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DAY 1: AUCKLAND (D) Arrival into Auckland. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover ahead of the evening’s event – a ‘Meet and Greet Dinner’ to acquaint yourself together with your travel companions whom you will share the next 28 days together on this amazing journey. DAY 2: AUCKLAND (B, D) Today you will see Auckland from another perspective ... Ever experienced the ‘thrill’ of being a passenger on the back of a ‘Motor bike’ - this ‘biker-ride’ includes visits to the North Shore, Parnell, Kohimarama, Mission Bay and Mt. Eden. The afternoon is yours to do as you wish, ahead of tonight’s event your ‘Exclusive Cultural Introduction’ to New Zealand performed by local tribesman, including a traditional ‘Powhiri – Maori welcome ceremony’ and dinner at a ‘Maori Marae’ – meeting house! DAY 3: NORTHLAND – HOKIANGA (B, D) Today our travels take us north along the ‘Kauri Coast Highway’, stopping at ‘Matakohe Kauri museum’ before arriving in the tiny settlement of ‘Omapere’ in the ‘Hokianga’, where we will base ourselves for the next two nights. The highlight of this day will be an amazing evening ‘Eco – Forest Night Walk’ amongst New Zealand’s iconic 'Kauri Trees’ and the mighty ‘Waipoua Forest’ and where you have a chance to marvel at ‘Tane Mahuta’ – God of the Forest, the 2,000 year old Kauri tree - a truly spectacular view. Be indicted by the Myths and Legends presented by your own personal Maori Guide as they deliver the Cultural significance and bring to life the story of this amazing tree species through song - 'waiata' and prayer - 'mihi'. DAY 4: HOKIANGA – BAY OF ISLANDS (B, L, D) Today is special as you will become the ‘artist’ and ’innovator’ of your own personal creation. A unique opportunity will evolve, as you are hosted by your very own ’Indigenous Master Carver’ and engage in an ‘artistic exercise’ of ‘self innovation’, creating your own special hand carved ‘Taonga - treasure’ in an informal environment under the watchful eye of your Maori mentor. Lunch will be provided in a most unusual and private setting designed to create the ‘ambience’ between you the – pupil, and your tutor for the day. On conclusion of this activity we travel to Paihia and the Bay of Islands our destination for the night. DAY 5 – BAY OF ISLANDS (B, D) This morning you will visit the ‘Waitangi Treaty Grounds’ and be introduced to the heritage surrounding this important piece of New Zealand's historical past. Afterwards, you will embark on an ’Boat Cruise' of the Bay of Island’s. Relax in comfort while experiencing all the highlights of the magnificent ‘Bay of Islands’ onboard this vessel. During this cruise you may see ‘dolphins’, ‘penguins’ and ‘whales’ in their natural environment – an interactive way to get close to these wonderful creatures. DAY 6 – BAY OF ISLANDS– WHANGAREI (B, L) This morning we leave the Bay of Islands and Paihia, stopping in ‘Kawa Kawa’ briefly to view the work of the Austrian artist who built the famous ‘Hunterwasser Toilets’, before carrying on and arriving in the outskirts of Whangarei where the first activity will be a visit ‘Culture Heritage adventure’ taking us to a famous ‘battlefield’, the last of the ‘Northern Wars’ between ‘Native Maori’ and the ‘British Empire’. An awe inspiring ‘Pouwhenua’ (a 9 metre high ancestral carving) greets you upon entering this site as your local Maori guides, descendents of the warriors from this battle, escort you onto this ‘sacred site’. You will see the remnants of this ingeniously ‘engineered fortification’, the ‘trench’ and ‘bunker’ system designed by the ‘Maori Chiefs’ of 1845, which was later adopted by the ‘British Army’ in the ‘First World War’. This will be followed by a picnic lunch at the ‘Haruru Falls’ before relaxing this afternoon ahead of an evening encounter, a ‘Twilight Maori Waka’ - canoe journey leaving from the Town Basin of Whangarei meandering your way down the harbour. Your native guides will instruct you in the art of paddling this ‘waka’ before embarking on this intriguing ‘cultural journey’ filled with the stories and heritage as you pass significant historical and contemporary landmarks. You will paddle the same waterways that ancient Maori war canoes once travelled, and venture to a ‘local tributary’ where you will participate in feeding ‘wild Eels’. Your guides will explain how their ancestors applied ‘conservation methods’ to these fisheries, and their own ‘Eco management’ strategies of today. On returning to land, a sumptuous dinner prepared by your hosts awaits, concluding the day’s events of this ‘Twilight – encounter’. We make our way south climbing the mountains of the Brynderwyn ranges, leaving the picturesque views of Whangarei harbour and Northland’s coastline behind arriving early evening in Auckland. DAY 7 – AUCKLAND - TAURANGA (B, D) This morning we make our way south climbing the mountains of the Brynderwyn ranges, leaving the picturesque views of Whangarei harbour and Northland’s coastline behind arriving Auckland for lunch before making our way over the Bombay Hills and through the lush pastures of the Hauraki Plains arriving in the ‘Bay of Plenty’ and ‘Tauranga’. We arrive at ‘Oropi’ located in the foothills of Tauranga, and enter 'The Valley of the Sighing Waters’, where you will be greeted by your very own ‘Kaumatua – Elder’ and hear the ‘Indigenous story’ relating to ‘Mauao – Mount Maunganui’, the iconic landmark of this region. A gentle 10 minute nature walk brings us into a ‘native rain forest setting’ alongside a stunning ‘Waterfall’ as your back-drop. This area is ‘EXCLUSIVE’ to Singles downUnder, and you will have the opportunity to ‘plant’ & ‘tag’ your own ‘group native- tree’ as part of the native re-generation forest project at this location. Accommodation this evening will be spent on the ‘Marae’ – Maori meeting house’. DAY 8 – TAURANGA – WHITE ISLAND – ROTORUA (B, L) This morning we leave Tauranga and join our cruise to ‘White Island’ and participate in the incredible experience of exploring the inner crater of New Zealand’s only ‘active marine volcano’. Late in the afternoon, we make our way to New Zealand’s premier visitor destination – ‘Rotorua’, the epi-centre of ’Maori Culture’. This evening, you will be treated to an authentic ‘Maori Cultural Performance’. DAY 9 – ROTORUA (B, L, D) There is a lot to see, hear and do in this ‘Geothermal & Geyser Wonderland’. Enrich your knowledge at the ‘Rotorua Museum’. Be thrilled by the museum's high impact ‘Cinema Experience’ – ‘Rotorua Stories'. We visit the ‘Whakarewarewa Thermal Village’ – the only living Maori Village in New Zealand and view spectacular geothermal activity – ‘Pohutu’ and ‘Prince of Wales Geysers’, pools of boiling water – turned to steam reaching into the heavens and bubbling mud. The afternoon is ‘Free’ - Why not indulge yourself in a mud bath, maybe a massage or one of the many optional activities on offer this afternoon. This evening, you will be treated to an authentic ‘Maori Cultural Performance’. See ‘Maori warriors’ arrive in their ‘war canoe’, to then be entertained in authentic surroundings by Rotorua’s most exciting interactive show casing of traditional ‘song’, ‘dance’, and ‘weaponry manoeuvres’. A traditionally cooked 'Maori hangi' is provided for dinner. The evening finishes with a short 'bush walk' to the ‘crystal clear water springs’ capturing glimpses of ‘glow worms’ along the way. DAY 10 – ROTORUA - WAITOMO CAVES – TAUPO (B, L) Today we make our way towards ‘Waitomo Caves’ where an ‘underground boat-ride’ awaits us. The ‘Waitomo Glow Worm Caves’ is where thousands of tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in their ‘cinema-like’ environment as expert guides provide informative commentary. In the surrounding area we visit pristine waterfalls and natural limestone formations. Our final destination for this day will be ‘Taupo’, located in the heart of the North Island by New Zealand’s largest lake, with ‘Mount Ruapehu’ as its backdrop. DAY 11 – TAUPO – WHANGANUI (B) Today