Spirit of New Zealand 2012/2013

Luxury New Zealand Escorted Tour - 25 Days

An escorted tour of New Zealand where rugged and untamed landscapes take you from soaring, snow-capped peaks to thermal mud pools, from turquoise waters where dolphins dive, to verdant vineyards. New Zealand is a land of contrasts; each one rewarding, each one uplifting.

Tour highlights
• Taking in Hong Kong’s impressive skyline from The Peak
• Experiencing the diversity of cities and the moving spirituality of Maori villages
• Staying overnight in the heart of Mount Cook National Park
• Discovering the former gold mining town of Arrowtown
• Being captivated by Milford Sound – a landscape of cascading waterfalls and majestic mountains
• Cruising to Stewart Island and visiting the beautiful Paterson Inlet and Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary
• Wine tasting in the Martinborough region, famous for its Pinot Noir
• Experiencing a traditional Maori welcome at the Wairakei Terraces
• Exploring Coromandel Peninsula, with a ride on the Driving Creek Railway and a visit to Hot Water Beach
• Staying overnight on a catamaran around the beautiful Bay of Islands
• Travelling along the Waitangi River with a Maori chief

Extend your Holiday
When your incredible tour is over, can you resist a few more days adventuring? We’ve lined up two extension options which offer two very different experiences. To break your journey home, you could choose to fly to Los Angeles, home of the stars, to bask in the California sunshine and explore the sights. Or you could indulge the senses with a beach extension to the Mamanuca Islands of Fiji.

Tour itinerary

Day 1 Depart Heathrow
Join your Tour Manager in the executive lounge before boarding your flight.
Meals: In-flight.

Day 2 Arrive Hong Kong
You’ll arrive into Hong Kong late this afternoon and transfer straight to your wonderful hotel. Relax, looking out over inspirational harbour views, or head into Hong Kong to explore. This evening join your fellow adventurers for welcome drinks to toast the start of your amazing adventure.
Meals: In-flight.
Hotel: InterContinental Grand Stanford.

Day 3 Hong Kong
This morning’s sightseeing tour introduces you to this island city of contrasts. You’ll head to The Peak to take in spectacular views of the impressive cityscape, overlooking Victoria Harbour, the city and the beautiful mountainous backdrop. You’ll stop off at Aberdeen Harbour, where hundreds of people live on fishing junks, before heading to Stanley Market, to browse the silk clothing, jewellery and souvenirs.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: InterContinental Grand Stanford.

Day 4 Depart Hong Kong
Have a lazy morning, or fit in some more sightseeing before your flight to Christchurch, via Auckland.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight.

Day 5 Arrive Christchurch
Your flight lands in Christchurch this afternoon, and you’ll have chance to relax into your hotel.
Meals: In-flight.
Hotel: Millennium Christchurch.

Day 6 Christchurch to Mount Cook
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a spectacular journey to Mount Cook across Canterbury Plain. En route, you’ll make an entertaining lunch stop at Fairlie to experience life on a typical New Zealand sheep farm. Then, you’ll continue onwards, climbing through the snow-capped Southern Alps into the stunning terrain of Mount Cook National Park.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel: Hermitage.

Day 7 Mount Cook to Queenstown
Yet more of this beautiful natural world is revealed to you as your journey continues towards Queenstown over the dramatic Lindis Pass. For many months of the year, this area is covered in snow, which makes its beauty even more striking. You’ll visit the former gold-mining town of Arrowtown in the heart of the southern lakes district to find out about gold panning, visit the Chinese Miners Settlement and the wineries, and make the most of the shopping opportunities before travelling on to Queenstown.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Millennium Queenstown.

Day 8 Queenstown
Today is free for you to enjoy so why not embark on one of the thrill seeking pursuits on offer? The city is known for its adrenaline-charged activities, and we recommend a thrilling Shotover Jet Boat excursion. You will skim through narrow canyons, past rocky outcrops, twisting and turning at breathtaking speeds along the beautiful Shotover River.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Millennium Queenstown.

Day 9 Queenstown
Another free day to relax and take in the beauty of this picture perfect town, with its majestic mountains and the beautifully clear Lake Wakatipu. Today you may want to take the day at a more leisurely pace and enjoy one of the city garden tours which take in some of the most beautiful rural and residential gardens that Queenstown has to offer.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Millennium Queenstown.

Day 10 Queenstown to Milford Sound
This morning, you’ll drive through impressive alpine scenery to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. When you arrive at Milford Sound, you’ll board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise. Sailing leisurely along the Sound, you’ll discover the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife of the Mitre Peak and Fiordland National Park. You’ll also have the opportunity to take to a kayak or small craft for a closer look at the natural wonders of Milford Sound. Overnight, the vessel will drop anchor in the sheltered Harrison Cove.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Vessel: Milford Mariner.

