| The
Ultimate New Zealand Tour
This 17 day, 18 night tour of the North Island and
South Islands is the ultimate New Zealand tour,
with an all encompassing itinerary, supearb accomodation
and spectacular fare you will wonder why it took
you so long to visit. The Total experience is just
that, everything you could possibly want in a luxury
holiday all at once, it truly is what dreams are
made of.
Your
Tour Itinerary
“Kia Ora” and Welcome to New Zealand!
After Immigration and Customs formalities, you
will be met by a Green Realm Travel representative,
who will assist with your private transfer to your
CBD hotel.
Auckland sprawls across the cones, hills,
ridges and valleys of an old volcanic field.
Bestriding
an isthmus, the cities and boroughs of greater
Auckland stretch literally from coast to coast
and this gives
an interesting and natural diversity. Being surrounded
by safe and interesting waters, Aucklanders have
become a water-oriented people. It is estimated
there are more boats here per capita than anywhere
else in the world; hence Auckland has been dubbed “The City of Sails”. The climate is
temperate and well balanced throughout the seasons.
This factor, coupled with Auckland’s sea-level
location, its green pleasantness and relaxed way
of life, add up to a favourable environment.
Stay at your choice or a first night optional
booking in a 5 star Auckland CBD hotel.
Day 1 Auckland - Paihia via the West Coast
(L,D)
This morning you will board your luxury tour coach
at your CBD hotel and travel north to the seaside
township of Paihia. Today’s journey will have
you travelling via the West Coast region including
Opononi.
On arrival into the Puhoi area, a stop will be
made at the ‘Art of Cheese’ –
which is a family owned and operated cheese factory.
The Art of Cheese factory produces 7 different blue
cheeses, Camembert, Brie, Mascarpone and Crème
Fraiche. Blue cheese is the speciality and the following
varieties are produced – Bohemien Blue, Gorgonzola,
Blue Brie and the latest creation is Kaipara Blue,
which is a mild, very creamy blue vein.
You will enjoy a home-style morning tea including
coffee/tea and muffins, before enjoying a short
tour of the property including cheese tasting.
You will then reboard your luxury coach and continue
north, turning towards the West Coast at Brynderwyn.
At Matakohe, you will visit the Kauri Museum, before
continuing the journey towards the Hokianga harbour
via Dargaville & the Waipoua Forest.
On arrival at the village of Omapere you will
enjoy a home-style 2 course
luncheon at the Copthorne Hokianga Hotel, which
has a lovely lawn area that overlooks the sea.
On arrival into Paihia, you will be transferred
to the Paihia Beach Resort for check in.
In the early evening the group will take a short
stroll to the Maritime Building at the Paihia wharf.
Here you will board a small water taxi, which will
transfer you across to the town of Russell. On arrival
at Russell, the group will make its way to the Kamakura
Restaurant, here you will enjoy a 3 course set menu
style dinner, before returning to Paihia wharf by
water taxi.
The natural beauty of the Bay of Islands has
to be seen to be believed. It’s an aquatic playground
lavishly furnished with 144 islands and a myriad
of secluded beaches. Every bay, shore and cove
has a story to tell. The townships of this historic
bay are alive with memories of the area’s
colourful past, both Maori and European. You’ll
find out why the Bay of Islands is considered to
be the birthplace of New Zealand as a bi-cultural
nation. You’ll also see how Maori culture
and lifestyle have adapted to modern times. Wherever
you are in the Bay of Islands, it’s impossible
to escape the lure of the sea. There are almost
endless opportunities for immersing yourself in
the blue-green world of island and beach. Stay Paihia Beach Resort - 2 nights
Day 2 Bay of Islands (B/D)
Today you are able to participate in one of the
many optional tours such as:
- Cape Brett Hole in the Rock Cruise
- Entrance to Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Swim with the Dolphins Cruise
- Cape Brett Hole in the Rock by Speed Boat
- ½ day Guided
Kayak tour (4 hours)
- ½ day tour
of Kerikeri, featuring entrance to the Mission
House and Stone Store Historic Buildings
Dinner this evening will be at the award winning
Taste restaurant, onsite at the Paihia Beach
Resort. Here you will enjoy a 3 course meal. Accommodation: Paihia Beach Resort – 1 Bedroom
Superior
Day 3 Bay of Islands – Matakana – Mangatawhiri
Valley (B/L/D)
This morning you will board your luxury coach
and bid the Bay of Islands region farewell. You
will travel south on State Highway 1, via the city
of Whangarei and the towns of Ruakaka, Waipu and
Kaiwaka towards the Matakana wine region.
