Tasman Odyssey
20 Days Auckland to Queenstown
At a glance … Enjoy some of New Zealand’s most spectacular scenery on this exciting 20 day journey that features an eclectic mix of leisurely sightseeing & active soft adventure activities. Cruising, bush walking, jet boating, whale watching, natural wonders, culture & wildlife .... the Tasman Odyssey has it all!
TOUR CODE GNZTA
TOUR COST Twin Single
01 Jan 10-30 Apr 11 $9,520 $12,315
DEPARTURE DATES
2010:
Oct 24; Nov 07, 21, 28; Dec 12
2011
Jan 02, 09, 23; Feb 06, 13, 20, 27; Mar 06, 13, 20, 27;
Apr 03, 10
Day 1
Arrive Auckland
Having cleared customs & immigration formalities on arrival, you will be met by our representative & transferred by limousine to your city hotel. The rest of today is free to explore the ‘City of Sails’.
Stay Heritage Auckland Hotel
Day 2
Auckland - Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula is a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches & is a place where many kiwis choose to escape the hustle & hype of city life. It is home to many arts & crafts people who seek an alternative lifestyle. At the quaint township of Coromandel, ride the Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony. (B)
Stay Mercure Grand Puka Park Resort
Day 3
Coromandel - Rotorua
Travel along the Bay of Plenty Coastline to Tauranga & Mt Maunganui. Then, head inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua. On arrival at our resort, enjoy a twilight cruise across Lake Rotoiti to the natural mineral springs of Manupirua Pools before enjoying a lakeside BBQ dinner at your resort. (B,D)
Stay Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay (2 nights)
Day 4
Lake Tarawera Cruise & Te Wairoa Buried Village
Today’s highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera. Experience spectacular scenery, try your hand at trout fishing and enjoy soaking in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach. This afternoon, visit the Blue & Green Lakes and then wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa. (B,L)
Day 5
Rotoua - Lake Taupo - Napier
This morning, visit Wai-O-tapu (meaning Sacred Waters), a wonderland of geothermal activity. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the reserves unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. Stop to view the mighty Huka Falls & Wairakei Geothermal project and then take time to wander around the popular lakeside resort of Taupo. Continue on to Napier, one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities. Your local guide will bring this fascinating architecture to life on your walk around the town
this afternoon. (B)
Stay Te Pania Hotel (2nights)
Day 6
Napier at leisure in the Hawke’s Bay
Widely regarded as the ‘Tuscany of the South Pacific’, this region boasts some of New Zealand’s best and oldest wineries. Enjoy a free day to experience some of the many optional activities available. Enjoy a guided wine trail and taste some of the great wines produced locally, visit the world’s largest mainland Gannet Colony, play a challenging round of golf at Cape Kidnappers, take to the skies on an early morning balloon ride over vineyards, olive groves and orchards or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings. (B)
Day 7
Napier -Wairarapa - Mt Bruce - Wellington
Travel this morning through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region to Pukaha Mount Bruce, New Zealand’s National Wildlife Centre. In this beautiful setting of native forest you will see the finest collection of New Zealand native birds to be found anywhere. On arrival at Wllington, the nation’s capital, enjoy a brief sightseeing and orientation tour before checking into your accommodation. (B)
Stay James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Day 8
Fly Wellington to Christchurch
At leisure this morning to explore what Wellington has to offer. A visit to Te Papa National Museum is highly recommended. You will be transferred to Wellington airport this afternoon for your short jet flight to Christchurch where you will be met on arrival & transferred to your hotel (flight included). (B)
Stay Novotel Christchurch (2 nights)
Day 9
Christchurch - 4WD High Country - Tranz Alpine Experience
Travel by road through the Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri Gorge in the foothills of the rugged Southern Alps. Travel by jet boat through the gorge deep into the Southern Alps to areas otherwise inaccessible. Rendezvous with the Unimog and travel in this unique 4WD vehicle to Mt Torlesse Station, viewing spectacular alpine scenery en-route. After
lunch, travel by road to Arthur’s Pass National Park where you return to Christchurch aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train. (B,L)
Day 10
Christchurch - Hanmer Springs - Kaikoura
After a leisurely breakfast, travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs and relax in the thermal pools. Travel on to the township of Kaikoura, nestled in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean. (B)
Stay White Morph Inn
Day 11
Kaikoura - Whale Watch cruise - Nelson
Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may also encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. On to Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand. (B)
Stay Heritage Rutherford Hotel (2 nights)
Day 12
Abel Tasman National Park Bush ‘n’ Beach walk
Today you can choose from a number of included Cruise & Walk or Cruise only options in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy a great day on the water combining cruising, sightseeing, bush walks & beautiful beaches. (B,L)
Day 13
Nelson - Nelson Lakes - Punakaiki Rocks
Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that is the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes. (B)
Stay Punakaiki Rocks Hotel
Day 14
Pinakaiki - Greymouth - Franz Josef Glacier
The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860’s. Our overnight stay tonight is in the glacial village of Franz Josef. (B)
Stay Punga Grove Lodge
Day 15
Franz Josef - Haast - Wanaka - Queenstown
There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region before our departure this morning (subject to weather conditions). Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. Cross the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination. (B)
Stay Heritage Queenstown Hotel (2 nights)
Day 16
Explore Queenstown & its surrounds
Enjoy a free day today to experience this magnifi cent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection. (B)
Day 17
Queenstown - Milford Sound Overnight Nature Cruise
At Milford Sound board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea. View spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. Activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline. (B,D)
Stay Overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove.
Day 18
Milford Sounds - Queenstown
For those wishing to return to Queenstown by air, an optional scenic flight is available (subject to weather conditions). Upon our return, the rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer. (B)
Stay Heritage Queenstown Hotel (2 nights)
Day 19
Mighty Dart River Jetboat Safari
Join the Dart River Safari and jet boat on crystal clear waters in a wild and scenic landscape amidst towering peaks, glaciers and the ancient rainforests of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. (B)
Day 20
Fly Queenstown to Christchurch or Auckland
Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Queenstown airport today for your onward fl ight to Christchurch or Auckland (flight not included). (B)
Highlights & Inclusions
• Group size won’t exceed 16 guests
• 18 nights superior hotel accommodation
• Overnight Milford Sound Nature Cruise
• Domestic fl ight Wellington to Christchurch
• Full breakfasts daily, 3 lunches & 2 dinners
• Lodge upgrades available in selected regions
• 2 night stopovers in Rotorua, Napier, Christchurch & Nelson
• 4 night stay in majestic Queenstown
• Accompanied throughout by professional, experienced Tour Host
• Spectacular Coromandel Peninsula & Driving Creek Railway
• Twilight cruise across Lake Rotoiti to Manupira Pools
• Exclusive Lake Tarawera cruise
• Blue & Green Lakes, Te Wairoa Buried Village
• Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Reserve
• Wairakei Geothermal region & mighty Huka Falls
• Guided Art Deco Walk, Napier
• Pukaha Mt Bruce Wildlife Centre
• Wellington & Te Papa National Museun
• 4WD High Country experience & jet boat ride
• World-famous TranzAlpine train
• Entry to Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve
• Whale watching cruise, Kaikoura
• Cruise & walk Abel Tasman National Park
• Punakaiki Rocks & Blowholes
• Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
• Stunning Milford Sound
• Dart River Jet Boat Safari
• Complimentary airport limousine transfers
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