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| DAY 1 – ARRIVE CHRISTCHURCH (D)
Nau mai haere mai … Welcome to Aotearoa. This day is yours for you to shake off any jet-lag, though the evening will consist of a ‘Meet & Greet’ with a ‘Cultural’ introduction to New Zealand performed by ‘Maori tribesman’, welcoming you as visitors to the country before embarking on the rest of your tour. A ‘Welcome gift – Taonga’ will be presented to you during this welcoming ceremony to commemorate your participation on this tour DAY 2 – CHRISTCHURCH – KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH (B, L) Today you we will make our way north-east to ‘Kaikoura’ and board a vessel to see ‘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 to the sea. ‘Whale Watching’ is a ‘must-do activity’ while in this wondrous, peaceful town. Not only do you get a rare chance to get up close and personal with these majestic mammals, you also get to appreciate the importance of the environment they reside in. A ‘typical’ lunch will be enjoyed on the beach. On return to Christchurch, the rest of the evening is ‘FREE’ for you to make the most of Christchurch night-life or relax in and around the city. DAY 3 – CHRISTCHURCH – LAKE TEKAPO (B) Today we leave Christchurch heading through the rich irrigated farmlands of the ‘Canterbury Plains’, into the ‘McKenzie basin’ toward the mighty ‘Southern Alps’ arriving at ‘Lake Tekapo’. Arriving in Lake Tekapo, time this afternoon will be given for you to experience some optional activities at your own leisure or maybe just relax. Later this evening we will meet together to journey to New Zealand’s premier astronomical observatory situated at atop ‘Mount John’ as your guides bring to life the neighboring ‘stars’, ‘galaxies’, ‘star clusters’ and ‘planets’. DAY 4 – LAKE TEKAPO – MOUNT COOK (AORAKI) – OAMARU (B, L) We leave Lake Tekapo and make our way towards the ‘Southern Alps’ and ‘Aoraki’ or ‘Mt Cook’, one of New Zealand’s highest mountains and best known icon. A tour of these mountainous ranges and sights waits where you will encounter towering ‘ice-cliffs’ and ‘huge floating icebergs’ as your boat provides a safe way to unseen and inaccessible areas of New Zealand's largest glacier. After this amazing excursion we journey on following the Waitaki River and passing through irrigated farmlands stopping for in the small township of ‘Omarama’ which is Maori for ‘Place of Light’, a reference given to the extraordinarily pure and clear sky which makes the area a Mecca for astronomers. Our journey today ends with us arriving late evening in ‘Oamaru’. After a long and interesting day, for those looking to ‘paint the town’, entertainment options are here to enjoy. DAY 5 - OAMARU – MOERAKI – DUNEDIN (B, L) Our travel today brings us to Dunedin, stopping along the way at the ‘Moeraki Boulders’, huge spherical stones, found strewn along a stretch of ‘Koekohe Beach’ near ‘Moeraki’, a small settlement on New Zealand's Otago coast. These boulders are septarian concretions which have been exposed through shoreline erosion weighing several tons and are up to three metres in diameter. After lunching in the small township of ‘Moeraki’, a leisurely drive brings us to ‘Dunedin’. The evening is yours for you to explore the night-life of this ‘bustling’ city. DAY 6 - DUNEDIN (B, L) ‘Dunedin’ is known for the ‘Wild-life’ sanctuaries as well as its ‘Scottish heritage’ and today a chance to experience New Zealand’s fifth largest city and these activities is part of the days events. A visit to the ‘Otago Peninsula’ is where you will encounter 'Yellow-eyed penguins' and their young enjoy observing their activities. There is a strong possibility you will also see the 'Little penguin', the world’s smallest, resting in their nest burrows. A visit to New Zealand’s only ‘Castle’ - 'Larnach Castle' allows an interesting insight into an intriguing piece of ‘real’ South Island history before we make our way back into the city passing by 'Baldwin Street', (world’s steepest street), arriving at a ‘local brewery’ to lunch and even try some ‘BEER TASTING’! The evening is yours to explore on your own with a variety of ‘award winning restaurants’, ‘live pub entertainment – Karaoke Bars’, ‘theatres’, ‘cinemas’ and its very own ‘Casino’. DAY 7 - DUNEDIN – TE ANAU (B, L) Today we leave ‘Dunedin’ and make our way to ‘Te Anau’. Along the way, Fresh, green farm scenery will accompany you 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. Next is ‘Balclutha’ with its distinctive arched concrete bridge and museum. We travel past ‘Gore’ across the river plain arriving in ‘Lumsden’ where we stop for lunch. We arrive in the small Te Anau township which sits on the shores of Lake Te Anau. The wonders of the ‘Fiordland National Park’ are at your fingertips and you have the chance to explore or simply relax in this quiet isolated village. DAY 8 – TE ANAU – DOUBTFUL SOUND DAYTIME CRUISE (B,L) Today you will embark on an amazing trip as we board a vessel to embark on a cruise across the crystal clear waters of beautiful ‘Lake Manapouri’ with its many bush clad islands, sandy beaches, and many coves and bays, surrounded by bush clad mountains. 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’. At ‘Deep Cove’ you will board a spacious Catamaran and spend the next 3 hours exploring the awe inspiring beauty of ‘Doubtful Sound’ with its rugged mountains clad in dense sub tropical rainforest, waterfalls cascading down steep mountain sides into the pristine waters below. It is like no where else in the world. Wildlife is often sighted during the cruise through this remote part of Fiordland World heritage area. After this full day cruise, the rest of the evening is ‘Free’ for you to enjoy at your leisure. DAY 9 – TE ANAU VIA QUEENSTOWN & ARROWTOWN – WANAKA (B, L) We leave Te Anau and make our way to the Resort town of ‘Queenstown’ – New Zealand’s adventure capital. 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 making our way to the ‘Skyline Gondola’ and enjoy a ‘Buffet lunch’ with panoramic views of Lake Manapouri as your backdrop. After lunch we make 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. We journey on following closely the mighty ‘Kawarau River’ arriving early evening in ‘Wanaka’, where we will base ourselves for the next two nights. DAY 10 – FULL DAY WANAKA (B) ‘Wanaka’ is primarily a resort town with many outdoor opportunities. Nestled behind the ‘Southern Alp’s, ‘Wanaka’ has something for everyone, whatever age, ability or sense of adventure. You will have the whole day here to engage in different activities that are on offer. DAY 11 – WANAKA – HAAST – FRANZ JOSEF (B) We depart ‘Wanaka’, but first make a visit to a unique attraction specialising in puzzling eccentricity which entertains and amazes visitors of all ages. The world's first ‘Modern Styled Great Maze’ and incredible ‘Illusion Rooms’. Stopping for lunch along the way, we arrive at ‘Haast’ where you will get to enjoy the thrills and spills on the ‘Waiatoto River’. This Jet Boat Safari is New Zealand's only sea to mountain safari adventure, exploring, ‘ Te Wahipounamu’ – ‘The South West New Zealand World Heritage Area’. Described as ‘a place of extraordinary contrast and exceptional beauty’ this area has some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the world, as you experience the precise maneuverability of this ‘custom-built safari craft’, designed especially for these remote wild rivers. We arrive this evening at our accommodation in Franz Josef. DAY 12 – 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’. This area is 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 on the foreshore. The ‘Franz Josef Glacier’ was named in 1863 after the Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire by geologist and explorer, ‘Julius von Haast’ and estimated to be 7,000 years old extending 12 kilometers. Today is a day for you to explore this area at your leisure. Choose from the many activities available in this popular visitor attraction. DAY 13 – FRANZ JOSEF – PUKEKURA - HOKITIKA via HOKITIKA GORGE (B, MT, L, D) This morning we travel onwards arriving at ‘Pukekura’, the west coasts ‘smallest town’, taking in morning tea before continuing on through the beautiful ‘Hokitika Gorge’ stopping for a short nature walk and opportunity for excellent photographs of the ‘turquoise waters’ and natural breathtaking views. We arrive in ‘Hokitika’ checking into our accommodation, where time is given to explore this small coastal town. A ‘special event’ is scheduled for this evening as you prepare for an evening supplement of ambience enhancing the ‘wairua – spirit’ as we watch the ‘sun falls down on’ this sleepy little town. An option to visit the local ‘Glow worm cave’ is close by for those more adventurous. DAY 14 – HOKITIKA – PUNAKAIKI – ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK (B, D) This morning you will have the chance to do an array of optional activities or just simply