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DAY 1
LAX or SFO/Tahiti/Bora Bora
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You are met by our reps at Papeete Airport, who will
answer your questions, provide additional contact information, counsel
you about your Tahiti stay and make sure that you make your connecting
flight. Take a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora, where your hotel has arranged
your transfer to their property. The island of Bora Bora is widely considered
to be the most beautiful of the Tahitian islands and one of the most beautiful
things to see on earth. It is "the “.. preferred vacation spot
for numerous movie stars, European royalty, sheiks, maharajas, and international
jet setters.” You can explore Bora Bora this afternoon at your leisure.
Enjoy the pristine white beaches, aquamarine water, fabulous coral reef,
tropical flowers and fauna. You can explore the lagoon by boat excursion
or rented boat, o fishing (coastal or deep sea) or horseback riding, rent
a Moped or car, play tennis, scuba dive or snorkel, bike, hike, or enjoy
Bora Bora’s natural wonders in a thousand other ways. And of course
you may choose to simply relax in your over-water-bungalow, where you
can watch the marine life swim under the large glass insert in the floor
of your room.
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DAY 2
Bora Bora Excursion |
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In addition to the options listed for Day 1, you can
choose a mountain safari in a 4X4 LandRover or Jeep, which provides the
most majestic views of the area, or you can take a Circle Island (boat)
Tour, during which you will walk on living coral reef, search for manta
rays, kiss Sting rays, dive for Giant Mussels, and snorkel amid exotic
fish and coral in the Natural Aquarium. With either tour, your English-speaking
guide will cause you to become more informed about the people, history,
and attractions of Bora Bora. In the late afternoon, ask the concierge
to direct you to the best location for listening to the Tahitians playing
guitars and ukuleles while singing traditional Polynesian songs as you
watch the magnificent sunset.
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DAY 3
Bora Bora/Tahiti (with optional side trip to Moorea) |
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You check-out at 9 AM and are transferred by the hotel
to the Bora Bora airport to catch your 45-minute flight to Moorea, where
the hotel will transfer you to your over water bungalow. Moorea is “the
tropical South Sea island you expect to find when you fly to Tahiti”
and you are free today to enjoy Moorea at your leisure or simply relax
at the hotel. Activities available to you include snorkeling or scuba
diving in the coral reef, a helicopter tour of the area, whale watching
expeditions (May through October only), white sand beaches, coral gardens,
fishing (coastal or deep sea), golfing, tennis, boating (sail, motor,
row, or paddle), hiking, biking, or a variety of other activities.
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DAY 4
Moorea Excursion (optional) |
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If you choose to take the 6-hour outrigger
canoe excursion, you will be picked up at the hotel at around 8:45. You
will explore the lagoon, feed the sharks and dolphins, go snorkeling and
shelling, and have a barbecue picnic on the motu (small island in the
lagoon.) Most importantly, you will experience the beauty of Moorea first
hand. Of course, you may forgo the tours and choose any of the activities
mentioned in Day 1. Tonight, a dinner show with traditional Tahitian dance,
music and song.
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DAY 5
Moorea/Tahiti |
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You check-out at 9 AM and are transferred by the hotel to the Moorea
airport to catch your flight to Papeete. The island of Tahiti is yours
to explore for the day (our rep will help you plan your day), but get
to bed early because you must be at the Papeete airport by very early
tomorrow morning for your flight to New Zealand.
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DAY 6 and Day 7
WELCOME TO NEW ZEALAND |
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Arrive Auckland International Airport. Don’t forget that you lost
a day while crossing the international dateline. Met by local representative
who will deliver travel documents, answer your questions and provide details
about your tour. Sit back and relax as you transfer by private car and driver
to the hotel. This property is located on the waterfront of Auckland’s
scenic harbour and the city centre and Viaduct Basin are within walking
distance. This afternoon enjoy an introduction tour of the ‘City of
Sails’ by private car and driver featuring the panoramic views from
Mt Eden, one of several extinct volcanoes in the region then wander through
the boutique and specialty shops of Parnell Village, visit the Auckland
Domain and Auckland War Memorial Museum and drive along the Waterfront to
Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter. Here you
will view marine life from a diver’s perspective through the “perspex
tunnel” and take a trip to the ‘South Pole’ to see the
live penguin display and a replica of Scott’s Hut as it is today on
the frozen continent.
Accommodation: The Hilton Hotel (water view room) |
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DAY 8
AUCKLAND / WAITOMO / ROTORUA |
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Following breakfast this morning, collect a Mitsubishi Diamante or similar
3 litre automatic vehicle and drive south over the Bombay Hills through
the fertile farmlands of the Waikato Valley to Waitomo in the King Country.
