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New Zealand Tours and Travel

Independent Bus and Self-drive Tours / Escorted Tours for 18-39 year olds
Classic Escorted Tours / Camping Tours / Hiking Tours / Biking Tours / Multisport Tours


New Zealand Specials

Auckland & Queenstown
8 night air & land inclusive package from $1199 per person, double occupancy


Whatever you do, whatever your style, Auckland & Queenstown will feed your imagination, fuel your passions and revitalize your spirit.

Auckland has all of the large-scale attractions you would expect of a big city – museums, galleries, zoos and family amusement parks. Many are free or inexpensive. Swim with sharks or stingrays at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter or see a collection of intriguing artifacts showcasing New Zealand’s history and culture at the Auckland Museum. Auckland will tempt your taste buds with locally grown produce, seafood from its abundant harbors and award-winning wines to match. The region’s vineyards are clustered in five distinct areas – Waiheke Island, west Auckland, northwest Auckland, north Auckland (around Matakana) and the Clevedon Valley.

Fly from Auckland to Queenstown - the adventure capital of the south. Queenstown is in the center of an area of extraordinary natural beauty and is an essential part of every NZ itinerary. Get an adrenaline rush with a Shotover Jet boat ride or bungee jump, or perhaps a luge ride or white white rafting. Visit some of the regions vineyards for a spot of wine tasting or take a tour out to the spectacular Milford or Doubtful Sound.

INCLUSIONS
Round-trip airfare with Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Auckland & Queenstown*
Four nights Mercure Windsor Auckland
Four nights Mercure Queenstown
Applicable fuel surcharge

Departures April 15, 2010 - April 30, 2010: Price per person Twin Share from $ 1399
Departures May 1, 2010 - June 8, 2010: Price per person Twin Share from $1199
Departures June 9, 2010 - July 23, 2010: Price per person Twin Share from $2049
Departures July 24, 2010 - September 21, 2010: Price per person Twin Share from $1389

Airfares valid for departures from Los Angeles or San Francisco. New York, add $200. Other gateways available

Auckland, Christchurch & Queenstown
9 night air & land inclusive package from $1399 per person based on double occupancy


Auckland sprawls over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours. A cloak of rainforest covers the surrounding hills, dozens of dormant volcanic cones dot the landscape and enchanting holiday islands are scattered throughout the vast Hauraki Gulf. Auckland’s heart beats to a Polynesian rhythm, its people a melting pot of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity brings with it an abundance of unique dining and shopping experiences. The city will tempt your taste buds with locally grown produce, seafood from its abundant harbors and award-winning wines to match.

Fly from Auckland to Christchurch - the internationally famed ‘Garden City’ of the south. Everywhere there is an understated elegance that speaks of times gone by and promises a future where anything is possible. Go punting on the Avon River, tour the Mona Vale Gardens, visit an array of museums including the Air Force Museum, the Canterbury Museum or the Centre of Contemporary Art. Take a short trip to Akaroa to swim with dolphins, or travel north to see the whales outside of Kaikoura.

Travel by coach from Christchurch, through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Continues along the Tasman River before arriving at the location of New Zealand’s tallest mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook. There is time to experience an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight (weather permitting) before departing for New Zealand’s Adventure Capital, Queenstown.

Queenstown is in the center of an area of extraordinary natural beauty and is an essential part of every New Zealand itinerary. Get an adrenaline rush with a Shotover Jet boat ride or bungee jump, or perhaps a luge ride or white white rafting. Visit some of the regions vineyards for a spot of wine tasting or take a tour out to the spectacular Milford or Doubtful Sound.

INCLUSIONS
Round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Auckland, & Christchurch, returning from Queenstown
Three nights accommodation Auckland, choice of hotel grade
Three nights accommodation Christchurch, choice of hotel grade
Three nights accommodation Queenstown, choice of hotel grade
Full day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook
Applicable fuel surcharge

Departures April 1, 2010 - April 30, 2010:
Price per person Twin Share from:
Standard Hotels from $1599
First Class Hotels from $1699
Deluxe Hotels from $1799

Departures May 1, 2010 - June 8, 2010:
Price per person Twin Share from:
Standard Hotels from $1399
First Class Hotels from $1549
Deluxe Hotels from $1659

