My tour of New Zealand begins....tomorrow!!!
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Melbourne,
Victoria,
Australia
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Ok, so I'm off to Christchurch tomorrow! I am going to be touring with Contiki on their 15 day Grand Explorer trip. I have copied their itinerary so you know some of the things I will be doing and when! Of course, there are additional add-ons...like bungee jumping, zorbing, and white water rafting...I'll let you know which ones I do!! Wish me luck!!!
Christchurch to Lake Ohau
Day 1
Lodge
Meet
your Contiki crew and travel through the MacKenzie country, home to the
sheep industry. Get your camera ready, as our first stop today is the
beautiful glacial Lake Tekapo. We'll continue on to view Mt Cook, New
Zealand's highest mountain and if you want to start the tour on a real
high note, then why not take the option of a spectacular glacier flight
over the mountain? We then head to Lake Ohau at the base of the
Southern Alps. This evening, its dinner and a chance to get to know
your fellow Contiki-ites. (D)
Lake Ohau to Milford Sound
Day 2
Overnight Cruise
More
scenic splendour this morning as we travel past the orchards of
Cromwell and the Clutha River. On to Fiordland National Park where we
head through the Homer Tunnel (D'OH!) for our first view of Mitre Peak
and Milford Sound. Then it's all aboard the Milford Wanderer, for an
overnight cruise taking in all the beauty of the fjord. There's the
chance to kayak and see whales, dolphins and penguins along with
towering mountains and breathtaking waterfalls. It'll be an evening to
treasure! (B,D)
Milford Sound to Queenstown
Day 3
Lodge
We'll
breakfast on board and then hop back on the coach to travel through the
picturesque former gold mining centre of Arrowtown. Need an andrenalin
boost? We'll take you to a bridge to jump off! AJ Hackett’s bungy
bridge at Kawarau River provides a hair-raising, gob-stopping adrenalin
rush. It is one of the options on this tour that separates the tourists
from the purists. Pure fun. Pure rush. Why don't you try it? After all
the excitement, tonight we'll chill out at our lodge, overlooking Lake
Wakatipu. (B,D)
Queenstown
Day 4
Day 5
Lodge
Leisure
is probably the wrong word as Queenstown is known as the
'Adventure-Adrenaline capital of the world', one of those places that
you can literally do as much or as little as you like. A number of
options to astound you await! Ever tried Bungy jumping, Sky diving, Jet
boating, River boarding, White water rafting, Helicopter riding,
Luging, Canyon Swinging, Four wheeldriving, Hiking???? Be extreme!
Action by day, action by night - that's Queenstown. Yes, when you've
dried off and caught your breath, it'll be time to experience
Queenstown's legendary nightlife, and there's no shortage of venues for
dining and socialising - why not try an optional meal at the world
famous Skyline gondola complex. (B)(B)
Queenstown to Franz Josef Glacier
Day 6
Hotel
We'll
travel today through the Kawarau Gorge, past glacial lakes and via the
Haast Pass to reach the South Island's rugged West Coast. In the
Westland National Park there's a chance to lace up your hiking boots
and explore the icy terrain of this region on a guided glacier walk
with the professional guides who will be on hand to show you the beauty
of this natural wonder (B,D)
Franz Josef Glacier to Christchurch
Day 7
Hotel
This
morning we'll see the art of jade greenstone carving at Hokitika. We'll
cross the Southern Alps via majestic Arthur's Pass and head towards the
"Cathedral City" of Christchurch. (B)
Christchurch to Wellington
Day 8
Hotel
Heading
north, make sure your camera is handy for the spectacular views along
the Kaikoura Coastline. If we're lucky, we'll spot one of the many Seal
colonies in this area. Boarding the Inter-Island ferry we'll do the
South to North Island hop through Marlborough Sound and the Cook
Strait. Back on terra firma it's a drive along the scenic waterfront
and up to Mt Victoria, before arriving in Wellington, a cosmopolitan
city famed for its cafes, restaurants and trendy bars. (B)
Wellington
Day 9
Hotel
A
full day to explore the city and its surrounding area. Take your time
to enjoy the amazing Museum of New Zealand, known as Te Papa 'Our
House'. Maybe do some shopping or see the sights of the Lord of the
Rings trilogy or just relax in one of the city's many cafes. Later this
evening join us for a walkabout dinner. (B)
Wellington to Taupo
Day 10
Resort
Today
we travel the Kapiti coast northwards towards the Tongariro National
park, past the spectacular central volcanoes of the North Island to our
resort beside New Zealand's largest lake - Taupo. This afternoon you're
free to wonder the shops, enjoy a parasail high over the lake or
challenge gravity on the Rock n' Ropes. Tonight maybe try fishing and
later enjoy the famous local nightlife. (B)
Taupo to Rotorua
Day 11
Hotel
We
continue via forest and farmland to Rotorua, the heart of Maori
culture. Here we'll learn more about their history which dates back to
the 10th century. Maybe try the Zorb or end the day by relaxing in a
Polynesian thermal pool, before taking in an optional Maori Hangi style
meal and Cultural concert. (B)
Rotorua to Waitomo
Day 12
Lodge
We
start the day with a visit to the Agrodome farm show, on our way to our
special overnight stay at Waitomo, home of the world famous limestone
formations and sparkling Glow worms. There will be time today, if you
wish, to visit the Glow worm grotto or try underground cave rafting.
Tonight there's the chance to meet the local characters. (B,D)
Waitomo to Bay of Islands
Day 13
Resort
We
begin today with a drive through lush Waikato countryside, on our way
to Auckland, for a lunch stop before heading across the Auckland
Harbour Bridge to the semitropical region of Northland. After a visit
to parry Kauri Park we travel to our resort in Pahia. (B,D)
Bay of Islands
Day 14
Resort
A
day of adventure and fun. The day is yours to enjoy the overwhelming
beauty of the Bay of Islands. How about a Catamaran cruise through the
"Hole-in-the-Rock", maybe sail to a deserted island for lunch, perhaps
travel along Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga at "lands end". (B)
Bay of Islands to Auckland
Day 15
This
morning we head south, past the rolling Northland countryside, arriving
back in to Auckland where it's time to say a final farewell as your
tour ends around lunchtime. (B)