Once in the Matakana region you will be taken
to Ascension Winery. On arrival you will enjoy
wine tasting, followed by a 2 course set menu luncheon.
After lunch you will reboard your luxury tour
coach and continue the journey south to today’s
destination of Mangatawhiri Valley, which is situated
around 45 minutes south of Auckland.
On arrival at Heritage Hotel & Spa du Vin
you will be checked into your accommodation.
This evening you will enjoy a welcome glass of
NZ wine and canapés on the lawn area. The
lawn area is next to the grape vines, and is surrounded
by the beautiful vista of the green hills beyond.
The group will then move into a private dining
room (Vintage Room) to enjoy a 3 course set menu
style dinner.
Accommodation: Heritage Hotel & Spa du Vin – ‘Selection’ rooms
(1 night)
Day 4 Mangatawhiri Valley – Waitomo – Rotorua
(B/L/D)
This morning you will board your luxury coach
and travel along State Highway 2, to connect with
the main State Highway 1, heading south. The journey
will have you crossing the Bombay Hills, an area
known for its light volcanic soil thus popular
for market gardening. Continue through the fertile
plains of the Waikato district, renowned for its
horse studs and dairy farms, to Waitomo in the
King Country.
On arrival into the Waitomo District, a visit
is made to the Waitomo Caves, with their fascinating
limestone formations, first discovered in the 1800’s.
In the glow-worm grotto you take a boat ride silently
along an underground river beneath a canopy of
lights made by the minute larvae on the roof above
you.
OR
You will be transferred to your departure point,
from where you will be transported to Ruakuri Cave,
where you will enter through the drum entrance
down a spiral walkway. A world of mystery and intrigue
awaits you. Immerse yourself in the Mana of Ruakuri
and discover the spirit that connects the land
and people. The guided journey will take you deep
into the unknown. Crystal cave tapestries will
enthral you in the Drum Passage and as you descend,
follow the rumbling sound of the Hidden Waterfall
to the bridge where the glow worms illuminate this
eerie world. Gaze in wonder at stalactite straws,
flowstone and majestic formations that surround
you. Continue into the dark corners of Holden’s
Cavern where the guide will tell you about the
local Maori legends and tapu places. Experience
a sense of trepidation as you traverse along the
Ghost Walk. Let your imagination take hold and
feel the spiritual power of the cave.
You then travel to Crosshills in Kio Kio for lunch
at a country home and farm. The homestead blends
in well with the surrounding countryside, and the
English-style garden is a delight to stroll through.
Finally, travel via the Fitzgerald Glade and over
the heavily forested Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua,
located in the Bay of Plenty.
On arrival in Rotorua, you will be taken to Millennium
Hotel to check in.
This evening you will be transferred to Pepper’s
on the Point Lodge, which is surrounded by the
sparkling waters of Lake Rotorua. Pepper’s
on the Point is an 80-year-old mansion that has
been extensively refurbished to offer Lodge style
accommodation and also casual dining. On arrival
you will enjoy a welcome glass of NZ wine and canapés,
before moving into the conservatory area where
you will enjoy a 4 course table d’hôte
style dinner, or if the weather is more favourable,
you will be able to eat on the terrace. Your Driver/Guide
will then transfer you back to Millennium Hotel
at the end of the evening.