is a day of leisure to experience the ‘multitudes’ of different optional activities on offer in this town. We depart Taupo mid-afternoon navigating our way around Lake Taupo and through the ‘Tongariro National Park’ arriving early evening at our accommodation in ‘Whanganui’. DAY 12 – WHANGANUI (B, L, D) Enjoy this unique opportunity in one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand, Whanganui. Visit scenic spots en route to ‘Pipiriki’, the heart of the ‘Whanganui National Park’: ‘Operiki Gardens’, the ‘Jerusalem Convent’. Along the way you will see more of New Zealand’s bush forest and scenery and hear commentary on the historic features of life on the Whanganui River. Lunch will be hosted by ‘tangata whenua’ at the local Marae along our trail. You will have the choice to ‘cycle’ back to where you started! After an adventurous day a relaxing evening and ‘Barbecue dinner’ awaits. DAY 13 – WHANGANUI – WELLINGTON (B, D) This day takes us from ‘Whanganui to Wellington’, the capital city of New Zealand. Along the way, we stop at a secluded beach for morning tea prepared by your tour manager before arriving in Wellington early afternoon. The rest of this day is yours for to explore optional activities in and around the city at will. You will discover that New Zealand's capital city has so much to offer. The ‘planned activity’ for this evening is to ‘engage’ you and your companions in a ‘team exercise’ involving your knowledge and ‘cooking skills’ relating to food preparation. This promises to be ‘fun & tasty’. DAY 14 - WELLINGTON/PICTON – ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK (B, L) Today we bid farewell of Wellington and the North Island as we cruise via the Marlborough Sounds into ‘Picton’. We make our way toward ‘Abel Tasman National Park’ via ‘Havelock & Queen Charlotte Sound’. Given the comfortable climate in this area, sophisticated wineries with innovative winemakers craft their knowledge of ‘grapes’ with stunning effects, it would only be appropriate that we visit such a ‘vineyard’ and taste their wines as we savor our lunch amidst this glorious setting. We arrive at our destination in the ‘Abel Tasman National Park’ stopping along the way in the ‘Nelson’ and ‘Mapua’. DAY 15 - ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK (B, D) Today’s activity starts with a ‘3 hour cruise tour’ of this majestic area. Sit back and relax on this scenic cruise into the breathtaking ‘Abel Tasman National Park’, viewing world-famous ‘Split Apple Rock’, ‘fur Seals’, ‘golden sands’, and ‘crystal clear waters of Torrent’, ‘Bark’, ‘Tonga’, and ‘Awaroa’. DAY 16 – ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK – PUNAKAIKI – HOKITIKA (B, L, D) We head towards the west coast, arriving at the ‘Punakaiki Pancake Rocks’ to view these amazing rock formations shaped by time. We journey on arriving at ‘Hokitika’ home to New Zealand’s finest Pounamu (jade) and Ruby Rock. A special event is scheduled after dinner where your Indigenous guide will prepare an evening ‘supplement’ consisting of luscious ‘Food nibbles, delicacies and Beverages’ designed to enhance the ‘wairua – spirit’ and ‘ambience’ as we watch the ‘sun fall down' on this sleepy little town. DAY 17 – HOKITIKA VIA HOKITIKA GORGE – PUKEKURA – FRANZ JOSEF (B, AT) This morning you will have the chance to do an array of optional activities or just simply relax at your leisure. After leaving Hokitika, we make our way through the beautiful ‘Hokitika Gorge’ stopping for a short walk to the ‘swing bridge’. The turquoise waters and breathtaking views make this an excellent spot for photographs. Journeying on, we arrive at ‘Pukekura’, the west coasts ‘smallest town’, before making our way toward our end destination for the day, ‘Franz Josef’. DAY 18 – FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER (B) Awake this morning to the glory of the ‘Southern Alps’. You are in the heart of the ‘ Westland National Park’, which is a part of the ‘unique South West New Zealand World Heritage Area’. The