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23-Day (23 Night) Escorted Tour out of Vancouver, B.C.
23 nights - Sunday, February 21 to Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Land package: $5,550 Cdn, Single supplement $1,400 Cdn
Almost all-inclusive. The Land Price in Canadian funds may vary a
little - depending on exchange rates at the time of final payment
(original calculation at March 20, 2009 rate 0.1691832). A commitment
and deposit is required by October 15, 2009, in order to secure the
hotels. Final payment due November 10, 2009.
New Zealand is a unique land of breathtakingly beautiful and varied
scenery. "Visitors are drawn by the country's craggy coastlines,
golden beaches, verdant forests, snow-capped alpine mountains, volcanic
pools, fish-filled rivers and glacier-fed lakes, all beneath a brilliant
blue sky."
It ranges in latitude from subtropical to sub-Antarctic, and is a
tectonically active hotspot with frequent volcanic activity. In addition
to its many wonders of Nature, and large variety of outdoor activities,
New Zealand is also a country rich in cultural influences: the original
adventurous Polynesian navigators (Maoris), and the pioneering European
settlers who followed a thousand years later, whose effect on the country
is shown in the many museums and galleries of New Zealand's main cities
and local towns.
This is a very comprehensive tour covering both North and South
Islands. There will be a fair amount of walking, especially in order to
get the most enjoyment out of it, and although such walking is not
generally difficult, good walking shoes are highly recommended.
This tour is NOT recommended for people with walking problems,
breathing or heart problems.
The tour is fully escorted by Margaret Rodgers who has
taught Travel courses for Continuing Education in Vancouver and Surrey,
B.C. for several years. She has designed and escorted a number of tours in
Britain, Mexico and Guatemala, and has travelled extensively.
Included in the price:
- Airport transfers for those arriving and leaving with the group
- Accommodation and transportation for tour length
- All breakfasts, 19 dinners, 4 lunches, tea or coffee with dinner
- Admission to all attractions as per itinerary
- Porterage - one medium-sized bag per person in and out of
hotels
- Local guides (although small tips can be given if you really enjoy
the service)
- Escort throughout
Not included:
- Airfare and related taxes
- All Insurance
- Personal requirements: e.g. laundry
- Alcoholic and beverages other than tea/coffee as specified
- Gratuities for driver and escort/guide
BB=Bed & Breakfast, D=Dinner at 7:00 pm. L=Lunch included
Day 1/2/3 (Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
Fly Vancouver - Christchurch
We fly directly from Vancouver to Auckland with Air New Zealand Depart
Flight NZ 0083 at approx. 9:00 pm?
Arrive Auckland 06:00 am?, with a good connection to Christchurch.
(flights to be verified when schedules for 2010 are
available.)
Day 3 (Sunday, Feb 21)
Start Land Package
We have arranged for an early lunch (included), after which we have a
short relaxing walking tour of the city with a local guide - you'll be
ready to stretch your legs after the long flight - as we cannot check into
the hotel until 2:00 pm, as is usual at most hotels nowadays. The rest of
the afternoon is then free to rest or explore Christchurch. At the
time of our visit, the annual Festival of Flowers will be on in
Christchurch, so we will definitely be able to see some of this
world-famous event while we are there.
Tonight, we will have an early dinner at 6:30 pm.
First of 2 nights, Latimer Hotel, Christchurch - LDBB
Day 4 (Monday, Feb 22)
English breakfast at the hotel
A scenic, relaxing drive to the quaint little fishing village of Akaroa,
an hour's drive south of Christchurch, nestled in the heart of an ancient
volcano It was originally an historic French and British settlement with
its colonial architecture, craft stores, and cafés; a 'must see' when
visiting Christchurch. On route back we will see attractive Lyttleton
Harbour, and the rest of the afternoon is again free to enjoy
Christchurch on your own.
Last of 2 nights in Christchurch - DBB
Day 5 (Tuesday, Feb 23)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
Depart for Dunedin stopping near Oamaru, which has become
famous for the geological wonder of the Moeraki Boulders on the
windswept sands of a dramatic coastline nearby. These are huge perfectly
spherical boulders formed from ancient sea sediments, strewn at random on
the beach, and are like no others anywhere else in the world.
