New Zealand Escorted - 29 Apr 2021

Welcome to New Zealand! You are met on arrival at the Christchurch International Airport by Wayne Hamilton and your Tour Guide. Transfer to your hotel. Dinner included at the hotel.

A day for spectacular sights. We farewell Christchurch and travel through Ashburton, Geraldine and Fairlie, over Burke’s Pass into the vast Mackenzie Basin to the magnificent blue waters of Lake Tekapo. We visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and the statue of the Collie dog. Drive along the shores of Lake Pukaki into Mt Cook National Park. At the heart of New Zealand’s most spectacular alpine region, Mt Cook at 3754 metres is the highest peak in Australasia. The Mt Cook National Park comprises 70,013 hectares of ice, snow, rock, sub-alpine scrub, tussock and riverbeds. The Tasman Glacier flows 27 kms past the flanks of Mt Cook to terminate amongst vast fields of rock debris at the beautiful Blue Lakes, where the Tasman River takes the glacier water to the blue waters of Lake Pukaki. Mount Cook is far from the city lights and therefore has some of the darkest skies in New Zealand – perfect for viewing the night sky! In June 2012 the Aoraki Mackenzie region, encompassing Mount Cook Village, was approved as one of only a few International Dark Sky Reserves (IDSR) worldwide, meaning the darkness of their night skies is almost unbeatable! This evening you get to enjoy this wonderful must-do experience; begin with an introduction and orientation in the Digital Dome Planetarium highlighting the unique features of the southern night sky. Their informative astronomy guides then take you on a short drive (transport provided) to an outdoor stargazing site where you will use telescopes, astronomy binoculars and the naked eye to put your newly acquired knowledge into practise, identifying and exploring different elements of the spectacular southern sky.
 

Time this morning for a walk in the National Park or scenic flight over the Southern Alps (extra cost). Later this morning depart Mount Cook and travel south through the small town of Twizel then see the canals that feed the huge Waitaki hydro electricity generation scheme. At the southern end of the MacKenzie Country the road climbs through bleak rugged hills to the summit of the Lindis Pass before descending into Central Otago. The road follows the mighty Clutha River into recently created Lake Dunstan then through the spectacular rugged Kawarau Gorge and into Queenstown. Tonight is free for you to explore the local restaurants, cafes and bars.

Depart early this morning and travel around Lake Wakatipu and through Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Fiordland National Park, part of the UNESCO Southwest New Zealand World Heritage Area is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. The scenery is spectacular with lofty mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age glaciers. There are clear rushing streams and
leaping waterfalls set in magnificent native rainforest. On arrival at Milford Sound, board a comfortable vessel for a Nature Cruise down Milford Sound past towering Mitre Peak to the Tasman Sea. Enjoy the stunning scenery of cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest, steep cliff faces and marine life that inhabits these waters. Today a picnic boxed lunch is included and your nature guide will give a commentary on the interesting features of the area. On your return to the Milford Wharf, board the coach and retrace your journey back to Queenstown travelling via the Cleddeau Gorge, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley.

This morning travel out of Queenstown to the nearby Arrowtown, a township with a colourful history. You have time to walk around this historic town where you will see many of the original sycamore trees planted by the goldminers that cover the town's cottages and stone buildings with a canopy of gold. In its heyday Arrowtown was a rough and ready frontier town. There are many beautiful and interesting walks around this historical area. Arrowtown's Museum houses a fascinating collection of tools and artefacts used by the miners of the goldrush era, and one of the best presentations of pioneer relics in the country. Within the vault of what was an 1860's bank are stored thousands of priceless exhibits: gold pans, shovels, maps, clothing, weaponry and even a gold nugget or two – a living, breathing peep into the past. Next journey to Cromwell The Stoaker Room Bistro and Bar at Wild Earth Winery, where you will experience a truly unique dining experience, showcasing fresh New Zealand cuisine coupled with some of Central Otago’s fames wines. Utilising retired French Oak Pinot Noir wine barrels, The Stoaker Room steams, bakes and smokes their delicious array of regional foods on the spot. Here enjoy their signature dish “The Stoaker Banquet” – chef’s selection of five tasting dishes matched with five Wild Earth Wines. Return to Queenstown where you are at leisure for the remainder of your afternoon and evening.

We depart Queenstown following the Kawerau Gorge Road to Cromwell, we continue onto the popular Lake Wanaka, the starting point of the mighty Clutha River. From here we travel past Lake Hawea before following the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makaroa and traversing the rugged Haast Pass into Haast, where you are surrounded by a landscape of rainforest, wetlands, sand dunes and surf-pounded shingle beaches. This wilderness forms part of the South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, so designated because South Westland and Fiordland have some of the most dramatic forest and mountain scenery and natural resources in the world. Further north we travel through the Westland National Park, the home of Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. On arrival, time is available for optional scenic flights, before continuing onto your accommodation for the night.

