ANTIPODEAN ADVENTURE
18 Days Christchurch to Auckland
At a glance … The Antipodean Adventure will take you off the beaten track with soft adventure activities that focus on nature, wildlife, landscapes, history & culture … and sometimes a mixture of them all! Included activities have been designed to stimulate the body and mind so that you end the day refreshed & invigorated. Best of all, they’re fun and a great way to explore and learn about the various regions you visit. Limited to 16 Guest
TOUR COST Twin Single
01 Jan 10 - 30 Apr 11 $9,670 $12,320
Departure Dates
2010:
Sep 26; Oct 10, 31; Nov 14, 28; Dec: 05, 19
2011:
Jan 09, 16, 30; Feb 06, 13, 20, 27; Mar 06, 13, 20, 27;
Apr 03, 10, 17
Day 1
Arrive Christchurch
Our representative will meet you on arrival & transfer you by limousine to your city hotel.
Stay Novotel Christchurch (2 nights)
Day 2
Christchurch - 4WD High Country - TranzAlpine Experience
Travel by road & jet boat deep into the Southern Alps to areas otherwise inaccessible. Rendezvous with the Unimog and travel in this unique 4WD vehicle to Mt Torlesse Station. After lunch, return to Christchurch aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train. (B,L)
Day 3
Christchurch - Hanmer Springs - Kaikoura
Travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs & relax in the thermal pools. Continue to Kaikoura, a small township located in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean. (B)
Stay White Morph Inn
Day 4
Kaikoura - Whale Watch cruise - Nelson
Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch cruise may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. Continue north to Blenheim, gateway to the well-known Marlborough Sounds region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour
that is home to the busiest fi shing port in New Zealand. (B)
Stay Heritage Rutherford Hotel (2 nights)
Day 5
Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park Bush ‘n’ Beach walk
Today you can choose from a number of included cruise & walk or cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Maritime Park. Enjoy a great day on the water combining cruising, sightseeing, bush walks, beach stops & plenty of relaxing! (B,L)
Day 6
Nelson - Nelson Lakes - Punakaiki Rocks
Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that are the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes. (B)
Stay Punakaiki Resort
Day 7
Punakaiki - Greymouth - Franz Josef Glacier
The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860’s. Our overnight stay tonight is in the glacial village of Franz Josef. (B)
Stay Punga Grove Lodge
Day 8
Franz Josef - Haast - Wanaka - Queenstown
Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before travelling over the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination. (B)
Stay Heritage Queenstown Hotel (2 nights)
Day 9
Explore Queenstown & its surrounds
Enjoy a free day today to experience this magnifi cent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Your Tour Host will be pleased to recommend and offer advice on the many options available. (B)
Day 10
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
At Milford Sound, board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise of the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea. View spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. Activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline.
Stay Overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove. (B,D)
Day 11
Milford Sounds - Return to Queenstown
For those wishing to return to Queenstown by air, an optional scenic fl ight is available (subject to weather conditions). Upon our return, the rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer.(B)
Stay Heritage Queenstown Hotel (2 nights)
Day 12
Mighty Dart River Jetboat Safari
Join the Dart River Safari and jet boat on crystal clear waters in a wild and scenic landscape amidst the towering peaks, glaciers and ancient rainforests of the Mt. Aspiring National Park.(B)
Day 13
Fly Queenstown to Rotorua
Today, fly north to the geothermal city of Rotorua. Here you can stand upon volcanoes, peer into massive craters, see boiling mud, exploding geysers and marvel at the unspoiled native forests that cloak the land. Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori hangi (feast) & cultural evening. (B,D)
Stay Duxton Okawa Bay Hotel (2 nights)
Day 14
Helicopter to White Island Volcano
Board your helicopter for an incredible flight over the geothermal region of the Volcanic Plateau to White Island, New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. Located 52kms off the Bay of Plenty coastline, the islands’ active volcanic vents, steaming crater lake, bubbling hot streams and desolate mining ruins combine to create a surreal experience. When present, the sighting of dolphins in the Pacific Ocean over which you fly contrast to create an awesome & inspiring excursion. (B)
Day 15
Rotoua - Bay of Plenty - Coromandel Peninsula
Travel north this morning to the popular beachside towns of Tauranga & Mt Maunganui. Continue your journey to Pauanui on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula, a region where many kiwis choose to escape the bustle and stress of city life. (B)
Stay Mercure Grand Puka Park Resort
Day 16
Pauanui Beach, Auckland
After a leisurely breakfast and a stroll along the local beaches, travel on to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’, New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences. Enjoy a sightseeing & orientation tour on arrival. (B)
Stay Heritage Auckland Hotel (2 nights)
Day 17
Sail Auckland Harbour
Today you have the opportunity to crew on an original America’s Cup racing yacht. You will have the chance to take the helm, trim on the grinders or simply sit back and relax and enjoy the action as you sail down the Auckland Harbour. This afternoon is free for some last minute sightseeing and shopping. (B)
Day 18
Depart Auckland
Your tour arrangements end after breakfast this morning. Here we bid you farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay. (B)
Highlights & Inclusions
• Group size won’t exceed 16 guests
• 16 nights superior hotel accommodation
• Overnight Milford Sound Nature Cruise
• 2 night stopovers in Christchurch, Nelson, Rotorua & Auckland
• 4 nights majestic Queenstown
• Accompanied throughout by professional, experienced Tour Host
• Domestic fl ight Queenstown to Rotorua
• Full breakfasts daily, 2 lunches & 2 dinners
• 4WD High Country experience & jet boat ride
• World-famous TranzAlpine train
• Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve
• Whale watching cruise, Kaikoura
• Cruise & walk Abel Tasman National Park
• Punakaiki Rocks & Blowholes
• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
• Haast Pass & Westland National Park
• Stunning Milford Sound
• Dart River Jet Boat Safari
• Traditional Maori hangi (feast) & Cultural evening
• Helicopter fl ight to White Island Volcano and guided tour
• Coromandel beaches
• Sail a genuine America’s Cup racing yacht
• Complimentary airport transfers
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