Capital : Wellington
Area : 268680 Sq Km
Population : 4,008,000
Languages : English and Maori
Currency : New Zealand Dollars (NZ)
Climate : moderate
Teperature : Rarely falling below 0°C or Rising above 30°C.
Clothing : Smart Casual cloths
(Fri. & Sat.) Board your transpacific flight and skip a day as you cross the International Date Line
(Sun.) Haere Mai— welcome to New Zealand! Hotel rooms are available for immediate check-in. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special WELCOME DINNER. (D)
(Mon.) Sightseeing starts with a drive up the winding Summit Road for views of Lyttleton Harbor, then past Christchurch’s old stone buildings, the charming Avon River, and acres of green parks. The remainder of the day is free to explore this beautiful English “Garden City.” (B).
(Tue.) Today, journey through the alpine scenery of MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK, named after the highest peak in New Zealand. Weather permitting, don’t miss the chance to take an optional ski-plane flight that actually lands on the 18-mile-long Tasman Glacier. It is an unforgettable experience. Dinner tonight is at your hotel. (B,D)
Today, we take you on a full-day cruise to the Great Barrier Reef - one of Australia’s most spectacular attractions. See the brilliant colors and fascinating life forms of this world heritage site. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the true wonders of the world and one of the largest expanses of Corals in the world. Touch some of the unique marine creatures in the Marine Touch tank. Take a guided tour on the glass bottom boat and the semi submersible boat and spend the day enjoying the Allots spectacular marine life and corals. Enjoy a swim in the calm waters of the sea, try Snorkeling and view the coral and marine life. You can also try scuba diving, go on an undersea walk or take a helicopter ride over the scenic Barrier Reef on your own. Overnight stay at the hotel.(Wed.) Today, enjoy fantastic views as you journey through the snowcapped peaks, waterfalls, and rugged mountain scenery of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Later, arrive in Queenstown, nicknamed the “Adventure Capital of the World.” (B).
(Thu.) More beautiful scenery today as you travel into FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK through the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound. Boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, this region of New Zealand has the elite status of belonging to UNESCO’s World Heritage Parks. CRUISE on the fiord with sheer rock walls rising thousands of feet from the water’s great depths. (B,L)
(Fri.) A full day at leisure for your own discovery. Consider an optional visit to a local vineyard and sample some of the prize vintages, or maybe a thrilling jetboat ride on the Kawarau and Shotover Rivers. Your Tour Director will have suggestions to help you plan your day to explore, shop, and enjoy optional activities. This evening, enjoy breathtaking scenery in every direction as you cruise Lake Wakatipu on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. Upon arrival at Walter Peak, you will be served dinner at Colonel’s Homestead. (B,D).
(Sat.) A short flight brings you to Rotorua, the center of the Maori culture set in the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal wonderland. Tonight, enjoy a traditional HANGI DINNER followed by an authentic MAORI CONCERT. (B,D).
(Sun.) This morning, sightseeing begins with a visit to TE PUIA, Rotorua’s most prominent thermal area with New Zealand’s largest geyser, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Continue on to the AGRODOME to learn more about one of the country’s major industries—sheep! Then on to RAINBOW SPRINGS, home to rainbow trout and the flightless kiwi bird in its nocturnal “Kiwi House.” This evening, you may wish to enjoy the hospitality of a New Zealand family at dinner in their home. (B)
(Mon.) This morning, travel north through Waikato to the famous WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES. Experience a guided tour through the limestone chambers and passages of the caverns. Enjoy a silent boat trip through Glowworm Grotto as you glide quietly beneath the lights of thousands of glowworms suspended from the cave ceiling. Later, arrive in the “City of Sails,” situated on an isthmus between two magnificent harbors. During your sightseeing, ascend Mt. Eden for magnificent views of the city and Ragitoto Island, the volcanic cone which dominates the inner harbor. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a FAREWELL DINNER.
(Tue.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)