New Zealand |
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Taking into account the feed back from clients, we have tweaked the already successful itinerary slightly retaining the Bay of Islands, Pokeno, Taupo, Kaikoura and Mt Cook. Day 1:You will be met on arrival in Auckland by a Southern World New Zealand representative who will assist you to the Thrifty Car Rental office and discuss your travel arrangements. Collect your Intermediate Automatic rental car and make your way your hotel. Day 2:Play a round of golf at the Formosa Country Club, east from Auckland. A Robert Trent Jones Jnr designed course with spectacular sea views. Day 3:Depart Auckland taking in views of the beautiful Waitemata Harbour, north along the Hibiscus Coast passing through the scenic market gardening and dairy lands of Northland. Continue your drive to Kawakawa, Kaitaia and north to the Kari Kari Peninsula. 2 nights at Carrington Resort including breakfast and dinner. Day 4:Golf today is on Carrington Golf Course, designed by American golf course designer Matt Dye. The unique feature of the Carrington Golf Course is that, although it has an ocean side location, it looks and plays like an "inland golf" course, complete with rolling hills, vales, and natural water hazards. This is a challenging course with the beautiful ocean vistas of its seaside location. Day 5:Today you travel to Paihia and board a luxury catamaran for the most popular cruise in the Bay of Islands. Journey out through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse, then onto Motukokako Island and the famous "Hole in the Rock"; the excitement grows as we make a passage through the Hole and on to the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave. On the return journey, meander through the inner islands and view sandy beaches, beautiful bays and the marine wildlife as your skipper gives an informative commentary. This evening, join your Maori guide who will brief you on the protocols for your visit to the mighty Waipoua Forest. 1 night at Waipoua Lodge dinner and breakfast included. Day 6:Make your way to the Mangawhiri Valley travel through Dargaville, towards Matakohe on through Maungaturoto and south to the Hibiscus Coast resort of Orewa. Continue back over the Auckland Harbour Bridge for spectacular views of the city. Leave the city and cross the Bombay Hills, before descending into the fertile farmlands of the Waikato Plains. Travel onto Pokeno and into the Mangatawhiri Valley. 1 night at Heritage Hotel Spa du Vin including breakfast. Day 7:Depart Pokeno travelling south via Matamata (Hobbiton in the Lord of the Rings films) to Rotorua, centre of an extensive thermal region and geysers. Bubbling mud pools and steaming, sulphurous lakes give evidence of nature's frightening yet fascinating power. The Maori culture contributes greatly to the attractions of this holiday city. 2 nights at the Springs including breakfast. Day 8:This morning enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Rotorua and it’s surrounding areas. Visit NZ's largest boiling mudpool followed by the erupting Lady Knox geyser. You will be collected in the evening for your excursion to Te Puia to enjoy the MaiOra Maori Hangi and Cultural Performance, this will also include a visit to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. Day 9:The drive from Rotorua will take you through Kaingaroa State Forest, enjoy the magnificent view of Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. Afternoon round of golf at Wairakei International Golf Course. Designed by Commander John Harris, Michael Wolveridge and Peter Thomson with the aim of producing New Zealand's first internationally recognised golf course, there is little doubt in any New Zealanders mind that this trio exceeded all expectations. 1 night at Bayview Wairakei Resort including breakfast. Day 10:Today you will head for Hawkes Bay Province and the city of Napier. After 1931’s violent earthquake and subsequent fires (256 people lost their lives) most of Napier’s commercial heart was destroyed. The people of Napier rebuilt their city - which has lent an 'art deco' flavour to the downtown area. 2 nights Greenhill the Lodge including breakfast. Day 11:Today you drive south to Cape Kidnappers for 18 Holes of Golf at this Championship course, in a picturesque setting. Day 12:Depart Napier and travel south via the wine growing region of the Wairarapa to Wellington – New Zealand’s capital city. 2 nights Intercontinental Hotel including breakfast. Day 13:Drive south to Paraparaumu where you can enjoy a round of golf at the Beach Golf Club. Host of the 2002 NZ Open Championship this is the one of the only courses in NZ which rates in the top 100 golf courses in the world. Day 14:Return your vehicle to the ferry terminal and take the Interislander Ferry across the Cook Strait to Picton. Connect with the Trans Coastal, which is a truly spectacular journey linking the port of Picton with Christchurch. Transfer from Kaikoura to Hapuku Lodge. 1 night Hapulu Lodge - (One Bedroom Treehut) including dinner. Day 15:This morning join your Whalewatch Cruise. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and yearround residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter New Zealand Fur Seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross - depending on the season. This afternoon, re-connect with the Tranzcoastal Train and cross the rolling farmland of the Canterbury Plains before reaching Christchurch. Transfer to your hotel. 2 nights at George Hotel including breakfast. Day 16:Collect you hire car and make your way to Clearwater Resort for a round of golf. A Sir Bob Charles designed championship course with many water hazards and sand traps. Day 17:Travel the short distance inland to Darfield for 18 holes at Terrace Downs this afternoon Day 18:Today you will be heading across the Canterbury Plains to Geraldine. This is a scenic drive past Lake Tekapo and Pukaki, following the Tasman River to your hotel. The hotel is nestled in beech forest at the foot of the mountains, with Mount Cook eight kilometres away in the distance. 1 night at Hermitage Hotel including dinner and breakfast. Day 19:Continue your journey through the MacKenzie Country to Wanaka, a beautiful town besides a Lake of the same name. 2 nights at Wanaka Stonehouse including breakfast. Day 20:Spend a day at leisure in this picturesque location. Day 21:Continue the short journey to Queenstown. 4 nights at Millbrook Resort – Village Inn including breakfast. Day 22:Golf at the resort today, a course designed by Sir Bob Charles with a mixture of undulating to rolling fairways, sand traps and water hazards. Day 23:Full day tour to Milford Sound, taking you through the magnificent beech forests of the Eglington, Hollyford Valleys and the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound for a nature cruise on the fiord with spectacular views. Lunch is included. Return via scenic flight to Queenstown. Enjoy the scenic panoramic views of the fiord, mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes and lush rainforest. (subject to weather conditions). Day 24:Play a final round of golf at the Queenstown Golf Club at Kelvin Heights. This is a very picturesque course surrounded by Lake Wakatipu on three sides, and the remarkable Mountain Range behind you. Day 25:Drop off hire car at the airport prior to your departure from New Zealand. Costs Include:
Cost is £3622 per person sharing – subject to availability – not including flights. Quotations on request for flights with your preferred airline. |
