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NEW ZEALAND 16 DAY ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Auckland on flight 
After claiming your luggage (carts are available free of charge) and completing Customs and Immigration formalities, exit the Customs Hall where you will be met by a Zeta Tours New Zealand representative and transferred to your accommodation. This afternoon you will be picked up from your accommodation sightseeing tour of Auckland. 

Auckland Sightseeing
The tour will begin with a drive through the central business district, along the waterfront to Westhaven Marina. Here you will have the opportunity to stop and take some great pictures of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and the surrounding area. From here you will travel over the Auckland Harbour Bridge before travelling to Bastion Point which offers fantastic panoramic views of the city, harbour and many outlying islands.Continue to Parnell Village, which contains a fascinating selection of colonial-style shops, boutiques, craft shops and arcades.From here you will continue back through the city with your tour finishing at your accommodation. Dinner tonight will be at leisure.   

Day 2: AUCKLAND
Tour options in Auckland are plentiful, today you will enjoy the west coast before returning to the city for a true Auckland sailing experience.

Bush and Beach Tour
Depart your accommodation and travel to the Waitakere Ranges, located to the West of Auckland. It is here that many acres of land have been set aside as a catchment area for the city’s water supply and many trails have developed among the lush rain forest. An experienced guide will assist you on your walk, pointing out many items of interest under the forest canopy.      

From the forest travel a short distance to the wide, open black sand beaches of the West Coast. There are dramatic coastal vistas from high cliff tops, but the highlight of the day is the shedding of shoes and socks and the walk along the surf line where the guide will introduce the group to the wonders of New Zealand’s shore life. There are great photographic opportunities along the way and the tour is suitable for people with varying degrees of fitness. After visiting your Bush and Beach tour you will then return to Auckland City where you will be dropped off at your accommodation.   

This afternoon you will walk the short distance to the Auckland Maritime Museum.  

New Zealand Maritime Museum 
This museum is situated at the heart of Auckland's downtown waterfront area. It opened to the public in August 1993 and proclaimed as a "new generation" museum with no precedent in New Zealand, the New Zealand National Maritime Museum is truly a very different kind of cultural institution and tourist attraction. There are 14 Main Exhibition Galleries showcasing New Zealand's maritime history including on-the-water Heritage Vessels. At the Maritime Museum you will join the Pride of Auckland for a sail on Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.

Pride of Auckland
Board a “The Pride of Auckland” 15 metre yacht for a cruise on Auckland’s sparkling Waitemata harbour. Dotted with yachts, runabouts, launches and ferries, the harbour is Auckland’s top scenic feature - a playground that beckons visitors and locals alike. The sailing experience offers a fabulous perspective on the Auckland skyline and will enhance any sightseeing tour you may have already undertaken around the city. To sail here is of course to sail in the domain of champions. The maritime prowess of this country is long and proud. 

From the first arrival of the Maori in canoes, watercraft has been an integral part of our development. With trade mark Blue and White vertically striped sails, the Pride of Auckland yachts have become the nautical icon in Auckland, the “City of Sails”. The boats names invoke past dreams of the rich Americas Cup history – Courageous, Challenger, Defender, and Defiance.

Points of special interest within close range of the departure jetty are the Westhaven Boat Marina - the 3rd largest in the world, Auckland’s Harbour Bridge, and Rangitoto Island, a dormant volcano having last erupted in around 1600AD. Weather and tidal conditions on the day will determine how far along the harbour the yacht will venture. Following your cruise with the Pride of Auckland the rest of your day and dinner will be at leisure. 

Day 3: AUCKLAND – WAITOMO – ROTORUA
Today you will collect your rental vehicle and travel from Auckland to Rotorua via the Waitomo Caves.

As you depart Auckland for Rotorua, you will travel along the Southern Motorway and through the southern suburbs of the greater Auckland City region to a point where you pass over the Bombay Hills and into the fertile dairy lands of the Waikato River Valley.  You will pass by the historic Redoubt at Rangiriri near the banks of the Waikato River and then through the coal-mining town of Huntly. Following alongside New Zealand’s longest river your journey takes you past Taupiri, the sacred mountain to the Tainui Maori tribe of this region. 

