New Zealand : Pacific Escapade

Day 1 arrive Auckland you will be met and transferred by limousine to your city hotel.
Heritage Auckland Hotel

Day 2 Auckland-Coromandel (B) head to the beautiful Coromandel an area of lush bush fringed with dozens of excellent beaches that is home to a thriving arts and crafts community. At the quaint township of Coromandel, ride the Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony. Overnight at Pauanui.
Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort

Day 3 Coromandel-Rotorua (B,D) travel along the Bay of Plenty coastline to the popular beachside towns of Tauranga and Mt Maunganui. Continue inland across the volcanic plateau to geothermal Rotorua for a two-night stay. On arrival, enjoy a twilight cruise across Lake Rotoiti to the natural mineral springs of Manupirua Pools before enjoying a lakeside BBQ dinner at your resort.
Amora Resort Okawa Bay (2 nights)

Day 4 Lake Tarawera Cruise and Te Wairoa Buried Village (B,L) take an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera. Experience spectacular scenery and enjoy soaking in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach. This afternoon, visit the Blue & Green Lakes and then wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa.

Day 5 Lake Taupo-Napier (B) visit Wai-O-tapu, a wonderland of geothermal activity. Stroll around the Reserve at your own pace enjoying the unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. Continue to Lake Taupo visiting the mighty Huka Falls and Wairakei Geothermal project en route.  Journey to the Art Deco city of Napier for a two-night stay, where a local guide will bring the local architecture to life as you take an afternoon city walk.
Te Pania Hotel (2 nights)

Day 6 At leisure in Hawke's Bay (B) widely regarded as the ‘Tuscany of the South Pacific’, this region boasts some of New Zealand’s best and oldest wineries. Enjoy a free day to experience some of the many optional activities available. Perhaps take a guided wine trail and taste some of the great wines produced locally, visit the world’s largest mainland Gannet Colony, play a challenging round of golf at Cape Kidnappers, take to the skies on an early morning balloon ride over vineyards, olive groves and orchards or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Day 7 Wairarapa-Wellington (B) travel through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region en route to Wellington, the nation's capital, where you can enjoy a brief sightseeing and orientation tour before checking into your accommodation.  A visit to Te Papa National Museum is highly recommended.
James Cook Grand Chancellor Hotel

Day 10 Blenheim-Kaikoura (B) return to Havelock by water taxi and rejoin your coach.  Travel through Blenheim to Kaikoura, a coastal town neslted betwween the Kaikoura mountain range and the Pacific Ocean.  There is time to enjoy an optional whale-watching adventure, swim with dolphins or join local Maori for a unique award-winning cultural experience.  White Morph Inn

Mt Cook Hermitage Hotel

Days 13 & 14 Explore Queenstown & surrounding area (B) spend two free days enjoying all that Queenstown has to offer. From extreme adventure to leisurely activities – there is something for everyone. Take a thrilling jet boat ride, pan for gold, raft the white water rapids, follow a wine trail, fish for trout, play golf or explore sheer canyons by 4x4. It is also a great base from which to explore the Fiordland National Park, and optional day tours, flights and overnight cruises to the awesome Milford & Doubtful Sounds are available.

Day 15 Milford Sound Nature Cruise (B,L) your highlight today is a leisurely Nature cruise on breathtaking Milford Sound, cruising the full length of the fiord to the Tasman Sea.  An on-board nature guide will give you detailed infomration on the region's history, flora and fauna and you will view spectacular waterfalls, rainforest and towering mountains, including the incredible Mitre Peak. 

Day 16 Arrowtown-Wanaka-Fox Glacier (B) set beneath the rugged Crown Range is Arrowtown, a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of the last century. Enjoy time to stroll through this historic village located beside the Arrow River, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s. There is time to wander around Lake WAnaka before enjoying wonderful scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass.  Travel on to Fox Glacier where there is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region (subject to weather conditions). 
Distinction Te Weheka