9 DAY City to City ANGKRK-7

Transcription

1 9 DAY City to City ANGKRK-7 This tour visits: New Zealand High octane or slow and steady, this trip switches up the pace every day. Learn from Maori people, raft the white waters, slip into mudbaths and throw yourself off a bridge (with the help of a bungy cord)! You ll see movie-worthy scenery, lush greenery and volcanic vistas. Kia Ora! The Bucket List More Inclusions Wine tasting in Marlborough Overnight in a traditional Maori Marae Haka & Poi class Huka Falls Lake Taupo Te Papa Museum Kaikoura Peninsula Walk Ohau Point Seal colony Hanmer Springs 8 breakfasts, 3 dinners 7 nights in hotels, motels & lodges, 1 night in a traditional Maori Marae Cook Strait ferry crossing Modern air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi Awesome Trip Leader + Driver

2 Trip Itinerary Day 1 - Auckland to Rotorua It's time to leave behind the 'maiden with a thousand lovers' (aka Auckland) and trek south to the heartbeat of Maori culture in Rotorua. Sure it's known for being a steamy thermal playground and an area of natural beauty, but it's the distinct aroma that'll greet your first. Breathe in that sulphuric goodness! And then enjoy a warm welcome at a traditional Maori Marae. After a hearty, family-style dinner, learn about Maori history and watch an exclusive cultural performance by the Te Arawa people. You'll be a Haka expert by the end of the night. Note: Pack down to an overnight bag to stay at the Marae. Included today: -Maori Marae cultural talks, Haka & Poi Dance class -Dinner Day 2 - Rotorua After breakfast and bidding farewell to the Marae, the day is yours to play with. There are a whole heap of optional activities to pick from. Feeling lazy? Visit the famous thermal spa pools or have a relaxing massage. Or you could race around on a mountain bike, go white water rafting or try the original OGO Zorb. Hobbit fans could go for The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour. You'll venture through Middle Earth, get lost among the Hobbit holes and see the scenery from the film in what you could call super HD! Tonight, settle in to Rotorua's largest hotel, set right on the shores of the beautiful Lake Rotorua. Optional activities: -Hobbiton tour -Whitewater rafting -Te Puia Maori Thermal Grounds -Hells Gate Mud Baths -Canopy tours -Ogo -Mountain biking -Day spas and massage Day 3 - Rotorua to Tongariro National Park We re southward bound to travel through the Taupo Volcanic Zone, with a detour to see (and hear) the gurgling Mud Pool. Then it s on to the raging waters of Huka Falls before reaching Lake Taupo. And what better way to see the lake than leaping out over it at Taupo Bungy? (It s optional, so don t worry if you don t have a head for heights.) After a bit of time in Taupo to see the sights/still any wobbly legs, it s on to the vast volcanic plateau of Tongariro National Park. It s World Heritage listed don t you know?! This evening, relax. There s a sauna and spa. Or head straight for the terrace bar for a drink by the fire. We ll have a hearty country-style meal just leave room for dessert it s a Kiwi favourite, pavlova.

3 Included today: -Huka Falls -Lake Taupo -Dinner Optional activities: -Taupo bungy jump Day 4 - Tongariro National Park Two active volcanoes, old lava flows, an active vent, emerald lakes and amazing views. The Tongariro Crossing is one of the best full day hikes you can do in NZ. It s a free day, so you ve got the time. There are some shorter walks too. If you prefer wheels to walking, you could do the optional mountain biking or take to the slopes in winter (ask you guide for the best deals). However you spend the day, know that you ve got another relaxing night in the lodge to look forward to. Included today: -Short walks Optional activities: -Tongariro Crossing hikes -Winter skiing -Mountain biking Day 5 - Tongariro National Park to Wellington Swap tranquil Tongariro for the 4th coolest city in the world. It s New Zealand s capital and has a whole heap of cool shops and galleries to check out by day. As night falls, get a taster of the craft beer scene and take your pick of award-winning restaurants. But before all that, we ll get a great view of the city from the lookout at the top of Mount Victoria and visit Te Papa, the NZ National Museum. Included today: -Te Papa -Wellington City tour including Mt Victoria Day 6 - Wellington to Nelson Time to jump on the ferry to cross the Cook Strait and sail into the blue waters of the Marlborough Sound. It s like entering a different world. We ll hop off in Picton and you ll see why this region has become so famous for its wine (and scenery). Be sure to raise a glass of something local tonight.

