Auckland-Christchurch NZ

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NEW ZEALAND TOUR #1

ARRIVE AUCKLAND – DEPART CHRISTCHURCH

Day 1 ARRIVE AUCKLAND

Met at the Airport and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing tour of Auckland includes the views from Mt Eden, which is the tallest of the many extinct volcanic cones around which Auckland is sited, the city centre, Parnell Village and rose gardens, the Waterfront Drive and Kelly Tarlton's fascinating Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter. The hotel is centrally located.

Day 2 AUCKLAND / WAITOMO / ROTORUA

(B, L) Breakfast at the hotel. Full day tour by coach travelling south across the Bombay Hills and through Hamilton City, the rose town of Te Awamutu to Waitomo for a guided tour of the famous limestone caves including the Glowworm Cave. Farm lunch at Waitomo. In the afternoon drive on across picturesque farming country and over the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua. The hotel is centrally located. Hangi dinner and concert of Maori song and dance at the hotel.

Day 3 AT ROTORUA

(B) Breakfast at the hotel. Morning sightseeing tour including a guided tour of Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where young Maori are being taught traditional carving and weaving skills, lovely Rainbow Springs to see the trout and rare kiwis and the popular Agrodome sheep show. Afternoon free for your own choice of activities.

Day 4 ROTORUA / QUEENSTOWN

(B) Breakfast at the hotel. Then transfer to the Airport. Rotorua / Queenstown by air (your arrangement). Met on arrival and transfer to the hotel. The balance of the day is free. The hotel overlooks Lake Wakatipu with views towards Walter Peak and the Remarkables ranges. Lake view rooms are costed for.

Day 5 AT QUEENSTOWN

(B) Breakfast at the hotel. Morning sightseeing tour includes the Skyline Gondola to Bob's Peak for panoramic views over the lake and surrounding mountains, a visit to historic Arrowtown which was the site of a major 1860s gold rush, the Shotover River for an optional Shotover Jetboat ride, lovely Lake Hayes, and the Gibbston Valley Winery to sample some of the excellent local wines. Afternoon free for your own choice of activities.

Day 6 MILFORD SOUND DAY TOUR

(B, L) Breakfast at the hotel. Full day tour by coach travelling around Lake Wakatipu and through Fiordland National Park. The scenery is stunning with high mountains and deep valleys carved out by Ice Age Glaciers. There are clear rushing mountains streams and leaping waterfalls set in magnificent native rainforest. At Milford a launch cruise down the fiord past Mitre Peak with buffet lunch aboard is included. Afterwards return to Queenstown travelling via the Cleddeau Valley, Homer Tunnel and the lovely Eglinton Valley.

Day 7 QUEENSTOWN / CHRISTCHURCH

(B, D) Breakfast at the hotel.

Full day tour by coach travelling north through the Kawarau Gorge and Central Otago sheep and cattle raising area. Pass Lake Dunstan and ascend the Lindis Pass to the MacKenzie Basin. On a fine day there are good views of the mountains of Mt Cook National Park including Mt Cook, (12,349 ft), which is New Zealand's tallest mountain. Opportunities for scenic flights. See the quaint Church of the Good Shepherd and descend through Burkes Pass and Fairlie. Cross the sheep and crop farming Canterbury Plains into Christchurch. The hotel is centrally located.

Day 8 DEPART CHRISTCHURCH

(B) Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning sightseeing tour of Christchurch includes the Gothic style Cathedral, the Canterbury Arts Centre, Museum, Botanic Gardens and the lovely gardens in Mona Vale Estate where there is the opportunity to go punting on the River Avon. The tour terminates at Christchurch International Airport with check in for your flight. Pay Airport Departure Tax NZ$25

Depart Christchurch.

End of service

RATES VALID MAY/SEP 2003

COSTS INCLUDE:

• 7 nights accommodation in the hotels specified in run of house rooms except at Queenstown where guaranteed lake view rooms are costed for.
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary by (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner
• All transfers and touring by air conditioned charter coaches with experienced drivers who will provide English language touring commentary.
• Sightseeing fees as indicated in the itinerary
• Hotel porterage
• New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST) @ 12.5%

COSTS DO NOT INCLUDE

• Air fares Queenstown / Rotorua
• Meals not indicated by (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch and (D) Dinner
• Items of a personal nature
• Optional / suggested tours and activities.
• Use of hotel rooms before / after normal check in / out times.
• Airport Departure Tax currently NZ$25 from Auckland.

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