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Exploring New Zealand
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New Zealand offers some of the most diverse and breathtaking terrain of a country its size. Here Nature's bounty has almost overdone it. From countless sandy beaches, to snow-capped peaks, to deeply cut fjords, to steaming geothermal springs, this two-island nation presents stunning photo opportunities every step of the way on your incredible 19-day journey.
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| Details | | Collette Vacations | | Offer valid through 5/31/2008 | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 and 2 | Depart From Home | Depart from Home : Today you board your flight and begin your New Zealand adventure. En route to New Zealand, you cross the International Dateline, losing a full day. | | Day 1 and 2 | Auckland | Depart from Home - Arrive Auckland, New Zealand : Today you board your flight and begin your New Zealand adventure. | | Day 3 | Auckland | Auckland, New Zealand - Tour Begins : Your tour begins in the "City of Sails," Auckland. Rated one of the best places in the world to live, Auckland fuses Polynesian culture with gleaming harbours and a modern city feel. This evening enjoy the perfect introduction to New Zealand with a visit to Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World. Take part in a "behind the scenes" guided tour of Stingray Bay with a feeding, followed by a delightful dinner overlooking the bay. Today dinner is included. | | Day 4 | Bay of Islands | Auckland - Bay of Islands : See America's Cup Village, vibrant Queen Street, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and spectacular views from the top of Mt. Eden, a dormant volcano, during your panoramic city tour. Later, travel north to the Bay of Islands, a beautiful maritime region with more than 144 islands and bays, and famous for its big-game fishing. Today breakfast and dinner are included. | | Day 5 | Bay of Islands | Bay of Islands : Begin your day with a cruise through the famous Hole in the Rock and view the Cape Brett Lighthouse. This afternoon, visit the Waitangi Treaty House where Maori and British leaders signed a treaty in 1844 that resulted in New Zealand's nationhood. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this area at leisure. Today breakfast is included. | | Day 6 | Rotorua | Bay of Islands - Rotorua : Depart for Rotorua, the center of Maori civilization and home to numerous geothermal springs. The Maori people are the indigenous people of New Zealand, arriving here more than 1,000 years ago. Tonight you'll enjoy a home stay* and dinner with a New Zealand family. Hear about the customs and traditions of the people in this area while building a friendship you are sure to remember. Today breakfast and dinner are included. | | Day 7 | Rotorua | Rotorua : Begin the day at the impressive Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve where you'll see amazing geysers, hot springs, hot mud pools and the Kiwi bird! See craftsmen at work in a typical Maori village, and take part in an interactive demonstration about the Maori dress and weaving process. You may want to practice saying "Kia ora" (or "hello" in Maori), since both Maori and New Zealanders are delighted by visitors attempting the Maori language. You will also enjoy a sheepshearing demonstration at the Agrodome and meet jade carvers at a local jade factory. Tonight you'll experience a traditional Maori welcome at a Hangi meal which is followed by authentic Maori entertainment. Today breakfast and dinner are included. | | Day 8 | Wellington | Rotorua - Wellington : Travel south through the rolling countryside of the North Island to New Zealand's capital city, Wellington. Today breakfast is included. | | Day 9 | Wellington | Wellington : Enjoy a panoramic sightseeing tour of Wellington viewing the Beehive, New Zealand's Parliament, historic St. Paul's Church, and the government building which is the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere. Following the tour you will visit the Te Papa Tongawera Museum which is dedicated to art, history and the Maori culture. Today breakfast is included. | | Day 10 | Christchurch | Wellington - Picton - Christchurch : Travel by ferry to Picton, on New Zealand's South Island, and experience the beauty of the eastern coastline. Enjoy a tour of a local winery during which you will learn what makes the Marlborough region one of the world's best for wine production. Later, you arrive in the picturesque city of Christchurch. Located on the Avon River, this charming city is considered "the most English city outside of England." A sightseeing tour features the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, the downtown park district, and stunning Victorian-style buildings. Today breakfast is included. | | Day 11 | Franz Josef Glacier | Christchurch - Franz Josef Glacier Region : Journey into the heart of New Zealand's South Island aboard the Tranz Alpine train. Marvel at the rugged snowcapped peaks and deep river gorges as you wind your way to New Zealand's spectacular west coast on this fantastic cross-country voyage. Arrive in the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier Region this evening. This region is unique because there is nowhere else in the world where you will find glaciers in such close proximity to temperate climates. Today breakfast and dinner are included. | | Day 12 | 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 views as you travel the twisting coastline. This is a picturesque area of one lane bridges, green glacial lakes, thundering waterfalls and dramatic landscape changes. After crossing the Haast Pass, arrive in Queenstown, one of New Zealand's prettiest towns. Dinner is included at the Skyline Restaurant overlooking Queenstown, the Remarkable Mountains, and Lake Wakatipu. Today breakfast and dinner are included. | | Day 13 | Queenstown | Queenstown : Spend the day at leisure in this charming South Island town. Or, experience the optional "Safari of the Rings" adventure and travel the region chosen to reflect the middle-earth of Tolkien's imagination. Today breakfast is included. | | Day 14 | Te Anau | Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau : Travel through beech forest into the rugged grandeur of the Hollyford Valley via the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Enjoy a leisurely cruise of this spectacular fjord and experience the breathtaking surroundings. Overnight on the southern shores of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake on the South Island. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. | | Day 15 | Dunedin | Te Anau - Dunedin : Journey through the scenic, unspoiled countryside of southern New Zealand before arriving in Dunedin, "The Edinburgh of the South." This afternoon, visit the Royal Albatross Center where you will find the only mainland colony of albatross in the world. For centuries the albatross has been the subject of myth and superstition due in part to the fact that it regularly circumnavigates the globe, sometimes soaring for days on end. Today breakfast and dinner are included. | | Day 16 | Dunedin | Dunedin : A morning tour of this lovely city will feature some of the best-preserved sites of Edwardian Victorian architecture in the Southern Hemisphere. View Olveston Manor and the beautiful university campus. Enjoy an evening at leisure. Today breakfast is included. | | Day 17 | Mt. Cook Region | Dunedin - Mt. Cook Region : Board your coach this morning and journey further into the countryside, arriving at Mt. Cook National Park. Explore this landmark park while on a nature walk. For aerial views, take an optional flightseeing tour (weather permitting) affording close-up views of Mt. Cook and the glaciers. Today breakfast and dinner are included. | | Day 18 | Christchurch | Mt. Cook - Christchurch : Travel back to Christchurch this morning. Upon arrival see the city from a different angle as you take a 'punt' down the Avon River. Punting has its roots in England but has long since been a traditional activity in Christchurch. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this quaint city: stroll through the gardens, wander through the shops or simply relax. Tonight, celebrate the end of your tour as you dine in a restored mansion - once the homestead of the first family to settle in Christchurch. Today breakfast and dinner are included. | | Day 19 | Christchurch | Christchurch - Tour Ends : Your tour ends today in Christchurch. Today breakfast is included. |
| | | Total meals - 27 | Breakfasts - 16 | | Lunches - 1 | Dinners - 10 |
| Base Rates Per Person
Air rates are based from the following airport: Los Angeles Intl AirportTour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on double occupancy and include fuel surcharges and internal flights, these rates are subject to change. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Taxes and fees are additional, for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices above. *All special offers are valid on non-group and new bookings only. Special offers can not be combined with any other offer, except AARP discounts. |
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