relax at your leisure before leaving Hokitika. We move on towards the ‘Abel Tasman National Park’, stopping at the ‘Punakaiki Pancake Rocks’. The Pancake Rocks are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts though a number of vertical blowholes during high tides. We make a brief stop in ‘Westport’ before moving on arriving in the ‘Abel Tasman National Park’, one of 14 national parks in New Zealand. DAY 15 - ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK (B, D) ‘Abel Tasman’ is the smallest of New Zealand’s national parks and covered in native bush, interlaced with walking tracks and surrounded by clear blue/green seas. Today’s activity is a ‘3 hour cruise tour’ of this majestic area and surrounds. Sit back and relax as we depart 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’. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore the area further relax or indulge in the many activities that are on offer. The evenings highlight in this secluded area will be a dinner enjoyed at a local Pub and an opportunity to mingle with the locals. DAY 16 – ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK – WELLINGTON (B, L) The morning is yours for you to try some optional activities in the area before we make our way from ‘Abel Tasman National Park’ and journey onwards, stopping in the charming and vibrant little sea-side town of ‘Mapua’ and then on to ‘Nelson’. Due to the climate here, this area produces sophisticated wineries with innovative winemakers crafting their knowledge of ‘grapes’ with stunning effects. We will get to visit one such ‘vineyard’ and a chance to taste a range of ‘wines’ and excellent ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ amidst a glorious setting. Following the windy picturesque coast road via ‘Havelock & Queen Charlotte’ sound, we arrive in ‘Picton’ to board our ferry leaving behind the ‘South Island’ and arriving in ‘Wellington’, the capital city of New Zealand. DAY 17 – WELLINGTON (B, D) Today is a day to relax and recover at your leisure. This is a chance to experience the many different faces of Wellington and explore the city at will. New Zealand's capital city has so much to offer. Set on the edge of a stunning harbor and surrounded by rolling hills, it's a city offering a range of things to see and do. The evening’s event will include a ‘GOURMET FOOD’ - fun & taste exercise. This will give the participants the chance to try their hands at something different and also designed to act as a ‘Team-building’ activity. DAY 18 – WELLINGTON – WHANGANUI (B) We depart the capital and make our way north-west to Whanganui stopping along the way at one of the best-kept secrets of the North Islands west coast a secluded beach. A popular fishing spot, the large, flat beach is known for the sense of ‘peace’ and ‘tranquility’. Here you will enjoy the views along with a relaxing planned ‘MORNING TEA’ break. We arrive mid-afternoon at our accommodation in Whanganui. The rest of the evening is to be enjoyed at your leisure. DAY 19 – WHANGANUI (B, L, D) Today you will embark on a ‘unique adventure’ as you travel with the ‘local Mailman’ as he ‘delivers mail’ and ‘supplies’ to residents of the isolated ‘River Valley’. Visit scenic spots en route to ‘Pipiriki’, the heart of the ‘Whanganui National Park’. 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 today will be provided at the local ‘Marae’ together with ‘local – tangata whenua’. Thereafter, you will ‘cycle’ back to where you started. For those less energetic, a support vehicle will be provided. After an adventurous and rich day a relaxing evening of your choice beckons. Dinner this evening will be at our accommodation in the form of a ‘Typical Kiwi Barbecue’. DAY 20 – WHANGANUI - TAUPO (B) This day we make our way toward the ‘Central North Island’ and ‘Tongariro National Park’, arriving in ‘Taupo’. We pass by the three ‘andesitic volcanoes’ at the heart of this park - the mountains ‘Tongariro’, ‘Ngaruahoe’ and ‘Ruapehu’, which form the southern limits of the ‘Taupo Volcanic Zone’. Our 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. With a variety of cafes and restaurants to choose from, Taupo has long been considered a favorite destination, even popular in the winter season attracting visitors from all over the world during the winter ski season. On arrival midday you have the opportunity to experience the ‘multitudes’ of different optional activities on offer in this exciting town. You will have the chance to explore