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14 day New Zealand Small group Tour North
and South Islands |
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13 Nights/14 Days: Auckland – Waitomo Caves – Rotorua – Napier
– Martinborough – Wellington – Blenheim – Kaikoura –
Mt Somers – Queenstown – Milford Sound – Wanaka – Franz
Josef – Punakaiki – Christchurch
LIMTED TO 16 PERSONS
Day 1: Auckland - Rotorua (D) Your driver/guide meets you at your city
hotel. Drive south in to the lush dairy farmlands of Waikato. Visit
Waitomo’s breathtaking glowworm cave and explore this dramatic region
studded with limestone outcrops. Later we drive through rolling farmlands to
Rotorua and the Park Heritage, your home for two nights. In the evening you
will be touched by the warmth of a Maori concert – the traditional welcome
to visitors – and a dinner that includes hangi food steamed in an earth
oven.
Day 2: Rotorua (B, L) Relax and enjoy leisurely touring in this lakeside
town at the heart of Maori culture, geothermal activity and tranquil lakes. We
visit Rotorua Museum before a special lunch at Pounamu Lodge. In the afternoon
we choose from a host of optional geothermal attractions and activities
exclusive to this region. Recommended options include a thermal region scenic
flight, a visit to Polynesian Spa or for the more adventurous a skydive.
Day 3: Rotorua - Napier (B, L) We depart for Orakei Korako thermal
region on our way to Huka Falls, where the Waikato River thunders through a
narrow chasm, it is an irresistible photo stop. From Taupo there are great
views across New Zealand’s largest lake to the mountains of the Central
Plateau. Crossing rugged ranges we reach the seaside town of Napier. Renowned
for its Art Deco architecture, Napier was rebuilt in this style after a
disastrous earthquake in 1931. Your guide will introduce you to the
region’s premier vineyards and artisan food with a lunch at Elephant Hill
winery. Your hotel is right on the waterfront. Perhaps relax with an ocean spa
in the evening.
Day 4: Napier - Martinborough (B) Hawkes Bay is New Zealand’s food
basket - orchards, vineyards and market gardens abound. After a guided art deco
tour we drive south through Havelock North and Hawkes Bay’s pastoral
landscape of orchards, farms and vineyards to Martinborough in the Wairarapa
region. We stop at Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre, a sanctuary for rare and
endangered species including kiwis and tuatara. We finish the day in
Martinborough, a pretty village in the heart of the Wairarapa vineyard region.
Day 5: Martinborough - Wellington (B) We drive over the Rimutaka ranges
to Wellington, the capital city. We visit Te Papa, the national museum and tour
the city sights. Tour around the waterfront to Oriental Bay and up Mt Victoria
for stunning views of the city and harbour before a cable car ride. Your inner
city boutique hotel is at the heart of Wellington's eclectic cafe scene.
Day 6: Wellington - Cook Strait ferry - Blenheim (B, D) This morning we
catch the InterIslander ferry from Wellington to cruise for three hours across
Cook Strait into Tory Channel and up beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton.
We tour this premier wine and food region including tasting at Cloudy Bay, the
vineyard that put Marlborough sauvignon blanc on the map before visiting Omaka
Aviation Centre. Dine in this evening at Hotel d'Urville's highly regarded Wine
Bar and Brasserie.
Day 7: Blenheim - Kaikoura (B) Leave behind the dry, golden hills of
Marlborough for the spectacular scenery of the Kaikoura Coast. There's the
opportunity to take a whale watching cruise or flight. Kaikoura is also the
place for close encounters with seals and seabirds as well as whales. In the
afternoon there is time to visit historic Fyffe House and the Maori Leap Cave.
We stay right on the waterfront at White Morph. Seafood, especially crayfish,
is a specialty in this ocean side town.
Day 8: Kaikoura - Mt Somers (B, L, D) The highway continues along the
coastline before winding inland over the Hunderlee Hills and dropping down to
the Canterbury Plains. The wine district of Waipara set on terraces above the
river is an ideal coffee stop. After a special lunch at Akaunui Farm we drive
over to the foothills of the Southern Alps and the small village of Mt Somers.
