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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

Classic New Zealand Vista 13 Days, 12 Nights

The lands between Auckland and the capital city, Wellington, are perhaps the most diverse of all the regions in New Zealand. Active volcanoes and Maori marae (meeting houses), tranquil lakes and magical underground glowworm grottos, thermal mineral pools and Art Deco cities. Journey to the South Island and discover some of nature's more miraculous creations: rainforest slopes, icy blue glaciers, virgin lakes and ancient fiords – this vacation will take you far beyond the ordinary.

Highlights:
2 nights in unique geothermal Rotorua
Explore the Art Deco city of Napier
Capital city of Wellington
Whale Watch cruise, Kaikoura
View majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook
3 nights in exciting Queenstown
Fiordland National Park
Spectacular Milford Sound cruise

Day 1 - Arrive Auckland
Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city.

Day 2 - Auckland/ Waitomo/Rotorua
(226 miles) (lunch and dinner included) (optional meal plans begin today) Travel to the Waitomo Caves where you will enjoy lunch before experiencing a guided tour of the Glowworm Grotto. Continue on to Rotorua and enjoy an evening Maori Hangi (feast) and Concert.

Day 3 - Rotorua Sightseeing
Today experience Rotorua’s many varied sights. Visit Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Learn about traditional Maori crafts at Te Puia, before traveling to Rainbow Springs and Rainbow Farm Show. Afternoon at leisure.

Day 4 - Rotorua/ Taupo/Napier
(135 miles) This morning take the short journey to Taupo where you will be taken on a guided tour of Taupo’s highlights including the Boat Harbor, Craters of the Moon and the Aratiatia Rapids. Enjoy a visit to the spectacular Huka Falls, before continuing on to Napier. This evening enjoy a walking tour of Napier’s fascinating Art Deco architecture.

Day 5 - Napier/Wellington
(201 miles) Enjoy a tour of some of Hawke’s Bay’s leading wineries before traveling south to Wellington.

Day 6 - Wellington
At leisure in the capital city today. Make time to visit ‘Te Papa’ the Museum of New Zealand.

Day 7 - Wellington/Kaikoura
(98 miles – including ferry crossing) Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the TranzCoastal train (Seat-in-Coach only) and journey through vineyards en route to coastal Kaikoura.

Day 8 - Kaikoura/Christchurch
(114 miles) Begin with a whale watching cruise or flight (weather permitting). Enjoy a short guided tour of Kaikoura’s highlights before rejoining the TranzCoastal train (Seat-in-Coach only) to Christchurch.

Day 9 - Christchurch
A day at leisure to explore the Garden City. Perhaps visit the International Antarctic Centre – the ‘must see’ attraction in Christchurch.

Day 10 - Christchurch/Aoraki Mt Cook/Queenstown
(369 miles) Today travel south across the Canterbury Plains, through the MacKenzie country via Lake Tekapo to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. Continue on to Queenstown.

Day 11 - Milford Sound Day Excursion
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park. From the Homer Tunnel emerge into the Cleddau Valley. Join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise and explore the wonder of this majestic fiord before returning to Queenstown.

Day 12 - Queenstown
A free day to enjoy the many activities on offer.

Day 13 - Queenstown
Your tour arrangements conclude this morning. Coach options available for return journey to Christchurch.

2008 Prices: US$ Per Person, Twinshare