the many café’s and restaurants, and also check out the night-life and local pubs. DAY 21 – TAUPO – WAITOMO CAVES – ROTORUA (B, L, D) We leave Taupo and travel toward the ‘King Country’ and ‘Waitomo Caves’ where an ‘underground boat-ride’ of the ‘Waitomo Caves’ waits. Before arriving in ‘Waitomo’, we will make a couple of brief stops along the way taking in natural beauty and amazing scenery including native bush surroundings, waterfalls and water cascading surrounds showcasing an awesome mystique amidst magnificent ‘native flora’ and ‘fauna’. We arrive at the ‘Waitomo Glow Worm Caves’ and will journey through underground caves on a boat where you will see thousands of tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light in their ‘cinema-like’ environment as expert guides provide informative commentary on the Caves historical and geological significance. On completion of this excursion we will participate in what is considered ‘the best half hour walk’ in New Zealand, in and around the ‘Ruakuri Cave’. After lunch we make a two hour journey arriving in Rotorua, New Zealand’s premier visitor destination – ‘Rotorua’. Nau mai haere mai … Welcome to Rotorua, the epi-centre of ‘Maori Culture’. This evening, you will be treated to an authentic ‘Maori Cultural Performance’. After checking into our accommodation the evening’s entertainment will be a ‘Cultural – Hangi and Concert’. See ‘Maori warriors’ arrive in their ‘war canoe’, 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. DAY 22 – ROTORUA (B, L) There is a lot to see and do in this ‘Geothermal & Geyser Wonderland’, but there is also a lot of history which can be absorbed like the encounter at the ‘Rotorua Museum’. Be thrilled by the museum's high impact ‘Cinema Experience’ – ‘Rotorua Stories'. Visitors are taken on an educational adventure, plummeting 13km into the belly of the earth to learn the ‘scientific’ and ‘mythological’ reasons for Rotorua's volatile landscape. We make our way to ‘Whakarewarewa Thermal Village’ – the only living Maori Village in New Zealand. With the demise of the ‘Pink and White Terraces’, the ‘Whakarewarewa Village/Reserve’ became a showcase for the geothermal wonders of the district, and now ‘Tuhourangi/Ngati Wahiao’ are the guardians of Whakarewarewa’s spectacular geothermal activity – ‘Pohutu’ and ‘Prince of Wales Geysers’, pools of boiling water and bubbling mud. The village is a living village where geothermal resources are still used for cooking, bathing, washing and processing the flax plant. It’s time for lunch and the rest of the afternoon and evening is yours for you to explore the wide range of activities that are hosted in this City. DAY 23 – ROTORUA – ‘WHITE ISLAND’ – TAURANGA MOANA (B, L, D) An early start is in order today as we leave ‘Rotovegas – nickname for Rotorua’ and venture to ‘Whakatane’ to 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’. ‘White Island’ offers a 6 hour adventure to this fascinating island volcano. Your experienced crew will assist you with the navigation and wandering of this volcanic wonderland during the course of the day’s activity. Thereafter, we make a short journey north arriving in ‘Tauranga Moana’. Tauranga is located at the entrance to a beautiful natural harbor and is a thriving commercial centre with a passion for good food, wine and boutique shopping. On arrival in Tauranga an activity will take place at ‘Oropi’ located in the foothills of Tauranga where you will enter ‘The Valley of the Sighing Waters’. You will hear the ‘Myths & Legends’ of this significant area explained by your very own ‘Kaumatua – Elder’ regarding ‘Mauao – Mount Maunganui’, the iconic landmark of this region. A crisp 10 minute nature walk brings us to a native rain forest setting alongside a stunning ‘Waterfall’ as your back-drop. You will also receive the opportunity to ‘plant’ & ‘tag’ your own ‘group native- tree’ - ‘EXCLUSIVE’ to ‘SINGLES DOWNUNDER’ – as part of the native re-generation forestry project at this location. Tonight’s accommodation will be spent on a ‘Marae’, where your hosts, a distinguished Maori chief and his family, engages you in traditional lore of Maoridom – ‘Tikanga’ and ‘rituals’. Also a chance to interact with the locals – ‘tangata whenua’ After customary formalities, a home cooked meal will be served this evening by our hosts before bedding down for the night – on the floor – ‘Maori style’! DAY 24 – TAURANGA MOANA – WHANGAREI (B, D) After breakfast we travel north stopping in Auckland