We continue down the coast to Dunedin where we have a short tour of New
Zealand's oldest city, and one of the best preserved Victorian and
Edwardian cities in the entire Southern Hemisphere. We will have time to
stroll through the Botanic Gardens before having dinner there.
Overnight: Dunedin City Hotel, Dunedin - DBB
Day 6 (Wednesday, Feb 24)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
We have an early departure for the resort town of Te Anau, the
best base for exploring the Fiordland region.
After checking into the hotel and lunch, we take a boat trip across
Lake Te Anau to visit the Glow Worm Caves and a chance to stroll
through the native rainforest. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy
this small town.
First of 3 nights: Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau - DBB
Day 7 (Thursday, Feb 25)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
Today we have a full-day excursion to Doubtful Sound and Lake
Manapouri, known for its wilderness and wildlife. We visit the Manapouri
Underground Power Station, the country's largest hydroelectric power
station which is considered New Zealand's greatest engineering feat. It is
unique in that nearly all of it is built underground. We then cross
magnificent Willmott Pass for our cruise on Doubtful Sound, with
scenic photographic stops on the way. Lunch is included today.
Second of 3 nights in Te Anau - LDBB
Day 8 (Friday, Feb 26)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
We have another full-day excursion - to experience the wonders of Milford
Sound and the gorgeous scenery en route. On our boat trip on this
stunning Sound nowhere else in Fiordland do the mountains stand as tall,
directly out of the sea. There are magnificent waterfalls straight into
the Sound, and if it rains (actually a bonus) there are literally
thousands of amazing additional waterfalls - so maybe we should hope it
rained before we get there! On the return journey, we will have
time for several special photo stops and some wonderful short nature
walks. Lunch is included on the boat today.
Last of 3 nights in Te Anau - dinner on own - LBB
Day 9 (Saturday, Feb 27)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
Depart for Queenstown, New Zealand's premier tourist resort, on
the shores of crystal-clear Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by
majestic mountains.
As it will be too early to check into the hotel, we go to the boat dock
for 12 noon for a 1.5 hr. boat excursion up the lake as far as the Walter
Peak Sheep Station. Affectionately known as the "Lady of the
Lake," the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw is the only coal fired,
passenger-carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. You
can either have a snack on board or wait for lunch later when the rest of
the afternoon is free in Queenstown.
First of 2 nights: Novotel Gardens Hotel, Queenstown -
DBB
Day 10 (Sunday, Feb 28) Driver's Rest Day
Full English breakfast at the hotel
A free day in Queenstown (suggestions: Shotover River adventure,
Skippers Canyon, Gondola to the Skyline Chalet, Heritage tours covering
the gold rush, scenic flights [small plane and helicopter], wine tours,
guided nature walks, gorgeous gardens, and the Trilogy Trail for Lord of
the Rings fans). There are more than enough things to do in Queenstown to
suit anybody's preference. There will be a handout describing these
options in more detail.
Last of 2 nights in Queenstown - dinner on own - BB
Day 11 (Monday, Mar 1)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
En route for Lake Wanaka we visit historic Arrowtown
where, in 1862, gold was found in the river and the small town rapidly grew to a population of
over 7,000. Now, it is the most well-preserved gold-mining town in the county
of Otago: its buildings are protected and many have been so well restored
that you feel as if you have walked back in time.
Wanaka Town is at the foot of the Southern Alps, at the edge of
yet another crystal clear lake in the dramatic alpine Mount Aspiring
National Park. This lake is New Zealand's fourth largest lake, an inland
sea for sailors and jet-boaters. The afternoon is free for you to enjoy
the walking trails, or whatever other outdoor activities are available. Or
visit Stuart Landsborough's Puzzling World, a world-unique attraction with
a fascinating theme of anything eccentrically puzzling.
