NIKAU - 13 days

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Arrive Auckland

On arrival you will be met by our representative & transferred by limousine to your city hotel. Christchurch is the nation’s second largest city and because of its extensive gardens and the Avon River meandering though it, is regarded as the most English of New Zealand cities.

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Auckland sightseeing (B)

Spend your day getting close to nature. Travel by train through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury to Kaikoura, located on a narrow strip of coastline where mountains meet the sea. This area is renowned for the variety of marine mammals that can be seen, not least of all giant Sperm Whales & the acrobatic Dusky Dolphin. You’ll often see other whale species, seals & the Royal Albatross.

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Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula (B)

This morning, travel the Banks Peninsula to the quaint village of Akaroa, a beautiful, unspoilt French whaling depot home to the early French settlers of the 1840’s. The French heritage is still reflected in the street names & the architecture of its buildings. Visit the cheese factory at Barrys Bay & sample some fine New Zealand cheese. After lunch, enjoy a wildlife cruise exploring the delights of the harbour and sighting dolphins, penguins & seals.

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Coromandel, Rotorua (B,D)

The TranzAlpine is described as “The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure” and is rated one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. After crossing the huge and fertile patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, the TranzAlpine winds its way over massive viaducts, through spectacular river gorges and the stunning Waimakariri River valley. It tracks its way up and across the spectacular Southern Alps via the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass situated 737 metres above sea level. Travel along the dramatic West Coast, steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1800’s, to the towns of Franz Josef & Fox Glacier.

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Lake Tarawera Cruise & Te Wairoa Buried Village (B,L)

There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region before our departure this morning (subject to weather conditions). 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. Travel over the magnificent Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes District. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before travelling to the beautiful alpine resort of Queenstown, New Zealand’s premier holiday destination.

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Lake Taupo, Napier (B)

This morning, visit Wai-O-tapu (meaning Sacred Waters), a wonderland of geothermal activity. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the reserves unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. Stop to view the mighty Huka Falls & Wairakei Geothermal project and then take time to wander around the popular lakeside resort of Taupo. Then, it’s on to Napier, one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities. Your local guide will bring this fascinating architecture to life on your walk around the town this afternoon.

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Discover Hawke’s Bay & surrounding area (B)

Widely regarded as the ‘Tuscany of the South Pacific’, this region boasts some of New Zealand’s best and oldest wineries. You can enjoy a guided wine trail and taste some of the great wines produced locally, visit the world’s largest mainland Gannet Colony, play a challenging round of golf at Cape Kidnappers, take to the skies on an early morning balloon ride over vineyards, olive groves and orchards or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings.

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Wairarapa, Mt Bruce & Wellington (B)

Travel this morning through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region to Pukaha Mount Bruce, New Zealand’s National Wildlife Centre. In this beautiful setting of native forest you will see the finest collection of New Zealand native birds to be found anywhere, including the Takahe, the rarest & most colourful of all New Zealand’s birds. The centre also houses tuatara, various lizards and native bats in its nocturnal house. Also watch out for the enormous eels and trout which loiter under the bridges, waiting for handouts. Later, continue on to Wellington, the nations capital, where you enjoy a brief sightseeing and orientation tour before checking into your accommodation.

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Picton & the Marlborough Sounds (B)

This morning is at leisure to explore what Wellington has to offer. A visit to Te Papa National Museum is highly recommended. This afternoon, travel across Cook Strait, the stretch of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The journey across Cook Strait has a dramatic beauty all of its own. Both Islands can be viewed, including the magnificent Kaikoura ranges, and there is often the chance to see wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and orca. On arrival in Picton, join your water taxi and transfer to your resort.

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Kenepuru Sound (B)

A free day to relax & marvel at the magic that is the Marlborough Sounds. Resort staff will share their love of the Sounds with you through the wide range of water and nature based experiences they put at your fingertips. For those who wish, enjoy the free use of the resorts kayaks & mountain bikes and also enjoy a sampling of some of the local wines in a tasting at the resort.

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Kaikoura Coast, Christchurch (B)

Return by water taxi to Picton. Rejoin your coach and travel through Blenheim to Kaikoura, world-renowned as the whale-watching centre of New Zealand. Later, we continue south to the “Garden City” of Christchurch, regarded as the most English of New Zealand cities.

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4WD High Country TranzAlpine Experience (B,L)

Travel by road through the Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri Gorge in the foothills of the rugged Southern Alps. Travel by jet boat through the gorge deep into the Southern Alps to areas otherwise inaccessible. Rendezvous with the Unimog and travel in this unique 4WD vehicle to Flock Hill Station, viewing spectacular alpine scenery en-route. After lunch, travel by road to Arthur’s Pass National Park where you return to Christchurch aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train.

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Depart Christchurch (B)

Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Christchurch airport today for your onward flight. Here, we bid you ‘Haere Ra’, a fond farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

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