 10: The Interislander Ferry
After breakfast you drop off your car at the Wellington Ferry Terminal and board the ferry that runs between North and South Islands. You will have space reserved in the Kaitaki Superior Club Lounge so you can enjoy the cruise though the Marlborough Sounds in comfort. When you dock at Picton, you pick up your new car and drive to the Marlborough Wine Country. You will visit the Brancott Estate Heritage Centre to learn how the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc came into being. You will taste five wines during a tutored wine tasting and then continue to Nelson and your country estate where a suite has been reserved.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11: Abel Tasman National Park
Drive to Kaiteriteri Beach to meet your guide and then board a boat for a cruise to Torrent Bay. When you arrive at Torrent Bay Lodge you get a training session on handling your kayak. Along with other members you discover the beautiful beaches, tidal estuaries and rivers as you kayak through the most scenic part of the park from Anchorage to Bark Bay. You pause for a picnic lunch at a sheltered cove and take some time to swim, explore or relax. On the return journey you raise the sail on the kayak and you sail back to your starting point stopping at Pinnacle Island to view the seal colony. Back at Torrent Bay lodge you freshen up with a hot shower and board the boat for the cruise back to Kaiteriteri and from there drive back to Nelson.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 12: At Leisure in Nelson
You have a free day to explore Nelson at your own pace. There are many art galleries and interesting shops plus there are a variety of vineyards in close proximity to the town.
Breakfast
Day 13: Flight to Queenstown
Today you drive to the airport and turn in your rental car before boarding a flight to Queenstown one of New Zealand’s premier touristic attractions. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu the natural beauty creates the perfect backdrop for adventure and good living. After landing you are met and transferred to your hotel which is set in parkland with views of the mountains it also offers easy access to the town centre.
Breakfast
Day 14: Milford Sound with a Glacier Landing
Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Discover isolated valleys of ancient forests and pristine rivers famous for their fishing as well as mountains sculpted from ice over thousands of years. Upon landing in Milford enjoy a short nature walk and take that iconic Mitre Peak “selfie”. Experience an exhilarating flight past spectacular mountains and blue-green ice falls and land upon Mt. Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Enjoy your scenic ride back to the heliport.
Breakfast
Day 15: “ The Ride of Your Life”
In the morning you will be transferred by courtesy coach to the Shotover River. Known as the world’s richest gold bearing river, the Shotover’ s rugged canyons have been carved over thousands of years by billions of tons of glacial water sluicing from the heart of the Southern alps. Once at the river you board a Shotover Jet for the ride of your life. Skim past rocky outcrops at close range as you twist and turn through the narrow Canyons at breath taking speeds. The major highlight, hold tight for the famous Shotover Jet full 360 degree spin! You then return to Queenstown to enjoy one last dinner in New Zealand.
Breakfast
Day 16: Return to USA
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport to begin your journey back to the USA where you arrive back the same afternoon.
Breakfast
Today you depart your home town on an aircraft bound across the Pacific and the beginning of your Custom New Zealand Vacation.
Day 2: En route
As you cross the International Date Line you will instantly move ahead 24 hours but even though you have a day taken from you, it will be returned in full on your return.
Day 3: Auckland Arrival
You will arrive in Auckland very early in the morning and be met by one of our drivers who will take you to your elegant hotel overlooking Albert Park and Waitemata Harbour. Your room is pre-reserved but if you want breakfast for taking a nap, be our guest. After the chance for a nap, some fresh air will help blow away the cobwebs. Just 18 miles from centre city is the national park known as the Waitakere Ranges which allows you to leave the city and immerse yourself in a rainforest. From here you get panoramic views from the Tasman Sea to the Pacific Ocean. Cross over to the rugged west coast and feel the black sand beneath your feet.
Breakfast
Day 4: A Gourmet Visit to Waiheke Island
After breakfast you stroll down to the ferry terminal to catch a ferry to Waiheke Island. The trip takes about 35 minutes but you will hardly notice as you enjoy the sights of Hauraki Gulf. Upon landing you will meet your guide for the day. A visit to a local olive oil mill starts your tour followed by two boutique vineyards, each offering a range of gourmet goodies to pair with their wine it could be succulent oysters straight from Te Matuku Bay, wild honey, the famous local green herb spread and a small cheese board. Your guide will then take you on a tour of the island supplemented by running commentary. Lunch will be served at one of the top vineyard restaurants. The platters include meats, seafood, bread and dips although vegetarian options are available. After lunch you can head back to the ferry or decide to explore more of the island. You can also decide on staying for dinner since ferries run late into the evening.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 5: Driving and Black Water Rafting
Today you will pick up your automatic rental car that will get you from one experience to another in comfort. You will drive to Waitomo which will take out three hours. Once you arrive you set up for a fun exploration of the Ruakori cave. A guide will ensure that you are properly equipped for your adventure including some fun techniques. You then climb into nature’s underground network for an enjoyable cave tubing experience. Streams spill, twist, turn and join to build a river canyon. Glide with the water as it drops down the ‘hidden’ waterfall and tumbles down rocky chutes before sliding through vaulted limestone galleries to finally emerge into the dazzling green Waitomo Forest. Complete the experience with a hot shower, hearty soup and a legendary black water bagel. Feeling refreshed, you step into your car for the two hour drive to Rotorua. Your elegant hotel started out as a 1950’s motel and was completely reworked as a boutique hotel. The restaurant zone or lakefront area is just a stroll away from your room.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Enjoying Nature’s Bounty
Today will involve a lot of activities but all above ground. Meet your guide for the day and travel to nearby Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest to enjoy mountain biking, your first adventure. You will ride for up to two hours and you can choose from over 80 miles of purpose built tracks designed for all skill levels. You can meander through back roads or take a challenging jump trail. It’s up to you. You will then be transferred to Okere Falls for some Grade 5+ Waterfall Rafting on the Kaituna River. Once you are briefed and kitted out you will embark on your guided raft as you go over waterfalls that are three feet, six feet and the grand finale at 21 feet. By now the adrenaline will have built up an appetite so enjoy a delicious lunch before your last activity of the day. You will head out on Lake Rotoiti in kayaks along with your guide. This area of New Zealand is known for hot thermal springs but most come up on land, here the hot springs rise through the lake so you have the chance to soak in the warm water and cool off by jumping in the lake a little way away, a Unique experience. Return to the shore and be transferred back to your hotel.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 7: Tongariro National Park
Today you will be driving to Tongariro National Park which you could do in about three hours. We suggest and will provide directions that you take some time doing a geothermal walk at Waimangu or Wai-O-Tapu Valleys plus a Maori village at Te Puia. You could also stop at Huka Falls. Eventually you will arrive at your hotel which is not unlike the grand hotels to be found in the US and Canadian National Parks complete with nine-hole golf course, a games room with billiards and a cinema.
