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New Zealand “Special Places” - 18D/17N
Discover the culture, nature and gourmet scene of both islands on this incredible deluxe itinerary
Every now and then we need to get away from it all. Right away….. Maybe you need to completely forget about everyone’s expectations of you – just for a while. Or maybe you simply deserve to treat yourself to something special, something out of the ordinary.
In New Zealand there is something really special waiting for you. If you want ‘special’, ask anyone who has walked on our sun-soaked beaches and mountain passes, skied our snow, fished our pristine lakes and rivers, soaked in our thermal waters, and feasted on the glorious food and wine produced in this country. From tropical golden sand beaches of the North Island to awe-inspiring glaciers and fjords of the South Island, and from bubbling thermal pools to wild waterways and virgin bush, this is a land of unsurpassed beauty. And it is within this country of great contrasts, that you can find a small slice of paradise for yourself in some of the finest accommodation, cuisine and hospitality the world has to offer.
The Special Places
‘Special Places’ has brought together 18 of this country’s most exceptional luxury lodges, from throughout the North and South Islands and carefully matched them with uniquely New Zealand activities and attractions to give guests an experience full of local flavor. This ‘Special Places’ itinerary created for the traveler wanting to travel through New Zealand on a self-drive basis uses a few of all 18 selected places. By combining several ‘Special Places’ experiences, any itinerary of New Zealand can be created on self-drive basis and further tailored with a private car/guided basis on request.
Included in the tour price: • Car rental for the full itinerary • 17 nights accommodation in “Special Places” • All meals mentioned in the itinerary (B,L,D) • Special visits as listed in the itinerary • Inter-islands ferry
Not included in the tour price: International airfare to/from New Zealand, travel insurance, personal expenses and anything not listed as included in the tour program.
Available any day June 2007 to March 2008 - Departures require a minimum of 2 persons
Sketch Itinerary:
- Day 1 Arrive Auckland D
Meeting service and air transfer to Great Barrier Island (subject to arrival time of the International flight). If required, an early check in at the Lodge is included. Overnight: Earthsong Lodge - Day 2 Great Barrier Island BD
Today you will visit Glenfern Sanctuary. Your guide takes you on a botanical walkway through the forest eco-system, home to many rare and endangered birds and subtropical flora. After this there will be time to explore this beautiful and remote island in the Hauraki Gulf. Overnight: Earthsong Lodge - Day 3 Auckland/Rotorua BD
This morning take an air transfer back to Auckland Airport and pick up your rental car. Rental is based on a FDAR Nissan Maxima or similar 3.0 liter, 4 door automatic vehicle with air conditioning. Travel via Hamilton and across the Mamaku Hills to the famous thermal centre - Rotorua (approximately 270kms). Overnight: Kawaha Point Lodge - Day 4 Rotorua BD
Rotorua is known for its cultural and thermal experiences. A visit to the Te Whakarewarewa Valley and New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute provides this in one visit. View the famous Pohutu Geyser, silica terraces, bubbling mud pools and then see a Maori Culture show and visit the carving school. The rest of the day is available to explore the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Overnight: Kawaha Point Lodge - Day 5 Rotorua/Hawke’s Bay BD
Travel via Lake Taupo to Hawke’s Bay (approximately 258kms). Overnight: Mangapapa Petit Hotel - Day 6 Hawke’s Bay BLD
After breakfast this morning take a half day guided discovery tour of the region. You will have the opportunity to taste our wonderful wines, meet fascinating artists, explore stunning scenery, absorb the history, experience a powhiri (Maori welcome) on the top of legendary Te Mata Peak and enjoy a winery lunch. The rest of day at your leisure. Overnight: Mangapapa Petit Hotel - Day 7 Hawke’s Bay/Palliser Bay BD
