Tripology

An Exciting Interview with Arthur Frommer

954 North and South Island Classic

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Detailed Trip Description

The Classic Tour series hits all of the essential tour sites if a person has a limited amount of time. This tour includes the major highlights on both the North and the South Island such as the City of Sails (Auckland), the gorgeous beaches in the Bay of Islands, the adventure Capital (Queenstown), the gorgeous Fiords (Milford Sound), the Mt. Cook glaciers and more.

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Trip Itinerary

Day 1 - On the Plane

 
Commercial Flight

Today you leave to New Zealand. The adventure begins!


Day 2 - On the Plane

 
Commercial Flight

You lose this day due to the International Dateline. You will get it back at the end of your trip.


Day 3 - Auckland

 
Welcome to Auckland.
Airport Transfer

You arrive in Auckland. You will be transferred to your hotel.

Relaxation

Where you will have a chance to rest or get refreshed for the day.

Sightseeing

This afternoon enjoy a city sights tour of Auckland where you will visit Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World. You will also visit the Auckland Zoo, where you can enjoy a Native New Zealand Encounter show.

Sailing

Then sail on the Pride of Auckland sailing yacht where you can sit back and relax or try your hand at sailing.

Sightseeing

Next visit the Sky Tower which is the tallest building in the Southern Hemishere. A light snack will be included.


Day 4 - New Zealand

 
Sightseeing

Today you will travel to the Bay of Islands. Arrive in Paihia and enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand's most important document of state was signed.

New Zealand Sightseeing picture

Day 5 - Auckland

 
Bay of Islands - Auckland.
Sightseeing

This morning you will cruise to Cape Brett and through the famous Hole in the Rock. On your return journey stop at Otehei Bay, where you will have a chance to swim, take a walk or just relax. After you will return to Auckland.


Day 6 - Rotorua

 
Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua.
Sightseeing

Travel south to the Waitomo Caves. Experience a guided tour of the Glowworm Grotto and an underground boat ride. Continue on via Lake Karapiro to Rotorua.

Food and Dining

In the evening enjoy a Maori Hangi (feast) and concert.


Day 7 - Auckland

 
Rotorua - Auckland.
Sightseeing

Today you will have a city sights tour of Rotorua. You will visit the Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Then you will have an opportunity to learn about the traditional Maori crafts at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Next travel to Rainbow Springs where you will be able to view native Kiwi animals such as the Kiwi Bird. Next experience a farm show where you will be able to see a traditional hand sheep sheering as well as some other New Zealand farm animals.


Day 8 - Christchurch

 
Auckland - Christchurch.
Sightseeing

You arrive in Christchurch, the Garden City. You will be transferred to your hotel where you will have a chance to rest or get refreshed for the day. Go punting on the river running through the city. Afterwards you have some free time to walk around the botanical gardens.


Day 9 - Kaikoura

 
Christchurch - Kaikora.
Ocean Cruise

Board the Great Sights tour for the full day Whale Watching Tour. Leaving Christchurch, your coach will cross the North Canterbury Plains and continue through the Hundalees. Travel by the rugged coastline to Kaikora. Whale watching is at it's best as you cruise in special purpose built seacraft to view the majestic whale. The sea also abounds with other sea life; seals, Dusky dolphin and the rare Hector dolphins can sometimes be seen. You will then return to Christchurch.


Day 10 - Queenstown

 
Christchurch - Mt. Cook - Queenstown.
Sightseeing

This morning you will join your coach to Mt. Cook. You will first travel through the outskirts of Christchurch through the Canterbury Plains where you will stop for tea (own expense). Then continue along the shores of Lake Pukaaki, follow the Tasman river to Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in Australasia. Here you will have a break to enjoy the mountain area and if you would like, have some lunch (own expense). Flights seeing the mountain are available for an extra fee. To pre-book just ask us! Travel back down the Tasman Valley and on to Omarama. A short stop is made here before continuing to Lindis Pass. You will then follow the shores of Lake Dunstan to Cromwell and into the Kawarau Gorge in Queenstown in the early evening.


Day 11 - Queenstown

 
Adventure

Today you can take the action packed shotover jet. Here you will be able to experience the jet boat at the extreme. The rest of the day is free. Queenstown is the unofficial adventure city in the world. Here you have many options for adventure activities to get the adrenaline pumping.

Options:
Rafting

Rafting, Bungee Jump, Helicopter Ride, Sky Dive.


Day 12 - Queenstown

 
Sightseeing

You will have a 4WD Lord of the Rings tour. This tour gives you the opportunity to see the incredible natural backdrops for this movie. Even if you are not a Lord of the Rings buff, you will enjoy this tour because of the beautiful sights. There is a morning tea included. Afternoon Options: Any of the above listed activities. This evening you will travel by Gondola up the side of the mountain.

Food and Dining

Here you will enjoy a buffet dinner whilst overlooking the lights of the city.

Performing Arts

Then you will enjoy a Maori experience and show. After the show you will have an opportunity to take a photo with a male & female Maori performer. Option: There is a bungee swing on the top that can be pre-booked. Jumping off the ramp into darkness is a great way to start off your evening. You will take a Gondola back down.


Day 13 - Milford Sound

 
Queenstown - Milford Sound.
National Parks

Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Te Anau, gateway to the Fiordland National Park.

River, Barge or Yacht Cruise

Upon arrival in Milford, join your Milford Sound Red Boat Cruise for an unforgettable experience. Return to Queenstown


Day 14 - Milford Sound

 
Return USA.
Airport Transfer

You will be transferred to the airport where you will fly home via Christchuch. You will return with a lifetime of wonderful memories.


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