18D17N Essence Of New Zealand

You’ll want to arrive early to see just how Christchurch has transformed itself since the devastating 2010/11 earthquakes. Your Travel Director will welcome you this evening and provide you with a tour briefing.

Accommodation: Ibis Hotel

Day two of your tour of the South Island of New Zealand sees you step out with your guide for a deeper dive into ‘The City of Gardens’ before traversing the colourful Canterbury Plains: the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, snow-capped mountains and wildflower-strewn meadows. It’s quite the backdrop for the stone-hewn Church of the Good Shepherd. Your Indoor Dark Sky Astronomy Experience at Tekapo, hosted by passionate guides, will forever change the way you see the night sky. You’ll see for yourself it may be one of the quietest spots on the planet, yet it has one of the busiest skies in the universe.

Accommodation: Distinction Heritage Gateway Hotel

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Easing through the Waitaki Valley, you’re en route toward the pretty town of Oamaru, known for its stately tree-lined streets and limestone buildings. Architectural drama of a different kind awaits in Dunedin. While away the afternoon in atmospheric art-lined alleys or sipping a lager or two in Speight’s Brewery (a national institution). Or venture further afield to discover Larnach Castle, which nods to Dunedin’s Scottish link – it’s known as ‘Little Edinburgh’ for a reason.

Accommodation: Dunedin Leisure Lodge

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Travel through rolling farmlands and lush pastures to Invercargill, a city obsessed with motor vehicles. Tributes to speed legends colour the city so it’s only fitting that you visit Transport World for a guided tour and dinner. Explore classic vehicles as you are transported on a nostalgic walk back in time. Bill Richardson began collecting old trucks in 1967 and in his words sometimes “bought a truck more with our hearts than with our heads.” The collection now comprises of many rare and unusual vehicles, along with popular classic vehicles.

Accommodation: Kelvin Hotel

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Invercargill is the gateway to the southernmost community in the country. Welcome to Stewart Island, a wild and wonderful drop of land that is 97% national parkland. Naturally, it’s a magnet for endemic flora and fauna, as you’ll discover on your guided Village and Bays tour. Later you have the option to join a leisurely cruise around Paterson Inlet that will take you past unique places including Acker’s Cottage before docking at Ulva Island to admire the bird life and native flora.

Accommodation: Kelvin Hotel

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Today it’s all about authentic country life. You’ll be welcomed to Real Country for a taste of genuine farm life in the South Island. Try your hand at whip cracking or watch working dogs do what they do best. After a barbecue lunch, journey to the adventure capital of the world, Queenstown, which sits on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort

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Today is completely at your leisure. Relax by Lake Wakatipu, or take advantage of the optional experiences:

• Kiwi Park: ADD NZD 55 per person
• Milford Sound Scenic Cruise: ADD NZD 279 per person

Accommodation: Copthorne Hotel & Resort

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From Queenstown, journey to Arrowtown, a charming gold-mining village. Skirt along the shores of Lake Dunstan and Lake Hawea before travelling through the dramatic Haast Pass into glacier country. Get some perspective on an optional Franz Josef Glacier flight tour (own expense).

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier

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Wandering Hokitika’s windswept shore on the West Coast feels a bit like you’ve discovered the end of the Earth. The town’s other natural beauty is pounamu (native greenstone or jade). Prepare yourself for Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and blowholes; they owe their existence to the thundering surf that will lull you to sleep.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

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After action-packed days, all you need to do today is sit back and enjoy the drama of the Heritage Highway en route to Nelson. Gaze over Buller Gorge and Kahurangi National Park, a place of wild rivers, high plateaus, alpine herbfields and coastal forests.

Accommodation: The Rutherford Hotel

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The South Island’s oldest city, Nelson is also one of the sunniest. Explore nearby Tahunanui Beach, or you may choose to head further afield to the world-famous Abel Tasman National Park. This pocket in the top of the island is a beautiful union of golden beaches framed by sculpted granite cliffs.

Optional Experience:
• Wilsons Abel Tasman: ADD NZD 158 per person – The ultimate boat cruise and walk combination in the Abel Tasman National Park.

Accommodation: The Rutherford Hotel

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All aboard the interisland ferry for a cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound, up the Tory Channel and across Cook Strait, from the South Island to the North, navigating a maze of arms and inlets into New Zealand’s cool little capital of Wellington. End your tour on a high note at dinner with your Travel Director and travel companions.

Accommodation: Travelodge Wellington

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View the sights of Wellington including the Beehive and Parliament grounds this morning then travel to Napier. Beautifully preserved 1930s architecture is Napier’s special point of difference.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania

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This morning meet your informative and entertaining local guide from the Art Deco Trust who will bring Napier’s fascinating architectural history to life as you take an easy stroll through the compact Art Deco Quarter in the vibrant city centre. On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, your participation helps preserve Napier’s Art Deco heritage. This afternoon relax or perhaps choose an optional wine tour of local Hawkes Bay vineyards (+NZD 155) or a safari to the Gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers (own expense).

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Te Pania

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The road ahead unfolds in a broad panorama of Lake Taupo, the largest of its kind in the country – feeding thundering Huka Falls. Explore Te Puia’s geothermal valley and learn about Maori history & culture. Take a guided tour of the Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, and enjoy a Highlight Dinner of hangi-inspired cuisine and cultural performance at Te Aronui a Rua meeting house, ending with Pohutu Geyser view with hot chocolate.

Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua

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Free day to explore Rotorua at your leisure. Relax at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa or choose from optional adventures:

• Tarawera & Lakes Eco Tour: ADD NZD 110 per person
• Hobbiton Day Tour Ex Rotorua: ADD NZD 189 per person

Accommodation: Sudima Lake Rotorua

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Drive through Waikato River country to Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’. Enjoy an interactive All Blacks Rugby Experience exploring its cultural significance and culminating in a traditional haka.

Accommodation: Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart

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Transfer to Auckland Airport for your onward journey with unforgettable memories of New Zealand.

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