Make your way south down the middle of the North Island via Woodville and Masterton to reach tonight’s accommodation at Palliser Bay near Wellington. (approximately 280 kms) Overnight: Wharekauhau Country Estate - Day 8 Palliser Bay BD
Wharekauhau Country Estate is situated on a classic New Zealand Romney sheep station. The tour today features all the activities that have created New Zealand’s legendary farming heritage, including sheep shearing, sheep dogs in action and daily farm events. Plenty of time then to take in the beautiful scenery of Palliser Bay or perhaps visit Martinborough, a famous wine growing area nearby. Overnight: Wharekauhau Country Estate - Day 9 Palliser Bay/Wellington/Blenheim BD
Leave your accommodation and drive to Wellington, where your itinerary concludes with returning your rental car to the rental car depot. Take the Interislander Ferry across Cook Strait to Picton where you will collect your rental car. Make your way to Blenheim (approximately 30kms from the car ferry). Overnight: Timara Lodge - Day 10 Blenheim BLD
Timara Lodge offers you the opportunity today to have an exclusive tour and tasting at Spy Valley Winery (an associate company) and a 3 hour cruise or cruise/walk lunch option in the Marlborough Sounds. The rest of the day at your leisure to explore the vineyards of the Marlborough region. Overnight: Timara Lodge - Day 11 Blenheim/Christchurch/Arthur’s Pass BD
Travel to Christchurch via the Kaikoura Coast (approximately 340kms). Then drive to a high country sheep station near Arthur’s Pass (approximately 180kms). Overnight: Grasmere Lodge - Day 12 Arthur’s Pass BD
Grasmere Station is a high country station (ranch) set amid towering 2,000 meter peaks and provides a variety of activities. A half day guided horse trek takes you across Grasmere Station so that you can experience the grandeur and beautiful solitude of New Zealand’s high country. The rest of the day at your leisure to take in some of the many activities including a 4WD ride on the station or just relax at the lodge. Overnight: Grasmere Lodge 
Day 13 Arthur’s Pass/Oamaru BD
Take the road bordering the Southern Alps and travel south via Geraldine to Oamaru (approximately 300kms). Overnight: Pen-y-bryn Lodge- Day 14 Oamaru BD
Today go on a specially guided tour to the Yellow Eyed Penguins and also receive complimentary entry tickets to view the Little Blue Penguins. Receive a bottle of premium Central Otago Pinot Noir to enjoy with your dinner. Take in some of the many activities of the historic Oamaru on the East Coast of the South Island. Overnight: Pen-y-bryn Lodge - Day 15 Oamaru/Queenstown BD
Make your way to Queenstown (approximately 319kms). Overnight: Punatapu - Day 16 Queenstown BD
Punatapu provides you the choice today of a sumptuous lunch hamper inclusive of wine or a one hour personalized culinary lesson in Whareumu (cookhouse) with Punatapu’s chef de cuisine. You might then want to enjoy the many options available in Queenstown or just relax and enjoy one of the walks around Punatapu. Overnight: Punatapu - Day 17 Queenstown BD
Another day at leisure. We recommend a day trip to the magnificent Milford Sound (approximately 600kms). Overnight: Punatapu - Day 18 Queenstown B
Today your tour concludes with dropping off your rental car at the rental car depot.
VISA SIGNATURE Special Inclusion: KRUSE® commentary system - your on-board navigation and audio guide!
Through clever use of GPS technology, KRUSE® will automatically provide you with informative and entertaining audio commentaries on New Zealand’s history, people, native birds, plants and animals, geographical landmarks and scenic attractions as you drive around New Zealand - it’s like having your very own personal tour guide! KRUSE® covers all popular tourist routes and contains over 1500 points of interest allowing you to hear audio commentaries approximately every 10-15km. Just plug KRUSE® into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter. Place KRUSE on the dashboard, as close to the windshield as possible. Tune the radio to the correct frequency and enjoy the KRUSE° experience.
New Zealand “Special Places” - 18D/17N brochure - Pdf format
Special Places information brochure - Pdf format
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