|
Day 1: Auckland to Bay of Islands
Today will be the day for awesome scenery, great fun
and extreme adventure that take on new meanings! Meet your
Contiki crew and view the beauty of Auckland's famous
harbour as we cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Heading
towards the subtropical region of Northland, we'll explore
Parry Kauri Park before checking into our Resort in Paihia.
In the evening get to know your fellow travellers during
dinner. Resort (D) |
|
Day 2: Bay of Islands
A day of adventure and fun. The day is
yours to enjoy the overwhelming beauty of the Bay of
Islands. How about a Catamaran cruise through the
"Hole-in-the-Rock", maybe sail to a deserted
island for lunch, perhaps travel along Ninety Mile Beach
to Cape Reinga at "lands end". Resort
(B) |
|
Day 3: Bay of Islands to Waitomo
We head south, stopping in Auckland for lunch before
travelling through the lush Waikato farming region to
Waitomo, home of magical limestone formations and
sparkling Glow-worms. Tonight there's the chance to meet
the local characters. Lodge
(B,D)
|
|
Day 4: Waitomo to Rotorua
There will be time today, if you wish, to visit the Glow-worm grotto or try
underground cave rafting. Then we'll visit the Agrodome farm show, on our way to
the thermal area of Rotorua. Maybe try the Zorb or end the day by relaxing in a
Polynesian thermal pool, before taking in an optional Maori Hangi meal and
concert. Lodge (B)
|
|
Day 5: Rotorua to Taupo
What a day for your travel diary, along the steaming
Wairakei Valley to the raging Huka Falls before
continuing to our exclusive resort beside New Zealand's
largest lake - Taupo. This afternoon you're free to
wander the shops, enjoy a parasail high over the lake or
challenge gravity on the Rock n' Ropes. Tonight maybe
try fishing and later enjoy the famous local nightlife. Resort
(B)
|
|
Day 6: Taupo to Wellington
The mountains of Tongariro National Park provide a
spectacular sight on the way to Wellington, New
Zealand's capital city. A scenic waterfront drive to the
top of Mt Victoria acts as the perfect introduction to
this cosmopolitan city famed for its cafes, restaurants
and trendy bars. Hotel
(B)
|
|
Day 7: Wellington
A full day to explore the city and its surrounding
area. Take your time to enjoy the amazing Museum of New
Zealand, known as Te Papa 'Our House'. Maybe do some
shopping or see the sights of the Lord of the Rings
trilogy or just relax in one of the city's many cafes.
Later this evening join us for a walkabout dinner. Hotel
(B)
|
|
Day 8: Wellington to Christchurch
Board the Inter-Island ferry and do the north to
south island hop through Marlborough Sound and Cook
Strait to Picton. Then make sure your camera has film
for the spectacular views along the Kaikoura Coastline.
If we're lucky, we'll spot one of the many seal colonies
in this area. Then, via the Canterbury Plains, we'll
head towards the city of Christchurch. Hotel
(B)
|
|
Day 9: Christchurch to Franz Josef Glacier
We'll cross the spectacular Southern Alps via
majestic Arthur's Pass and take in the jade greenstone
carving at Hokitika. Then we'll journey along the South
Island's rugged coast to the awesome Westland National
Park, home to Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. Hotel
(B,D)
|
|
Day 10: Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown
Today there's the chance to explore the incredible
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers with professional guides
that will be on hand to show you the beauty of this
natural wonder. We'll then journey through Haast Pass to
Queenstown and our lodge high above Lake Wakatipu. Hold
onto your hat - Queenstown beckons! Lodge
(B,D)
|
|
Days 11-12: Queenstown
Leisure is probably the wrong word as Queenstown is
known as the 'Adventure-Adrenaline capital of the
world', one of those places that you can literally do as
much or as little as you like. A number of options to
astound you await! Ever tried Bungy jumping, Sky diving,
Jet boating, River boarding, White water rafting,
Helicopter riding, Luging, Canyon Swinging, Four
wheeldriving, Hiking???? Be extreme! Action by day,
action by night - that's Queenstown. Yes, when you've
dried off and caught your breath, it'll be time to
experience Queenstown's legendary nightlife, and there's
no shortage of venues for dining and socialising - why
not try an optional meal at the world famous Skyline
gondola complex. Lodge
(B)(B)
|
|
Day 13: Queenstown to Milford Sound
Need an adrenalin boost? We'll take you to a bridge
to jump off! The bungee jumping bridge provides a
hair-raising, gob-stopping adrenalin rush. It is one of
the options on this tour that separates the tourists
from the purists. Pure fun. Pure rush. Why don't you try
it? After this we travel to Fiordland National Park,
where we head through the Homer Tunnel (D'OH!) for our
first view of Mitre Peak and Milford Sound. Then it's
all aboard the Milford Wanderer, for an overnight cruise
taking in all the beauty of the fjord. There's the
chance to kayak and see whales, dolphins and penguins
along with towering mountains and breathtaking
waterfalls. It'll be an evening to treasure! Overnight
Cruise (B,D)
|
|
Day 14: Milford Sound to Lake Ohau
In the morning we'll breakfast on board before
heading back to the mainland. We travel past Lake Te
Anau and the Clutha River to Arrowtown for the chance to
find gold. Then we head to the Southern Alps to our
lodge at Lake Ohau which affords views over
Australasia's tallest peak, Mt Cook. Lodge
(B,D)
|
|
Day 15: Lake Ohau to Christchurch
If heights don't scare you (we saw you bungee jump
two days ago), then why not take the option of a
spectacular glacier flight over Mt Cook? Later, we'll
head through the MacKenzie country, home to the sheep
industry. to Christchurch where you may join us for an
end-of-tour,
we-must-keep-in-touch-what-tour-are-you-taking-next,
dinner. Hotel (B)
|