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Kia Ora New Zealand
17 days
• Cruise in the stunning Bay of Islands and through ‘ Hole in the Rock ’
• Cruise through Waitomo ’ s famous Glowworm Grotto
• Feast on a Maori Hangi at a unique dinner experience with the Tamaki family
• Discover the arts and traditions of New Zealand ’ s Maori culture
• Explore New Zealand ’ s capital Wellington
• Visit Te Papa the Museum of New Zealand
• Set sail on Queen Charlotte Sound
• Marvel at Fur Seals at Ohau Point and Whales at Kaikoura
• See spectacular Lake Tekapo and Lake Te Anau
• Cruise on breath-taking 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 and watch the jade artists at work
• Tour through Christchurch to witness the incredible rebuild of the city
• Experienced Travel Director and Driver Guide
Dining
• Full buffet breakfasts ( 16 ) B
• Highlight dinners ( 2 ) HD
• Farewell dinner ( 1 ) FD
• Dinners ( 8 ) D
Hongi greeting , Tamaki Maori Village
Day 1 : Welcome to Auckland After your airport transfer to your hotel , explore Auckland your way . This evening enjoy a welcome reception with your Travel Director . Hotel : VR Queen Street , Auckland .
Day 2 : Auckland – Bay of Islands Depart Auckland and travel along the Hibiscus Coast to the Bay of Islands . Take a scenic cruise through game fishing waters to Cape Brett and , weather permitting , through the ‘ Hole in the Rock ’. The return cruise to Paihia meanders through picturesque islands with deserted sandy beaches and secluded bays . Keep your eyes peeled for the marine life . Hotel : Copthorne Resort ( Garden View ), Bay of Islands , 2 nights . B D
Day 3 : Bay of Islands ‘ Free Time ’ Explore the Bay of Islands . Perhaps take a ferry to Russell , go sailing on a tall ship , dolphin-watching on the bay or play a round of golf or enjoy a dinner cruise on the Waitangi River . B
Day 4 : Bay of Islands – Auckland Enjoy a leisurely morning before traveling through lush farmlands on your way back to Auckland . Hotel : VR Queen Street , Auckland . B D
Day 5 : Auckland – Rotorua After an Auckland city sights tour you ’ ll trace the Waikato River to Waitomo Caves . Tour the amazing Glowworm Grotto by boat . Then arrive in Rotorua for an orientation tour . Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi feast highlight dinner and concert , for an insight into Maori culture , at the Tamaki Family Marae . Hotel : Ibis Hotel , Rotorua , 2 nights . B HD
Day 6 : Rotorua Visit the Agrodome Sheep how , then enjoy an afternoon of ‘ Free Time ’ – visit Rainbow Springs , abundant with Rainbow Trout and native fauna including the kiwi or Te Puia , where a local Maori will guide you through the Geothermal valley with its mud pools and geysers . B
Day 7 : Rotorua – Wellington This morning depart Rotorua traveling south to Wairakei and on to Taupo , in the very heart of the North Island . Stop to view mighty Huka Falls before following the eastern shoreline of Lake Taupo . Continue through rich farming lands into the capital city Wellington . This evening celebrate your vacation
Rural Homestay Option : Day 6
A warm welcome awaits you on your New Zealand rural homestay and your hosts will provide you with the wonderful Kiwi hospitality that really makes you feel ‘ at home ’. Enjoy dinner and breakfast , a tour to introduce you to their way of life and comfortable accommodation in their home or cottages . You may choose to meet the animals , which may include sheep , cows , deer and many others , or simply relax and enjoy the company of your hosts and the scenic surroundings . Additional cost per person USD55 | CAD70 . at dinner with your Travel Director and new-found friends . Hotel : Travelodge , Wellington . B D
Day 8 : Wellington – Picton This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour of Wellington . Take in the panoramic views from the top of Mt . Victoria . There will be time to explore the Parliament buildings and the Beehive , home to New Zealand ’ s politicians . Visit Te Papa , the Museum of New Zealand and explore the fascinating exhibits at your leisure , including their unique Marae or Maori Meeting House . Cruise the Cook Strait into Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton . Hotel : Beachcomber , Picton . B D
Day 9 : Picton – Christchurch Get up close and personal with some New Zealand fur seals at Ohau Point , watch whales at Kaikoura , ( optional scenic whale-watching flight is available ) and travel across the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch . Hotel : Ibis Hotel , Christchurch . B
Day 10 : Christchurch – Omarama Free time to relax this morning . Later see Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki , visit the Church of the Good