Join your guide for a breath-taking Black Water Rafting Spellbound eco-journey
into the magical Mangawhitikau underground gallery of ‘stars’.
Glide past the strangely sculpted limestone formations of the cave system
on a raft and as the silence surrounds you a glittering underworld cosmos
will gradually appear out of the blackness (duration 3 hours – 1
hour underground). This afternoon travel across rolling countryside then
over the bush-clad Mamaku Ranges to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua.
The lodge is situated on the shores of Lake Rotorua with its own private
jetty and is set in mature gardens where guests are able to relax and
enjoy the views. Dinner at the lodge this evening is a four course silver
service, and can be served in the formal dining room or al fresco on the
veranda. (BD)
Accommodation: Kawaha Point Lodge (2 nights)
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DAY 9
ROTORUA |
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This morning enjoy a small group tour of the Rotorua
area, which includes a visit to a Marae (Ancestral House) and a talk about
the protocol attached to these sacred places then watch a geyser erupt and
view the largest mud pool in New Zealand. Also walk through the colourful
thermal reserve of Wai-O-Tapu (the Sacred Waters) for a geology lesson on
why the mud pools, geysers, hot springs, volcanoes and earthquakes occur
in New Zealand. There will be time for a hot swim in the river or a cold
swim in the lake (optional) before driving past the beautiful Blue and Green
Lakes then on to Lake Tarawera. From here looking across the lake you will
see Mt Tarawera, the volcano that last erupted in 1886 causing widespread
death and destruction around this region. Learn about the Maori legends
and stories attached to these places from your guide – there may even
be a song or two included. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure to enjoy
a self drive tour of the area with admission included to Whakarewarewa Thermal
Reserve – home of the Pohutu Geyser and the Maori Arts and Crafts
Centre where young Maori are taught the carving and weaving skill of their
ancestors. Also included is the popular sheep show at the Agrodome where
you will learn about the sheep industry in New Zealand and see the working
dogs demonstrate their skill on these animals then enjoy a walk through
restful grounds of Rainbow Springs – see the Rainbow Trout swimming
freely in the crystal clear pools and streams, view the Tuatara –
New Zealand’s living fossil and visit the nocturnal kiwihouse to see
this shy creature which is a New Zealand icon. This evening transfer by
coach to a Marae (pre-European village) for a powhiri (welcome) from the
Maori warriors as they issue the traditional challenge, wander through the
village itself surrounded by bush then enjoy a lively and entertaining concert
of Maori song and dance before being served a hangi (dinner) which has been
especially prepared in the earth oven. (BD)
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DAY 10
ROTORUA / TAUPO
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Today drive south through to the township of Taupo which is situated on
the shores of New Zealand’s largest lake. This area is well known
for its trout fishing as well as being a popular summer resort. You may
wish to join a cruise on the lake or soak in the hot pools (not included)
before arriving at the lodge, which is situated on the banks of the Waikato
River upstream from the Huka Falls. Consistently ranked as one of the top
lodges in the world, the guest rooms are secluded, nestled amongst towering
trees. Enjoy a 5-course dinner at the lodge this evening. (BD)
Accommodation: Huka Lodge (2 nights)
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DAY 11
TAUPO / BLENHEIM |
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Drive through the Mt Tongariro National Park (or through New Zealands only
desert) to Wellington. Return rental vehicle to the ferry terminal depot
and cruise across Cook Strait on the Interislander Ferry to the South Island.
On arrival in Picton collect a Mitsubishi Diamante or similar automatic
vehicle and drive into the Marlborough Wine Region. You may wish to enjoy
your own wine trail visiting some of the best known wineries in New Zealand,
which are winning gold award around the world. Your accommodation tonight
is set in 25 acres of English style gardens that recall the charm of days
gone by and are home to many native birds, mature trees and sweeping lawns.
Dinner at the lodge is included this evening. (BD)
Accommodation: Timara Lodge (1 night) |
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DAY 12
BLENHEIM / MARUIA SPRINGS |
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Breakfast at the lodge then drive along the eastern coastline passing
through the village of Kaikoura, where the mountains meet the sea. Here
join a Whale Watch excursion out into the bay, which is rich in marine life
and nutrients. See these magnificent creatures in their natural environment
as they break the waterline before diving below the surface once more. Continue
on State Highway 1 then turn inland and travel the Lewis Pass Rd to Maruia
Springs. The lodge is situated on the banks of the Maruia River, which is
said to be one of the finest trout fishing rivers in the South Island. The
guest cottages are detached from the main lodge and also overlook the river.