4 Breakfast Day 7 - Nelson You ll definitely need you camera for today s free day. It s stunning. One option will be to explore Abel Tasman National Park by boat, another is to take to the walking tracks, or you could paddle along the shoreline in ocean kayaks. For an aerial view, there s always a tandem skydive on offer. Feeling artsy? Have a look around the galleries and studios in the area. Just get back in time for tonight s traditional Kiwi BBQ. -Dinner Optional activities: -Abel Tasman National Park -Kayaking -Skydiving -Horse riding -Quad biking -Wine and brewery tours Day 8 - Nelson to Kaikoura Wine still on your mind? Worry not, we re heading for our secret Marlborough Winery for a wine tasting. It s a passionate bunch behind the vineyard, so get ready to learn a heap load. Then as we carry on down the coast, we ll try to spot a New Zealand fur seal or two before entering Kaikoura. Fans of seafood will be happy, in the Maori language Kai=food and Koura=crayfish, so you know it s got to be good. This afternoon, take on the elements on the scenic Kaikoura Peninsula Walk. Included today: -Marlborough wine tasting -Kaikoura Peninsula walk -Ohau Point Seal colony Day 9 - Kaikoura to Christchurch Will you meet some marine friends on a whale watching trip or go swimming with dolphins or take on a seal swimming adventure? Yep, it s a triple whammy of water-based optional activities today. Finally we ll wend our way to Christchurch. It s the South Island s largest city. We ll take you on a walking tour then let you loose to find a cool place for dinner. Tonight sees the end of this trip, but there s plenty more where this came from. Maybe stick around for another Topdeck adventure. Included today: -Christchurch city walking tour Optional activities:

5 -Dolphin swimming -Whale watching -Seal swimming -Scenic flight over whales Accommodation On your trip you will stay at a variety of multi-share accommodation, which may include hostels, motels, cabins, lodges, and camping out in tents and even a traditional Aussie swag! The number of people in a room varies depending on the type of accommodation. To keep costs down accommodation is based on a multi-share, same sex basis. The 'More Inclusions' section of this document details what type of accommodation will be used for our overnight stops. If you are travelling with a friend and require twin or double accommodation, this is available at a small extra charge (not available while in the Northern Territory). Should this be required, you can select this at the time of booking. Optional Activities On all trips we have arranged extra activities that we think will enhance your travel experience, but you have a choice as to whether or not you will participate. These are not included in the cost of your trip. They are usually organised on a group participation basis and should be taken into consideration when budgeting your spending money. None of the Optional Activities on your trip are operated by Topdeck, nor do they form part of your contract with Topdeck for your trip. Topdeck arranges the activity as an agent of the local supplier. Should you participate in any Optional Activities your contract will be with the local supplier and their conditions will apply. Please note: while we make every effort to keep these prices as accurate and up-to-date as possible, they are subject to change and in rare circumstances the actual price may vary slightly to what is published here. Rotorua White Water Rafting $80 NZD Zorbing from $35 NZD Canopy Tour $149 NZD Hobbiton Tour $114 NZD Mud Bath & Spa from $75 NZD Taupo Bungy $169 NZD Extreme Swing $145 NZD Tandem Skydive (15000ft) $359 NZD Tongariro National Park Guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing $185 NZD Nelson/Abel Tasman Kayak, Seals & Cruise Tour $139 NZD

6 Discoverer Day Trip $76 NZD Tandem Skydive (16500ft) $399 NZD City, Wine & Brewery Tours from $105 NZD Kaikoura Dolphin Swim $175 NZD Dolphin Spectator $95 NZD Whale Watching $150 NZD Seal Swim $110 NZD Seal Spectator $55 NZD Whale Watching Scenic Flight $180 NZD Meals Your included meals are detailed in the 'More Inclusions' section of this document. Breakfasts are included each day (except on the first morning). A typical breakfast consists of cereals with milk or yoghurt, bread, a range of spreads, and fruit juice, tea or coffee. It is rare to get a hot breakfast, though on some occasions it may be available. Included evening meals will be combination of those prepared by the Topdeck Road Crew, local restaurants and places in which we stay. If you have any dietary requirements we will make every effort to cater to your specific needs as long as you advise your travel agent or Topdeck Trip Consultant when you book. But please be aware that although we will do everything in our power to arrange it, we cannot guarantee that every restaurant we use will be able to cater to all dietary needs. We also cannot cater for tastes or dislikes, as most of our included evening meals feature a set menu. No Tip Necessary Your Topdeck crew never expect tips themselves and will not ask for any; that s not what friends do! We also know how much tipping can cost you. So go ahead, spoil yourself with the money you will save by travelling with Topdeck (just don t forget Mum s souvenir). Topdeck Travel App Our travel app has landed! With a range of awesome features including a Currency Converter, Budget Tracker, Check-In tool and Social Timeline you can plan your trip like a pro. Think of it like your very own Topdeck Trip Leader, always on call with the latest info, weather, maps and city guides to give you the trip of a lifetime, all in the palm of your hand. Please note: The Topdeck Travel App should only be downloaded once you have booked onto your trip. You will not be able to log in unless you have a Topdeck Booking Reference Number. Get it for iphone Get it for Android