Heading north today up the West Coast with the Tasman Sea to your left and the Southern Alps rising steeply on your right. We make a stop in Hokitika where a visit is made to the Greenstone and Glass Blowing factories. Continue on up the coast to the small settlement of Punakaiki on the edge of the Paparoa National Park. Punakaiki is renowned for its wild, rugged coastline and the famous ‘Pancake Rocks’ and blowholes. These stratified limestone stacks are an extraordinary monument of nature. There are various scenic walks and hiking opportunities in this beautiful isolated area. There is time this afternoon to view the blowholes and the famous ‘Pancake Rocks’.

Travelling north to the Cape Foulwind headland, enjoy the sea air, explore the coastline and visit the rookery of kekeno – the New Zealand fur seal. The headland is an important site for the seal colony as well as the sooty shearwater (a large sea-going petrel) and also blue penguins. Māori knew the Cape as Tauranga which refers to the sheltered anchorage the bay provided for voyaging canoes (waka). It was also used as a resting place as they travelled the coastal areas by foot and by sea. Abel Tasman sighted the Cape on 14 December
1642 and named it Rocky point. In 1770 it was named a “place of foul winds” by Captain Cook when his ship was beset by gales and wind. Major European settlement began in the 1860’s when the settlers established flax/harakeke and timber mills. We then start our journey inland to Westport – the gateway to the Northern West Coast. Named after a town in Ireland, it is the service centre for the Northern West Coast and Buller region which has a population of around 10,000; of whom approximately 4,000 reside in the town itself. It has a spectacular location on the mighty Buller River with the steep Paparoa Ranges behind it and around it a beautiful estuary area called the Orowaiti Lagoon. From Westport we. Further inland we follow the Buller River from the coast where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Buller Gorge before reaching the lovely Waimea Valley once well known for the growing of tobacco, now more likely grapes that now make the area so famous. Continuing on for a tour of Nelson – this being the first city of New Zealand including a visit to the Hőglund Art Glass Centre to see the skilled glass blowers at work. Ola and Marie Hőglund create stunning hand blown art glass in striking colours and designs, which has earned them worldwide recognition and praise. Their designs reflect the beauty of the New Zealand environment based upon the simplicity of Scandinavian design but with a strong Pacific feel.

Today you are collected for a drive out through Richmond and Motueka to Kaiteriteri, the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. From Kaiteriteri take a scenic cruise up the coastline into Tonga Island Marine Reserve where you may see the resident seals sunning themselves on the rocks. Land at historic Tonga Quarry Beach then enjoy a walk over a forested saddle (maximum elevation 120 metres/400 ft) and around the Bark Bay waterfall trail, crossing the new suspension bridge beside Bark Bay Falls. Take some extra time to relax on the golden sands at Bark Bay beach before you continue on to picturesque Medlands Beach (approximately 2-2.5 hours walking - 4.1-kms / 2.5-miles). Picnic lunch included. All beaches feature open golden sands, azure water, shady picnic spots and toilet facilities. Bark Bay Beach has Department of Conservations shelters and filtered drinking water (look for the tap labelled "drinking water only"). Rejoin the cruise at the sheltered golden cove, Medlands Beach and return to Kaiteriteri and then to Nelson. This afternoon we visit the Nelson Car Museum showcasing an assortment of lovingly restored Classic Cars displayed with the same imagination and humour used the in the Wearable Arts gallery.

Our tour continues today through to Pelorous Bridge. Here we can walk through the Beech and Podocarp Forest as well as view the many sculptured boulders in the Pelorous River. We soon arrive in Picton to check in at the terminal for inter-island ferries to cruise through the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound (New Zealand’s only true sounds), and out onto the Cook Strait before reaching the Wellington Harbour and into Wellington City – New Zealand’s Capital where on arrival enjoy an informative sightseeing tour.
 

Departing Wellington and travelling north towards Napier, make a stop at the very pretty town of Greytown which is known for its great food and sophisticated shopping, cute colonial cottages, historic trees and extra-ordinary chocolate! Enjoy a visit to Schoc Chocolates, with over 80 flavours of chocolate they create beautiful, hand-crafted tablets. Fairly sourced beans from all over the world come together to create the most delicious, rich and smooth chocolate in a flavour for everyone. Schoc Chocolates comes complete with chocologist, Murray Langham. Murray is passionate about chocolate and psychology and has combined the two to create a beautiful blend of understanding that comes about by simply picking your favourite chocolate! Passion that melts in your mouth and stays in your mind. Taste the difference, challenge your senses, explore your personality though chocology. Continuing on to the ‘Fruit Bowl’ of New Zealand, Hawkes Bay – Napier where on arrival visit the Mission Estate Winery for a tour and wine tasting followed by lunch. Established in 1851 by the French Marist religious order, Mission Estate is New Zealand’s oldest wine-maker. Housed in an elegantly restored historic seminary building with sweeping views of Napier, the award-winning Mission Estate Restaurant serves exquisite cuisine influenced by seasonal produce.