A short way on is Ngaruawahia and the Marae of Turangawaewae, official residence of Tuheitia the Maori King. Crossing the river here, it is not too much further before you arrive in Hamilton, New Zealand's largest inland city and the major commercial and industrial centre for one of the richest agricultural and pastoral areas in the world. The route continues through beautifully rich pastoral farmland and through to the rural townships of Te Awamutu, the "rose town."

South from here you enter the “King Country”, named so during the Colonial period in New Zealand's history when this region was ravaged with battles between some Maori groups and the British Militia. The township of Otorohanga is next before we turn off the main road and arrive at Waitomo where many of the subterranean limestone outcroppings have been transformed into a series of spectacular caves.

In Waitomo you will visit the Waitomo Caves, Ruakuri Cave. Waitomo Caves, these caves in the limestone hill country southwest of Hamilton are one of New Zealand's premier tourist attractions. Ruakuri, or 'den of dogs' as it literally translates into the English language, was first discovered by local Maori between 400 and 500 years ago. It takes its name from the wild dogs that made their home in the cave entrance. Newly reopened after an interval of 18 years, Ruakuri cave offers a captivating blend of Waitomo's most compelling subterranean experiences.

In any one sightseeing tour, your guide will bring you up close to glowworms, elaborate cave formations, underground rivers, myths, legends and sacred Maori sites. Your journey begins at The Long Black Cafe where your guide will meet you. From there you will be transported to Ruakuri Cave, where you will enter and begin a spiral descent from ground level via an incredible drum entrance and walkway. You then continue on a 1.6 kilometre guided tour underground. Ruakuri is New Zealand's longest guided underground walking tour and an experience that must be seen to be believed. It will leave you open-mouthed, awe-struck and humbled by the sheer majesty of nature.

Departing Waitomo, retrace the route toward Te Awamutu turning off the main highway at Kihikihi. Then travel across the farming district of Waipa eventually crossing the mighty Waikato River. A little further south you will pass Lake Karapiro, the site of one of the best rowing courses in the world and one of the eight hydro-electric power stations on the Waikato River. The countryside will become increasingly rugged as the road climbs over the densely native-forested Mamaku Ranges. The final approach to Rotorua is downward into the Caldera or crater of the Volcano, which filled with water to form Lake Rotorua. The city nestles on the edge of the lake.

On arrival in Rotorua you will check into your accommodation. This evening at your hotel you will experience a traditional M?ori dinner, a Hangi accompanied by a show of Maori song and dance.

Day 4:  ROTORUA
Today you will be able to enjoy some of Rotorua’s best attractions. The tour will commence with a visit the Te Puia complex for a guided tour through the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre. Here young Maori carvers are taught the skills of their ancestors. Also seen is the Thermal Valley where you will see pools of bubbling mud, spouting geysers, silica terraces and steam pouring out of vents at your feet. 

Next visit is to the Agrodome, where the stars of the show are the 19 rams of different breeds. As they trot onto the stage the presenter will give a brief description of each breeds commercial uses for meat and wool. He will also give an explanation of the differing grades and qualities of wool required by various industries. Once all of the rams are on stage a shearer will demonstrate the fine and often back-breaking art of separating a sheep from its fleece. 

This will be followed by a display of the functions of a "huntaway" sheep-dog. 

A dairying display follows this during which those who wish may try their hand a milking a cow. Weather permitting, the show concludes outside where in the paddock an "eye" dog will demonstrate its prowess at manoeuvring untrained sheep through gates, over a bridge and into a pen.

Your last visit is to Rainbow Springs for a guided tour through this park which displays Rainbow and Trout in their various stages of development against the background of native flora and fauna. Rainbow Springs contains over 135 different native trees, ferns, from 60 foot tall tree ferns to tiny delicate maidenhair ferns. Many of New Zealand's large native birds are on display in the aviaries and the nocturnal Kiwi House, which opened in 1975. These include pigeons, pukekos, keas, kakarikis, paradise ducks, wekas and harrier hawks.

