|
Day 1 CANADA –
AUCKLAND
Depart Calgary for flights to Auckland via Los Angeles
Day 2 AUCKLAND
Arrive Auckland in the early morning. After clearing airport formalities,
transfer by private coach to our hotel. Rooms have been pre-registered
for immediate check-in.
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.
This afternoon, depart in your coach
for a sightseeing tour of Auckland. Your tour begins with a drive
to the top of Mt. Eden, for a panoramic view of the city and surrounds.
Then continue to the Auckland Domain, a lovely public park that
contains the Auckland Museum. Visit the Maori Display Court, which
exhibits the largest collection of Polynesian artifacts in the world.
During your visit of the museum, you will have time to experience
the excellent displays, exhibits and memorabilia from New Zealand’s
participation in the two World Wars. Highlights of this area include
an extremely rare and authentic Japanese Zero and a British Spitfire.
Leaving the museum, continue along
the waterfront to your hotel.
Overnight: Sky City Hotel (
deluxe room )
Day
3 AUCKLAND (B)
Golfers: This morning marks our first round of
golf at the Formosa Golf Club, designed by New Zealand's greatest
golfer, Sir Bob Charles; it was quickly listed in The Finest Golf
Clubs of the World.
Non Golfers: Day free
to explore the waterfront
Overnight: Sky City Hotel (
deluxe room )
Day
4 AUCKLAND – BAY OF ISLANDS (B)
Golfers: Morning
round of golf at Gulf Harbour Country Club. This is the only course
in New Zealand designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. The course was
the site of the 1998 World Cup of Golf and will host the 2005 NZ
Open.
Non Golfers: Leisurely morning before leaving Auckland
for the Bay of Islands. Travel through Auckland’s North Shore
suburbs before reaching the beautiful beaches of Hibiscus Coast.
Here take a detour to Gulf Harbour Golf club to pick up the golfers.
Continue to the summit of the Brynderwyn Ranges and then descend
to Whangarei, a major city of Northland and a haven for yachts.
From here, travel through rich farmlands to Kawakawa and Paihia,
in the delightful Bay of Islands. On arrival in Paihia, you will
be transferred to your hotel for check-in.
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 history.
Visitors are welcome to explore the well-preserved relics of the
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. 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.
Overnight: Copthorne Bay of Islands
(Waterview Room)
Day
5 CAPE REINGA (B, L)
This morning you are picked
up from your hotel by Fullers Northland, for your full-day private
coach tour to Cape Reinga, located at the northern tip of New Zealand.
There are numerous stops for you to take in the scenic highlights
and activities, starting with the easy twenty minute boardwalk through
the Puketi Kauri Forest. Thunder along Ninety Mile Beach to the
top of New Zealand and wander out to the lighthouse. Ride on a sand
sledge if you dare! Go for a swim, dig for shellfish and taste the
local fruits of Kerikeri. Visit the picturesque village of Mangonui.
Return to Paihia and your hotel.
Overnight: Copthorne Bay of Islands
(Waterview Room)
Day
6 BAY OF ISLANDS (B)
This morning you will be taken
to the Maritime Building on Paihia’s waterfront. From the
wharf, depart on a 4-hour cruise on a luxury catamaran, beginning
with a trip out through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse.
Next is Motukokako Island and the famous “Hole in the Rock”,
where the excitement grows as a passage is made through the hole.
During your trip a stopover is made at beautiful Urupukapuka Island,
where you have the chance to take a swim or walk. The return journey
back to Paihia meanders through the inner islands and past sandy
beaches, beautiful bays and marine wildlife.
Golfers: Afternoon golf at Kerikeri
Golf Course, regarded as one of the best golf courses in New Zealand
due to its exciting layout of bunkers, water hazards, and spectacular
views.
Non-Golfers: Afternoon free to enjoy the Bay of
Island
Overnight: Copthorne Bay of Islands
(Waterview Room)
Day
7 BAY OF ISLANDS – COROMANDEL (B)
This morning depart in your private charter coach
and travel via the tiny settlement of Opononi to the Waipoua Forest,
the highlight of a west coast visit. This superb forest sanctuary
is the largest remnant of once extensive kauri forests of northern
New Zealand. Continuing on to Matakohe, you will visit the Otamatea
Kauri and Pioneer Museum, to discover the story of the magnificent
kauri tree, its timber and gum. After your visit continue your journey
along the beautiful beaches of the Hibiscus Coast as you make your
way to South Auckland. On arrival in Pauanui you are transferred
to your accommodation for check-in.
This area, about 1.5 hours drive from Auckland
is renowned for its native pohutukawa trees on its West coast and
the beautiful white sandy beaches on the East coast. The historical
past of this region is evident in the mining relics, logging dams
and Maori Pa sites that dot the landscape.
Overnight: Grand Mercure Puka Park
(Treehut Rooms)
Day 8
COROMANDEL (B)
Golfers: Spend the morning golfing at Lakes Resort
Golf Course, designed by Canadian firm Sid Puddicombe Associates.