where an extraordinary activity awaits – ‘Motor cycle ride’ as a passenger, taking you on a ‘City Sights Tour’ of New Zealand’s largest city. We journey on towards Northland arriving in ‘Whangarei’, our destination for the day where you will experience an ‘EXCLUSIVE’ activity designed for ‘SINGLES DOWNUNDER’ a ‘Twilight Eco tour’ on a ‘Waka– canoe’ activity hosted by local Indigenous tribesman. This encounter presents an intriguing ‘cultural journey’ filled with the stories and heritage as you pass significant historical and contemporary landmarks. You will paddle waterways where ancient 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’. A sumptuous dinner will be enjoyed by all before retiring for the evening. DAY 25 – WHANGAREI – BAY OF ISLANDS & OVERNIGHT CRUISE (B, D) We depart Whangarei arriving at this mornings ‘Heritage and Culture adventure’, also ‘EXCLUSIVE’ to ‘SINGLES DOWN UNDER’, which brings us to a famous ‘battlefield’, where the last of the ‘Northern Wars’ between ‘Native Maori’ and the ‘British Empire’. Your local Maori guides, descendents of the warriors from this battle, escort you onto this ‘sacred site’ where 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’. The context of the battle, including the ‘cunning’ and ‘treachery’ of warfare, are brought to life by your Maori guides. Be informed of the modern journey of “partnership” between the Government and local Tribes in managing the sites ‘conservation’, ‘reforestation’, and ‘heritage’. We make the short visit to the Bay of Islands and Waitangi where you will visit the ‘Waitangi Treaty Grounds’. Here you be introduced to the heritage surrounding this important piece of New Zealand's historical past. Early afternoon its time to embark on an ‘Overnight Boat Cruise of the Bay of Islands’. You will become immersed in Northlands history, scenery, art and culture onboard this vessel. This boat cruise allows you to relax in comfort while experiencing all the highlights of the magnificent ‘Bay of Islands’ in one day aboard this wonderful vessel. While on this cruise you may see ‘dolphins’, ‘penguins’ and ‘whales’ in their natural environment - a great way to get close to these wonderful creatures. DAY 26 – BAY OF ISLANDS - HOKIANGA (B, D) On arrival back to Paihia we travel to the ‘Hokianga’, and arrive in the small coastal village of ‘Omapere’, settling into our accommodation with the Hokianga harbour as your back-drop. Time is given to relax and as part of the evening’s event, a specially planned ‘Group Dinner’, before the main activity for the day a ‘Forest Night Walk’ in the ‘Waipoua Forest’ where you have a chance to marvel and meet ‘Tane Mahuta’ – God of the Forest, the ‘2,000 year old Kauri tree’ - a spectacular view. Be indicted by the Myths and Legends presented by your personal Guide as they deliver the Cultural significance of this amazing tree species through song - 'waiata' and prayer - 'mihi'. This is a 'must-see and do' excursion for any visitor wanting to appreciate the importance of how Eco-systems have played such an important role in this regions evolvement. DAY 27 – HOKIANGA - AUCKLAND (B, L, D) Your journey is about to come to an end but before it does, one last activity remains in the form of an ‘artistic exercise’ of ‘self-innovation’ – ‘carving’. Each participant has the opportunity to hand carve their own special ‘Taonga – treasure’, under the watchful eye of the ‘master carver and tutor’. You will have the pleasure of creating this ‘master piece’ in the comfort of your tutors home and studio, creating a very informal but unique interactive environment – ‘student & teacher’! On completion of this activity we make our way south along the Kauri coast highway bound for Auckland, our final destination and prepare ourselves for the ‘FAREWELL DINNER’ – ‘POROPOROAKI’. As you were ‘greeted’ on arrival by the Indigenous people of New Zealand, it is only fitting that this part of your journey is ‘closed off’ at a ‘Maori cultural ceremony’. Formalities and speeches will make up this process before indulging in a ‘scrumptious’ meal. This will be your last night together with your colleagues and a chance to reflect on your ‘adventure’ and ‘journey’. A final ‘night on the town’ in the ‘City of Sails’ could be on the cards with a ‘last chance’ to ‘live it’ up before departing New Zealand. DAY 28 – AUCKLAND DEPARTURE (B) Today you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight at Auckland International airport. HAERE RA … KA KITE ANO! |