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Exploring New Zealand New Zealand's North & South Islands
From the steaming geothermal vents of Rotorua, to the ice sheets of Franz Josef Glacier, to the genuine warmth of a homestay with a local family, experience the many facets of New Zealand on this 20-day journey. Cruise dramatic Milford Sound. Sip wine at a Marlborough vineyard. See the adorable flightless kiwi bird. Overnight at the base of massive Mt Cook. Dine in a restored Christchurch mansion. Listen to the rhythms of Maori music. HighlightsAuckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Wellington, Christchurch, Tranz Alpine Train, Franz Josef Glacier Region, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Te Anau, Mt. Cook Collette Experience Traverse through the heart of the Southern Alps aboard the famous Tranz Alpine train.Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House to discover the early beginnings of the nation of New Zealand.Get to know a local New Zealand family during a memorable authentic experience of dinner, and the choice of an overnight stay* in their home. |
| Details | | Collette Vacations | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 - 2 | Depart From Home | Depart from Home : | | Day 3 | Auckland | Auckland, New Zealand - Tour Begins : Your tour begins in Auckland, the "City of Sails," consistently rated one of the best places in the world to live. Auckland has the highest Polynesian population in the world, imbuing the vibrant cultures from many Pacific islands into its chic atmosphere. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Today dinner will be included. | | Day 4 | Auckland | Auckland : Get to know the best of Auckland during a panoramic city tour featuring America's Cup Village, the War Memorial, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and spectacular views from the top of Mt. Eden, one of 53 dormant volcanoes throughout the area. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy the city. Perhaps visit one of the city's amazing museums or galleries, or just enjoy some of the wonderful shopping that is available in the city. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 5 | Bay of Islands | Auckland - Bay of Islands : Leave the city and travel north to the Bay of Islands, your home for the next two nights. This Maritime region boasts more than 144 islands, warm bays, a colorful history and abundant marine life. Visit the Waitangi National Trust & Treaty House. It was on these lush grounds that Maori and British leaders signed the 1844 treaty establishing New Zealand's nationhood. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 6 | Bay of Islands | Bay of Islands : Begin your day with a cruise through the bay's famous Hole in the Rock and view the Cape Brett Lighthouse which stands nearly 500 feet above sea level at the edge of the Cape Brett Peninsula. The rest of the day is yours to explore Paihia - the quaint town known as "the jewel of the Bay of Islands" - at leisure. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 7 | Rotorua | Bay of Islands - Rotorua : Today you'll head to the dramatic geothermal landscape of Rotorua. One-third of Rotorua's population has Maori roots dating back to their arrival in New Zealand over 1,000 years ago, making this city a thriving cultural center. Make yourself right at home this evening when a New Zealand family welcomes you into their home for dinner and a home stay*! This is sure to be an unforgettable experience as you make new friends, learn about the customs of the "Kiwi's" and enjoy a home-cooked meal. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 8 | Rotorua | Rotorua : This morning visit Te Puia, New Zealand's premier Maori cultural and geothermal experience. You'll be truly amazed by the landscape of erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools and other geothermal wonders! The National Carving School and National Weaving School are also located here, where age old customs are passed on by teaching the tribal youth the skills of traditional carving, weaving and dancing. Take part in an interactive demonstration on the art of traditional weaving methods. You will also view the Kiwi bird and learn what New Zealanders are doing to try to remove the Kiwi from the endangered species list. Then, meet the skilled carvers who work with pounamu, a New Zealand jade, at a local jade factory. Next, visit the Agrodome where you will see a fun and interactive sheep-shearing demonstration and learn about the different sheep and wool that come from New Zealand. Tonight visit a recreated traditional Maori village to learn about Maori life before Aotearoa (the Maori name for New Zealand) was colonized. Enjoy an immersive experience before a Hangi meal and authentic Maori entertainment, such as the famous Haka dance. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 9 | Wellington | Rotorua - Wellington : Journey south through the rolling countryside of the North Island, dotted with white sheep grazing, making your way to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 10 | Wellington | Wellington : During your panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington, view the Beehive, New Zealand's Parliament, historic St. Paul's Church, and the government building - the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour you will visit the Te Papa Tongawera Museum, a fascinating center dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 11 | Christchurch | Wellington - Picton - Christchurch : Climb aboard a ferry and sail across Cook Strait to experience what Wine Spectator called "the most beautiful ferry ride in the world." Arrive in Picton, on the South Island. Discover why the Marlborough region is one of the world's best wine regions when you tour a local winery. Later, arrive in Christchurch, situated on the Avon River and considered "the most English city outside of England." Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 12 | Franz Josef Glacier Region | Christchurch - Franz Josef Glacier Region : All aboard! The Tranz Alpine train whisks you away on a journey past farmlands, through the deep gorges of the Waimakariri River valley and into the rugged snowcapped mountains of the Southern Alps, as you wind your way into the subtropical rainforest region of New Zealand's spectacular west coast. Before arrival in Franz Josef, visit the new West Coast Wildlife Centre where you will see a kiwi bird up close and learn about other types of wildlife native to the region. Arrive for your overnight in the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier Region, where glaciers live in close proximity to temperate climates. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 13 | Queenstown | Franz Josef - Queenstown : Enjoy a picture stop of the famous Franz Josef Glacier before leaving the South Island's lush west coast. Take in the stunning scenery as you pass through rainforest surrounded by the Southern Alps. You'll enjoy beautiful ocean vistas as you travel the twisting coastline. This picturesque route is comprised of one lane bridges, green glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls and dramatic landscape changes. After crossing the Haast Pass, arrive in Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, and one of New Zealand's most gorgeous spots. Enjoy a memorable dinner at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains and Lake Wakatipu. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 14 | Queenstown | Queenstown : This morning travel to historic Arrowtown, a gold rush town set on the picturesque Arrow River. More than 60 restored buildings date back to the 19th century in this town lined with boutiques and cafes. Stroll along Main Street where you'll discover a wealth of New Zealand handcrafts. This afternoon, venture into New Zealand's largest underground wine cave for a tasting at an award-winning wine producer in the Central Otago region. This charming boutique winery houses a stunning selection of fine wines to quench your palate. This unforgettable experience is followed by lunch at the winery's fabulous restaurant. Later, return to Queenstown and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. | | Day 15 | Queenstown | Queenstown : Today is yours to discover Queenstown at your leisure. Set amidst spectacular scenery, Queenstown is not only an adventure center, but offers excellent shopping and dining. Perhaps you'll opt to take "A Journey Through Middle Earth" and experience the South Island's Tolkienesque landscape as you explore the cinematic backdrop that brought The Lord of the Rings to life on the big screen. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 16 | Te Anau | Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau : Your ride to Milford Sound is lined with unforgettable beauty, taking you through beech forest into Hollyford Valley's rugged grandeur and through the Homer Tunnel. Arriving at mesmerizing Milford Sound, sail away on a leisurely cruise that brings you through the deep fjord, surrounded by sheer mountains rising almost six thousand feet from the water's surface. Enjoy an overnight on the southern shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island. Today breakfast and lunch will be included. | | Day 17 | Mt. Cook Region | Te Anau - Mt. Cook Region : The Maori word for Mt. Cook is Aoraki, which means "cloud piercer." Journey through New Zealand's unspoiled wilderness and arrive at Mt. Cook National Park, where permanent ice fields and glaciers blanket the ragged peaks. This is where New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary honed his mountaineering skills before attempting Everest. Explore the park up-close during a nature walk. Maybe you'll choose to partake in an optional flightseeing tour (weather permitting) to witness breathtaking aerial views of Mt. Cook and the glaciers. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 18 | Christchurch | Mt. Cook - Christchurch : Travel back to Christchurch this morning and visit a family farm in Canterbury. See the workings of the farm and learn firsthand how this New Zealand family farm operates. A sightseeing tour of the city features the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, the downtown park district and stunning Victorian-style buildings. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this quaint city, named for the college at Oxford University, and exuding a decidedly English feel. Stroll through the gardens, wander through the shops or simply relax. Today breakfast will be included. | | Day 19 | Christchurch | Christchurch : Spend your morning at leisure. This afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the famous Christchurch botanical gardens and learn why Christchurch is known as the Garden City of the South Pacific. Tonight, celebrate the amazing sights you have seen and the new friendships forged as you dine in a restored mansion - once the homestead of the first family to settle in Christchurch. Today breakfast and dinner will be included. | | Day 20 | Tour ends | Christchurch - Tour Ends : Your tour ends today in Christchurch. Depart for home with countless fond memories to share with friends and family. Today breakfast will be included. |
| | | Rendezvous Hotel, Auckland | Scenic Circle Bay of Islands Hotel, Bay of Islands | | Rydges, Rotorua | Rydges, Rotorua | | Novotel Capital, Wellington | Rydges, Christchurch | | Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, Franz Josef | Mercure Resort Queenstown, Queenstown | | Te Anau Hotel & Villas, Te Anau | The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook | | Rydges Christchurch, Christchurch | |
| | NOTE: Specials are marked with a * NOTE: NOTE: Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. |
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