Breakfast
Day 8: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This morning you will enjoy a scenic walk across the National Park with a chance to view a series of mountain peaks. You meet up with your guide in the Mangatepopo Valley which sits at 3,300 feet. For the first two hours the trek is an upward gentle gradient to Soda Springs. The next section is steeper but done at a slower pace to allow all to keep up. You arrive at South Crater located at 5,000 feet and from there you ascend to Red Crater Summit at 5,600 feet. You descend to Emerald Lakes for lunch and a well-earned break. You then proceed to the summit of Mt. Tongariro at 6,000 feet and from there it is a scenic downhill walk with spectacular scenery.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 9: Wellington and the Museum of New Zealand
You have a full day to make the drive to Wellington the compact capital of New Zealand. Since the drive takes about four hours we suggest that you stop for lunch along the way but leave time to visit Te Papa-The Museum of New Zealand to which admission is free. This interactive museum provides a great insight into New Zealand culture. It is also adjacent to your hotel making it convenient as well as informative.
Breakfast
Day 10: The Interislander Ferry
After breakfast you drop off your car at the Wellington Ferry Terminal and board the ferry that runs between North and South Islands. You will have space reserved in the Kaitaki Superior Club Lounge so you can enjoy the cruise though the Marlborough Sounds in comfort. When you dock at Picton, you pick up your new car and drive to the Marlborough Wine Country. You will visit the Brancott Estate Heritage Centre to learn how the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc came into being. You will taste five wines during a tutored wine tasting and then continue to Nelson and your country estate where a suite has been reserved.
Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11: Abel Tasman National Park
Drive to Kaiteriteri Beach to meet your guide and then board a boat for a cruise to Torrent Bay. When you arrive at Torrent Bay Lodge you get a training session on handling your kayak. Along with other members you discover the beautiful beaches, tidal estuaries and rivers as you kayak through the most scenic part of the park from Anchorage to Bark Bay. You pause for a picnic lunch at a sheltered cove and take some time to swim, explore or relax. On the return journey you raise the sail on the kayak and you sail back to your starting point stopping at Pinnacle Island to view the seal colony. Back at Torrent Bay lodge you freshen up with a hot shower and board the boat for the cruise back to Kaiteriteri and from there drive back to Nelson.
Breakfast and Lunch
Day 12: At Leisure in Nelson
You have a free day to explore Nelson at your own pace. There are many art galleries and interesting shops plus there are a variety of vineyards in close proximity to the town.
Breakfast
Day 13: Flight to Queenstown
Today you drive to the airport and turn in your rental car before boarding a flight to Queenstown one of New Zealand’s premier touristic attractions. Surrounded by majestic mountains and set on the shores of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu the natural beauty creates the perfect backdrop for adventure and good living. After landing you are met and transferred to your hotel which is set in parkland with views of the mountains it also offers easy access to the town centre.
Breakfast
Day 14: Milford Sound with a Glacier Landing
Mitre Peak beckons as your helicopter lifts off to begin your journey into Milford Sound. Discover isolated valleys of ancient forests and pristine rivers famous for their fishing as well as mountains sculpted from ice over thousands of years. Upon landing in Milford enjoy a short nature walk and take that iconic Mitre Peak “selfie”. Experience an exhilarating flight past spectacular mountains and blue-green ice falls and land upon Mt. Tutoko glacier in the heart of Fiordland National Park. Enjoy your scenic ride back to the heliport.
Breakfast
Day 15: “ The Ride of Your Life”
In the morning you will be transferred by courtesy coach to the Shotover River. Known as the world’s richest gold bearing river, the Shotover’ s rugged canyons have been carved over thousands of years by billions of tons of glacial water sluicing from the heart of the Southern alps. Once at the river you board a Shotover Jet for the ride of your life. Skim past rocky outcrops at close range as you twist and turn through the narrow Canyons at breath taking speeds. The major highlight, hold tight for the famous Shotover Jet full 360 degree spin! You then return to Queenstown to enjoy one last dinner in New Zealand.
Breakfast
Day 16: Return to USA
After breakfast you are transferred to the airport to begin your journey back to the USA where you arrive back the same afternoon.
Breakfast