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New Zealand has every adventure activity and extreme sport you can think of – and some you’ve never even heard of! Find more than a few ways to look danger in the eye. Self-drive on excellent roads through gorgeous scenery. Besides adventure activities come close to New Zealand’s dolphins and whales too.

New Zealand  |   20 Nights 21 Days

Highlights

• Dolphin Encounter Cruise to watch the famous Dusky dolphins and option to swim with them too.

• Sea kayaking in paradise. ..or what we believe to be the most spectacular stretch of coast on the Coromandel Peninsula.

• An arresting glow worm cave tour at Te anau. By geological standards the caves are very young (12,000 years) and are still being carved out by the force of the river that flows through them.

• Get up close to roaring steam vents, bubbling pits of mud, hot volcanic streams, the amazing lake of steaming acid and see the remains of the island’s sulphur factory at the White Island live volcanic crater complex.

• A traditional Maori intimate performance at the geothermal valley.

• Whale watching in Kaikoura for the famous semi-residential Sperm Whales Aoraki, Tutu and Tiaki feeding in the Hikurangi Trench as well as Sperm Whales.

• Guided star gazing at Mt Cook.

• Make angel wings or get into a snowball fight as you land on the pristine Glacier from a helicopter.

• Encounter icebergs of every shape and size at the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake.

• Get your adrenaline pumping with a thrilling Shotover Jet Boat Ride in the spectacular Shot over River Canyon.

• Raft through the stunning underworld of Ruakuri Cave. Our black water cave rafting adventure gives the chance to abseil, jump, climb, and float through a glow worm-studded subterranean wonderland.

• Get your senses in over drive with a once in a lifetime experience of Sky diving. The freefall and the intense adrenaline rush of your jump will be with you for ever. Don’t forget “fear is temporary, achievement is permanent”.

• Explore the unspoilt wilderness of Doubtful Sound in the World Heritage Area of Fiordland National Park on board an overnight cruise.

ITINERARY SCHEDULE

Day 1 :- Arrival in Auckland

On arrival at the Auckland, meet and greet by our representative at the airport who will transfer you to your hotel. Spend the day at leisure and do get some rest after your long flight journey. Take a walk along the harbour front area. The viaduct harbour is a superb place to dine and relax.

Overnight: The Mercure Hotel Auckland- Sup Ocean View King Meals: On own.

Day 2 :- Self-drive Auckland to Bay Of Islands

Rental car will be delivered at your accommodation today. Post breakfast, checkout from the Hotel for a self-drive to the Bay Of Islands. Visit the quaint and picturesque towns of Russell, Paihia and Kerikeri – the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Explore these lively towns on own.

Overnight: 3star Hotel accommodation or Motel Meals : Breakfast

Day 3 :- Dolphin Encounter Cruise in Bay of Islands

Post breakfast, rest of the morning at leisure. Post lunch board the Dolphin Encounter Cruise at 1pm to encounter a mesmerizing experience of hundreds of wild Dusky dolphins in their natural habitat.

They are considered to be the most acrobatic with their leaps, jumps and the trademark somersault flips. They are also very gregarious and highly social in their behaviour which makes them more attracted to people. Weather permitting and if the tide is safe the guide will allow you to get into the water & swim with the Dolphins, this activity is payable directly to the service provider, wetsuits will be provided. Return to the hotel by dinner. Optional: Helicopter tour at 90 Mile Beach. A full day helicopter tour up to the Cape Reinga via the Northlands spectacular harbours, such as the Rangaunu Harbour and Whangarao passing across some beautiful beaches such as the Coopers, Doubtless Bay and the famous Ninety Mile beach followed by a small on ground tour to visit Reinga Lighthouse, Tapotupota Bay and Te Paki streams with its giant dunes where you can use sleds to slide down the dunes.

Overnight: 3star Hotel accommodation or Motel.

Day 4 :- Self drive Bay of Islands to Auckland

Drive back from the Bay of Islands to Auckland and check in to your hotel. Explore the City of Sails on own.

Overnight: The Mercure Auckland- Sup City View Meals : On own.