An important function of Rainbow Springs is the preservation of our national heritage. See our national icon, the Kiwi, and observe the 225 million-year-old Tuatara. Kiwi Encounter is a dedicated hatchery and nursery where the young chicks are raised by specialist husbandry staff for release back into the wild.

Following your visits today the rest of your day will be at leisure.

Day 5:  ROTORUA – HAWKE’S BAY 
Today, leave Rotorua and travel through the manmade pine Tahorakuri Forest and extensively developed farmland to Wairakei to see one of the world's foremost geothermal power projects. Stop at the Huka Falls, which although not high, are impressive in their savage power. Continue to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake and world-renowned for its trout fishing and where an estimated 500 tons of trout are caught annually. From Taupo travel you will continue over the forested Ahimanawa Range into the now renowned wine country of the Hawke's Bay. 

On arrival you will check into your accommodation.

Day 6:  HAWKE’S BAY
This morning make you way to the On Yer Bike Tours base for collection of your bike, maps, lunch and support phone. On Yer Bike Winery Tours is a fun and healthy way to see and enjoy the countryside that is the world-renowned Ngatarawa Triangle grape growing region on the scenic Heretaunga Plains in Hawke’s Bay. The cycling experience includes the Gimblett Gravels appellation.

You can choose a wine tour route to match your level of fitness. Up to seven wineries can be visited on a self-guided tour using the map provided. All offer the opportunity to taste the wines and have outside seating where a visitor can enjoy the superb settings before moving on.

The mobile phone supplied ensures that riders are always in range of back-up and support. Some cycling is 'off-road' through vineyards, and an olive grove.

Following your tour you will be at leisure. There are some great beaches in this region and among the attractions in the area are the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers – not to mention a world class golf course.

Day 7:  HAWKE’S BAY – WELLINGTON
Depart Napier and travel through the fertile farmlands of southern Hawke's Bay. Travel on State Highway 2 past the small towns of Dannevirke, Woodville and Pahiatua before you arrive in Masterton. 

Masterton is the tourist hub and commercial heart of the Wairarapa wine region, although this is not obvious as you drive through its quiet, unhurried streets. This would be a great spot to take a break and have lunch in one of the local wineries or cafes.

From Masterton continue through the Wairarapa Valley and over the Rimutaka Hills to Wellington.   

On arrival you will check into your accommodation. If you are settled before 4.00pm it is recommended that you visit Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.

Te Papa Tongarewa (The Museum of New Zealand) opened in February 1998. Situated on the foreshore of Wellington Harbour and close to the city, it offers as entirely new concept in displaying its exhibits. It celebrates New Zealand’s diversity, landscape and cultures and will offer visitors a hands-on and sometimes high impact approach to experiencing and appreciating the collections and exhibits.

In the Museum a balance has been struck between the amount of light which is let in and kept out. You will find that this museum used more natural light than it is usual to expect. As you pass through the building you will catch glimpses of the city and the harbour. Specifically designed spaces on levels three and four allow views of Mount Victoria, the harbour and the city.

Day 8:  WELLINGTON
Today you will be at leisure. Wellington is leading the way in providing top class natural attractions close to the city centre. These include:

ZEALANDIA: The Karori Sanctuary Experience
The Sanctuary is a world first conservation attraction where a unique protected natural area is being patiently restored. Some of New Zealand's rarest and most endangered wildlife has been released inside the Sanctuary like the little spotted kiwi, tuatara, saddleback, stitchbird and kaka.

Stroll leisurely around natural bush, lakes and historical buildings at your own pace or book a guided tour during the day or night. You can walk across a unique historic dam, see a 19th century goldmine carved deep into the hillside, take a scenic ride on an electric boat or picnic on the lawns by the wetlands.

Seal Coast Safari
A Seal Coast Safari is an adventure of discovery. Drive for 20 rugged kilometres along the beach, over rocks, around the bays and headlands, with the ocean lapping the 4WD trucks. Visit a colony of New Zealand fur seals and you will be delighted to walk amongst them, or just observe, enjoy their native habitat; the crashing waves and the famous Leaning Lighthouse of Wellington.

