New Zealand Encounter - 18 days Christchurch to Auckland

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Arrive Christchurch

‘Haere Mai’ … welcome to New Zealand

Transfer from airport to hotel, check-in, then see Christchurch your way. In the evening enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Director and fellow travellers.
ACCOMMODATION: Novotel, Christchurch. (D)

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TranzAlpine - Punakaiki

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 you’ll spend the night at your exclusive resort right on the waterfront.
ACCOMMODATION: Punakaiki Resort, Punakaiki. (B,D)

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Punakaiki - Franz Josef

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. You can see it from the air on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting) or take a glacier hike!
ACCOMMODATION: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef. (B,D)

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Franz Josef - Queenstown

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. Your dinner option, Skyline Restaurant at Bob’s Peak, is accessed via gondola.The Kiwi Haka Maori Show makes a top night - if you choose.
ACCOMMODATION: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown, 2 nights. (B)

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Queenstown ’Free Time’

Explore action-packed, adventure-capital, Queenstown, for yourself. Wine and garden tours, jet boat rides, white water rafting - it’s up to you. Dinner and a sheep shearing demonstration are at Walter Peak. We’ll cruise Lake Wakatipu, on board the TSS Earnslaw, to get there and back. (B,HD)

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Milford Sound

Over the Devil’s Staircase, along Lake Wakatipu’s shores to Te Anau. World Heritage Fiordland National Park is next. Travel through rainforest, see glaciers and mountain ranges, pass through the hand built Homer Tunnel, to the abundant photo opportunities of the Mirror Lake, Pop’s Lookout, Cleddau Valley, the Chasm, Mitre Peak, Bowen Falls and Milford Sound, where you’ll cruise on the waters of this natural wonder. Tonight’s option – a visit to the Te Anau Glow Worm Caves.
ACCOMMODATION: Distinction Hotel, Te Anau. (B,D)

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Te Anau - Dunedin

Travel from Te Anau to Dunedin over farmland. A city tour, then Dunedin is yours to enjoy - take a Wildlife Cruise, visit the Cadbury Factory - it’s your call!
ACCOMMODATION: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin. (B,D)

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Dunedin

A guided tour of Larnach Castle starts the day. Then some ’Free Time’ before heading to Twizel via Oamaru, famous for its limestone buildings and the Waitaki Hydro Power Scheme and Benmore Dam.
ACCOMMODATION: MacKenzie Country Inn, Deluxe Rooms, Twizel. (B,D)

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Mt. Cook - Christchurch

Mt. Cook National Park is today’s highlight. Take an optional scenic flight. See Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. You are Invited to enjoy a taste of country life with a barbecue lunch on a working farm. Travel over the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. Enjoy a city tour, ride the Christchurch Tram then it’s your time.
ACCOMMODATION: Novotel, Christchurch. (B,L)

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Kaikoura - Blenheim

Travelling along the rugged East Coast you reach Kaikoura for some whale watching. 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 Georges Michel Wine Estate.
ACCOMMODATION: Chateau Marlborough, Blenheim. (B,HD)

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Wellington

A visit to Picton and a cruise of tranquil Queen Charlotte Sound get things going, before you head to Wellington. A view filled City Sights Tour then it’s ‘Free Time’ – until you visit. Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, for some Maori culture.
ACCOMMODATION: Novotel, Wellington. (B,D)

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Wellington - Rotorua

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, Hangi and concert is our evening cultural highlight.
ACCOMMODATION: Millennium Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights. (B,HD)

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Rotorua

Start the day with a ride on the Skyline Gondola and breakfast with stunning views over Rotorua, followed by the Agrodome Sheep Show. Te Puia gives us an insight into Maori culture. Take a guided tour of the Geothermal Reserve then the afternoon is yours. (B)

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Rotorua - Auckland

Tour the Glow Worm Grotto at Waitomo Caves. Then trace the Waikato River into Auckland for a tour of Mt. Eden, Bastion Point, Viaduct Harbour and more.
ACCOMMODATION: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. (B,D)

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Auckland - Bay of Islands

Over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, you travel up the Hibiscus Coast. Walk amongst the Kauri trees at Parry Kauri Park. Have time to explore Whangarei. Then it’s off to Paihia in Bay of Islands. Cruise to Cape Brett, through the ‘Hole in the Rock’ and stop at Urupukapuka Island before returning to Paihia.
ACCOMMODATION: Copthorne Hotel & Resort (Water View), Bay of Islands, 2 nights. (B,D)

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Bay of Islands ’Free Time’

The Bay of Islands is yours to explore. Dolphin watch, catch a ferry to Russell, walk the Ninety Mile Beach, whatever takes your fancy. Finish off with dinner in town - it’s all your choice. (B)

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Bay of Islands - Auckland

We visit the Waitangi Treaty Reserve which includes the Maori War Canoe (Waka) and Marae (Meeting House). We’ll then return to Auckland.
ACCOMMODATION: Stamford Plaza, Auckland. (B)

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Depart Auckland

Today we’ll transfer you to Auckland Airport for your onward flight. (B)

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