Rotorua is situated on a volcanic rift which stretches
in a 200km (124 mile) line from White Island, off
the coast of the Bay of Plenty, to Lake Taupo and
the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park in
the Central Plateau of the North Island. Rotorua
is a forestry, farming and light industrial centre.
The Maori culture in Rotorua contributes greatly
to the attractions of this holiday city, where
you can enjoy the culture and entertainment of
the true Polynesian people.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel – Club Rooms
(2 nights)
Day 5 Rotorua (B/D)
Today is at your own leisure, you may wish to
participate in one of the many optional tours such
as:
- Rotorua Sightseeing by Duck
- 4WD ½ day excursion to Mt Tarawera
- Entrance to the Polynesian Lake Spa
- Kawarau Jet Rotorua – speed, spin & adrenalin on the lake
- Full day Waimangu Round Trip including morning tea & lunch
- Lakeland Queen Paddle Steamer
This evening you will be transferred from your hotel to Te Puia, by your luxury coach.
Enjoy a guided tour of the model Maori pa (village site) and close by, the Institute where young Maori
are taught the skills of traditional carving. From here, visit the Thermal Reservation to see boiling
mud pools and geysers including ‘Pohutu’ (‘splashing’),
the largest geyser, which plays several times a day.
Later, commence your Hangi and Concert. The ceremony
begins with a formal welcome (powhiri), followed
by the challenger (wero). You then proceed into
the village for the welcoming call followed by
a war or haka dance before being welcomed into
the meeting house Te Aronui a Rua. After the Speeches
of Welcome (whaikorero) enjoy a cultural performance
of traditional Maori songs, games and dances by
using typical musical instruments and the use of
poi and weapons.
At the end of the concert you will be guided into
the Hangi house where you will see the lifting
of the Hangi (dinner). Well-wrapped food is steam-cooked
in baskets in an underground pit. The meal, consisting
of wild pork, lamb, seafood and vegetables, is
then lifted from the ground and ready for serving.
You are then guided into a typical Marae (sacred
courtyard) dining room to enjoy your Hangi dinner
whilst being entertained by typical Maori songs.
At the end of a wonderful night you will be returned
to your hotel by luxury coach.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel - Club Rooms
Day 6 Rotorua – Taupo – Napier
(B/L/D)
This morning you depart your hotel for your coach
journey to Napier, travelling through plantations
of pine forest to Taupo, a township located on
the edge of Lake Taupo. The approach from Wairakei
offers spectacular views over the town, lake and
distant mountains. En route a stop is made to see
the pounding Huka Falls, hukanui in Maori meaning
a ‘great body of spray’. See the waters
of the Waikato River forced through a narrow gap
between rocks at great force.
Your Driver Guide will then transfer you to a
local jetty on Lake Taupo. Here you will board
a private vessel to enjoy a 3 hour cruise on Lake
Taupo including a home-style lunch.
On return to the jetty you will reboard your luxury
coach and continue the journey to today’s
destination of Napier. Travel southeast on State
Highway 5 to Napier, across the forested pumice
land surrounding Napier, across the fertile Esk
Valley to Napier.
On arrival into Napier, you will be taken directly
to The Crown Hotel for check in.
Napier is the centre of the Hawke’s
Bay region of New Zealand. Napier is renowned
for both
its Art Deco architecture and also for its wine
industry and it is said to be one of the warmest
regions in the country with warm summers and mild
winters. There are many activities from adventure
seeking, wine tasting to just browsing around the
local art deco shopping areas.
In the late afternoon you will reboard your luxury
coach to be transferred to the Sileni Wine Estate.