Gateway add-ons:
$125 Las Vegas (NV), Reno (NV), San Diego (CA)
$240 Phoenix (AZ), Tuscon (AZ)
$255 Seattle (WA)
$290 Eugene (OR), Spokane (WA), Portland (OR)
$365 Albuquerque (NM), Boise (ID), Denver (CO), Houston (TX), Oklahoma (OK), Billings (MT), Dallas (TX)
$400 Cleveland (OH), Columbus (OH), Chicago (IL), Detroit (MI), Minneapolis (MN)
$425 Jacksonville (FL), Orlando (FL), Washington (DC), Birmingham (AL), New York (NY), Memphis (TN), Charlotte (NC), Boston (MA), Atlanta (GA), Philadelphia (PA), Charleston (SC)
Please ask for applicable add-on when booking. Other cities available

Based on departures Mon - Wed. A $35/per person surcharge applies for flights departing on Thur - Sun.

BONUS: Purchase a sightseeing & transfer package at time of booking and save up to 50%.

AUCKLAND
Round-trip airport to hotel seat in coach transfer
Full-day Bay of Islands & Waitangi tour
Half-day Auckland with Kelly Tarlton’s tour
Price per person Twin Share & Single: $283

CHRISTCHURCH
Round-trip airport to hotel seat in coach transfer
Half-day Discover Christchurch tour
Willowbank Dinner & Maori Concert
Price per person Twin Share & Single: $195

QUEENSTOWN
Round-trip airport to hotel seat in coach transfer
Full-day Discover Milford Sound with lunch
Shotover Jet Boat ride
Walter Peak Farm & Barbecue Lunch tour
Price per person Twin Share & Single: $335

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Zealand RV Vacation
14 days air & land inclusive self-drive vacation from
$1459 per person based on double occupancy


Explore New Zealand at your own pace and by your own rules with a 14-day motor home hire. A home on the road gives you the freedom to take each day as it comes and New Zealand is the perfect destination to explore by motor home. Roam the country finding beautiful and remote places to park and picnic. Overnight you will find it convenient to reserve a powered site in a holiday park or camping ground. Fourteen days offers ample opportunity to see all of the highlights of both the North & South Islands, with plenty of time to relax.

INCLUSIONS
Round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Christchurch, returning from Auckland
Fourteen days motor-home hire, Spirit 2T/S with toilet/shower
One way ferry crossing from Picton to Wellington
Applicable airline Fuel Surcharge

Departures April 1, 2010 - April 20, 2010: Prices per person Twin Share from $2259
Departures April 21 - April 30, 2010: Prices per person Twin Share from $1699
Departures May 1 - June 8, 2010: Prices per person Twin Share from $1459

Gateway add-ons:
$125 Las Vegas (NV), Reno (NV), San Diego (CA)
$240 Phoenix (AZ), Tuscon (AZ)
$255 Seattle (WA)
$290 Eugene (OR), Spokane (WA), Portland (OR)
$365 Albuquerque (NM), Boise (ID), Denver (CO), Houston (TX), Oklahoma (OK), Billings (MT), Dallas (TX)
$400 Cleveland (OH), Columbus (OH), Chicago (IL), Detroit (MI), Minneapolis (MN)
$425 Jacksonville (FL), Orlando (FL), Washington (DC), Birmingham (AL), New York (NY), Memphis (TN), Charlotte (NC), Boston (MA), Atlanta (GA), Philadelphia (PA), Charleston (SC)
Please ask for applicable add-on when booking. Other cities available
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch & Queenstown
12 night air and land inclusive package from $1799 per person based on double occupancy


Experience New Zealand’s best spots!

Nestled within and isthmus of two oceans, the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea, Auckland contains much serene natural beauty. Auckland has so much to see and do - there’s plenty of entertainment for a few hours, a few days or a few weeks - museums, galleries, zoos and parks. Swim with sharks or stingrays at Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter or see a collection of intriguing artifacts showcasing New Zealand’s history and culture at the Auckland Museum. Climb the Bridge, take a chartered cruise around the harbor or jump off the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere.

Travel south to Rotoura via the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Upon arrival in Rotorua, you will have a myriad of activities to entice and entertain. Whether seeking to experience Maori culture, geothermal earth forces, spa rejuvenation, thrills and adventure, or any of the other natural assets such as 16 lakes, some of the world’s best mountain biking trails, fantastic trout fishing and myriad forest walking tracks – Rotorua delivers it all!

