NIKAU - 9 Days Auckland to Wellington or 13 days Auckland to Christchurch

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Arrive Auckland

On arrival, you will be met by our representative and transferred by limousine to your city hotel. The ‘City of Sails‘ is New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences.
ACCOMMODATION: Heritage Hotel, 2 nights.

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Auckland at leisure

Auckland’s blend of islands, rainforest, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and modern city environment creates an unbelievable lifestyle that is ranked amongst the highest in the world. Auckland provides visitors with so many wonderful experiences, plenty within easy reach of the downtown city centre. Today is a free day at leisure to relax & explore what Auckland has to offer. (B)

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Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula

Today, travel south to the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches that separate the Pacific Ocean from the Hauraki Gulf. It is a place where many kiwis choose to escape the hustle & hype of city life and is home to many arts & crafts people who seek an alternative lifestyle. At the quaint township of Coromandel, we ride the Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony before crossing the divide to the eastern side of the peninsula for our overnight stay.
ACCOMMODATION: Mercure Grand Puka Park Resort. (B)

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Coromandel, Rotorua

Travel along the Bay of Plenty Coastline to the popular beachside towns of Tauranga & Mt Maunganui. Then head inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua, an area that has enchanted visitors from around the world for more than 160 years. Tonight, enjoy a lakeside BBQ at your hotel.
ACCOMMODATION: Amora Lake Resort Okawa Bay, 2 nights. (B,D)

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Lake Tarawera Cruise & Te Wairoa Buried Village

Today’s highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera aboard the luxury vessel ’Clearwater Spirit’. You’ll have the opportunity to soak in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach and experience some of the country’s best trout fishing before enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch. This afternoon, visit the Blue & Green Lakes and then wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa. (B,L)

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Lake Taupo, Napier

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 lakeside resort of Taupo. Then it’s on to Napier, one ofthe world’s finest Art Deco cities. Your local guide will bring this fascinating architecture to life on your walk around the town this afternoon.
ACCOMMODATION: Te Pania Hotel, 2 nights. (B)

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At leisure in the Hawke’s Bay

Widely regarded as the ’Tuscany of the South Pacific’, this region boasts some of New Zealand’s best and oldest wineries. Enjoy a free day to experience some of the many optional activities available. Perhaps take 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. (B)

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Wairarapa, Wellington

Travel this morning through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region enroute to Wellington, the nation’s capital, where you enjoy a brief sightseeing and orientation tour before checking into your accommodation. A visit to Te Papa National Museum is highly recommended.
ACCOMMODATION: James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel. (B)

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Picton & the Marlborough Sounds

(Passengers leaving the 9-day tour in Wellington today will be transferred to the airport for their onward flight.)
This morning cruise across Cook Strait by Interislander ferry to the picturesque fishing village of Picton. Transfer by floatplane to your remote resort located in the stunning Kenepuru Sound. A scenic mussel cruise to the resort is also available for those who prefer to travel by boat.
ACCOMMODATION: Raetihi Lodge, 2 nights. (B,D)

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Kenepuru Sound

A free day to relax & marvel at the magic that is the Marlborough Sounds. Lodge staff will share their love of the region with you through the wide range of water and nature based experiences they put at your fingertips. Complimentary fishing tackle, kayaks & mountains bikes are provided at the lodge and there are a number of bush walks to enjoy. Nearby is a picturesque 13-hole rural golf course grazed by sheep with fenced greens or you can simply relax with a book & soak in the spectacular scenery. (B,D)

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Blenheim, Kaikoura

Return to Havelock by water taxi and rejoin your coach. Travel through Blenheim to Kaikoura, a coastal town nestled between the Kaikoura mountain range & the Pacific Ocean. There is time to enjoy one of the many optional marine activities like whale-watching, swimming with dolphins and seals or getting up close and personal to the largest wingspan in the world on a Wandering Albatross encounter.
ACCOMMODATION: White Morph Inn. (B)

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Coastal Pacific Train to Christchurch

Today you will enjoy a multi-award winning eco-cultural experience with local Maori. Your hosts belong to the Ngai Tahu tribe and are descendants of Paikea, The Whale Rider. They will give you an insight into their culture, traditions, and spiritual values as well as an understanding of how they view the natural world. Later this afternoon, join the Coastal Pacific train for the scenic rail journey to Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city. On arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation.
ACCOMODATION: Stay The George Hotel. (B)

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Depart Christchurch

Sadly, your holiday ends today and you will be transferred to Christchurch airport to connect with your onward flight. (B)

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