New Zealand North & South Islands
TRIP SUMMARY New Zealand is a land full of natural wonders and cultural heritages. Volant has meticulously selected only the best-of-the-best to offer our clients. Join us as we sail the blue waters looking for dolphins and whales; walk with us as we watch the geothermal pools bubble; explore with us as we witness the glowworms put off their light; and eat and drink with us as we sample the very best foods New Zealand has to offer. NEED TO KNOW Price: $4,595 USD Duration: 21 days Difficulty: Easy New Zealand is a magical place. Let s explore it together! www.volant.travel 1
www.volant.travel 2 TOUR MAP
TRIP INCLUSIONS INCLUSIONS Attractions Wai-O-Tapu Sacred Thermal Pools Waitangi Treaty Grounds Dolphin/Hole in the Rock Cruise Auckland s Sky Tower Skyline Gondola Te Puia Maori Hangi and Concert Cruise on the Interislander Ferry Tranz Alpine Rail Journey Milford Sound Overnight Cruise Larnach Museum Sailing in Abel Tasman Nat l Park Penguin Place Wildlife Reserve Whale watching cruise: Kaikoura Waitomo Glowworm Cave Teieri Gorge Railroad Milford Sound Deep Underwater Observatory Montana Brancott Winery Zealandia: Karori Sanctuary Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Various cultural museums EXCLUSIONS Travel Insurance Medical Evacuations Alcoholic beverages Airfare to/from New Zealand (sold separately from listed trip price) www.volant.travel 3
ITINERARY DAY ACTIVITY LOCATION - MEALS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Pickup from International airport and transfer to the hotel Explore Christchurch s city centre Christchurch cathedral Stroll through the famous Botanic Gardens in Christchurch Optional: Antarctic International Centre Morning stroll through Christchurch s Art Gallery Te Puna O Waiwhetuk Transfer to a traditional homestead farm, Akaroa (1.5hrs) Learn about farm life at the Kawatea Family Farm Transfer to the mountain town Twitzel, in the Southern Alps (4hrs 15min) Revel in history at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo Enjoy mountain views at Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki Drive through the Southern Alps to the majestic Mt. Cook (40 mins) Tour the Southern Alps to the lowlands: Moeraki Boulders (2hrs 15mins) Enjoy the east coastline to Dunedin (1hr) Explore the beautiful Otago Peninsula Get up and close to waterfowl at Penguins Place (1hr) Tour the historic building and farm: Larnach Castle (25min) Return to Dunedin via Otago Peninsula (20 min) Taieri Gorge to Pukerangi Railroad: One of the World s Great Train Trips (9:30am-12:30pm) (4hrs) Countryside tour to Te Anau (3.5hrs) Take in the views at Fiordland National Park Drive through the fiords to Milford Sound (3hrs) Board a small cruise liner for a tour through Fiordland National Park (3:30pm) Return to Milford Sound after touring memorable fiords (9:15am next day) Back to the highlands via scenic drive to Queenstown (5hrs) Rest in front of Lake Wakatipu or enjoy the local culture in the city centre Enjoy a ride into the sky: Skyline Gondola Feast on the top of a mountain in a nice restaurant Journey to the west coast of the south island (4.5hrs) Visit breathtaking Lake Wanaka Take in the inspiring views of the Fox Glacier Enjoy a short walk to the Franz Josef Glacier Transfer to Hokitika (1hr 40min) Visit the stunning Hokitika Gorge Transfer to Greymouth (35min) Board TranzAlpine Train: cross country via Arthur s Pass (1:45pm) (4.5hrs) Arrive at Christchurch (6:05pm) Drive along the east coast to the coastal town Kaikoura (3hrs) Cruise in the Pacific Ocean: whales, dolphins, and birds (2hrs) (12:45pm) Evening stroll through quaint Kaikoura Christchurch, New Zealand Lunch, Dinner Christchurch - Akaroa Twizel Mt. Cook - Moeraki - Dunedin Dunedin Te Anau Milford Sound (cruise liner) Queenstown Franz Josef Glacier Greymouth - Christchurch Kaikoura www.volant.travel 4
ITINERARY DAY ACTIVITY LOCATION - MEALS 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Explore the north coast of the South Island Tour one of the finest vineyards in New Zealand Montana Brancott Winery, Blenheim (11am/1pm) (45mins) Transfer to Nelson, near beautiful Tasman Bay (3hrs 15min) Get educated at the World of Wearable Art and Classic Car Museum Transfer (1hr 10min) to Abel Tasman National Park: day of sailing, seals, & sun Sail to Abel Tasman NP on a catamaran sailing vessel (8hrs) Relax on Anchorage Beach with a refreshing lunch Take a drive through Marlbourgh Sound; arrive at Picton (3hrs) Leave South Island - Arrive in North Island Depart Picton via InterIlander Ferry (9:05am/10:45am) (3hrs 45min) Arrive in Wellington (12:35pm/1:55pm) Learn about Maori culture: Museum of New Zealand: Te Papa Tongarewa (10am-6pm) Explore Wellington s exotic Zealandia: Karori Sanctuary (9am-5pm) Head north to the premiere Art Deco city of New Zealand: Napier (4hrs) Stroll through Ahuriri Estuary Wildlife Reserve Enjoy the expansive vistas of Hawke Bay and the Pacific Ocean Learn about architecture and plate tectonics in Napier centre Transfer to Rotorua while taking in scenic mountain and valley views (2hrs 45mins) Take in the scenic views of Lake Taupo Learn about geothermal activity, geysers, and bubbling mud pools at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Pools (8:30am-6:00pm LA: 4:45pm) Get heated up while swimming in the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools (10am-9pm) Explore Rotorua s town center; Rotorua s Government Gardens & Kuirau Park If time permits: Visit the famous Agrodome or the Rotorua Museum Visit the stunning Glowworm Caves at Waitomo (2hrs) (9am-5pm) Optional: Get adventurous by visiting Ruakuri Cave (9am-5:30pm) (2hrs) Optional: Get adventurous by visiting Aranui Cave (9-4) (1hr) Transfer to Auckland from Waitomo (2.5hrs) Auckland City Center and surrounding sights Auckland Museum: story of New Zealand s history; Maori Cultural Performance Parnell village: shopping, restaurants, galleries, cafés Dinner: Sky Tower: Breathtaking view of Auckland cityscape Take a drive through the northern peninsula of the North Island Waitangi Treaty Grounds (from Auckland: 3hrs) Enjoy the vistas of the Bay of Islands Bay of Islands: Cruise to the Hole in the Rock (9am-1pm) (4hrs) Relax while taking in the views of the Bay of Islands If time permits: Visit the oldest tree in New Zealand at the Waipoua Forest Transfer to Auckland (3.5hrs) Depart: transfer to International airport Thanks for a great trip! Nelson Picton Wellington Napier Rotorua Auckland Aukland Bay of Islands Bay of Islands Auckland www.volant.travel 5
Day 1: Christchurch Welcome to New Zealand! After arriving at the international airport you will be transferred to your bed and breakfast accommodation. You ll have time to explore the city highlights of Christchurch, which include the Christchurch Cathedral, the Botanical Gardens, and if there s time, a trip through the International Antarctic Centre Museum. Day 2: Akaroa Wake up and enjoy local artwork at Christchurch s Te Puia Art Gallery. After a short drive across a peninsula, you ll arrive at the Kawatea Family Farm. Learn farm life and culture up close and personal. www.volant.travel 6
Day 3: Twizel Leave the low, coastal areas of the eastern shore for the highlands of New Zealand. You ll drive into the mountains, passing many beautiful mountain lakes and rivers. Mt. Cook is one of the most alluring landmark in New Zealand. You ll take a day trip through the Southern Alps to see the glaciated wonder. www.volant.travel 7
Moreraki Boulders The myths and mysteries surrounding the Moreraki boulders are only matched by their beauty. You ll have time to wonder the beach and come up with your own myth as to how they were formed and for what their purpose might be. Day 4-5: Dunedin Dundedin is full of things to do. You ll be spending two nights here in order to get a chance to see it all. The city center offers great views of architecture and history. After seeing the city itself, you ll be transferred across the Otago www.volant.travel 8
Peninsula for great views of white sand beaches, penguins, and historic buildings. The Larnach Castle is the only castle in all of New Zealand. It s historic significance cannot be understated. You ll have time to explore both the beautiful building and the grounds. The Penguin Place is a unique attraction. It offers you the opportunity to get up and close to free and wild penguins. This is no zoo. It is a natural reserve and habitat for the endangered bird. This truly is a once in a lifetime viewing. After returning to Dunedin and a good night s rest, you ll board the Taieri Gorge to Pukerangi Railroad, often referred to as One of the World s Great Train Rides. You ll wind your way up into the highlands, crossing spanning bridges and mountain rivers. The sights offered by the backcountry train can be seen in no other way. This will be a return trip to Dunedin. After a nice lunch in Dunedin, you ll transfer to Te Anau. www.volant.travel 9
Day 6: Te Anau Te Anau is situated on one of the many breathtaking lakes on the South Island. You ll have a chance to rest and recuperate in this quaint city on the shores of the Te Anau Lake. If you wish to take a cruise on the lake you may do so here. Day 7: Milford Sound Fjordland National Park offers the traveler a chance to step back into an untouched, pristine wilderness. To do so, you ll board a small cruise ship which will take you in the fjords. You will have the chance to see waterfalls, seal colonies, and massive cliffs of rock and greenery. www.volant.travel 10
The Milford Sound cruise will take two days. You will sleep on the vessel in private chambers. There is no better way to experience Fjordland National Park than cruising through the fjords on a small ship. www.volant.travel 11
