98241 00148
info@axploreholidays.com
New Zealand is a country in the south-western Pacific Ocean consisting of 2 main islands, both marked by volcanoes and glaciations. Capital Wellington, on the North Island, is home to Te Papa Tongarewa, the expansive national museum. Wellington’s dramatic Mt. Victoria, along with the South Island’s Fiordland and Southern Lakes, stood in for mythical Middle Earth in Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” films.
Festivals
Wellington Jazz Festival, Art festival, Music Festival, Laneway Festival, Hokitika Wild food festival, balloons over Waikato, Maori Kai food festival, etc
Food
Maori cuisine, Kiwi, Pacific Rim cuisine, Crayfish, whitebait, Mt cook salmon, Green lipped mussels, Scallops, etc
Best Time to Visit:
|
Seasons |
Months |
|
|
Summer
Winter |
December January & Feb
June July August |
|
|
Autumn |
March April may |
Places to visit
Bay of Islands, Milford Sound, Auckland, Waiheke Island, Christchurch, White Island, Queenstown, Waitomo Glowworm caves, etc.
Attractions & Activities
Sports, Skiing, Walking & Hiking, Stargazing, Sailing, Cruises, Diving, rafting, etc
On arrival in Auckland, ‘The City of Sails’, seat in coach passengers will be met by our local representative and privately transferred to your hotel. Self-drive clients will collect your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel.
Travel south through the fertile Waikato region to arrive at Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour of the world-famous Waitomo Glow-worm Caves including an underground boat ride viewing the millions of glow worms on the cavern roof. On completion continue over the forested Mama Ranges to reach the ‘Thermal City’ of Rotorua. This evening enjoy an authentic Maori Hang (feast) and Concert. (B, D)
This morning visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve to see boiling mud pools and roaring geysers. Following this, visit Rainbow Springs to see New Zealand’s trout, birds and wildlife before continuing to the Agro dome for a New Zealand farm show featuring sheep dog demonstrations, cow milking and an introduction to the stars of our sheep industry. This afternoon or this evening enjoys a relaxing soak in the tranquil setting of the lake Retreat at the Polynesian Spa. (B)
Depart on your domestic flight from Rotorua to Christchurch (airfare is NOT included). Tonight enjoy a romantic dinner on the iconic Christchurch Tram Restaurant. (B, D)
Travel across the fertile Canterbury Plains to Lake Tekapo and the ‘Church of the Good Shepherd’ before continuing on to New Zealand’s highest mountain – Mt Cook. Depart Mt Cook and follow the shores of Lake Pukaki south through the historic Central Otago region to the ‘Alpine Resort’ of Queenstown. (B)
A free day to explore the endless optional attractions available. Queenstown offers bungee jumping, jet boating, white water rafting, gondola rides and much more. Optional activities not included in the tour price. (B)
Departing Queenstown this morning, travel along the shores of Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to the Haast Pass, gateway to World Heritage Westland National Park. Continue up the West Coast past spectacular mountain ranges, native forests and lakes to the glacier region of Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. For self drive clients, entry to the Glacier Hot Pools is included’ (B)
Travel north to Greymouth today and board the Tranz Alpine train (seat in coach passengers only). Ascend through lush beech forests past the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass before crossing the spectacular Southern Alps. Travel beside the Waimakariri River to Christchurch. (B)
Your arrangements conclude today with a departure transfer or the return of your rental car.