Overnight: Edgewater Resort, Wanaka - DBB
Day 12 (Tuesday, Mar 2)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
Today promises to be one of the most scenic drives in the whole of New
Zealand (can anything be even better than what we've already seen?), along
the side of Lake Hawea, through Mt. Aspiring National Park, and over the
Haast Pass. We have a short walk to see the famous Blue Pools of Haast,
then an exciting "safari" jet-boat cruise on the Haast River
which allows us to explore an area of New Zealand that has been untouched
by humans - ie. the Haast River and the surrounding glacial valley where
we will see some of the most stunning scenery of New Zealand. This guided
cruise takes us to some intriguing and pristine places along the river,
with stories of the cultural history and legends.
After lunch we continue to Fox Glacier where we take a walk as
close to the foot of a glacier as possible. This is an unusual area of the
world where the glaciers are not retreating but, rather, advancing. Of all
the glaciers in the Southern Alps, only the Fox and Franz Josef
glaciers have crept as far as the rain-forests, where these giant
tongues of ice have squeezed down their valleys to just 250 metres above
sea level. Optional scenic heli-flights with snow landing are available at
Fox Glacier.
Overnight: Fox Glacier Hotel - DBB
Day 13 (Wednesday, Mar 3)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
We start early with a diversion to nearby Lake Matheson (the
"mirror" lake) where, if we are lucky, there should be a perfect
reflection of the major mountains in the lake before the wind ruffles the
surface.
We continue up the windy coastal road to stop at Hokitika to see
the gold and greenstone (jade) factories, and perhaps a short walk on the
black beach.
After lunch near Greymouth our next stop is for nee of the West
Coast's most famous sights - the fascinating 'pancake' rocks and
blowholes at Punakaiki. These 'pancakes' are thousands of thin,
horizontal layers of limestone, about 2-4 cm. thick, scattered on the
beach and piled on top of each other.
Overnight: Punaikaki Resort Hotel (to be confirmed) - DBB
Day 14 (Thursday, Mar 4)
Full English breakfast at the hotel.
Today we drive through the spectacular Buller Gorge, on a the
twisting road that has been carved through the steep-sided, bush-clad
gorge, en route for Nelson, our last stop at the north end of South
Island on the shores of Tasman Bay. It is the geographic centre of New
Zealand and renowned for having the most sunshine in the entire country!
It is also New Zealand's largest fishing port and the gateway to a major
forestry and horticulture industry. We have another wonderful resort to
enjoy, overlooking the bay.
Overnight: Grand Mercure Monaco Hotel & Resort,
Nelson - DBB
Day 15 (Friday, Mar 5)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
An early departure in order to get to Picton for the 9:50 ferry
to Wellington, at the foot of North Island, which takes 3.5 hours - so lunch on board.
After checking into our hotel, we have a walking tour of Wellington
with a local guide, after which we visit the magnificent Te Papa
Tongnerwa Museum for a guided tour. This is New Zealand's national
museum which offers visitors a unique and authentic experience of the
country's treasures and stories - from the shaping of its land to the
spirit of its diverse people, from its unique wildlife to its distinctive
art and visual culture. Afterwards, you can explore on your own as one can
walk from one side of downtown Wellington to the other in approx. 20
minutes.
Overnight: Novotel Capital, Wellington - DBB
Day 16 (Saturday, Mar 6)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
We depart for Napier, on the shore of Hawkes Bay, which was
entirely rebuilt in the early 1930s following a massive earthquake which
almost destroyed the entire city. By the end of the decade, after a huge
rebuilding boom, Napier was the newest city on the globe. The rebuilding
period coincided with the short-lived and rapidly changing Art Deco era
and the Great Depression. As a result Napier's architecture is strikingly
different from any other city and in many ways it resembles a film set.
After we check in at the hotel, we have an "Art Deco"
guided walk, then free time for relaxation or to explore more of
Napier on your own.
Dinner tonight is at Mission Winery, in an old converted monastery.