Return to Auckland by coach and fly to Christchurch - the internationally famed ‘Garden City’ of the south. Everywhere there is an understated elegance that speaks of times gone by and promises a future where anything is possible. Go punting on the Avon River, tour the Mona Vale Gardens, visit an array of museums including the Air Force Museum, the Canterbury Museum or the Centre of Contemporary Art. Take a short trip to Akaroa to swim with dolphins, or travel north to see the whales outside of Kaikoura.

Travel by coach from Christchurch, through diverse farmland to Lake Tekapo, where you can view the solitary Church of the Good Shepherd. Continues along the Tasman River before arriving at the location of New Zealand’s tallest mountain Aoraki / Mount Cook. There is time to experience an optional scenic helicopter or ski plane flight (weather permitting) before departing for New Zealand’s Adventure Capital, Queenstown.

Queenstown is in the center of an area of extraordinary natural beauty and is an essential part of every NZ itinerary. Paradoxically, although the area exudes a peaceful tranquility and gentle beauty, it also offers a wide range of fun filled and action type activities. Take an exhilarating jetboat ride, bungee jump from an choice of locations or go white water rafting. Explore Milford or Doubtful Sounds, visit the historic township of Arrowtown or relax on afternoon wine tasting journey. Whatever your passion - Queenstown has it all!

INCLUSIONS
Round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Queenstown, Christchurch & Auckland
Three nights accommodation Auckland, choice of hotel grade
Three nights accommodation Rotorua, choice of hotel grade
Three nights accommodation Christchurch, choice of hotel grade
Three nights accommodation Queenstown, choice of hotel grade
Full day tour Auckland to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves
Intercity coach transfer/shuttle from Rotorua to Auckland
Full day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown via Mt Cook
Applicable fuel surcharge

Departures April 1, 2010 - April 30, 2010:
Prices Per Person Twin Share from:
Standard Hotels from $1979
First Class Hotels from $2049
Deluxe Hotels from $2279

Departures May 1, 2010 - June 8, 2010:
Prices Per Person Twin Share from:
Standard Hotels from $1799
First Class Hotels from $1879
Deluxe Hotels from $2099

BONUS: Purchase a sightseeing & transfer package at time of booking and save up to 50%.

AUCKLAND
Round-trip airport to hotel seat in coach transfer
Full-day Bay of Islands & Waitangi tour
Half-day Auckland with Kelly Tarlton’s tour
Price Per Person Twin Share & Single: $283

ROTORUA
Full-day Rotorua Tour
Tamaki Maori Village, Hangi & Concert
Price Per Person Twin Share & Single: $228

CHRISTCHURCH
Round-trip airport to hotel seat in coach transfer
Half-day Discover Christchurch tour
Willowbank Dinner & Maori Concert
Price Per Person Twin Share & Single: $195

QUEENSTOWN
Round-trip airport to hotel seat in coach transfer
Full-day Discover Milford Sound with lunch
Shotover Jet Boat ride
Walter Peak Farm & Barbecue Lunch tour
Price Per Person Twin Share & Single: $335

Auckland, Sydney & Cairns
12 night air & land inclusive package from $1549 per person based on double occupancy


Three amazing cities, three different experiences!

Auckland is the perfect place to recharge your batteries with some pampering, see a huge variety of scenic landscapes in a compact region, or to experience the buzz of urban bustle or adventure activities. Auckland’s cosmopolitan city center is complemented by great escapes - to vineyards, forests, islands and beaches - within half an hour of downtown.

Fly from Auckland to Sydney and bask in the sunshine by the world’s most resplendent harbor, shop til you drop with international brands, and dine in cosmopolitan restaurants in trendy neighborhoods as you mix and mingle with the locals. Experience the acclaimed Sydney Opera House, and perhaps take in a performance, and dinner. Savor wines in the Hunter Valley, just 90 minutes out of Sydney or experience the beauty of the Blue Mountains.

From Sydney, travel north to the tropical city of Cairns - a holiday maker’s paradise, bursting at the seams with attractions and tours that showcase this remarkable part of the world. Golden sunny beaches flanked by pristine rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef make Cairns a region that literally has it all!

