MOA TREK SMALL GROUP TOUR

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1 DOLPHIN EXPERIENCE MOA TREK SMALL GROUP TOUR Kakapo 23 Day North and South Islands ITINERARY DAY 1: ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND On arrival into Auckland, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your waterside hotel. Take a stroll down to the Auckland Viaduct where you can see the City of Sails in all its glory. Overnight: Sebel Suites - Auckland 1

2 DAY 2: AUCKLAND MATAKOHE WAIPOUA FOREST Take a short stroll at Muriwai Beach to a stunning view of the Tasman Sea and the gannet colony nesting on the clifftops. Visit the award-winning Kauri Museum dedicated to the native Kauri tree before walking with a local Maori guide to visit Tane Mahuta, the Lord of the Forest. Overnight: Copthorne Hotel - Hokianga (B, D) DAY 3: OMAPERE BAY OF ISLANDS Cruise across the Hokianga Harbour to 500 foot high sand dunes. Later we are guided through Waitangi Treat House where Maori signed the Treaty of Waitangi with Queen Victoria s representative in From your hotel there are stunning views out to the Bay of Islands. Overnight: Copthorne Resort - Bay of Islands (B) DAY 4: BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND Explore the history of the Bay of Islands with either a cruise to the Hole in the Rock or a dolphin swim. Immerse yourself in the history of Russell the first capital of New Zealand, a small town with a rollicking 19th century past; once known at the Hell Hole of the Pacific Overnight: Copthorne Resort - Bay of Islands (B) DAY 5: BAY OF ISLANDS - AUCKLAND Visit Kawiti Glowworm Caves where you walk through ancient limestone caves on a guided tour with descendants of Maori chief Kawiti to view thousands of twinkling glowworms. Further south you stop at the Native Bird Recovery Centre to meet some unique native birdlife. Overnight: Sebel Suites - Auckland (B) 2

3 DAY 6: AUCKLAND LAKE ROTORUA CRUISE - ROTORUA Explore the gold mining history of the Karangahake Gorge with a stroll alongside the Ohinemuri River through native bush. Then board Tiua, a 53ft catamaran for a relaxing sail on serene Lake Rotoiti to secluded coves and natural hot pools reached only by boat. Overnight: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside - Rotorua (B) DAY 07: ROTORUA SIGHTSEEING This morning there s time to enjoy one of Rotorua s many unique attractions before driving out to beautiful Pounamu Lodge above Lake Tarawera. Share your experiences over an exclusive lunch with hosts David and Karen, Rotorua locals who have many stories to tell of their historic links to this region. Overnight: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside - Rotorua (B, L) DAY 8: ROTORUA TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK Visit the surreal, geothermal reserve, Wai-O-Tapu. The bubbling mud pools and incredibly colourful silica terraces are unforgettable. The mountains of the volcanic plateau are our next destination, located in the World Heritage Tongariro National Park. Take a walk in the park this afternoon Overnight: The Chateau - Tongariro National Park (B) Chateau Tongariro DAY 9: TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK - NAPIER Breakfast is at the historic Chateau Tongariro nestled at the base of Mount Ruapehu. On arrival in Napier, a local guide joins for a walking tour of the impressive Art Deco buildings before you drive up Te Mata Peak for stunning views over the rich, pastoral landscape. Overnight: Scenic Hotel Te Pania - Napier (B) 3

4 DAY 10: NAPIER WELLINGTON The tour crosses the Rimutaka Ranges to Wellington, New Zealand s capital city. We tour the city s sights and drive up Mt. Victoria for the views over the harbour. Your contemporary inner city hotel is at the heart of Wellington s eclectic café scene. Overnight: The Bolton - Wellington (B) DAY 11: WELLINGTON COOK STRAIT PICTON BLENHEIM - NELSON This morning, cruise on the Interislander ferry across Cook Strait and up beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to the South Island. We wine taste in the heart of the Nelson Lakes National Park. Overnight: Century Park Motor Lodge - Nelson DAY 12: NELSON ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK - NELSON Today you have a choice of a full scenic cruise or a cruise and walk along the stunning Abel Tasman coastline. The coastline is characterized by islands just offshore, sheltered waters, estuaries and golden sandy beaches. Lie on a beach or even go for a swim if the weather is warm. Overnight: Century Park Motorlodge - Nelson (B) DAY 13: NELSON - KAIKOURA The road hugs the rugged coastline between the Pacific Ocean and the Kaikoura Ranges and the views are truly spectacular. Your afternoon is free to explore Kaikoura s bountiful marine wildlife. There are many optional 4

5 excursions from swimming with deals to whale watching cruises. Overnight: The White Motor Inn - Kaikoura (B) DAY 14: KAIKOURA AKAUNUI FARM HOMESTEAD AORAKI/MT. COOK Stop for a special lunch at Akaunui, a 100-year-old farm homestead surrounded by large gardens and dine on fresh produce straight from the vegetable garden of your hosts, Di and Ian Mackenzie. Heading towards the Southern Alps the edge of aquamarine Lake Tekapo makes for an unforgettable photo stop. Overnight: The Hermitage - Mount Cook (B, L) DAY 15: AORAKI/MT. COOK - QUEENSTOWN Welcome the day at the foot of Mt. Cook New Zealand s highest mountain, known as Aoraki the cloud piercer. Explore the dramatic landscape by taking an early morning walk in the valleys nearby or treat yourself to a scenic flight or a cruise on a glacial lake. The tour reaches Queenstown in the afternoon. Overnight: Scenic Suites - Queenstown (B) DAY 16: QUEENSTOWN MILFORD SOUND NATURE CRUISE SCENIC FLIGHT - QUEENSTOWN From Queenstown take a spectacular drive through Fiordland National Park. On arrival in Milford, board a launch to cruise out onto Milford Sound, dominated by iconic Mitre Peak. A magical flight over the Southern Alps returns you to Queenstown at the end of a fantastic day of touring by land, sea and air Overnight: Scenic Suites - Queenstown (B) 5