Day 8: Queenstown Queenstown is a mecca for the adventurous. There are many outlets for adrenaline seekers: bungee jumping, water skiing, rafting, boating, etc. For the less adrenaline minded, the Queenstown Gondola offers a unique experience and view. The ride up the mountain is smooth and it ends at a restaurant. Who would want anything else? Enjoy a dinner with a view. Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier The Franz Josef Glacier descends from the highlands. Mt. Cook and other prominent peaks supply this this glacier with annual snowfall. Enjoy breathtaking views of the glacier from the bottom, or if you re interested in taking a walk through the wild, a trail leads through the river bottoms to the base of the glacier itself. Whichever you choose, this pristine glacier and surrounding mountains offer views of a lifetime. www.volant.travel 12
Day 10: Greymouth to Christchurch: The TranzAlpine Railroad This is where we drop the car and board the train. The TranzAlpine Railroad transverses the South Island from west to east. There is no other way to get an up and close view of the Southern Alps backcountry than on rails. Sit back and enjoy the view. Day 11: Kaikoura The bays, beaches, and breaches surrounding the Kaikoura Peninsula are world renown. Board a small cruise ship to watch the whales and dolphins play in their home: the pacific ocean. Look back to shore for mountain views. www.volant.travel 13
Day 12: Montana Brancott Winery The private property and vineyards of the Brancott Winery offer a unique opportunity to sample some of the finest wine in all of New Zealand. Take a short tour of the grounds and learn the painstaking process of what it takes to run a vineyard. Day 13: Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park - Picton Transfer to Abel Tasman National Park. Today you ll board a small catamaran for a sailing journey through the north coast of the South Island. Enjoy seal colonies, ocean views, and an unparalleled coastline. Spread out and relax on Anchorage Beach for lunch and sun. Meditate or play in the water; it s up to you. Transfer to Picton, the central city in the region of Marlborough. Explore downtown Picton. Rest at hotel. DAILY ITINERARY www.volant.travel 14
Day 14: Wellington After taking the beautiful ride on the InterIsland Ferry to the North Island, you ll arrive in the cosmopolitan city of Wellington. Wellington offers city life, museums, and culture. Enjoy the afternoon learning about Maori culture at the Museum of New Zealand: Te Papa Tongarewa. Learn the history and clashes of a strong and vibrant culture. Enjoy a relaxing evening dinner downtown. Take in the city nightlife. www.volant.travel 15
Day 15: Napier After the large earthquake that rocked New Zealand s North Island, Napier became the Art Deco center of NZ. Explore the architectural wonders. Take an evening stroll on the beach of Hawke s bay. Day 16: Rotorua Rotorua is the geothermal center of all of New Zealand. Enjoy the bubbling hot pots, the natural wonders of geothermal activity. If you feel like getting wet, take a dip in the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools. If time permits, explore the Rotorua Museum or the Government Gardens. Day 17: Waitomo - Auckland Visit the most phenomenal natural wonder nature has to offer: The Glowworm Caves of Waitomo. Your tour will glide you through the caves on a boat while explaining the natural phenomenon of these tiny creatures. Transer to Auckland for dinner. www.volant.travel 16
Day 18: Auckland The City of Sails offers the best citylife in New Zealand, being an international hub and access point to the country. Enjoy a Maori Cultural Performance and learn more of New Zealand s history at the Auckland Museum. Enjoy the shopping center of Auckland in the Parnell Village. After an evening shopping spree, transfer to Auckland s Sky Tower for spectacular views and an unforgettable dinner in a rotating restaurant. www.volant.travel 17
Day 19-20: Bay of Islands It can be said that the Bay of Islands came straight out of a fairy tale. The beaches and wildlife are unparalleled. Get up close and personal to dolphins and bird colonies by taking a short cruise to the Hole in the Rock natural site. Experience history and culture at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. www.volant.travel 18
Day 21: Auckland If time permits, visit the oldest tree in New Zealand at the Waipoua Forest. All journeys must come to an end eventually. Sadly, it s time to depart. Transfer to the Auckland International Airport DAILY ITINERARY www.volant.travel 19
ONLINE: www.volant.travel CONTACT CALL U.S.: +1.801.651.7208 EMAIL: John@Volant.Travel MAIL: 4110 Highland Dr. Suite #322 Salt Lake City, UT 84108 www.volant.travel 20