Day 5 :- Auckland to Hahei Beach

Drive to the Coromandel Coast. Spend the rest of the day relaxing on the serene white sand beach and visiting the Te Pare Historic Reserve.

Overnight: Hahei Holiday Resort- Premier Studio Meals : Breakfast.

Day 6 :- Cathedral Cove Classic Kayak Tour

You leave early in the morning for the Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve.

A sea kayaking paradise full of beaches, islands and rock gardens that are just waiting to be explored. Paddle through sea caves, interact with the local marine life

Overnight: Hahei Holiday Resort- Premier Studio Room Only Meals : On own.

Day 7 :- Hahei to Rotorua via Waitomo (Black Labyrinth rafting Tour)

Today you leave for the Black Labyrinth rafting tour at Waitomo. You will need to leave early from Coromandel as the drive is over 3 hours. This original Waitomo subterranean adventure that will have you climbing, black water tubing, leaping, through Ruakuri Cave. Over three hours you’ll take leaps of faith over cascading waterfalls and float serenely down an underground river as you enjoy the glow-worm show on the vaulted limestone galleries up above. Your journey concludes when you emerge into the sunlight of the Waitomo forest.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Rotorua- Std room Meals: On own.

Day 8 :- Day in Rotorua (White Island Volcano Tour)

Post breakfast you drive for around 1hr 15min to Whakatane where you will be joining White Island Tours for a journey to discover the incredible live volcano that is White Island! Departing at 8 AM from Whakatane, in the Bay of Plenty, you’ll join the friendly crew aboard a luxury cruiser and head 49km off the coast towards White Island, New Zealand’s only active marine volcano.

Upon arrival, we’ll disembark directly into the crater complex. No climbing is required as this is one of the world’s most accessible live volcanoes. Our experienced and knowledgeable guides will take you on a fascinating guided tour to explore White Island’s inner crater. Hear about the interesting history and geology of White Island as you discover first-hand the magic of this sensational volcano. Get up close to roaring steam vents, bubbling pits of mud, hot volcanic streams, the amazing lake of steaming acid and see the remains of the island’s sulphur factory. A once in a life time experience

Overnight: Holiday Inn Rotorua- Std room Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9 :- Te Ra + Te Po Experience

Spend the morning at leisure. Today we have included a storytelling, entertainment and authentic Māori kai (indigenous food) under lights experience. Te Ra + Te Pō starts at 4:30pm. Enjoy a mouthwatering banquet of authentic Māori cuisine (kai) and marvel at the breath-taking beauty of our geothermal valley under lights. Enjoy a traditional welcoming ceremony (pōwhiri) and intimate concert performance. Return back to the resort.

Overnight: Holiday Inn Rotorua- Std room Meals: Breakfast.

Day 10 :- Rotorua to Christchurch by flight

Drop off rental car in Rotorua. Board your flight to Christchurch. Your rental car is to be picked up at Christchurch. Check in to your hotel. Christchurch is a stylish and contemporary city, full of unrivalled natural and architectural beauty – 19th century buildings, majestic trees, extensive gardens, interesting bridges and meandering paths all providing a striking backdrop for the vibrant scene of ever-changing arts, cultural and heritage activities.

Overnight: Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square- Superior room Meals: Breakfast.

Day 11 :- Self drive Christchurch to Hanmer

Springs to Kaikoura Hanmer Springs is famous for its relaxing rock pools, soothing sulphur pools.. indulge in a luxurious day spa with a range of treatments, private pools, sauna and steam rooms (All spa treatments payable directly) Entry to the Pool included. Drive down to Kaikoura post your treatment

Overnight: 3star Hotel accommodation or Motel Meals: Breakfast.

Day 12 :- Self -drive Kaikoura to Christchurch

Kaikoura is world famous for whale watching where Giant sperm whales are the stars of the show and year-round residents. Whale Watching Cruise departs in the morning. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Depending on the season you may also see migrating Humpback Whales, Pilot Whales, Blue Whales and Southern Right Whales. Kaikoura often hosts the world’s largest dolphin – the Orca – Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand. Post cruise self drive to Christchurch.