Overnight: Beach Front Hotel, or Te Pania Hotel, Napier
(to be confirmed) - DBB
Day 17 (Sunday, Mar 7)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
We leave the coast to drive to Rotorua via Taupo, New
Zealand's largest freshwater lake created by a gigantic volcanic eruption,
with pumice-sand beaches. We have a photo stop by the lake, and a walk to
see a little of the spectacular Huka Falls before continuing to Rotorua,
a geothermal paradise, and home to one of the most unique tourism sites in
the world. Set amid attractive scenery, the entire region is a
geologically exciting volcanic wonderland. The city itself is a pleasure
to explore, with steam escaping from cracks in the road, and back gardens
having their own thermal pools, with the pungent aroma of sulphur
everywhere!
We visit Te Puia to introduce you to the area. We hear about
Maori life, see the carving school, and learn about the unique Maori
lifestyle and traditions, how they have come to live in harmony within
this unique environment. It is set amidst a landscape of erupting
geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools, where we
can see the highest Pohutu geyser.
First of 2 nights: Royal Lakeside Novotel, Rotorua - DBB
Day 18 (Monday, Mar 8)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
An early start today with a fair amount of walking. We drive to the
exciting Waimangu Volcanic Valley, the only hydrothermal system in
the world wholly formed within historic times as a result of a volcanic
eruption in 1886. The area is a scenic and wildlife reserve, protected by
the Department of Conservation. We can follow a walkway to see large
craters filled with hot, coloured or clear water, silica terracing, hot
running streams, fumaroles and hot springs, to a boat dock for a 45-minute
boat cruise in a crater lake, see several endangered plants that exist
beside the geothermal activity, along with many unusual thermally-adapted
plants.
After lunch at Waimangu we depart for the Agrodome Sheep Show,
the entertaining, multi-award-winning, stage show where the presenter
gives us an exciting and informative insight into agriculture in New
Zealand. During the show we will see nineteen sheep breeds introduced onto
the stage, the art of sheep shearing, sheep-dog demonstrations, cow
milking, an exciting sheep auction, and be able to bottle feed lambs.
This evening we will attend a special Maori concert and feast (hangi)
with a floodlit walk through Rainbow Springs where we will hope to see the
iconic nocturnal kiwi bird and the ancient tuatara, the world's only
living dinosaur.
Last of 2 nights in Rotorua - DBB
Day 19 (Tuesday, Mar 9)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
After having seen all the major marvels that this area has to offer,
you have until 10:45 for free time in Rotorua to enjoy this attractive
little city before we depart for the coast again. We can have a lovely
walk to see the beautiful Okere Falls before continuing on to Tauranga,
located on the Bay of Plenty and surrounded by orchards and gardens
growing everything from kiwifruit and citrus fruit to avocados and
culinary herbs. There is a thriving local wine industry and plentiful
fresh seafood and you'll see why the region's restaurant culture is so
well developed.
En route we stop at Comvita, a very interesting honey and
natural health product factory (fascinating to see the bees at work) at Te
Puke, which is also the kiwifruit capital of New Zealand.
After checking in at the hotel we have a drive to Mount Maunganui,
to see the harbour and fabulous beaches, after which there is free time to
relax.
Overnight: The Sebel Trinity Wharf Hotel, Tauranga - DBB
Day 20 (Wednesday, Mar 10)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
Today we drive round the Coromandel Peninsula, which has some of
the most stunning beaches in the North Island, with golden sand, hot pools
and glorious waters, plus some small picturesque coastal resorts. This
will be a very relaxing day with an opportunity to gaze at perfect beaches
with maybe a chance to get your feet wet.
Overnight: Rendezvous Hotel, Auckland - DBB
Day 21 (Thursday, Mar 11)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
We depart for Bay of Islands, one of the most picturesque and
popular holiday sites in New Zealand. It is a stunning region of 144
secluded islands, abundant in natural wonders and marine life. It is also
regarded as the birthplace of New Zealand as a bi-cultural nation, rich in
both Maori culture and early European history, with some of New Zealand's
most significant historic sites.
We stop at the Kauri Museum at Matakohe, one of the
country's most amazing internationally-acclaimed theme museums. This
award-winning museum tells a fascinating story of the pioneering days
through the use of kauri timber and kauri gum. Settlers first came to
Matakohe and nearby Paparoa and Maungaturoto in 1862 and this museum was
established to celebrate their centennial and to pay tribute to those
early pioneers.