The back nine has been described as the “best back nine holes
in New Zealand.”
Non-Golfers: Time free to explore Coromandel.
This afternoon leave Pauanui by private coach for
a drive further up the Coromandel Peninsula to the beautiful area
of Hahei and Cathedral Cove. This peninsula comprises of dramatic
forest-covered hills, clear rocky streams and wonderful coastal
scenery. Take a bush walk to Cathedral Cove and on your return transfer
to Hahei Village. During low tide at Hot Water Beach, you can dig
in the sand and take a soak in the thermal waters underneath- a
local pastime for many years. Opposite the dairy at Hot Water Beach
visit the Art Gallery to see wonderful New Zealand arts & crafts.
Overnight: Grand Mercure Puka Park
(Treehut Rooms)
Day 9
COROMANDEL – WAITOMO – ROTORUA (B,L)
This morning you will depart the Coromandel Peninsula and travel
south and inland to Hamilton and Waitomo. Here, 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. 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.
Rotorua is situated on a volcanic rift which stretches
in a 200 km (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.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel (ROH Rooms)
Day 10
ROTORUA (B,D)
Golfers: Enjoy a round of golf at
Wairakei International Golf Course. The Wairakei Course at Lake
Taupo was recently re-designed to make it the “finest non-coastal
course golf course in the country.”
Non-Golfers: Enjoy a day at leisure to explore
the area’s volcanic landscape.
This evening, you are picked up from your hotel and
transferred to a local Maori Marae, a traditional Maori meeting
place, for your cultural experience. On arrival, a traditional Maori
wero (challenge) and powhiri (welcome) takes place. Then, a concert
of Maori songs with dances is performed, including the fearsome
haka and the rhythmic poi dance. Afterwards, enjoy an authentic
Maori hangi (dinner), whereby well-wrapped food is steam-cooked
in an underground pit. The meal, consisting of wild pork, lamb,
seafood and vegetables, is then lifted from the ground and ready
for serving. Enjoy a wonderful night of entertainment.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel (ROH Rooms)
Day 11
ROTORUA – TAUPO – NAPIER (B,L)
This morning depart by private coach for a sightseeing
tour of Rotorua. Visit Te Puia, for a guided tour of the model Maori
pa, village site, and close by, where young Maori are taught the
skills of traditional carving. From here, visit the Thermal Reserve
to see boiling mud pools and geysers including “Pohutu”
(“splashing”), the largest geyser, which plays several
times a day. You will then depart Rotorua for Taupo, travelling
to Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland- New Zealand's most colourful and
diverse geothermal sightseeing experience. On arrival enjoy a guided
walk through the Wai-o-tapu Thermal Reserve where a wide range of
features including mud pools, mineral terraces, colourful hot and
cold pools and steaming volcanic lakes can be viewed. Unique in
the world is the effervescent ‘Champagne Pool’ occupying
a 70 metre wide explosion crater. Explore the pathways through native
forest and encounter the many different species of native birds.
After your visit, travel through plantations of pine
forest to Taupo, a township located on the edge of Lake Taupo. En
route a stop is made to see the pounding Huka Falls; “hukanui”
in Maori means a “great body of spray”. See the waters
of the Waikato River forced through a narrow gap between rocks at
great force. Later, you might also like to visit the Craters of
the Moon for a walk through this eerie moonscape of boiling mud
and hot steam. Next you will visit the Prawn Farm. Experience a
true New Zealand success story based on Kiwi ingenuity on a grand
scale, be introduced to the successful and unique way of farming
the New Zealand Prawn, and finally - taste the prawns. Continue
on to Napier where you will visit 2 wineries for a tour and tasting
before being transferred back to your hotel, the Te Pania Hotel.
The centre of the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand,
Napier is renowned for both its Art Deco architecture and also for
its wine industry. 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.
Overnight: Te Pania Hotel (Superior
Rooms)
Day 12
NAPIER (B)
Depart Napier by private coach for your Gannet Safaris
Overland Tour at Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony, the largest mainland
gannet colony in the world. This 3 hour “no walking”
tour takes you to within 5 metres of these amazing birds. Whilst
ungainly on land, gannets are designed for graceful flying and diving
from great heights into the sea to catch fish. During your trip
enjoy panoramic view of Hawke’s Bay.
Overnight: Te Pania Hotel (Superior
Rooms)
Day 13
NAPIER – WELLINGTON – CHRISTCHURCH (B)
This morning you will travel to Wellington. On arrival
enjoy a tour of Wellington, New Zealand’s Capital City. You
will then be taken to Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand
that has one of the finest collections of art and artefacts in the
South Pacific.
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.
After your guided tour you will be taken to Wellington
Domestic Airport for your flight to Christchurch, where you will
be met and transferred to your hotel, The Copthorne Durham Street.