Here you will enjoy a guided tour along with Wine
tasting and Olive Oil tasting, followed by a cooking
demonstration at the Culinary school which is on
site, by one of the restaurant team. He/she will
be demonstrating one of the dishes that will be
on offer to the group this evening. After the demonstration,
you will be invited to move to the restaurant,
where you will be served a 3 course set menu style
dinner.
At the end of the evening your Driver Guide will
transfer the group back to the hotel.
Sileni Estates is a major vineyard and winery
development in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand’s
oldest established vineyard area. The first vintage
was in 1998 and since then the wines have won worldwide
acclaim. Sileni Estates is named after the Sileni
who featured in Roman mythology alongside Bacchus,
the god of wine. They celebrated good wine, good
food and good company. Sileni Estate boasts a state
of the art winery designed to crush over 1500 tonnes
of grapes. The Winemaking Team has honed their
winemaking skills in Alsace, Bordeaux, Burgundy,
California, Chile and Oregon, and they strive to
maintain high standards in environmentally sustainable
viticulture and winemaking practices.
Day 6 Rotorua – Taupo – Napier (B/L/D)
- continued
Sileni Estates produce hand crafted wines that
reflect the unique characteristics of the vineyards.
Accommodation: The Crown Hotel – Studio
Rooms (1 night)
Day 7 Napier – Martinborough – Wellington
(B/L)
This morning you will board your luxury coach
and depart Napier for your journey to Wellington
travelling via Woodville and Masterton.
A stop is made at the Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre
for a visit (entrance fee at your own expense).
The reserve forms part of the once magnificent
Forty Mile Bush. Remaining forest of rimu, rata
and kamahi proved ideally suited, initially, for
the care of young Takahe and to ensure their survival.
The Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre offers visitors a
unique opportunity to see examples of New Zealand’s
threatened and endangered wildlife and learn about
wildlife conservation.
From Masterton travel south via Carterton and
Greytown on State Highway 2 before turning onto
Highway 53 to the winery town of Martinborough,
which is located in the Wairarapa district. The
Wairarapa is a well-known area for wine making
and whilst the production from the area may be
small, the region has had outstanding international
success across a broad range of varietals. Many
of New Zealand’s finest wines at the ultra-premium
end of the market originate from the region.
On arrival at Martinborough, you will stop at
Peppers’s Martinborough Hotel – here
you will enjoy a 2 course set menu style luncheon,
in a beautiful historic hotel.
Pepper’s Martinborough Hotel: Established
in 1882, Peppers Martinborough Hotel is an historic
retreat offering luxury, boutique accommodation
at the heart of Martinborough Wine Village – one
of New Zealand’s finest wine destinations.
Taking pride of place at the entrance to the square
is Peppers Martinborough Hotel. Developer Edmund
Buckeridge described it in 1882 as ‘one of
the finest hostelries ever erected in any inland
town in New Zealand’. A stopping point for
prosperous travellers to and from the South Wairarapa’s
huge isolated sheep station, its grand facade has
been a focal point for the town right from the
early days.
After lunch you will make a visit to the Vynfields
Winery, which is an Organic and Biodynamic Vineyard.
Here you will enjoy wine tasting before reboarding
your luxury coach and travelling to the next winery.
The last winery for the day will be the Martinborough
Vineyard, here you will enjoy wine tasting before
continuing onto Wellington.
You will reboard the luxury coach and return along
Highway 53 to rejoin State Highway 2. The luxury
coach will then climb the Rimutaka Ranges and travel
through the mountain pass descending through the
Lower and Upper Hutt Valleys to Wellington.
On arrival in Wellington you will be taken directly
to the Duxton Hotel with the remainder of the day
at leisure.
Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand
lies at the southern end of the North Island.
On the
shores of a magnificent harbour and surrounded
by the rugged beauty of green hills, it is one
of the most scenic cities. Some of the best views
are obtained from the hilltops, especially from
Mt Victoria lookout. The newest attraction in the ‘capital’ is
New Zealand’s National Museum. Named ‘Te
Papa’ (our place) it contains a wealth of
information on New Zealand’s past, present
and future, many interactive exhibits, multi-media
database and fascinating collections. A must see
while in Wellington.