The kauri tree is New Zealand's largest and most famous native tree - a
special type of conifer or pine tree which grows in the subtropical
northern part of the North Island. After lunch, we continue up the west
coast route and see the largest kauri in the country. After checking in at
the lovely resort of Paihia it's at your leisure to take a 5-minute
ferry trip across the bay to Russell, as the rest of the afternoon
is on your own to explore this lovely little seaside village across the
harbour, which was actually the first capital of New Zealand! It has lots
of history and old buildings, most of the places are free, and you can
return independently on the boat in time for dinner.
First of 3 nights: Copthorne Hotel & Resort, Paihia -
DBB
Day 22 (Friday, Mar 12)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
Today we explore more of the history of the area in nearby Waitangi
where, at the Treaty House, Maori and Europeans joined in signing
the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840. It established British law in New Zealand,
at the same time guaranteeing Maori authority over their land and culture.
It is considered to be New Zealand's founding document. On the same site,
in a vast, peaceful park, is a fully-carved Maori Meeting House,
one of the largest remaining Maori war canoes, and a superb Visitor Centre
and Gallery.
En route to Kerikeri, a fertile orchard town, we have a photo
stop at Hurua Falls before continuing to photograph the Mission
House, the oldest wooden building in New Zealand, and adjacent Stone
House, the oldest building. After lunch we have a wonderful short walk
to the famous Rainbow Falls, before returning to Paihia where the
rest of the day is free to enjoy this lovely little resort by the water.
Dinner will be on your own, with plenty of choice.
Second of 2 nights in Paihia - dinner on own - BB
Day 23 (Saturday, Mar 13)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
We have a full day tour along the western coast of the Aupouri
Peninsula to Cape Reinga, at the very northern tip of New Zealand
where two mighty oceans meet. Here the Tasman Sea clashes with the Pacific
Ocean in a ridge of foaming water which can create 10-metre waves. The
well-photographed Cape Reinga lighthouse and a gnarly 800-year old
pohutukawa tree mark "land's end" where these two mighty oceans
meet and the spirit of the Maori are said to leap off. The lighthouse can
be seen from 90 miles away.
The natural landscape is exposed to the full force of two oceans, and
is home to magnificent sandy beaches, huge sand-dunes, and lush green
pastures. We drive along the famous 90-mile beach, and stop at the Kauri Forest at Puteki
on our return. Lunch is included.
Last of 3 nights in Paihia - dinner on own - LBB
Day 24 (Sunday, Mar 14)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
We return to Auckland, one of the world's most exciting
waterside cities, and New Zealand's largest and most vibrant one. Known as
the "City of Sails," Auckland features spectacular harbour
views, with more yachts and sailboats per capita than any other city in
the world.
We start with a visit to the top of the Sky Tower, the tallest
building in the Southern Hemisphere, after which a local guide will take
us on a walking tour.
First of 2 nights: Rendezvous Hotel, Auckland - DBB
Day 25 (Monday, Mar 15)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
In the morning, we have a trip from Waitemata Harbour to Rangitoto
Island to visit the extinct volcano. We visit the lovely village of Devonport
for lunch, after which our driver will take us on a driving tour of
Auckland, including Auckland Harbour Bridge, which gives
spectacular views of the city; One Tree Hill, burial place of the
city's founder; and Mt. Eden. Auckland is built on 48 dormant
or extinct volcanoes, and at 196 m. Mt Eden is the highest volcanic cone
in the area. From the summit we have a marvellous 360° panoramic view of
the city. We will see the Auckland Domain, the city's central park,
with nearby Auckland University and Parnell Village where
are some of the cities most historic sites which you can visit on your
free time.
Last of 2 nights in Auckland - DBB
Day 26 (Tuesday, Mar 16)
Full English breakfast at the hotel
Free day in Auckland until we leave for the airport. Suggestions in
Handout.
Approx. 16:00: Transfer to Airport for 19:30 pm? flight home via San
Francisco
NZ Flight 008 and AC Flight 568? Flights to be verified with 2010
schedules.
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