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Māori Culture
Kia Ora New Zealand
17 DAYS
AUCKLAND
CHRISTCHURCH LABC LCBA
Auckland Bay of Islands Waitomo Rotorua Wellington Picton Christchurch
Omarama Dunedin Fiordland National Park Te Anau Queenstown Franz Josef Glacier
This epic New Zealand vacation spans both islands of this small, proud nation, revealing majestic snow-capped
mountains, rugged coastlines, ice-blue lakes and sweeping rural vistas. Stories of the history and traditions of
Māori culture emerge as you travel from the stunning Bay of Islands in the north to the vibrant, multicultural
city of Queenstown and awesome Milford Sound in the spectacular south.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Cruise in the stunning Bay of Islands
& through ‘Hole in the Rock’
• Cruise through Waitomo’s
famous Glowworm Grotto
Day 1 Welcome to Auckland
After settling in to your hotel, you’ll have
time to explore Auckland at your own
pace. This evening, enjoy a Welcome
Reception with your Travel Director.
Hotel: VR Queen Street, Auckland.
Glowworm Grotto by boat. Your journey
continues to Rotorua, for an orientation
tour with views of Lake Rotorua. Hotel:
Ibis Hotel, Rotorua, 2 nights. B
Day 6 Rotorua
• Visit Te Papa the Museum of New Zealand Travel along the scenic Hibiscus Coast
to the Bay of Islands. Enjoy spectacular
scenery as you cruise to Cape Brett,
and the ‘Hole in the Rock’. As you return
to Paihia, pass through picturesque
islands with deserted sandy beaches and
secluded bays. Hotel: Copthorne Resort,
Garden View, Bay of Islands, 2 nights. B D Experience the multi-awarding-winning
Agrodome Farm Show, for insights
into agriculture in New Zealand. Your
afternoon is free. You might like to
visit Rainbow Springs Nature Park for
a glimpse of the New Zealand’s iconic
kiwi bird, or Te Puia, the Māori Arts and
Crafts Institute.
This evening, enjoy a
Māori Hangi feast Highlight Dinner and
concert at the Tamaki Māori Village. B HD
• Set sail on Queen Charlotte Sound Day 3 Bay of Islands Free Time Day 7 Rotorua – Wellington
Day 4 Bay of Islands – Auckland Day 8 Wellington – Picton
• Feast on a Māori Hangi at a unique dinner
experience with the Tamaki family
• Discover the arts & traditions of
New Zealand’s Māori culture
• Explore New Zealand’s capital Wellington
• See spectacular Lake Tekapo & Lake Te Anau
• Cruise on breathtaking Milford Sound
• Let loose in the ‘adventure capital’ Queenstown
• Sail across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak
for a unique Highlight Dinner
• See awe-inspiring Franz Josef Glacier
• Visit a green stone factory & watch
the jade artists at work
• Tour through Christchurch to witness
the incredible rebuild of the city
Day 2 Auckland – Bay of Islands
Explore the Bay of Islands at leisure
today. Consider one of the optional
experiences. Perhaps sail on an historic
tall ship, take the ferry to the charming
town of Russell, the country’s first
sea-port, or explore the culturally-
significant Waitangi Treaty Grounds. B
Enjoy a relaxed morning before
traveling through lush farmland on
your way back to Auckland. Hotel:
VR Queen Street, Auckland. B D
Day 5 Auckland – Rotorua
After a tour of Auckland’s city highlights,
trace the Waikato River to the Waitomo
Caves, where you’ll explore the Waitomo
Journey south through pine forests
today to Lake Taupo and mighty Huka
Falls, in the heart of the North Island.
Continue along the eastern shoreline of
the lake and on through rich farmlands
to Wellington, the nation’s capital.
Hotel: Travelodge, Wellington. B D
Enjoy a tour of Wellington this morning.
See the national Parliament
and the ‘Beehive’, home to New
Zealand’s politicians, and explore Te
Papa Museum and Art Gallery. Then
cruise the Cook Strait into tranquil
Queen Charlotte Sound on the South
Island, arriving in picturesque Picton.
Hotel: Beachcomber, Picton. B D