Christchurch, "The Garden City", has
many well-tended parks, reserves and squares, but the civic love
of beauty is often more apparent in the fresh lawns and burgeoning
gardens of the suburban streets. The pioneering folk of an earlier
era had thought for the future when they planted seedlings which
have grown into mighty oaks and elms, soaring poplars and graceful
willows, now seen in every part of the city. Much of the charm of
this city starts and finishes with the beautiful Avon River that
runs through the suburbs and the city itself, providing an almost
rural atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Overnight: Copthorne Durham Street
(ROH Rooms)
Day 14
CHRISTCHURCH (B)
Golfers: This morning you will be
taken to the Clearwater Golf Club, home of the New Zealand PGA Championship
and the only US PGA Nationwide Tour Stop in New Zealand. This course
is reminiscent of a cross between an American parklands course and
Old World links course- undoubtedly a joy to play.
Non-Golfers: You will be treated to a full-day
Kaikoura whale-watching tour, where you can spot the giant sperm
whale and other whale species, as well as dolphins and seals.
Enjoy the rest of the day free to explore Christchurch.
Overnight: Copthorne Durham Street
(ROH Rooms)
Day 15
CHRISTCHURCH (B)
This morning enjoy sightseeing tour of this garden
city, with its tree-lined Avon River and many elegantly landscaped
parks and suburbs. Your tour includes a drive past some of Christchurch’s
architecture, from the neogothic beauty of the Cathedral and Museum
to the striking designs of the Town Hall and Arts Centre. Your sightseeing
tour also includes a visit to the Botanical Gardens and Mona Vale.
Afternoon at leisure to explore Christchurch on your
own.
Overnight: Copthorne Durham Street
(ROH Rooms)
Day 16
CHRISTCHURCH (B)
Golfers: Today you will play the Terrace Downs Golf
Course, considered one of the best of New Zealand’s scenic
mountain courses. This golf course has some of the most dazzling
views of New Zealand.
Non-Golfers: You are at leisure to explore the garden city of Christchurch.
This afternoon depart on a winery tour to the Waipara
area by private coach. Our Waipara Tour will take you to two award-winning
wineries, such as Pegasus Bay, Canterbury House, Waipara Springs,
Torlesse, Mt Cass, Muddy Water, Danny Schuster or Sherwoods. You
will be able to view the vineyards and, if you wish, buy some wine.
Return by private coach to your hotel.
The South Island of New Zealand has the southernmost
vineyards in the world, with climatic conditions producing wines
that are distinctive and unique. The Waipara Valley, Canterbury's
premier wine-growing region, is about 45 minutes' drive north of
Christchurch. Waipara is one of the fastest growing wine producing
regions in New Zealand, currently boasting over 40 vineyards and
wineries. The region is an ideal cool-climate grape growing area,
with Pinot Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominating
local plantings. Recent investment in the region by some of New
Zealand's larger wine producers, including Montana Wines, mean that
Waipara is set to become a major player in the New Zealand wine
industry.
Overnight: Copthorne Durham Street
(ROH Rooms)
Day 17
CHRISTCHURCH – QUEENSTOWN (B)
This morning bid goodbye to Christchurch as you fly
to Queenstown. Aptly named, Paradise lies in the Dart River valley
at the foot of the Earnslaw Mountains on the edge of the Mount Aspiring
National Park. The area has a heritage that extends back with the
Maori who passed through the area seasonally looking for food or
mining for punamou (jade). Remote, tree lined and with the grandeur
of the glaciated mountains coated in snow, it is here that Peter
Jackson identified the area as an ideal physical backdrop for his
epic “The Lord of The Rings”. As we take the glorious
journey from Queenstown up the side of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy
and on into Paradise your experienced driver/guides will provide
commentary on the local environment, the history and if you are
interested, point out several film locations.
There are several opportunities to stop for photos
including a walk in the beautiful native beech forests with the
mats of mosses and lichens that provided the background for the
Elven kingdom of “Lothlorien”. Next you will depart
on a breathtaking scenic jet-boat ride up the Dart River into the
pristine and wild country of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. As
you boat along enjoy wonderful views of spectacular ice-capped peaks
and glaciers, cascading waterfalls and crystal clear streams. Afterwards,
transfer back to Queenstown to your hotel, the Millennium Hotel.
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 mountains, 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.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel (ROH Rooms)
Day 18
QUEENSTOWN (B,D)
Golfers: Enjoy a morning round of
golf at the beautiful Millbrook Resort, an alpine course designed
by Sir Bob Charles and set against the backdrop of The Remarkables
mountain range. The course is located in a picturesque region seen
by millions in the film The Lord of the Rings.
Non-Golfers: A full day tour via coach and cruise
of the Milford Sound with lunch
This evening we will enjoy a farewell to New Zealand
dinner using the freshest of New Zealand and local food.
Overnight: Millennium Hotel (ROH Rooms)
Day 19
DEPART QUEENSTOWN (B)
In the early afternoon you will be transferred
to the Queenstown Airport for your flight to Auckland as you bid
goodbye to beautiful New Zealand on your flight home.
|