On the return journey you will climb up and over a fault-line, and through a farm where you will come face to face with cattle, deer and maybe wild goats. See spectacular views of the city, the South Island, both the Pacific and Tasman oceans and distant mountain ranges. Finally the tour also visits the Brooklyn Wind Turbine, with more stunning views of the city, harbour and surrounding hills. Almost the entire, nearly 3 hour safari, is on restricted or unmarked private roads or tracks.

Kapiti 'Alive' Island Tour
A day trip from Wellington to one of New Zealand's most revered nature reserves. Kapiti Island is home to an internationally famed nature reserve protecting some of the world's rarest and most endangered birds. Your tour begins at your Wellington city accommodation or airport, where your host will meet you and transport you around Wellington's beautiful harbour, and on the West Coast of the southern North Island: the Kapiti Coast. Once on the Kapiti Coast you will take a ferry trip to Kapiti Island. The boat journey to the island is about 10 minutes and passes through a Department of Conservation Marine Reserve where dolphins, whales, seals and seabirds can sometimes be seen.

Kapiti Island stands as 'the jewel in the crown of New Zealand's conservation estate' as it provides the necessary 'pest and predator' free environment for many of New Zealand's most endangered bird species. The Little Spotted Kiwi are main attractions, however on day tour they are seldom seen. Sometimes the more interactive of our native birds like the Kaka and Weka can be quite demanding for your attention, it is not uncommon for the Kaka to swoop down on your lunch.  

On the island you will be guided along the bush trails and coastal tracks amongst rare native birds and bush. You will enjoy lunch at the remote Kapiti Nature Lodge with your host, and will have time to explore the lowlands of the Waiorua Valley. You will be amazed by the number and variety of birds that cannot be experienced anywhere else in New Zealand.

Your return ferry trip leaves from nearby the Lodge, a 10 minute trip that takes you back to the mainland ready for the transfer to your Wellington city accommodation.

Day 9  WELLINGTON – CHRISTCHURCH
This morning make your way to the Wellington Airport and return your rental vehicle before checking in you’re your flight to Christchurch (not included). On arrival in Christchurch you will be meet and transferred to your accommodation. This transfer will include an orientation tour of the city.

Firstly, adjacent to the Airport, visit the International Antarctic Centre a complex housing the New Zealand, USA, and Italian Antarctic research programmes. Explore the gallery area which is packed full of informative displays showcasing modern day Antarctica, including the Antarctic treaty partners, the human impact on the continent, the wildlife and plant systems and Antarctica’s effect on the globe. The Aquarium displays some of the actual specimens from the Antarctic ocean floor in McMurdo Sound.

Warm jackets and overshoes are provided. The Snow & Ice Experience is a must for all visitors especially those who have never been in snow before. The Antarctic Storm blows every 30 minutes in the Snow and Ice Experience and comes complete with stunning lighting, authentic Antarctic blizzard audio and 40 km/h winds.

The New Zealand Penguin Encounter is New Zealand’s first combined indoor/outdoor penguin viewing area with capacity to hold up to 26 Little Blue penguins. With its centrepiece being a penguin life support area and 80,000 litre pool, the Encounter allows visitors to view Little Blue penguins in a Banks Peninsula natural-themed environment that can be accessed on two levels.

Climb aboard the amazing Hagglund genuine as-used-in-Antarctica all terrain vehicle, sit back, hold on and experience travelling across rough terrain in this unique and exciting machine! We aim to simulate the same travelling conditions as scientists would experience riding in a Hagglund across the icepack. This ride is the only one of its type in the world. It showcases the demanding capabilities of the Hagglund ATV.

Visitors conclude their Antarctic journey with a 14 minute sound and light show. This majestic audio visual show captivates its audience and leaves visitors with a moving experience of “having been there”.

Following your visit the remainder of your tour will include Cathedral Square, the Town Hall, River Avon, Hagley Park and many landscaped parks and suburbs, before driving up the cashmere Hills to the “Sign of the Takahe”, an old stone roadhouse overlooking Christchurch with magnificent panoramic views of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains.