remnant of a much older and larger glacier, Franz Josef, is estimated to be 7,000 years old and now extends just 12 kilometers from the three feeder glaciers, with the terminal face being situated 5 kilometers from the town. This area is also home to some of New Zealand’s rarest flora and fauna – the ‘Southern Rata’, the ‘Okarito Brown Kiwi’ and the ‘Kotuku’ (White Heron) as well as seals which can be sighted on the foreshore. DAY 19 – FRANZ JOSEF – WANAKA (B) Enjoy the thrills and spills on the ‘Waiatoto River’. This ‘Jet Boat Safari’ is New Zealand's only sea to mountain safari adventure! Described as ‘a place of extraordinary contrast and exceptional beauty’ this area has some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world. On arrival in 'Wanaka' we visit the ‘Puzzling World’, a unique attraction specializing in puzzling eccentricity which entertains and amazes visitors of all ages. This is the world's first ‘modern styled Great Maze’ and incredible Illusion Rooms. Be truly amazed by the Puzzling World in Wanaka. DAY 20 – FULL DAY WANAKA (B) ‘Wanaka’ is primarily a resort town and has both summer and winter seasons based around many outdoor opportunities. Nestled behind the ‘Southern Alps’ in the South Island of New Zealand, Wanaka has something for everyone, whatever age, ability or sense of adventure. You will have the whole day here to engage in different optional activities on offer. DAY 21 – WANAKA VIA ARROWTOWN & QUEENSTOWN – TE ANAU (B,L,) Leaving Wanaka we closely follow the course of the mighty ‘Kawarau River’ making a brief stop at the picturesque settlement of ‘Arrowtown’, before arriving at a ‘Vineyard’ for our group ‘Wine Cave Tour’ We will travel into the hillside through underground caves which have been blasted out of the solid mountain schist rock in order to provide the perfect natural environment to mature their award-winning wines before sampling some of the local product. Travelling on we arrive at the Resort town of ‘Queenstown’ – New Zealand’s adventure capital, before making our way to the ‘Skyline Gondola’ and enjoy a ‘Buffet lunch’ with panoramic views of Lake Manapouri as your backdrop. Following lunch we stop at the ‘Kawarau Bridge’ the site of the world's first commercial ‘Bungy jumping’ operation - A J HACKETT – for those adventurous enough to experience the ‘original’ Bungy jump as an option, or maybe just to watch others do so before arriving late afternoon in the small township of ‘Te Anau’ – situated on the shores of ‘Lake Te Anau’. DAY 22 – TE ANAU – DOUBTFUL SOUND DAY CRUISE (B, L) Today we embark on an amazing day tour of ‘Doubtful Sounds’ and ‘Lake Manapouri’. We join our cruise across island-studded ‘Lake Manapouri’. On arrival at ‘West Arm’ we board our coach for the 2km journey underground into the machine hall of the amazing ‘Manapouri Power Station’. Thereafter we travel by coach for a spectacular journey over the ‘Wilmot Pass’ road to ‘Deep Cove’ in ‘Doubtful Sound’. On arrival into ‘Doubtful Sound’ you board your well appointed catamaran awaiting you in ‘Deep Cove’. During the afternoon, you will cruise the full length of the ‘fiord’, weaving through hidden coves and waterways. ‘Bottlenose dolphins’ are often encountered, ‘fur seals bask on the rocks’ and, at times, ‘rare penguins’ can be seen. After this ‘full-day’ cruise, the rest of the evening is ‘free’ for you to spend at your own leisure. DAY 23 – TE ANAU – DUNEDIN (B,L) Today we leave ‘Te Anau’ and make our way to ‘Dunedin’. Along the way, we pass through ‘Lumsden’ and across the river plains to ‘Gore’ before arriving in ‘Balclutha’ with it’s distinctive arched concrete bridge and museum, where we stop for lunch. The fresh, green farm scenery will accompany us as we travel past the historic mill town of ‘Milton’ – the unusual kink in the main road is where two surveyors didn’t quite meet, arriving early evening in ‘Dunedin’ – home to ostentatious Victorian architecture, wild-life and heritage. DAY 24 – DUNEDIN – MOERAKI – OAMARU (B, L) The morning is filled