Enjoy dinner at the lodge this evening. (BD)
Accommodation: Maruia River Lodge (1 night) |
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DAY 13
MARUIA SPRINGS / LAKE MOERAKI |
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Time permitting after breakfast you may wish to take a short bush walk then
travel across to the gold and coal mining town of Greymouth on the West
Coast. From here continue your journey through the town of Hokitika, well
known for its greenstone (jade) studios where jewellery and ornaments of
both modern and traditional design are crafted, and on to the village of
Franz Josef. Take a 40-minute scenic flight over the glacier area by helicopter
with views of Mt Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak and the surrounding
snow-capped mountains. There will be a snow landing for that special photo
opportunity before returning to the village. Drive through the ever-changing
scenery of rainforest, rivers, lakes and beaches to Lake Moeraki. The lodge
is unique for its remoteness, set on the banks of the Moeraki River only
2 kilometers from the Tasman Sea. Enjoy a 4-course dinner at the lodge this
evening. (BD)
Accommodation: Wilderness Lodge Lake Moeraki
(2 nights) |
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DAY 14
LAKE MOERAKI |
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Breakfast at the lodge and then the day is free to explore
the area. The lodge's unique setting is on the banks of the Moeraki River only 2 kilometres from the Tasman Sea. A main attraction of this area is in the variety of activities. Mountain bikes, kayaks and canoes are available for guest use and there is a complimentary guided naturalist program of two activities guest can join such as lake canoeing, glow-worm and night sky walks, or rainforest and bird discovery walks all the way to the sea. The shores are frequented by penguins, seals, and sea lions.
Dinner at the lodge. (BD)
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DAY 15
LAKE MOERAKI / QUEENSTOWN |
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Breakfast at the lodge before travelling through the rugged beauty of the
Haast Pass then around the shores of glacial Lakes Hawea and Wanaka to the
delightful lakeside resort of Queenstown. The lodge is located on the lake
edge with uninterrupted views just a 6km drive from the town centre. Situated
in 4 hectares of native bush the lodge offers a spa pavilion, library and
lounge with accommodation in the main lodge or in a villa set amongst the
landscaped grounds. Dinner at the lodge is included. (BD)
Accommodation: Matakauri Lodge (2 nights) |
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DAY 16
QUEENSTOWN |
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This morning transfer by shuttle to the settlement of Glenorchy at the
head of the lake. Depart for a jet boat ride up the braided channels of
the Dart River into the Mt Aspiring National Park learning about the flora,
fauna and history of the area. At the turnaround point tuck your cameras
away and hold on tight for the return journey with a few thrills along the
way. There will be a short guided walk through the beech forest beside a
crystal clear burn and a 4WD tour from Paradise where you will be able to
view some of the locations used in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.
Return to Queenstown and the remainder of the day is at leisure –
an aerial gondola ride to Bob’s Peak for the panoramic views across
the lake to the mountains is included. Dinner at the lodge this evening.
(BD) |
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DAY 17
QUEENSTOWN / MILFORD SOUND |
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Early this morning after breakfast travel by coach via Te Anau and the
dramatic landscape of the Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound. Cruise
the fiord enjoying the stunning scenery of cascading waterfalls, dense rainforest,
steep cliff faces and marine life that inhabits these waters. There will
be the opportunity to explore the shoreline independently by kayak or in
a tender craft with your nature guide. Dinner on board. En suite twin cabins.
(BD)
Accommodation: Milford Mariner (1 night) |
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DAY 18
MILFORD SOUND / QUEENSTOWN |
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After breakfast the boat returns to Milford Wharf. Take
a scenic flight over the National Parks with soaring mountaintops and deep
glacial valleys to Queenstown (weather permitting) once more. Remainder
of the afternoon at leisure - you may wish to cruise the lake on the vintage
steamer, try horse riding, enjoy a round of golf or the challenge of white
water rafting, join a winery tour to some of the most southern vineyards
in the world or if you dare - try bungy-jumping (all at extra cost). You
will be expected at the lodge for dinner this evening. (BD)
Accommodation: Matakauri Lodge (1 night) |
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DAY 19
DEPART NEW ZEALAND |
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Breakfast at the lodge. Return rental vehicle to the Queenstown Airport.
Fly to Christchurch or Auckland Airport to connect with your onward flights.
Depart New Zealand. (B) |
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