7 Passenger safety One of the best parts of travelling is experiencing the nightlife and entertainment each city has to offer. However, amidst the fun and excitement, it s important to be aware of your surroundings and personal safety as well. Before you hit the road with us, it s important to be aware of the following: When you re on a night out, remember to avoid walking alone, particularly through deserted areas like beaches and back streets. Always stick together, take a taxi where possible, and keep a note of your accommodation details so you can find your way back to your fellow Topdeckers if you become separated. In some countries, alcoholic measures can be considerably larger than what you may be used to. Try to keep track of what you re drinking, and if you see one of your trip mates looking a little worse for wear, take them back to your accommodation. Be cautious when accepting drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended. It s also important to be aware that what you might consider harmless flirting may be interpreted differently in some countries. Be yourself and have fun, but don t be naïve, and be mindful of the signals you are sending out so that you don t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation. Other Information Finances Changing Money ATMs/cashpoints are available all over Australia and New Zealand and are the safest and easiest way to access money. Major credit cards are als Some nationals may have access to pre-paid cards that you can use at any ATM just like a debit card that you may want to consider as a viable al We recommend that you change approximately AU/NZ$150 in cash before departure. This will cover you for spending money until you have th Spending Money Based on experience, we recommend at least $50 $75 per day. This is to cover daily expenses including sightseeing, small souvenir shopping a Remember, this is a rough figure only and spending habits vary greatly between individuals according to their budget and habits! Insurance It is highly recommended for all passengers to take out comprehensive travel insurance before the trip departs covering cancellation, medical exp For more information go to You must bring a copy of your travel insurance policy with you on the trip. Details of your policy must be uploaded into the Topdeck app before Passports and Visas Please make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after the last day of your trip. Some countries will refuse entry if there is not at lea

8 It is your responsibility to obtain these prior to the departure of this trip. You can consult the government websites of the countries in which you Remember that some visas can take up to six weeks to acquire, so don t leave it until the last minute. Also bear in mind that the validity of the vi Transport Coach Time We try to spend as little time on the coach as possible so that you have more time to enjoy the places you visit. But do please remember that Aus When travelling between towns, you will be on the coach during the day, stopping off to visit places of interest where possible. Strict driving rul Wi-Fi Free on-coach Wi-Fi is steadily being rolled out for all passengers in Australia and New Zealand. Speed and connection relies on local 3G / 4G n Health and Safety We want to make sure you re having the time of your life while travelling with us. Therefore, if you suffer from any kind of medical condition o If you require regular medication, you must have a sufficient supply before your trip departs, as it may be difficult to obtain while travelling. You Vaccinations There are currently no compulsory vaccinations required for either Australia or New Zealand. Please reconfirm this with your GP or health profe General Information Power Both Australia and New Zealand operate on a 240v power supply, operate on the same 2-3 pronged outlet. Adaptors can be purchased easily upo In Cases of Emergency While we hope you never have to use it, if for any reason you need to contact someone from Topdeck, whether it be that you have missed a trip d Emergency Contact Our Customer Service team is on hand 24/7 to help* Please call from within Australia, from within New Zealand, from within North America, f * Please note our Customer Service team may be closed over bank holidays. Please check out over these times. What to Bring We recommend soft bags, suitcases or frameless backpacks, plus a small day pack or carry bag. No external framed bags please, as they damage Please note that due to space and weight restrictions on our coaches, passengers with too much luggage on departure morning may be told that th

9 Sleeping Bags A sleeping bag will not be required for your trip. Suggested Packing List The golden rule is to travel as light as you can. Only bring what you really need and leave plenty of space for things you might want to buy. Don The following is a suggested clothing list only, based on our experience: 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes 1 pair of smart casual shoes 1 pair thongs/jandals/flip-flops 2 pairs jeans/trousers 2 pairs shorts/skirts 4 shirts/t-shirts 2 sweaters/jumpers Smart casual evening wear 1 rainproof jacket 1 warm jacket Underwear and socks! Other things to pack: Swimwear Towel Toiletries Hat and Sunscreen Basic medical kit (including plasters, aspirin etc.) Washing powder Insect repellent Conversion plug Optionals to consider: Sewing kit Pillow case Torch Travel pillow Please note: entry into some religious sites, such as cathedrals and mosques, requires clothing to cover the knees, chest and shoulders. Final Checklist Passport (with visas if required!) Airline tickets (where applicable)

10 Insurance Policy (you must bring these details with you) Camera; batteries; chargers; conversion plug That s it you re now ready for your trip of a lifetime! If you have any further questions feel free to give our team a shout at any time. Happy tra