We dine in Stronechrubie's acclaimed restaurant tonight.
Day 9: Mt Somers - Queenstown (B) After Burkes Pass the landscape
changes to the turquoise lakes and dramatic sweeping vistas of tussock grasses
and mountains of the Mackenzie Basin. At Lake Tekapo the picturesque church and
sheepdog statue are favourite photo stops. At the head of Lake Pukaki is Mt
Cook at 3754 metres, New Zealand's highest mountain, known in Maori as Aoraki
"the cloud piercer". The Lindis Pass leads to the rugged Kawarau
Gorge and into Queenstown where we ride the Skyline Gondola. Your boutique
hotel is just a few minutes walk above the town with views to the lake and
Remarkables Range. There’s a wide range of restaurants and cafes in this
famous tourist resort –and your driver/guide will let you know his
favourites.
Day 10: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Nature Cruise - Queenstown (B) This
morning you are picked up from your hotel to fly to Milford Sound deep in the
heart of Fiordland National Park. At Milford take a cruise down the sound,
dominated by iconic Mitre Peak, out to the Tasman Sea. It’s a stunning
fiord landscape of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Return to
Queenstown by plane.
Day 11: Queenstown - Cardrona Valley - Wanaka (B) The morning is free to
further explore Queenstown. Perhaps cruise on the Tss Earnslaw or take an early
morning jet boat ride on the spectacular Dart River in The Lord of the Rings
country or a helicopter scenic flight before driving to Arrowtown, a
picturesque goldmining village. Heading into tussock country, the road climbs
up the Crown Range then down into the Cardrona Valley. We stop at quaint
Cardrona Hotel, its history stretches back to the goldmining era then continue
on to Wanaka amid a panorama of mountain peaks.
Day 12: Wanaka - Haast Pass - Franz Josef (B) Drive beside Lake Hawea
and Lake Wanaka before heading into superb mountain and river scenery of the
Haast Pass in Mt Aspiring National Park. There are several great short walks on
well-maintained tracks through native beech forests to waterfalls and blue
pools where trout lurk. Leaving the mountains, the road winds along the edge of
the river to Haast where the Department of Conservation Centre documents the
region’s colourful history, flora and fauna. Continue north through the
lush, primeval rainforest of Westland World Heritage Park, stopping at Ship
Creek for a stroll on the beach to the dune lake and through swampland
rainforest. At Franz Josef Glacier short walks take you to vantage points to
view the advancing glacier.
Day 13: Franz Josef - Hokitika - Punakaiki (B, D) Early this morning you
may choose to take an optional flight over the glaciers and Mt Cook and enjoy
the thrill of landing on a glacier. We visit Okarito’s lovely lagoon where
there is an opportunity to kayak.It is also possible to take a jet boat ride to
the home of the rare kotuku, white heron. Travel on up the coast passing mirror
lakes, boulder-laden rivers and catching glimpses of the Southern Alps. At
Hokitika there are a host of craft galleries – Pounamu (greenstone)
carving, glass blowing, wood and copper artisans. A beautiful coastal road
following part of the ancient Greenstone Trails used by Maori for centuries in
search of Pounamu leads to your hotel on the coast at Punakaiki. A little
further up the road is the leading local attraction – the Punakaiki
Pancake Rocks, sculpted sea stacks and towering cliffs. If the tide is right,
blowholes spread clouds of spray. Dine this evening in your hotel’s
Waterline restaurant.
Day 14: Punakaiki - Arthur's Pass - Christchurch (B) Sit back and enjoy
the magnificent alpine scenery of rugged Otira Gorge and Arthur’s Pass
National Park. Crossing the Canterbury Plains to reach Christchurch in the late
afternoon. You are delivered to your accommodation in this English style city
of stone buildings, large parks and stunning gardens. Heritage
Small Group New Zealand 2 Week Tour Includes:
- All transport by comfortable, air conditioned coach (maximum of 16
travellers)
- Services of our experienced driver/guide.
- Join our hosts for lunch and country hospitality in a private farm
homestead
- Enjoy a scenic flight and 2.5 hour nature and wildlife cruise on Milford
Sound.