Overnight: Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square- Superior Meals: Breakfast.

Day 13 :- Self – drive Christchurch to Mt. Cook

Another excellent drive through the Canterbury Plains, past rolling pastures and spectacular lakes including Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. Past Mt.Somers, Glentunnel and into Mt. Cook. On one side, serene pastures and fields; on the other side, the rock solid beauty of New Zealand’s longest, highest mountain range. A Star gazing programme is included at Mt. Cook. A trip of 1hr duration post dinner.

Overnight: Hermitage Mt Cook- Premium Room Meals: Breakfast.

Day 14 :- Mt. Cook

Experience the magnificent alpine environment with an alpine flight over the Ben Ohau Mountains. Fly close to the steep ridges and rise over a mountain pass that reveals superb views out to Aoraki/Mount Cook and its surrounding peaks. Prepare yourself for an amazing alpine landing where you will be able to step out of the helicopter and play in the snow. n the afternoon touch and taste 300-500 year old glacial crystals. The only tour of its kind in New Zealand. An amazing encounter on the terminal lake of New Zealand’s largest glacier, the Tasman Glacier. Start with a 30 minute alpine walk through the National Park. Then board your MAC boat, and enjoy the ever changing scenery of the Tasman Glacier icebergs.

Overnight: Hermitage Mt Cook- Premium Room Meals: Breakfast.

Day 15 :- Self -drive Mt. Cook to Queenstown

The drive from Mt Cook to Queenstown is spectacular. Dont rush today .. take your time and make several photo stops along the way to Queenstown. The first people to discover Queenstown’s rare beauty were Maori pounamu (jade) hunters. Then came the gold miners, in search of another kind of treasure. Today Queenstown is treasured for its magnificent scenery, adventure opportunities and a comfy laid back lifestyle. Optional activitiy : a) Ride the Skyline Gondola for the classic picture postcard shot in the late evening to catch Queenstown all lit up. b) If you are in the mood for cruise on the lake Wakatipu . Board the TSS Earnslaw, an elegant turnof-the-century vintage steamship. It is the only coal fired passenger carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere. Opt for the cruise with a farm visit c) Pub hop in Queenstown’s fabulous pub district. Don’t miss out on Minus 5!, the mecca of vodka drinkers.

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel Lakefront –Superior room Meals: Breakfast.

Day 16 :- Queenstown

Get ready for the World’s most exciting Jet Boat ride! Acknowledged as the World’s most famous and successful Jet Boat operation Shot over Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shot over River Canyons. Your expert driver puts your “Big Red” through its paces and skilfully whips the Jet Boat past rocky outcrops, skims around crags and boulders and twists through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds.

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel Lakefront –Superior room. Meals: Breakfast.

Day 17 :- Queenstown

Embrace the fear is the motto of the day ! Today you will Sky Dive from a gut wrenching 15000ft: It takes a certain kind of person to jump from an aircraft into thin air and we hope you are that courageous person. Harnessed to an experienced jumpmaster, expect sensory overload as you step out that aircraft door at 15000ft and for 60 seconds plummet towards the ground @200kph. The ultimate bucket list item ticked off as you land safely on the ground.

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel Lakefront –Superior room Meals: Breakfast.

Day 18 :- Self –drive Queenstown to Te Anau

Self-Drive to the peaceful town of Te Anau today.

Check into your hotel. Late evening enjoy a scenic cruise across Lake Te Anau for the glow worm tour. Learn about the life cycle of the glow worms, the history of the caves, their development and operation. Observe how the rushing water sculpts the rock formations, before gliding through silent darkness to the glow-worm grotto. The delicate incandescence of thousands of tiny glow-worms is a magical sight. Return to Te Anau by boat across the lake.

Overnight: 3star Hotel accommodation or Motel Meals: Breakfast.

Day 19 :- Self – drive from Te Anau to Manapouri

Drop your car at Manapouri and board your overnight Doubtful Sound Cruise. Doubtful Sound, located in a World Heritage Area, is an overwhelming place. You can feel the power of nature here – the remoteness, the wildness and the peace. Known for its wilderness and wildlife, Doubtful Sound is the second largest of the 14 fiords in Fiordland National Park and it is three times longer and 10 times larger than Milford Sound. (The Wanderers highly recommend Doubtful Sound over Milford Sound day trips as its less crowded and far more pristine).

