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New Zealand

Independent Bus and Self-drive Tours / Escorted Tours for 18-35 year olds
Classic Escorted Tours / Camping Tours / Hiking Tours / Biking Tours / Multisport Tours

10 Day Kiwi Explorer

DAY 1: Auckland to Rotorua (D)
Today our adventure begins in a big way with a visit to the impressive site of the Sky City Tower. At 328 metres Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering breath-taking views for more than 80 kilometres in every direction. It's then on the road towards Rotorua. We’ll drive by the picturesque Lake Rotorua and a take tour of the town before settling into our motel.
Alpin Motel

DAY 2: Rotorua (B,D)
The day is yours to explore the region. You will have time for an optional day trip* to the small township of Waitomo. Wonder at the beauty of St Benedict’s Cave*, try “Tumu Tumu Toobing”*, or take in the action of “Haggis Honking Holes”* as you abseil, climb and grovel through this underground system. Want to turn up the heat? How about a day trip to nearby White Island and walk on a live Volcano?* These optional tours (*)are at additional expense.
Alpin Motel

DAY 3: Rotorua to Taupo (B,L,D)
A morning visit to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve where we learn Maori history and customs. We’ll also have time to enjoy a Maori concert followed by a traditional Maori “hangi” meal before heading south to the Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, NZ’s largest lake. An adrenalin packed day!
Silver Fern Lodge

DAY 4: Taupo to Wellington (B)
We travel around the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe before we reach the nation’s capital. A guided city tour introduces us to the delights of Wellington, with some free time to explore the city.
Sharella Motor Inn

DAY 5: Wellington to Nelson (B,D)
We board our inter-island ferry and cross Cook Strait, cruising into the beautiful Marlborough Sounds. On arrival at Piction, we re-board our coach for a picturesque drive to Nelson, home of the best weather in New Zealand!
Aloha Lodge

DAY 6: Nelson (B,D)
A day to explore the Nelson region. YOu can hike the coastal track or explore the clear waters and golden beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park on a kayak tour. Perhaps try a 4WD bike tour or horse trek, and the Nelson skydive is a blast!
Aloha Lodge

DAY 7: Nelson to Christchurch via Kaikora (B)
Today we head back across the Bryant Ranges and past the many vineyards of the Marlborough region. We’ll make our first stop Montana vineyard. Its then on to Kaikoura where you'll have the chance to whale watch or explore popular region. Then southwards to Christchurch.
Cathedral Camelot Hotel

DAY 8: Christchurch to Fox Glacier (B,D)
The scenery will amaze you today as we head off across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps. We’ll stop for a break at Arthur’s Pass then continue on to the visitor’s centre in Franz Josef, and an opportunity here to take a scenic twin glacier helicopter flight to our afternoon destination** - Fox Glacier.
Fox Glacier Inn

DAY 9: Fox Glacier to Queenstown (B,D)
Westland National Park abounds with high mountain peaks and glaciers and today we'll have a chance to walk on a flowing river of ice! We’ll then head back into the mountains to negotiate Haast Pass on our way to Queenstown past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.
Rydges Lakeland Resort

DAY 10: Queenstown (B,D)
Today its time to play! And adventure awaits us everywhere. Choose from a huge selection of optional activities sure to get the blood pumping, with everything from bungy, shotover jets, balloon rides and horseback riding. You name it – its all here and awaiting you in Queenstown!!
Rydges Lakeland Resort

DAY 11: Milford Sound (B,D)
After a leisurely morning in Queenstown we farewell this adventure playground and head to the Fiords. We’ll stop and admire the reflection in Mirror Lake before we literally drive through the mountain via the Homer Tunnel and emerge back into a landscape of spectacular mountains and waterfalls. Our cruise tonight in the Tasman Sea! Enjoy the stunning views and discover the hidden arms of the Sound. There is time to kayak around the shoreline or go exploring in the tender craft with the nature guide.
Overnight Cruise - share facilities

DAY 12: Milford Sound to Queenstown (B)
There is time for additional cruising this morning before returning to the wharf. We make our way back through Te Anau and onwards around lake Wakatipu to Queenstown. It’s here in Adrenalin Capital that you farewell your new travelling buddies.

Tour Starts 1pm in Auckland or 8am in Queenstown on reverse itinerary.
Tour Ends 7pm in Queenstown or 12pm in Auckland on reverse itinerary

Price:
April 1-Sept. 30, 2007 = US$960
Oct. 1 2007 - March 31, 2008 = US$1015
twin supplement = US$110

optional activities available at extra cost

Trip Highlights

Overnight on Milford Sound
Learn about traditional Maori arts and crafts
Marvel at Whangarei Falls
Explore cultural Rotorua
Enjoy a traditional Maori Hangi
Visit the whale watching town of Kaikora
Wine tasting in the Marlborough Region
Budget quad share accommodation
Applicable park entry fees
Meals as indicated