Day 11 Milford Sound to Invercargill
After disembarking, your journey continues by land to Invercargill, one of the southernmost cities in the world.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Ascot Park.

Day 12 Invercargill
Today, we’ve planned a truly fantastic day. After breakfast, you’ll board a modern catamaran which will take you from Bluff to the dramatic Stewart Island in style. Here, the scenery of rocky outcrops, densely forested hills and unspoilt golden sand beaches is combined with fascinating heritage. You’ll visit beautiful Paterson Inlet and Ulva Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Your Local Guide will provide expert commentary throughout, which really brings the history to life and reveals a compelling insight into the rare plants and birdlife of the area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Ascot Park.

Day 13 Invercargill to Wellington
You’ll fly to the North Island and the capital city of Wellington today. On the way from the airport to the hotel, a city orientation tour introduces you to the area and includes a visit to the Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum. The fascinating exhibits relate to the country’s history, culture and natural environment, and the atmosphere is innovative and fun. There’s so much to see in Wellington; its eclectic mix of architecture, the stunning waterfront, the wonderful views from Mount Victoria and the Botanical Gardens, reached by an exciting cable car ride.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Copthorne Oriental Bay.

Day 14 Wellington to Masterton
After breakfast, you’ll head east for a day of wine tasting in the Martinborough wine region, famed for its award-winning Pinot Noir. You’ll visit two vineyards and enjoy lunch before continuing on to Masterton, the largest town in the Wairarapa area.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hotel: Copthorne Solway Park.

Day 18 Coromandel Peninsula
A full day’s excursion will reveal the white sandy beaches, native forest, beautiful seascapes and coastal walkways of the Coromandel Peninsula in all their glory. It’s hard to pick a highlight, but our two particular favourites are the Driving Creek Railway narrow gauge train journey through the native kauri forest up to the ‘Eyefull Tower’, and Hot Water Beach with its hot water springs.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Grand Mercure Puka Park.

Day 19 Coromandel Peninsula to Auckland
You’ll return to urban life today as your tour arrives in Auckland, the country’s largest city. A city tour starts with a 360-degree view from the top of Mount Eden, before heading into the city to the bustling Victoria Park Market and Viaduct Harbour. This evening, you’ll dine in the spectacular Orbit Restaurant in the Sky Tower; a revolving restaurant with wonderful views.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Heritage Auckland.

Day 20 Auckland
You have a free day today, to explore Auckland at your own pace. If you need any suggestions, just ask your Tour Manager. You may like to visit the fashionable suburb of Parnell, with its glorious Victorian buildings and boutique shops, or take a trip up Mount Eden at the top of the city.
Meals: Breakfast.
Hotel: Heritage Auckland.

Day 21 Auckland to Bay of Islands
Your journey continues northwards today, up to the tip of the island, passing through Whangarei, in the heart of fertile farmlands and forests, on the way. With one hundred beaches, this is a real holiday playground. You’ll stay overnight on the Ipipiri; a beautiful catamaran which cruises through the historic Bay of Islands. Sit back and relax, as the country’s history is brought to life for you. Dinner is served on board as you anchor in a sheltered bay overnight.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Vessel: Ipipiri.

Day 22 Bay of Islands to Karikari Peninsula
This morning you’ll disembark and take a short drive to Waitangi where another unique opportunity is waiting. You’ll visit a marae – a sacred place in Polynesian society traditionally used for ceremonial purposes - and meet an elder of the Ngapuhi tribe who escorts you in his Waka, a traditional Maori canoe, along the Waitangi River. Learn Maori chants and songs to the rhythm of the oars, hear ancient stories of the Maori. Then it’s on to one last wonderful experience: the Karikari Peninsula.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Carrington Resort.

Day 23 Karikari Peninsula
The Karikari Peninsula is famed for its miles of white sandy beaches and secluded coves. Spend a day relaxing before you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner together at the wonderful Carrington Resort.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner.
Hotel: Carrington Resort.

Day 24 Karikari to Auckland
Today you’ll transfer to Auckland for our flight home via Hong Kong. Or you may prefer to break the long journey home with an optional stop-over in Los Angeles.
Meals: Breakfast, In-flight.

Day 25 Arrive Heathrow
You’ll arrive back to London Heathrow with many stories to tell friends and family.
Meals: In-flight.

Any questions? Chat to your Personal Travel Advisor on 0161 491 7616