Antipodean Encounter - 16 Day Christchurch to Auckland

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Arrive Christchurch

‘Haere Mai’ … welcome to New Zealand

Our representative will meet you on arrival & transfer you by limousine to your city hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: The George Hotel.

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Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura

Travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs & relax in the thermal pools. Continue to Kaikoura, a small township located in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean.
ACCOMMODATION: Fairways Resort. (B)

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Whale Watch cruise, Nelson

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch cruise may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. Continue north to Blenheim, gateway to the well-known Marlborough Sounds region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand.
ACCOMMODATION: Grand Mercure Monaco Resort Hotel, 2 nights. (B)

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Abel Tasman National Park Bush ‘n‘ Beach walk

Today you can choose from a number of included cruise & walk or cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Maritime Park. Enjoy a great day on the water combining cruising, sightseeing, bush walks, beach stops & plenty of relaxing! (B,L)

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Nelson Lakes, Punakaiki Rocks

Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that are the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes.
ACCOMMOADTION: Punakaiki Resort. (B)

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Greymouth, Franz Josef Glacier

The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860’s. Our overnight stay tonight is in the glacial village of Franz Josef.
ACCOMMODATION: Punga Grove (B)

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Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown

Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before travelling over the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination.
ACCOMMODATION: Heritage Queenstown Hotel, 2 nights. (B)

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Explore Queenstown & its surrounds

Enjoy a free day today to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Your Tour Host will be pleased to recommend and offer advice on the many options available. (B)

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Milford Sound Overnight Cruise

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-strewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound where you board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea & view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. The Milford Mariner is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand trading scow to reflect Fiordland’s heritage and you will be accommodated in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms in this purpose-built vessel. It boasts spacious deck areas for viewing the wilderness, scenery & wildlife of Milford and activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline.
ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove. (B,D)

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Return to Queenstown, day at leisure

For those wishing to return to Queenstown by air, an optional scenic flight is available (subject to weather conditions). Upon our return, the rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer.
ACCOMMODATION: Heritage Queenstown Hotel, 2 nights. (B)

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Mighty Dart River Jetboat Safari

Join the Dart River Safari and jet boat on crystal clear waters in a wild and scenic landscape amidst the towering peaks, glaciers and ancient rainforests of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. (B)

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Fly Queenstown to Rotorua

Today, fly north to the geothermal city of Rotorua. Here you can stand upon volcanoes, peer into massive craters, see boiling mud, exploding geysers and marvel at the unspoiled native forests that cloak the land. Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori hangi (feast) & cultural evening.
ACCOMMODATION: Amora Lake Resort Okawa Bay, 2 nights. (B,D)

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Helicopter to White Island Volcano

Board your helicopter for an incredible flight over the geothermal region of the Volcanic Plateau to White Island, New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. Located 52kms off the Bay of Plenty coastline, the islands’ active volcanic vents, steaming crater lake, bubbling hot streams and desolate mining ruins combine to create a surreal experience. When present, the sighting of dolphins in the Pacific Ocean over which you fly contrast to create an awesome & inspiring excursion. (B)

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Ruakuri Cave, Auckland

Ruakuri Cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo’s most compelling subterranean experiences. Journey down through the spectacular spiral entrance and marvel at the winding passageways, vast echoing caverns and deep crevices. You’ll hear the distant thunder of the subterranean waterfalls and get up close to the glow worms. Be led along narrow corridors and across low-lit walkways suspended high above the river. It is an experience not to be missed and will leave you awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature. Continue on to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails‘ and enjoy a brief sightseeing & orientation tour on arrival.
ACCOMMODATION: Pullman Auckland Hotel, 2 nights. (B)

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Sail Auckland Harbour

Today you have the opportunity to crew on an original America’s Cup racing yacht. You will have the chance to take the helm, trim on the grinders or simply sit back and relax and enjoy the action as you sail down Auckland Harbour. This afternoon is free for some last minute sightseeing and shopping. (B)

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Depart Auckland

Your tour arrangements end after breakfast this morning. Here we bid you farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay. (B)

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