Accommodation: Duxton Hotel Wellington – Club
Rooms (2 nights)
Day 8 Wellington (B/L/D)
Today is at your leisure, and you may wish to do one of the following optional activities:
- Zest ½ day
guided walk
- Red Rock Seals 4WD excursion
- Tour of Karori Wildlife
Sanctuary – 2
hour duration
- Parliament Building & Te
Papa Museum guided tour
In the early evening you will board your luxury
coach to travel the short distance to tonight’s dinner location, Boomrock. On arrival, you will enjoy a
glass of NZ wine and a selection of delicious canapés. You will then
sit down to enjoy a sumptuous 3 course set menu style dinner. Your Driver
Guide will return you to your accommodation. Three glasses of NZ wine per
person
is included this evening.
Boomrock: Waves thunder against the 250-metre
cliffs and echo back out across the expansive sea,
giving this remarkable place its name – Boomrock.
Nestled into the natural surroundings, this exquisite
luxury lodge has stunning views over the Cook Strait
to the South Island. A feeling of warmth is created
by the Jarrah flooring, huge wharf beams and roaring
open fire.
Accommodation: Duxton Hotel Wellington – Club
Rooms
Day 9 Wellington – Picton – Nelson
(B/D)
This morning you will be transferred by private
transfer to the Interislander ferry terminal to
board the Interislander vessel for transfer to
the South Island of New Zealand.
The sailing time from Wellington to Picton is
roughly 3 hours to cross the Cook Strait. Be sure
to remain on deck as the ferry leaves Wellington,
the sight of the Marlborough Sounds, with its steep
bush clad hills rising out of the sea an the heavily
indented coastline, is always memorable.
On arrival at Picton, you will be met by your
South Island Driver Guide, who will assist you
to your luxury coach.
Join the rest of your group and depart on your
journey to Nelson and your accommodation.
Upon arrival in Nelson you will be taken directly
to your accommodation for the night, the Monaco
Hotel & Resort.
In the early evening the group will be transferred
by your luxury coach from the Monaco Hotel & Resort
to a well known restaurant. Here you will enjoy
a set menu style dinner, in elegant surroundings.
Your Driver Guide will return you to your accommodation
at the end of the evening.
Nelson: the region, which is the sunniest
in New Zealand, has for many years attracted
residents
who love to use their imaginations. There are more
than 350 working artists and craftspeople living
in Nelson, including traditional and contemporary
Maori artists. Their work is often inspired by
the region’s exceptionally beautiful geography – coastal,
forest and valley landscapes provide places to
wander and dream.
Accommodation: Monaco Hotel & Resort – Various
Cottages (1 night)
Day 10 Nelson – Marahau – Awaroa
Lodge (B/D)
This morning you will be transported by your luxury
coach from Nelson, to Marahau Bay. Here you will
board a private water taxi, for a 1 ½ hour
cruise to Awaroa Lodge, which is situated in the
Abel Tasman National Park area.
On arrival at Awaroa Lodge you will be welcomed
by the Lodge staff. The remainder of your day is
at your own leisure to explore the various walking
trails or simply enjoy the ambience of the Awaroa
Lodge setting.
A 3 course set menu style dinner is included at
the lodge restaurant this evening.
Awaroa Lodge: Discerning travellers from all over
the world appreciate the distinctive architecture
and relaxed ambience of Awaroa Lodge. Discover
a perfect balance of natural comfort and contemporary
style, welcoming hospitality and creative & organic
cuisine. At the quiet northern end of Abel Tasman
National Park, Awaroa Lodge is the perfect vantage
point to explore the famous Abel Tasman Coastal
Track – the most beautiful of all New Zealand’s ‘Great
Walks’. The Awaroa Experience is an intrinsic
New Zealand Experience. A combination of incredible
scenery, warm friendly service, great local food
and drink and a restful nights’ sleep! Nestled
in native bush, Awaroa Lodge is just two minutes
from the beach.