In Maori legend, the godly figure Tu Te Raki Whanoa created this incredibly beautiful fiord with the assistance of four young sea gods who carved out its sheltered arms. Today Doubtful Sound remains an unspoilt wilderness of many moods; one minute clear blue and sun-drenched, the next mysterious and mist-cloaked.

Overnight: On Cruise Meals Dinner included.

Day 20 :- Manapouri to Queenstown

Early morning must do activity is kayaking in the fjord . A truly magical experience with the low hung clouds and perhaps a pod of dolphins for company.

Alight from the overnight cruise and self-drive from Manapouri to Queenstown. Relax in Queenstown Drink some hot chocolate and take a walk in this charming town.

Overnight: Copthorne Hotel Lakefront –Superior room.

Day 21 :- Departure

Bid farewell to the world best Country Drop your self drive car at Queenstown airport Board your connecting flights home.
End of trip.

Package cost

$Cost on request

Inclusions / Exclusions

What is included

• Accommodation at hotels and room types mention in itinerary or similar.
• Breakfast at hotels only. Motels and B and B do not have breakfast included.
• One dinner on board Doubtful sound over night cruise.
• 14 Must do Activities included – Dolphin Encounter Cruise, Cathedral Cove Classic Kayak Tour, Black Labyrinth Classic Tour, White Island Volcano Tour, Te Ra + Te Po Experience, Single Entry to the Pool at Hanmer Springs, Whale Watching Cruise, Evening Star Gazing at Mt cook observatory, Tasman Glacier Boat Ride, Alpine Explorer 35min Heli ride, Shot over River Extreme Jet Boat Ride, N Zone Sky Diving at 15000 feet, Glow Worm caves visit by boat at Te Anau, Doubtful sound over night cruise with kayaking in the sound in the early morning.
• Car rental Car Type D Toyota Corolla or similar with basic insurance as per itinerary.
• Private airport transfer in Auckland on arrival day.

What is not included

• International Flights to New Zealand.
• Domestic flight Rotorua to Christchurch.
• Visa
• Insurance
• Car insurance included has basic insurance you can upgrade to premium insurance at the car rental company directly
• Gps
• Fuel
• High season surcharge
• Breakfast at motels
• Lunches and dinners
• Personal expense
• 5% Gst tax

Weather Info

New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere. Summer months are December, January, February and are by far the most popular time to take your journey. It’s the busy time of the year for New Zealand for tourism as well. Fall – March, April, May Fall in New Zealand and Spring time September October November are gorgeous and less busy since the summer crowds have left. Winter – June, July, August some attractions may be closed but Queenstown and the Central Plateau are winter wonderlands. To sum up there is never a bad time to go to New Zealand.

Note

We reserve the right to amend the rates/itinerary. High season surcharge may be applicable for certain dates. The Wanderers will advise you accordingly The package costing is an indicative costing. Depending on your final dates and hotels available the final price will be worked out and advised to you.

Terms and conditions

Payment terms –
100% payment in advance in favour of ” WANDERERS LEISURE TRAVELS PVT LTD”.

 

Payment options:
Please refer to this website, The Wanderers | Payment options

 

Tour Cancellation:

All notice of cancellation must be sent to our Mumbai office in writing. This could either be a fax or an e-mail. Verbal cancellations will not be entertained. There is also no refund for services not utilised. There will be a cancellation fee as under:
30 days prior to Tour departure date: 50 % cancellation.
29 -20 days: 75 % cancellation
19 days and below including no show: 100 % cancellation

 

However, in certain cases, the cancellation charges could be strict depending on the supplier (eg hotelier, ship/ cruise liner, transporter, special experience provider etc) or peak season travel (eg New Year, Christmas, major festivals etc) or special events (eg a Sports event, a convention in the destination etc) in which case we will refer those terms to you at the time of booking.

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