INCLUSIONS
Round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Auckland, Sydney & Cairns
Four nights accommodation Auckland, choice of hotel grade
Four nights accommodation Sydney, choice of hotel grade
Four nights accommodation Cairns, choice of hotel grade
Applicable fuel surcharge

Departures April 1, 2010 - April 30, 2010:
Price per person Twin Share from:
Standard Hotels from $1659
First Class Hotels from $1859
Deluxe Hotels from $2039

Departures May 1, 2010 - June 8, 2010:
Price per person Twin Share from:
Standard Hotels from $1549
First Class Hotels from $1759
Deluxe Hotels from $1929

Departures June 9, 2010 - June 24, 2009:
Price per person Twin Share from:
Standard Hotels from $1769
First Class Hotels from $1979
Deluxe Hotels from $2149

Departures June 25, 2010 - July 23, 2010
Price per person Twin Share from:
Standard Hotels from $1789
First Class Hotels from $1979
Deluxe Hotels from $2259

Departures July 24, 2010 - September 21, 2010
Price per person Twin Share from:
Standard Hotels from $1569
First Class Hotels from $1769
Deluxe Hotels from $2039

Gateway add-ons:
$125 Las Vegas (NV), Reno (NV), San Diego (CA)
$240 Phoenix (AZ), Tuscon (AZ)
$255 Seattle (WA)
$290 Eugene (OR), Spokane (WA), Portland (OR)
$365 Albuquerque (NM), Boise (ID), Denver (CO), Houston (TX), Oklahoma (OK), Billings (MT), Dallas (TX)
$400 Cleveland (OH), Columbus (OH), Chicago (IL), Detroit (MI), Minneapolis (MN)
$425 Jacksonville (FL), Orlando (FL), Washington (DC), Birmingham (AL), New York (NY), Memphis (TN), Charlotte (NC), Boston (MA), Atlanta (GA), Philadelphia (PA), Charleston (SC)
Please ask for applicable add-on when booking. Other cities available

BONUS: Purchase a sightseeing & transfer package at time of booking and save up to 50%.

AUCKLAND
Round-trip airport to hotel seat in coach transfer
Full-day Bay of Islands & Waitangi tour
Half-day Auckland with Kelly Tarlton’s tour
Price per person Twin Share & Single: $283

SYDNEY
Round-trip airport to hotel seat in coach transfer
Sydney Harbour Coffee Cruise
Entry to Taronga Zoo
Half-day Sydney Sights, Manly & Northern Beaches tour
Half-day Downtown Sydney, Bondi & Kings Cross tour
Price per person Twin Share: $189
Price Per Person Single: $199

CAIRNS
Round-trip airport to hotel seat in coach transfer
Full-day Kuranda Coach & Skyrail tour
Full-day Ocean Spirit Reef trip including lunch
Price Per Person Twin Share: $229
Price Per Person Single: $319

Southern Highlighter
10 night air & land adventure touring package from $2599 per person, double occupancy


Enjoy awe-inspiring scenery with plunging fiords, majestic glaciers, temperate rainforests and stunning mountain ranges on this amazing trip around the South Island!

INCLUSIONS
Round-trip airfare on Qantas Airways from Los Angeles to Christchurch
Two nights accommodation Christchurch, one pre-tour, one post-tour
Seven nights accommodation, meals and escorted touring as noted
Experienced tour guide
Exclusive overnight cruise on Milford Sound
Mountain biking on Otago Rail Track
Applicable fuel surcharge

DAY 1 Depart USA

DAY 2 Cross International Date Line

DAY 3 Arrive Christchurch

DAY 4 Christchurch to Franz Josef - Start early for a stunning journey across the Canterbury Plains, over Arthur’s Pass and down to the West Coast. Along the way the scenery changes constantly stopping often for walks and photo opportunities. Visit Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade) and at the Bushman’s centre to learn about the local history, before heading down to Franz Josef for its majestic glacier. Stay in a lodge in the rainforest at Franz Josef (D).

DAY 5 Full day at Franz Josef - Today is free for exploring this World Heritage area. There are many great walks but we highly recommend that you pay to go on one of the guided trips (where they provide you with specialized equipment) so that you can get further onto the glacier. Self-cater tonight - there are great local cafes and a kitchen at the lodge (B).

DAY 6Franz Josef to Makarora - Follow the coast further south today for even more amazing scenery (including NZ’s most photographed lake), some great walks, waterfalls and a breathtaking alpine pass. Arrive at our wilderness accommodation at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park by mid-afternoon. The locals provide some of the most spectacular activities from scenic flights to wilderness jet boating.Overnight accommodation chalets (B, D).