Accommodation: Awaroa Lodge – Superior Studio Units (1 night)
Day 11 Awaroa Lodge – Marahau – Punakaiki – Fox
Glacier (B/D)
This morning you will depart Awaroa Lodge by water
taxi. On arrival at Marahau you will reboard your
luxury coach to begin the journey to the West Coast
of the South Island.
You will travel the scenic coast road to Punakaiki,
where the rocks take on the extraordinary appearance
of a pile of pancakes. The ‘Pancake Rocks’ and
their associated blowholes consist of eroded limestone.
Reached by a short walk from the main road, the
rocks are best visited during an incoming tide
and brisk westerly, when the sea surges through
the chasms. During your time at Punakaiki you may
wish to visit the Punakaiki Visitor Centre, which
has interesting displays and an audio-visual that
runs for 15 minutes. There is a donation applicable
to view the audio-visual (own expense).
You will continue your journey south to Greymouth
and from there over swiftly flowing rivers and
through virgin stands of native forest. En route
to Fox Glacier, you pass Hokitika, which is a major
centre for the working of Greenstone. Hokitika
is also the centre of a region that is rich in
history and nearby is a wealth of native forests,
lakes and rivers.
Thereafter, you will be transferred to your accommodation
for the night, the Te Weheka Inn.
A set menu style dinner will be served at your
hotel restaurant this evening
Accommodation: Te Weheka Inn – Run of House rooms (1 night)
Day 12 Fox Glacier – Wanaka (B)
This morning you will have an informative and
leisurely trip to the dynamic face of Fox Glacier.
It is here that the Fox River emerges from the
ice and where ice collapses are often heard and
seen.
Although you will not walk on the glacier your
guide will take you to the final resting place
of the ice that has travelled 13 kilometres from
the base of the Southern Alps, all the way to the
river valley floor. Your guide may take you closer
to the ice than the unguided public (if it is safe
to do so at the time) and you will have the opportunity
to learn the role of the Fox Glacier in shaping
its environment.
This two hour trip is reasonably easy going. About
one and a half hours is spent walking over gentle
terrain, over a river valley floor, at a speed
that almost anyone can manage. There is a strong
focus on providing you with quality interpretation
so you can learn about the glacier and the surrounding
environment.
It is usually possible to view the cave at the
terminal face of the ice from which the Fox River
emerges.
Upon completion, depart the glacier area in your
luxury coach and travel further south along the
rugged West Coast to the tiny community of Haast,
located on the coast where the wide Haast River
meets the sea.
OPTIONAL: At Haast you may wish to visit The South
West New Zealand World Heritage Visitor Centre
(Department of Conservation), at the junction of
SH6 and Jackson Bay Road on the southern bank of the Haast
River. The centre has information on the area and
on nature-related activities (at your own cost).
From Haast, you will turn inland and traverse
State Highway 6, which offers wonderful views of
the Southern Alps. The Haast Pass, linking Westland
with the Southern Lakes District of Central Otago.
Is dramatic, providing sudden contrast between
the lush vegetation of the west and dry tussocked
Otago landscape. Then descend to Wanaka, following
the shorelines of Lakes Wanaka and Hawera.
Upon arrival in Wanaka you will be taken directly
to your accommodation for the night, the Grand
Mercure Oakridge.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Oakridge
Day 13 Wanaka – Te Anau (B/L/D)
This morning you will reboard your luxury coach
to be transferred to the railway station at Kingston.
Here you will join the Kingston Flyer for a short
journey on this historic steam train.
The original Kingston Flyer was a passenger service
that operated between Kingston and the Main South
Line at Gore from 1878 through to the mid 1950s.