6 DAY 17: AT LEISURE IN QUEENSTOWN This picturesque resort is known as an adrenalin adventure destination but there are also many simple and relaxing options. With the whole day to discover Queenstown your Kiwi guide will help you plan and enjoy it in the best way possible. Overnight: Scenic Suites - Queenstown (B) DAY 18: QUEENSTOWN ARROWTOWN CARDRONA VALLEY WANAKA The first destination is the leafy village of Arrowtown where gold mining history comes alive touring over the Crown Range with expansive views of the Gibbston Valley in the afternoon we relax with fine local wines and catch up with the locals over a private lunch at Wanaka homestead. Overnight: Edgewater Resort - Wanaka (B, L) DAY 19: WANAKA HAAST PASS FRANZ JOSEF Drive into the pristine mountain and river scenery of the Haast pass in Mt. Aspiring National Park. Well maintained short tracks lead us to cascading waterfalls and clear blue pools. Continuing north through the lush, primeval rainforest of Westland Work Heritage Park to arrive at Fox Glacier where you view the glacier. Overnight: Punga Grove - Franz Josef (B) DAY 20: FRANZ JOSEF OKARITO LAGOON FRANZ JOSEF Enjoy the beauty of this remote World Heritage Park at Okarito Lagoon with a kayak or boat cruise on the shallow waters of the lagoon. Possible options this afternoon include joining a guided helihike onto the glacier or for pure relaxation take a soak in hot pools fed by glacier water 6

7 Overnight: Punga Grove - Franz Josef (B) DAY 21: FRANZ JOSEF OLARITO LAGOON FRANZ JOSEF The coastal road takes you to the leading local attraction the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks sculpted limestone sea stacks and towering cliffs. If the tide is right, blowholes thunder spreading clouds of spray. Celebrate your travels tonight in the hotel s restaurant. Overnight: Punakaiki Resort - Punakaiki (B, D) DAY 22: PUNAKAIKI ARTHUR S PASS CHRISTCHURCH Today you drive up through towering mountains to Arthur s Pass National park. There are dramatic views from the lookout at the top of the Gorge and you ll have the chance to watch the mischievous antics of the Keas (alpine parrots) in the car park. The tour reaches Christchurch in the late afternoon. Overnight: Chateau on the Park - Christchurch (B) DAY 23: DEPART CHRISTCHURCH This morning relax over a leisurely breakfast before being picked up from your hotel for transfer to the airport for your flight home after your memorable tour. (B) 7

8 INCLUSION AND RATES Moa Trek Kakapo 23 Day Tour package prices per person: Double/Twin $11,235 Departure Dates: 2018: Oct. 10, 24 and 31 st ; Nov. 7, 14 and 21 st ; Dec. 12 and 19th 2019: Jan. 5, 9, 12, 19, 23, 26 and 30 th ; Feb. 2, 6, 13, 16 and 23 rd ; Mar. 2, 6, 13 and 20th Experiences Included In Your Tour Price Your airport transfers are included on arrival and on departure. All breakfasts are included. A selection of special lunches - Pounamu Lodge, Lake Tarawera, Rotorua; Akaunui Farm homestead, Canterbury; private Wanaka homestead, Lake Wanaka. Two special dinners - Copthorne Hotel and Resort, Hokianga; celebratory final dinner at Punakaiki Resort. Learn about the mighty Kauri tree at the Kauri Museum, Matakohe. Enjoy a spiritual journey with Maori guides to the ancient Tane Mahuta Kauri, Lord of the Forest. Explore the towering sand dunes on the Hokianga Harbour. Learn about the history of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty House. Enjoy a dolphin cruise (or dolphin swim) in the Bay of Islands. Visit thousands of twinkling glowworms at Kawiti Caves. Learn about native birdlife at the Native Bird Recovery Centre. Cruise across Lake Rotoiti on the luxury yacht Tiua before soaking in mineral hot pools on the edge of the lake. Wander New Zealand s most colourful geothermal park at Wai-O-Tapu. Explore Napier with a private guided tour of this famous Art Deco town. Cruise across the Cook Straight on-board the Interislander ferry. Taste a selection of wines in our premier wine-growing region. Take a cruise and walk the golden sands of the Abel Tasman National Park. Enjoy breathtaking views of Queenstown from the Skyline Gondola. Experience the pristine landscapes of Milford Sound with a nature and wildlife cruise to view the magnificent Mitre Peak. Soar high above the Southern Alps from Milford Sound to Queenstown on a stunning scenic flight. Enjoy a guided kayak or boat cruise around the secluded Okarito Lagoon. 8

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