At the conclusion of your tour you will be transferred to your accommodation. The rest of your afternoon is at leisure.

Day 10: CHRISTCHURCH
Today enjoy a full day tour to Akaroa.

Visit the beautiful unspoilt old French whaling depot of Akaroa. You will be collected from your accommodation. The road to Akaroa winds through green and golden hills, contrasting dramatically with the placid Canterbury Plains, farm houses and cottages tucked into folded valleys. From the ‘Hilltop’ with its spectacular view of the surrounding districts, the road descends to Berry’s Bay where you visit a Cheese Factory and have the opportunity to sample some fine New Zealand cheese. After this you continue onto Akaroa where lunch will be taken at a local restaurant.

Following lunch you will board a two hour cruise on the Canterbury Cat exploring the delights of Akaroa Harbour and sighting dolphins, penguins and seals. 
                                                                                                 
On the return journey to Christchurch a stop will be made at Birdling Flat on the Kaitorete Spit. This stony beach at the entrance to Lake Forsyth provides a commanding view of the southern facing cliffs of Banks Peninsula. An interesting selection of pebbles and semi-precious stones can be found on the beach. At the conclusion of your tour you will be returned to your accommodation.

Day 11: CHRISTCHURCH – FOX GLACIER
This morning make your way to the Christchurch Train Station.

From Christchurch the “TranzAlpine” Express crosses the patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to reach Springfield.  After passing through Kowai Bush the Waimakariri River is encountered before the ascent of the foothills of the Southern Alps begins.

Continue past the skiing area of Craigieburn, and Lake Grasmere the route once more finds the Waimakariri and follows its course to Cass and Bealey before the ascent to Arthur's Pass begins. From Otira the line follows the Otira River for a short time and then joins the Taramakau River.

Cross over the Taramakau to Inchbonnie and then turn north through Rotomanu to skirt Lake Brunner. Continue by way of Moana and Kokiri to reach the Grey River at Brunner from where the route follows the river to Greymouth. On arrival in Greymouth you will collect your new rental vehicle.

From Greymouth travel south to Hokitika, the provincial administrative centre of Westland and headquarters of the Greenstone (New Zealand Jade) processing industry. After passing through the gold town of Ross, the road enters the Westland National Park with its lush fields, tall trees, dense bush and some of New Zealand's most spectacular alpine country.

You will travel today via Franz Josef Glacier before arriving in Fox Glacier and checking into your accommodation. 

Day 12:  FOX GLACIER
Today at the appropriate time, make your way to the Alpine Guides Fox Glacier office to check in for your flying fox helihike.

Helihike – Fox Glacier
The fly-in, fly-out helihike combines the excitement of walking on the Fox Glacier with the thrill of helicopter flights. By flying in you are able to access and explore a part of the glacier where its forces work hardest and often create spectacular ice caves and arches.

Equipped with sturdy leather boots and other equipment, you board the helicopter for your first flight over the pinnacles of the lower icefall. Here, the ice is in constant motion. You then circle the upper icefall and Victoria Falls before landing.

Your landing site on the ice is a remote and exceptionally beautiful part of the glacier. At this stage, your guide outfits you with crampons, specially designed for these ice conditions and you follow the ice steps cut by your guide as you explore the amazing formations and ice caves which are only seen here.

Each departure is a true voyage of exploration. There are so many changing features that the guides always find something new. The remainder of your day will be at leisure.

Whilst in Fox Glacier a trip to Lake Matheson is strongly recommended. The lake is about a 5 minute drive from Fox Glacier and the viewing platform is about an hours walk around the lake from the car park. If the weather is clear, the sunset views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman reflected in the mirror flat lake are incredible. Early morning just after dawn or late in the evening before sunset will give you the best views but you won’t see too much if it is raining or cloudy.

Day 13: FOX GLACIER – QUEENSTOWN
This morning take the five hour, thirty minute drive to Queenstown.

On a clear day magnificent views of Mounts Cook and Tasman are the feature as the road follows the coast down to Bruce Bay before passing Lakes Paringa and Moeraki. At Knight's Point there are vistas of bush-covered headlands, golden sand beaches and jagged off-shore rocks.