It provided a passageway to Queenstown and the
surrounding stations, by meeting up with the lake
steamers at Kingston Wharf. Today The Kingston
Flyer operates on a 14km stretch of track and consists
of two AB Pacific Class steam locomotives (NZ built).
AB 795 dating 1927 was a former Royal Train Locomotive & AB
778 dating 1925. They also have seven steam-heated
wooden vintage carriages dating back to 1898.
After the short trip on the Kingston Flyer, your
Driver Guide will greet you at Fairlight, where
you will reboard the luxury coach to continue the
journey.
At the junction of 3 state highways, lies the ‘Five
Rivers Station’, which is a combination of
a cafe and art gallery. Here you will enjoy a sumptuous
2 course set menu style luncheon.
After lunch, you will reboard your luxury coach
and continue to today’s destination of Te
Anau.
Upon arrival in Te Anau you will be taken directly
to your accommodation for the night, the Te Anau
Hotel & Villas.
Te Anau: The serene deep waters of Lake Te
Anau make up the largest lake in the South Island
and
second largest in NZ, and are bordered on its western
shore by lush virgin forest. The attractive town
of Te Anau lies nestled on the edge of this beautiful
lake, with a spectacular backdrop of Mt Luxmore
and the Murchison mountains. Te Anau provides a
full range of services to visitors, and is the
closest service base to Milford Sound, with a scenic
2 ½ drive from Te Anau to Milford.
Accommodation: Te Anau Hotel & Villas – Run
of House Rooms (1 night)
Day 14 Te Anau – Milford Sound -
Queenstown (B/D)
A memorable day! You will depart Te Anau for a
day of unsurpassed scenery, beginning with a drive
through the beech forests of the Eglinton Valley
before entering the Hollyford Valley, and descending
through the Homer Tunnel into Milford Sound. During
your journey, there is time for photo stops and
short walks along the way.
On arrival, you will embark on a cruise of Milford
Sound, including the hidden mouth of the Sound,
towering Mitre Peak and the cascading Stirling
Falls. An information and interesting commentary
is provided throughout the cruise with a Gourmet
Picnic style lunch on board.
At the end of the cruise, reboard your luxury
coach and retrace your route to Queenstown or as
an optional activity you have the opportunity to
fly out of Milford Sound on a fixed wing aircraft
to Queenstown. This will be one of the most memorable
experiences of your life as you fly over the Fiords
and marvel at the suspended lakes and waterfalls
as well as the world famous Milford Track.
On arrival into Queenstown you will check into
your accommodation for the night, the Sofitel Hotel.
In the early evening, the group will meet at a
private spot in the Sofitel Hotel. Here a representative
from one of the well-known wineries will greet
you. With the guidance of your winery host, you
will have the opportunity to sample 3 or 4 of their
Pinot wines, and some of the cheese they make onsite
at the winery. Canapés that have been created
using some of the local produce will be served,
and the chef from the hotel restaurant will meet
with the group and briefly explain the different
canapés that are being served to you that
evening.
After the wine tasting and canapés the
group will stroll a short distance to the steamer
wharf. Here you will enjoy a 3 course set menu
style dinner at a well known Queenstown restaurant.
Return to the Sofitel Hotel is at your own leisure.
Queenstown: a region of exceptional and diverse
beauty, is a leading resort in the South Island,
with inveterate world travellers regarding it as
one of the premier scenic areas in the world. Backed
by steep mountatins, Queenstown lies in the curve
of Lake Wakatipu at the head of its own small horse-shoe
shaped bay. It is the South Island’s principal
resort, drawing visitors the year round with its
lake and mountain scenery, exhilarating climate,
changing seasons and wide range of excursion possibilities.