Before we depart Napier enjoy a guided Art Deco Walking Tour. Take an entertaining look at the unique 1930s architecture as you wander through the streets with your local guide. En-route learn about the 1931 earthquake that destroyed the city, hear about the people that led the rebuild, and discover the unique Art Deco style of this unique city. From Napier travel via New Zealand’s largest pine tree forests to Taupo, here we view the mighty Huka Falls – Huka in Maori translates to “snow” as the water here has the appearance of snow falling as it is forced along from Lake Taupo through the falls on its journey along the Waikato River. Next we make a visit to the Wairakei Geothermal Steam Field en-route. This was a world-first, generating electricity by tapping a natural steam field then channelling the steam to a nearby power generation plant. From Taupo, travel to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua, the Sulphur City. Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in the country with bubbling mud pools, gushing geysers, beautiful coloured hot springs and terrace formations created by mineral water. Rotorua also has a large Maori population whose cultural activities are interesting and accessible as will be witnessed tomorrow evening. This afternoon time out to relax and unwind at Polynesian Spa in the Lake Spa, the deluxe hot mineral bathing and relaxation area. Enjoy tranquil bathing and lake views in the four alkaline rock pools, each with different temperatures (36˚C to 42˚C). Here you are surrounded by revitalizing native New Zealand flora, natural rocks, and the energizing sight and sound of two waterfalls and a grotto that reflects the glistening water. A large relaxation lounge overlooks Lake Rotorua, where refreshments are available. As a Lake Spa guest, you are welcome to move from the pools to the lounge and return to bathe in the Lake Spa pools as you wish. Other amenities include well-appointed changing facilities with towels, lockers, soap, shampoo and hairdryers provided.

This morning visit Te Puia, home to The New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley featuring the famous Pohutu Geyser. Enjoy a guided tour where you will come face to face with Pōhutu Geyser, jumping mudpools, and live kiwi birds. Also hear the guides share stories passed down from their ancestors. At Te Puia, national schools of carving, weaving and other traditional arts train talented students from around New Zealand under the guidance of master craftspersons. You may even have the opportunity to give traditional weaving with flax a go! This evening you will be treated to a traditional Hangi (feast) and Maori Concert. You are transferred from your hotel to visit Tamaki Maori Village for a Cultural Experience and Hangi Dinner. Experience the warmth of the Maori people during an evening of ceremonial rituals, powerful cultural performance, storytelling & hangi feasting. Enter the pre-European Maori village, witness the earth being scraped carefully away from the hangi pit and enter their ancestral Meeting House to relax as their family entertain you with a powerful cultural performance before dining on the traditional hangi buffet dinner (Maori feast) cooked the traditional Maori way in an earth oven.

This morning we depart Rotorua to travel inland over the bush clad Mamaku Ranges from the Bay of Plenty through the dairy rich Waikato countryside to arrive at the famous Waitomo Caves Village. Here you visit Ruakuri Cave through the spectacular spiral entrance designed to respect the sacred nature of the caves. Tread narrow corridors, stand in vast caverns and hear the distant thunder of subterranean waterfalls. Your guide will captivate you with crystal tapestries, up close glowworms and majestic cave formations. Learn ancient myths and legends and the history of local Maori as you travel through the longest underground tour in New Zealand. Ruakuri Cave is an experience that will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature. From Waitomo continue North over the Bombay Hills into Auckland where on arrival we experience a highlights tour of Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, exploring the lively waterfront area. Enjoy the relaxing views along Tamaki Drive, which runs east past peaceful sheltered bays to Auckland's most expensive real estate.

Departing Auckland we travel north over the Auckland Harbour Bridge to first visit the Parry Kauri Park. Here we will view some fine examples of Giant Kauri Trees. Next is a visit to visit the Kauri Museum, at Matakohe. Here we gain an insight to the early New Zealand pioneer history, which helped form the New Zealand that we see today. Continuing your journey, reach Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, where you’ll take a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty House where New Zealand’s history began.

This morning Discover Kerikeri – a place of rich history complimented by lots of character. Known for its fresh local produce, Kerikeri is a place to indulge and have fun. Experience some of New Zealand's earliest European history at historic Kemp House and the Stone Store, and taste quality wines and chocolates. On your return to Paihia, board the ferry for Russell where you have time for lunch before Taking in the sights of Russell on an one-hour tour combining historical knowledge and local insight. Learn about significant sites like Pompallier House and Christ Church and stand atop Flagstaff Hill for stunning Bay of Islands views. At the completion of your tour, you are at leisure for the remainder of the day with an open ticket to return to Paihia on the ferry when you are ready.

This morning board a luxury catamaran to cruise the Bay of Islands to Cape Brett before making a passage through the Hole in the Rock. After your cruise travel south following the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to arrive in Auckland. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the many wonderful restaurants located on the Auckland Waterfront.

Farewell from New Zealand. Following breakfast at your accommodation you are transferred to the Auckland International Airport to connect with your outbound back to Australia.