with a heritage journey and tour of ‘Dunedin’s sights’, including Signal Hill, 'Baldwin Street', (world’s steepest street), Settlers museum, Railway station, Otago University bringing us to ‘Speight’s Ale House’ for lunch and beer tasting! Following lunch, we depart for the Otago peninsula to observe 'Yellow-eyed penguins' with their young in the nesting area and visit to New Zealand’s widely known castle. As the afternoon rolls on we journey west leaving Dunedin in our wake stopping at the ‘Moeraki Boulders’ to capture some stunning ‘sunset’ photo shots. Our journey today ends with us arriving late evening in ‘Oamaru’. After a long and interesting day, for those looking to ‘paint the town’, there are a number of entertainment options here for you to choose from. DAY 25 – OAMARU – MT COOK (AORAKI) – LAKE TEKAPO (B) This morning we leave the Otago region and head into the Canterbury province, home of New Zealand’s highest mountain – ‘Aoraki’ (Mt Cook). After lunch we head directly towards the Southern Alps and ‘Aoraki’ (Maori name) or ‘Mt Cook’. Towering over the Alps at a height of 3,754 metres ‘Aoraki’ is New Zealand’s highest mountain and one of its best known icons. At the Mount Cook Village we will embark on a 'Tasman Glacier tour'. You will encounter towering ice- cliffs and huge floating icebergs. The boat provides a safe way to unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier. After experiencing such an awesome natural wonder we resume our day’s journey, travelling through the infamous ‘Mackenzie Country’. We end our day on the southern shores of ‘Lake Tekapo’, a popular area for walking, mountain biking, boating, kayaking, fishing, stargazing; horse trekking, skiing and snowboarding. Later this evening we journey together atop ‘Mount John’ for an amazing ‘stargazing excursion’ as your guides bring to life the neighboring stars, galaxies, star clusters and planets. DAY 26 – LAKE TEKAPO – CHRISTCHURCH (B,D) We leave Lake Tekapo and make our way through the McKenzie basin way across the Canterbury plains arriving early afternoon in Christchurch. We take the opportunity to take in some sightseeing of this, the South Islands largest city. This evening’s activity will be a visit to a 'Wild-life' sanctuary, with the main highlight bringing you within millimeters of our National icon, the ‘Kiwi Bird’. Dinner will also be enjoyed at this facility leaving the rest of the evening FREE for you to explore and enjoy the city night-life. DAY 27 – CHRISTCHURCH – KAIKOURA – CHRISTCHURCH (B, L, D) Today we will make our way north-east to ‘Kaikoura’ and board a vessel to view ‘Giant Sperm Whales’ as part of a unique and popular ‘eco – experience’. Kaikoura is a special place of lush pastures and towering, snow covered peaks that fall into the sea. This rare magic continues just offshore where a deep undersea canyon combines with unusual sea currents attracting an extraordinary abundance of marine life, the most famous being the 'Sperm Whale'. ‘Whale Watching’ in Kaikoura is the ‘must-do activity’ while in this wondrous, peaceful town. Not only do you get a rare chance to get up close with these majestic mammals, you also get to appreciate the importance of the environment they reside in. A late lunch in the form of your ‘typical’ Kiwi – ‘Fish n Chips’ will be enjoyed on the beach. On return to Christchurch, you will have the chance to freshen up before our ‘FAREWELL DINNER – HAERE RA’ Group party. This evenings ‘special dinner’ has been arranged for YOU to indulge in a union of comradeship and friendship before departing New Zealand. Hosts for the night will be your ‘Indigenous Guides’, and a customary – ‘Poroporoaki – Maori Farewell’, performed in acknowledgement that soon you will be leaving these shores to venture onwards on your eternal journey … DAY 28 – DEPART CHRISTCHURCH (B) With the morning check-out there is the opportunity to store your luggage at the hotel. Maybe there is still some time for that last minute shopping before your transfer to the airport. |