DAY 7 Makarora to Queenstown - Journey on to the adventure capital of the world today, Queenstown, the spiritual home of bungy jumping. On the way, stop in the scenic town of Wanaka for a walk and lunch before heading to the bungee bridge. Everyone has the option of observing or jumping themselves. Arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon ready for two days of whatever activities you choose to do from the relaxing to full-on adrenaline. Your guide will take you on an orientation of the resort when we arrive and a tour of the town’s night spots in the evening. (B).

DAY 8 and 9 Full day Queenstown. Optional activities available (No meals).

DAY 10 Queenstown to Doubtful Sound - This morning head into the awe-inspiring Fiordland National Park. Doubtful Sound is truly an amazing place; one of the most remote and untouched places on earth where you will see fur seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins and dolphins. Spend the day and night on a purpose-built boat, which includes a dedicated nature guide and sea kayaks. Overnight in a secluded bay in the fiord (AT, D).

DAY 11 Doubtful Sound to Central Otago - The morning is spent departing Doubtful Sound. Board a own mini-coach at midday and head through the beautiful Otago region. Explore relics of the gold rush, which was responsible for the European settlement of this area. Stay in our own exclusive accommodation in the middle of Otago gold country. You have the option of curling tonight (like bowling but with big stones on an ice rink), we challenge you to try and beat your guide (B, D).

DAY 12 Central Otago to Christchurch - In the morning, grab our mountain bikes and head out to sample part of the old Otago Gold Mining Rail Trail. It is an ideal activity for riders of all abilities and a great way to soak up the incredible scenery and history of the area. We then express our way along the Canterbury Plains flanked by the Southern Alps to Christchurch, the garden city. Overnight hotel accommodation Christchurch (B)

DAY 13 Depart Christchurch

Departures April 1, 2010 - April 30, 2010:
Prices Per Person Twin Share from: $2599

Departures May 1, 2010 - June 8, 2010:
Prices Per Person Twin Share from: $2469
*One night accommodation is Quad Share as a result of the accommodations available in the region

New Zealand Highlighter
13 night premier escorted tour including airfare from $4899 per person base, double occupancy


Explore New Zealand and visit all the highlights on this escorted tour.

INCLUSIONS
Roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles to Auckland, returning from Christchurch
Thirteen nights accommodation
Guided tour of Waitomo Limestone and Glow Worm Caves
Maori Hangi (feast) and Revue
Te Papa the national museum of New Zealand
Interislander cruise
TranzAlpine train journey
Franz Josef Glacier
Haast River Safari
Milford Sound Cruise
Mt Cook National Park
Coach transfers throughout
Meals as indicated below

DAY 1 DEPART USA
DAY 2 CROSS INTERNATIONAL DATE LINE
DAY 3 ARRIVE AUCKLAND
DAY 4 AUCKLAND - WAITOMO - ROTORUA (B,D) Homestay option available tonight
DAY 5 ROTORUA SIGHTSEEING (B,D)
DAY 6 ROTORUA - WELLINGTON (B,D)
DAY 7 WELLINGTON - BLENHEIM (B,D)
DAY 6 BLENHEIM - KAIKOURA - CHRISTCHURCH (B,D)
DAY 8 CHRISTCHURCH -TRANZALPINE TRAIN - FRANZ JOSEF (B,D)
DAY 9 FRANZ JOSEF - QUEENSTOWN (B,D)
DAY 10 QUEENSTOWN SIGHTSEEING (B)
DAY 11 QUEENSTOWN - MILFORD SOUND - TE ANAU (B,D)
DAY 12 TE ANAU - DUNEDIN (B,D)
DAY 13 DUNEDIN - MT COOK (B,D)
DAY 14 MT COOK - CHRISTCHURCH (B,D)
DAY 15 DEPART CHRISTCHURCH FOR RETURN FLIGHT TO USA (B)

Departures April 1, 2010 - April 30, 2010:
Price Per Person Twin Share from: $4899 including all meals as noted
Price Per Person Twin Share from: $4599 including breakfast only and two themed night dinners

Departures May 1, 2010 - June 8, 2010:
Price Per Person Twin Share from: $5199 including all meals as noted
Price Per Person Twin Share from: $4799 including breakfast only and two themed night dinners