- Visit Arrowtown Museum
- Wine tasting at Central Otago's premier vineyards.
- Walk in the great outdoors - Westland World Heritage Park, Mt Aspiring
National Park
- View the breath-taking Franz Josef Glacier.
- Travel from Punakaiki to Christchurch through the magnificent scenery of
Arthur's Pass National Park
- Meals: All breakfasts(B) are included. One lunch (L ) is included. Special
lunch with the locals in a unique location. 2 dinners (D) are included at
Stronechrubie and Punakaiki Resort Hotel.
- Includes New Zealand Goods & Services tax (GST) of 12.5%
Your accommodations:
Rotorua The four star plus Heritage Rotorua hotel is set against the
dramatic backdrop of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and village. It has a
wide range of services and facilities including a thermally heated outdoor
pool.
Scenic Hotel Te Pania The contemporary Te Pania Hotel offers four star
accommodation. Enjoy the central waterfront location and the extensive sea
views. All rooms face out to the ocean with windows that can be opened Margrain
Villas Designed by renowned architect Roger Walker, the Villas are close to
Margrain's terraced vineyard. Each villa includes a lounge area with French
doors opening to a balcony overlooking the rural pastureland to the Tararua
Ranges.
The Bolton Hotel Located at the junction of Wellington's central
business district and political heart, Bolton Hotel offers stylish
accommodation. This five star hotel is the newest in the inner city. Fully
equipped gym and heated swimming pool.
Hotel d'Urville The d’Urville is a luxury 11 room boutique hotel in
the heart of Blenheim. It offers a unique blend of originality, classic charm
and European quality. The hotel’s Wine Bar and Brasserie is highly
regarded.
White Morph Motor Inn The White Morph is right on the waterfront at
Kaikoura within the sound of the sea, and close to the shops. Each four star
room has lovely views out to the gardens.
Stronechrubie Chalets Stronechrubie offers chalet accommodation and fine
dining in the beauty of the high country. The chalets are set in trees around
the lodge restaurant where host Sean Brown, an award-winning chef, presents
classic, locally sourced, cuisine.
Brown's Boutique Hotel A four star plus boutique hotel in the heart of
Queenstown in a quiet location, two minutes walk to town. From each bedroom
French doors open onto Juliet balconies with views of Queenstown and The
Remarkables mountain range.
Te Wanaka LodgeTe Wanaka is a four star contemporary lodge in Wanaka
village. All lodge rooms have a private balcony. A convenient short stroll to
the lakefront cafes, restaurants and boutique shops.
Punga Grove Punga Grove’s four star plus luxury studios are in the
heart of Franz Josef Glacier village in a beautiful rainforest setting feature,
tucked away in native fernery at the rear of the property.
Punakaiki Resort Flanked by the Tasman Sea and the rainforests, your
four star accommodation is almost on the wild Punakaiki Beach just 50m from the
high tide mark and 300m south of the Pancake Rocks & Blowholes.
2011 Tour Dares
July 4 - July 17, 2011 August 1 - August 14, 2011 November 7 - November 20,
2011 December 5 - December 18, 2011 January 9 - January 22, 2012 January 30 -
February 12, 2012 February 13 - February 26, 2012 February 27 - March 11, 2012
March 13 - March 27, 2012 April 2 - April 15, 2012
Retail Pricing $6600USD per person twin or double share accommodation $8500USD
per person single room accommodation
Booking conditions: A payment of 10% of your tour cost confirms your
booking and acknowledges your agreement to our terms and conditions. The
balance of your fare is due 40 days before your tour departs. Tour reservations
can of course, be made within 40 days provided full payment is made at time of
booking.
Cancellations and amendments Cancellation fees depend on when we receive
written notification of a cancellation. Bookings cancelled more than 40 days
before departure incur loss of deposit.Between 40 days & 14 days 25% of
tour cost.Within 14 days of departure 50% of tour cost.Bookings cancelled
within seven days of the departure date are subject to 100% of tour cost.No
refunds will be made after travel has commenced.
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a division of Lynott
Tours - 205 Mineola Blvd, Suite 1B,Mineola New York
11501 USA Call 1-800-221-2474 9AM - 5PM 
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