Experience a colorful kaleidoscope of New Zealand life. Discover backroad places, country hospitality and nature in the wild. We cross plains, alpine basins and mountain passes. The scenery is superb and the spaces wide open.

2007 & 2008 DEPARTURE DATES:  

• Oct 14

• Nov 09

• Dec 08

• Jan 12

• Feb 16

• Mar 08

• Mar 29

• April 19

• May 10

PRICE:
Low Season $7255/pp + tax*
High Season $8230/pp + tax* (dates in BOLD)

Day 1: Los Angeles - Auckland (D)
Depart this evening on your Air New Zealand flight to Auckland.

Day 2: Lost
Cross the International Date line

Day 3: Auckland (B)
Welcome to New Zealand! Day at leisure to explore the "City of Sails".

Day 4: Auckland - Wairakei (D) 
Leaving your city hotel at 8.30am we drive south to the Waikato farmlands, stopping for coffee in a woodland garden. We visit Waitomo's breathtaking glow worm cave enjoy the beauty of the region before driving across to Wairakei. There's time to relax in your hotel's thermal pool before dinner.

Day 5: Wairakei - Rotorua (B, D) 
We stop at thundering Huka Falls and visit Orakei Korako where we cross the lake to a thermal wonderland of silica terraces and bubbling mud pools. Later we arrive in Rotorua to take in the sights. In the evening we enjoy the warmth of a Maori concert and a traditional hangi dinner.

Day 6: Rotorua - Napier (B) 
We head to Taupo and skirt the lake before traveling over the ranges to Napier where Art Deco lives. Walk the city's Art Deco trail or taste fine wine at vineyards at the heart of this acclaimed wine region. In the breeding season visiting the gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is a must for bird lovers.

Day 7: Napier - Martinborough (B) 
The Hawkes Bay region is known as a food basket and you'll see why as we drive by orchards, vineyards and market gardens. We visit Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre, a renowned bird sanctuary, to see the kiwi's habitat. Martinborough is a pretty village at the centre of a wine region. 

Day 8: Martinborough - Marlborough Sounds (B, D) 
Over the ranges to Wellington, the capital city, where we visit Te Papa, the innovative national museum. We take the ferry across Cook Strait and up Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. Our hideaway lodge is just a launch ride away.

Day 9: Marlborough Sounds (B, L, D) 
Lie back and relax or perhaps walk a nearby track. We've arranged a packed lunch so the day is yours to explore the sound by charter launch, join a nature cruise or take a walk along Queen Charlotte Track with spectacular views of the sounds at your feet. We dine at the lodge tonight.

Day 10: Marlborough Sounds - Kaikoura (B) 
Bound for Picton and a bubbling breakfast at Cellier Le Brun vineyard in the heart of Marlborough wine country. Blenheim's gardens and galleries give way to the coast's powerful seascapes. Famed for whale watching, Kaikoura offers close-up encounters of the marine kind.

Day 11: Kaikoura - Mt Somers (B, L) 
We drive down the plains to Christchurch where at 11.30am our Decidedly Southern travellers join us. Further south Ian and Di Mackenzie host us for lunch in their historic farm homestead. Country hospitality at its best. Later we head west into the landscape to stay the night at Mt Somers where the Canterbury Plains meet the mountains.

Day 12: Mt Somers - Clyde (B) 
Your eyes will feast on mountain ranges and the milky turquoise lakes of Tekapo and Pukaki. Driving through the golden tussocks of the Lindis Pass we arrive at Clyde. We check into our hotel, restored to its Victorian glory, and café crawl the streets of this quaint gold mining town tonight.

Day 13: Clyde - Queenstown (B) 
We explore Central Otago's craggy moonscape and wander Bannockburn's gold and wine trails. Later we wind through rugged Kawarau Gorge where we can try our luck at gold panning. But you can't fight the lure of Queenstown. Stroll out from your boutique hotel to shops and restaurants.

Day 14: Queenstown (B) 
Sightsee at your leisure in this picturesque resort. Among your many choices are a day's excursion to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound, cruising Lake Wakatipu on the historic steamer "Earnslaw", or jet boating. Perhaps even bungy jumping where it all started. Or you can simply wander the town and breathe in the view. 

Day 15: Queenstown - Waiorau (B, D) 
Gold mining history comes alive in leafy Arrowtown at the quaint Cardrona Hotel, a national truer. We drive up the mountainside to Snow Farm Lodge to join our hosts John and Mary Lee among alpine meadows and a panorama of mountain peaks. We dine on top of the world in a starkly beautiful landscape.

Day 16: Waiorau - Franz Josef (B) 
Wanaka, a favorite resort town is our first stop. We walk in Haast Pass' stunning mountain beech forests to waterfalls and blue pools. Later we reach the lush, primeval rainforest of the West Coast. At Fox Glacier a scenic flight is an option. At Franz Josef your rainforest retreat will delight.

Day 17: Franz Josef - Christchurch (B) 
The scenery is enchanting - mirror lakes, dramatic rivers and glimpses of the Southern Alps. Hokitika's greenstone and glass factories offer great shopping. Turning east, the towering mountainscapes of Arthur's Pass lead back down to the Canterbury Plains and Christchurch where your tour ends.

Day 18: Christchurch - Los Angeles (B)
Transfer this morning to the airport to connect with your flights home. 

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Click here to request more information or to make a booking

Inclusions: Return economy airfare from Los Angeles, first class accommodations throughout, luxury mini-coach transportation, experienced tour director/driver, airport transfers, daily breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 dinners.

Back to the Tour overview

Note: If you would like assistance in planning additional days before or after this tour we can help!  We can plan and book, at your expense, any additional individual tours or activities not included on this tour. 

*Terms: Package price is per person/double occupancy. Based on availability - space is limited. Price reflects departures ex Los Angeles to Auckland in Economy Class. Business class airfares are available at extra cost. Excludes government fees, taxes, 9/11 Security Fees and PFC charges of up to $200 per person. Cancellation penalties apply. All prices reflect 3% discount for cash payment. No discount for credit card payments. Pre & Post touring and USA add-on fares available - please inquire. Tour does not include: passport or visa fees, airport taxes, personal items, travel insurance or gratuities. Please ask for full booking terms.

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 This site was last updated on 27-May-08 
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