The road next enters the Haast Pass with it's waterfalls dropping from hanging valleys into glacial gorges. If you get the chance be sure to stop here as there are some fantastic photo opportunities. 

The journey continues, leaving beech forest and moving into tussock land as the road skirts the shores of scenic Lake Wanaka and continues south beside Lake Hawea  before crossing the fruit growing areas of central Otago and through the rugged Kawarau Gorge to Queenstown. On arrival in Queenstown you will check into your accommodation.

Day 14: QUEENSTOWN – MILFORD SOUND – QUEENSTOWN
Today leave the driving for someone else. Depart from Queenstown by coach and settle back to watch the most amazing scenery unfold before you as you travel along the eastern shoreline of Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the Remarkable Range to Kingston.  

Drive through the Five Rivers farming community to Lake Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland. From Te Anau you will travel around the shores of Lake Te Anau into the rugged valley of the Eglinton River. As the road passes Lakes Gunn and Fergus beech covered mountains frame the view of distant peaks.  

The road then enters the Hollyford Valley and climbs to the Homer Saddle. After driving through the 1200 metre long Homer Tunnel, the road drops down to follow the swiftly flowing Cleddau River into Milford Sound.   

On arrival join the cruise on Milford Sound. This fiord was created during an ice age and knifes out to sea with native forests and sheer cliffs rising from the waterway to heights of several thousand feet. Gigantic waterfalls tumble into the fiord from lofty mountain lakes. Here lies some of the most talked about scenery in the world, including mile-high Mitre Peak, the aptly named focal point of majestic Milford  Sound. On board the Boat the your will be served with a scrumptious lunch with all of the food being local produce. After your cruise you will have a relaxing journey back to Queenstown on board your coach.  

NOTE: An optional scenic flight from Milford to Queenstown is available at an additional cost and is dependent on weather conditions. This 40 minute flight opens a new dimension, viewing the rugged glaciated Fiordland terrain. The spectacular Sutherland Falls and Milford Track are aspects seen only from the air. Transfer the short distance to the airfield to join your light aircraft for the scenic flight back to Queenstown. From here you will be transferred to your accommodation.   

Day 15: QUEENSTOWN
This morning you will be met in Queenstown by a Dart River Guide for your half day tour. 

Dart River Wilderness Safari
Depart for Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu. Here, join the back-road bus for a drive through the remote rural landscapes of the Rees Valley. At the end of the road, undertake a short walk through ancient forests of the Mount Aspiring National Park to Chinaman’s Bluff. 

At this point guests will board a jet boat for a breathtaking scenic trip up the Dart River into the pristine country of the Mount Aspiring National Park. The jet boat is the only means of entering this wilderness area, and the number of passengers allowed to visit on a daily basis is strictly controlled by the Department of Conservation. 

The Dart River Safari is more than a jet boat ride - it's a World Heritage eco-journey into the heart of wilderness New Zealand.  Navigating deep into the alpine corridor of Mount Aspiring National Park, the challenging grandeur of the mountains and valleys will leave a lasting impression. Discover ice-capped mountains and glaciers, cascading waterfalls and crystal clear streams and pools, all while enjoying the thrill of being aboard a purpose-built jet boat. 

Following the excursion, you will transfer back to Queenstown. The rest of your day will be at leisure

Day 16  QUEENSTOWN – AUCKLAND DEPART
Today you will be at leisure until the appropriate time when you will travel to the Queenstown airport, return your rental vehicle and check in for your departure flights.   

ZETA TOURS COSTING FOR 16 DAY ITINERARY:
The following costs are in New Zealand dollars and include the local Goods & Services Tax (GST) currently at 12.5%.
The costs are valid for the 2009/10 PEAK season from 1 October 09 – 31 March 10
(Costs are subject to availability and confirmation). Based on 2 people sharing.

Enjoy your Tour!

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT US USING OUR ENQUIRY FORM OR CALL +44 (0) 20 7736 4272

Images courtesey of South African Tourism, The Canadian Tourist Comission, Tourism Queensland, BritishColumbia.com and Morguefile.com.