Accommodation: Sofitel Hotel – Deluxe Lake View Rooms (2 nights)
Day 15 Queenstown (B)
Today is at your own leisure and you may wish
to participate in an optional activity (extra cost):
- Dart River Safari Excursion including light
BBQ Lunch
- ½ day Skippers
Canyon adventure by 4WD
- Shotover Jet Boat Ride
- Golf at Millbrook – 18
holes
- TSS Earnslaw Cruise & BBQ
Lunch at Walter Peak Station
This evening will also be at your own leisure
and you may wish to dine at one of the following
highly recommended restaurants (this will be at
your own expense):
Gantley’s Historic Restaurant
Boardwalk Restaurant
Prime Restaurant
The Cow (relaxed dining/Pizzeria)
Accommodation: Sofitel Hotel – Deluxe Lake View Rooms
Day 16 Queenstown – Mt Cook (B/L/D)
Today you will depart in your luxury coach for
your journey to Christchurch via Mt Cook. Your
journey begins by following the Kawarau River to
the township of Cromwell. You then cross the Lindis
Pass, which links northern central Otago with Mt
Cook and the Mackenzie Country. This inland route
winds through some of the most evocative hill country
to be found in New Zealand, with the forever-present
Southern Alps splitting the South Island distinctly
into west and east. Continue north to Omarama,
where a stop will be made at a local establishment
for lunch.
The Wrinkly Rams is a fantastic stop for any group
of International visitors. It is a combination
of Sheep shearing show, cafe, art gallery & wine
bar. There are a lot of talented artists in the
Omarama district and also surrounding districts,
and the owners have sourced the best from these
artists to show in their purpose built gallery.
You will reboard your luxury coach after lunch,
and continue the journey via the southern most
tip of Lake Pukaki, before following the shoreline
to Mt Cook Village.
On arrival at Mt Cook you will be checked into
your accommodation for the evening, the Hermitage
Hotel.
A set menu dinner has been selected at the Hermitage
Hotel restaurant for this evening’s meal.
Accommodation: Hermitage Hotel – Aoraki
Wing Top 3 floors (1 night)
Day 17 Mt Cook – Christchurch (B/L/D)
This morning you will depart Mt Cook for Christchurch,
retracing your route along the shoreline of Lake
Pukaki to Lake Tekapo, a turquoise glacial lake.
A stop is made at the lake’s edge to look
at the simple stone Church of the Good Shepherd
and the nearby bronze sheep dog.
You will continue through this windswept plateau
of rolling tussock country, via the townships of
Fairlie and Geraldine to today’s lunch destination
of Terrace Downs.
On arrival at Terrace Downs you will enjoy a 2
course set menu style luncheon.
Terrace Downs is located in one of the most naturally
beautiful places on earth, at the base of Mt Hutt
overlooking the Rakaia Gorge; Terrace Downs offers
an incomparable luxury leisure experience. Its
550 acres of unique New Zealand High Country provide
peace and seclusion just 50 minutes drive from
Christchurch Airport. Terrace Downs conserves as
well as shares its environment. Sumptuous, modern
facilities, deluxe accommodation in Villa Suites
and Fairway Chalets, and an 18-hole championship
golf course nestle in a pristine and unique landscape.
The Clubhouse restaurant offers spectacular views
and signature High Country cuisine using organically
grown and fresh local produce.
On completion of lunch, you will reboard your
luxury coach, and continue the journey north. The
route takes you across the patchwork quilt Canterbury
Plains to Christchurch City.
On arrival into Christchurch you will be checked
into your accommodation for the evening, the Millennium
Hotel.
Later in the evening, the group will be transferred
by the Driver Guide from to a well known local
restaurant. Here you will enjoy a 3 course set
menu style dinner, before being returned by your
luxury coach to the hotel.
Accommodation: Millennium Hotel – Executive
Suites (1 night)
Day 18 Depart Christchurch
You will be transferred from your hotel to Christchurch Airport, by private transfer.
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Dive
Sail
Surf
Bike
Walk
Kayak
Golf
Food & Wine
Snow Sports
Caving
Adventure
