Panorama - 24 Days Auckland to Christchurch

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Arrive Auckland

‘Haere Mai’ … welcome to New Zealand

On arrival at Auckland airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your city hotel.
ACCOMMOADATION: Pullman Hotel (2 nights)

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Auckland sightseeing & harbour cruise

The ’City of Sails’ is New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant and at the completion of your morning tour, you board a 50-foot yacht for a relaxing cruise on the magnificent Waitemata Harbour. You can sit back and watch it all happen or help the professional crew by taking the helm and trimming the sails. (B)

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Hibiscus Coast, Bay of Islands overnight cruise

This morning, we travel over the Harbour Bridge and head through the northern suburbs of Auckland with the beachside homes of the Hibiscus Coast to the east & the bush-clad Waitakere Ranges to the west. Enjoy spectacular scenery of native forests & sub-tropical bush as we make our way to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, a seaside town nestled on the foreshore of this National Maritime Park. Early this afternoon, we board our overnight vessel, "Ipipiri", for a unique cruise that will immerse you into the region’s breathtaking beauty and its historical & cultural significance. Island walks, snorkelling & kayaking are all available before enjoying a sumptuous dinner.
ACCOMMODATION: Overnight aboard Ipipiri. (B,D)

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Explore the Bay of Islands

There is time for some optional activities such as fishing or swimming with the dolphins before returning to Opua & disembarking at 11am. The rest of the day is free to explore the local area & enjoy some of the many fantastic excursions available.
ACCOMMODATION: Copthorne Bay of Islands Resort. (B)

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Bay of Islands, Rotorua

Travel south to the geothermal city of Rotorua whose raw beauty has enchanted visitors from around the world for over 160 years. It is also home to a deep-rooted Maori culture and the opportunity to experience a traditional hangi (feast) & cultural show should not be missed.
ACCOMMODATION: Amora Lake Resort Okawa Bay, 2 nights. (B)

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Exclusive Lake Tarawera Cruise, Te Wairoa Buried Village

Today’s highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera. Experience spectacular scenery & soak in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach 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

View Huka Falls & the Wairakei Geothermal project and take time to walk around the popular lakeside resort of Taupo. Journey on to Napier, often referred to as the Art Deco capital of the world. On arrival , enjoy a locally guided walking tour of the town.
ACCOMMODATION: Te Pania Hotel, 2 nights. (B)

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Explore Hawke’s Bay Wine country

A day to explore the region at your own pace. Visit the many attractions along the Marine Parade, take a tour to Cape Kidnappers, enjoy a guided wine & gourmet tour of some of New Zealand’s leading vineyards & wineries, experience an early morning hot-air balloon ride over vineyards, orchards & olive groves . . . your choices are endless! (B)

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Fly Napier / Nelson

The Nelson region is an area of diverse beauty that enjoys a Mediterranean-type climate. It boasts the greatest number of sunshine hours in New Zealand and is home to a thriving arts & crafts colony where locals enjoy a relaxed and easy-going lifestyle.
ACCOMMODATION: Grand Mercure Monaco Resort, 2 nights. (B)

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Abel Tasman National Park Cruise & Walk

Today you can choose from a number of included Cruise & Walk or Cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Your Tour Host will give you details of the various choices available & will be happy to recommend the best tour that suits your own individual needs. (B,L)

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Blenheim, Kaikoura

Travel on to Blenheim, the centre of a thriving wine industry. Continue on to the coastal town of Kaikoura, a place for unparalleled wildlife adventures.
ACCOMMODATION: Fairways Resort, 2 nights. (B)

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Whalewatch Watch Cruise

Every Whale Watch adventure 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 tour 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. (B)

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Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook

Travel across the rich pastoral farmland of the Canterbury Plains and over Burkes Pass. At Lake Tekapo, stop to view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd. Travel up the western side of Lake Pukaki to the Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage listed site.
ACCOMMODATION: Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel, 2 nights. (B,D)

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Tasman Glacier Explorer

An experienced guide will whisk you away in a stable MAC Boat to explore the melting ice-face of the Tasman Glacier where you will also get to touch & taste 400-year old icebergs that have been carved into the murky waters of the lake. This afternoon is free to enjoy local walks, sightsee or simply relax in your spectacular surroundings. (B,D)

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Omarama, Lindis Pass, Queenstown

Journey south through the MacKenzie Country before beginning the ascent over the Lindis Pass into the historical gold mining region of Central Otago. Emerge into the lush green farmland that surrounds the beautiful alpine resort of Queenstown, regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination.
ACCOMMODATION: Heritage Hotel, 3 nights. (B)

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Explore Queenstown and Fiordland National Park

Enjoy two full days to experience this magnificent resort. Queenstown boasts adventure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. It is also a great base from which to explore the Fiordland National Park, gateway to the awesome Milford & Doubtful Sounds. (B)

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Historic Arrowtown, Crown Range, Lake Wanaka

Enjoy time to stroll through the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. A spectacular drive over the Crown Range brings us to Lake Wanaka with its breathtaking mountain & lake views.
ACCOMMODATION: Edgewater Resort Hotel, 2 nights. (B)

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Wanaka at leisure

Lake Wanaka also has plenty of action-packed activities available for those who can’t keep still! We recommend some time out, soaking up the atmosphere & splendour that is Wanaka. (B)

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Haast Pass, Fox Glaciers

View incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. On to Fox Glacier for our next overnight stay.
ACCOMMODATION: Distinction Te Weheka, 2 nights. (B)

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Explore West Coast Glaciers

A full day to enjoy the delights of this region at your own pace. A number of optional glacial adventure and exploration activities are available. (B)

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On to Punakaiki Rocks

Travel along the rugged west coastline with its towering rainforests, rushing rivers and tranquil lakes. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that are the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes.
ACCOMMODATION: Punakaiki Resort. (B)

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Spectacular TranzAlpin Train, Christchurch

This afternoon, board the award-winning TranzAlpine for a coast-to-coast journey through the Southern Alps to Christchurch. This spectacular train adventure has been rated as one of the most scenic journeys in the world.
ACCOMMODATION: The George Hotel. (B)

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Depart Christchurch

At leisure today until you are transferred to the airport for your flight home or onward journey to your next destination. (B)

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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