19 Days New Zealand Natural Wonders 2021/2022

itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrive Auckland

On arrival into Auckland, we are transferred to our hotel and meet as a group for dinner. 1 Night Stay: Sky City Hotel, Auckland (Meals in-flight,D)

DAY 2 – Auckland to Bay of Islands

This morning we depart Auckland, making our way to the Parry Kauri Park to see a magnificent example of a Kauri tree. Continue through Whangarei to the Bay of Islands. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the treaty between the Maori tribes and the British. 2 Night Stay: Scenic Hotel, Bay of Islands (B,L,D)

DAY 3 – Bay of Islands

Enjoy stunning views of the islands as we explore the Bay of Islands on a full day cruise, including the famous Hole in the Rock and an island stopover. Keep an eye out for bottlenose and common dolphins and try boom netting alongside the vessel. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 – Kauri Museum, Auckland

Farewell the Bay of Islands and travel south to Matakohe where we stop for a visit and informative talk at the Kauri Museum. Continue to Auckland’s north shore for some free time at leisure. This evening we dine with magnificent views over Auckland harbour and the city at Orbit Revolving Restaurant. 1 Night Stay: Sky City Hotel, Auckland (B,L,D)

DAY 5 – Hobbiton, Rotorua

Depart Auckland and travel through the picturesque countryside to Hobbiton for a guided tour of the movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies followed by a Marque festival lunch at Hobbiton. 2 Night Stay: Sudima Hotel, Rotorua (B,L,D)

DAY 6 – Rotorua

After breakfast we make our way to Te Puia Thermal Reserve for a guided tour of this geothermal wonder, with boiling mud pools and awesome geysers on show. Next we head to Skyline Rotorua, where, if you are a daredevil, you can take a luge ride before enjoying lunch. Next stop is the Agrodome for an action-packed hour of farming entertainment. This evening,immerse yourself in Maori culture at our specialty Hangi and concert (B,L,SD)

DAY 7 – Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, Wellington

Travel along the Thermal Explorer Highway to the spectacular Huka Falls. Continue to Lake Taupo for some free time to enjoy this scenic lakeside town. Travel via the Tongariro National Park to Wellington, the capital and southernmost point on the Cook Strait. 2 Night Stay: Rydges, Wellington (B,L,D)

DAY 8 – Wellington

This morning enjoy an extensive city tour of New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. Enter the Wellington Tramway Museum to view a display of tramway history, and enjoy a nostalgic trip on one of the original trams that served Wellington City. After lunch we explore Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum, with exhibits that embrace both Maori and European views. Enjoy free time at leisure this afternoon. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 – Interislander Ferry, Coastal Pacific, Christchurch

This morning board the Interislander Ferry, cross the Cook Strait and enjoy the scenery as we travel through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Join the Coastal Pacific, a truly spectacular rail journey that showcases the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side, the rugged scenic coastline on the other, and travels through numerous tunnels and across several bridges. Enjoy a two night stay in the garden city of Christchurch. 2 Night Stay: Crowne Plaza, Christchurch (B,L,D)

DAY 10 – Christchurch

This morning enjoy an introductory city tour of Christchurch including the Arts Centre, Earthquake memorial, Bridge of Remembrance and Cardboard Cathedral, before making our way to the International Antarctic Centre, designed to provide an informative account of life in Antarctica. This afternoon is at leisure to explore the city. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 – TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Hokitika, Franz Josef

This morning board the TranzApine, one of the great train journeys of the world. Travel over massive viaducts, river valleys and spectacular gorges, making our way to Greymouth. Boarding our coach, we then travel via Hokitika to Franz Josef, where time is available to experience a scenic flight with snow landing (optional, weather permitting). 1 Night Stay: Scenic Hotel, Franz Josef Glacier (B,L,D)

DAY 12 – Haast Pass, Queenstown

See the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps as we travel south via the Haast Pass, an area of stunning beauty, before arriving into picturesque Queenstown, a year-round resort situated on the shores of magical Lake Wakatipu. 2 Night Stay: Millennium Hotel, Queenstown (B,L,D)

DAY 13 – Free Day in Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu evening cruise

Today is a free day for you to explore Queenstown. This evening board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw and cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station. Sit back, relax and enjoy a gourmet barbecue dinner which the chef will prepare in front of you at the Colonel’s Homestead. After dinner enjoy a short farm tour then reboard the TSS Earnslaw for a sing-along by the piano on the return cruise. Lunch is at own expense today. (B,SD)

DAY 14 – Arrowtown, Milford Sound Cruise

This morning travel to Arrowtown and visit the Lakes District Museum. Continue via Te Anau to Milford Sound and board the Milford Mariner for an overnight cruise. Relax and take in the fiord’s spectacular waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. 1 Night Stay: Milford Mariner Cruise (B,L,D)

DAY 15 – Lake Te Anau

Start the day with a hearty breakfast before heading back out to the Tasman Sea (weather permitting) to explore more of the fiord. Return back to the wharf to meet your coach and enjoy the scenic drive to Te Anau, where you will enjoy an afternoon at leisure. 1 Night Stay: Distinction Te Anau Hotel & Villas, Te Anau (B,L,D)

DAY 16 – Gore, Balclutha, Dunedin

Travel via Gore and Balclutha to Dunedin for a city tour, then the remainder of the afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure. Tonight, a Scottish evening will be presented comprising of bagpipes, great food, Haggis ceremony and gift. 2 Night Stay: Scenic Hotel Southern Cross, Dunedin (B,L,D)

DAY 17 – Dunedin & Surrounds

This morning enjoy a guided tour of Olveston House, a prestigious historic Home, before travelling to Larnach Castle, where we learn about its tragic and scandalous history. After lunch, we join a wildlife cruise to the spectacular Taiaroa Head, where sightings of New Zealand fur seals and albatross are common. (B,L,D)

DAY 18 – Dunedin, Oamaru, Christchurch

We farewell Dunedin, travelling via Moeraki and Oamaru to Christchurch. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening with your newfound friends. 1 Night Stay: Crowne Plaza, Christchurch(B,L,SD)

DAY 19 – Flights home

Time to say goodbye. You will be transferred to the airport for your respective flight home. (B, Meals in Flight)

B = Full Breakfast; MT = M/Tea; L = Lunch; AT = A/Tea; D = Two Course Dinner, SD = Specialty Dinner

dates & pricing

Twin Share	Sole Use	Departs 2021
$8170	$10730	Nov 5

Twin Share	Sole Use	Departs 2022
$8170	$10730	Mar 18

EARLY BIRD DEAL! – Save $200 per person book by 31/01/2021
Non-refundable deposit of $1500pp required to secure your reservation.
N.B. Tour price is subject to change due to currency fluctuations and fuel levies applicable to services.
Flights are arranged to suit the tour group in advance, therefore we cannot book individual preferences or guarantee direct flights.
Airline taxes are included and are subject to change without notice. Australian passport holders minimum validity for travel must be 6 months from date of return to Australia.
Non-Australian passport citizens are required to seek independent advice for passport validity and entry visa.
Prices & dates are correct as at 1st July 2020 and are based on the exchange rates at time of publication and may be adjusted if rate fluctuations affect the price to be paid for services. Any price increase is to be paid by the guest, and at this time if guest chooses to cancel all monies paid/held will be forfeited.
Due to international terms & conditions, balance of payment for this tour will be required 100 days prior to departure and at this time 100% cancellation fees apply.
Travel Insurance is compulsory and it is recommended that it be purchased at time of paying deposit. Tour passengers will require a clearance letter (provided by Fun Over Fifty) from their local GP for travel.
FITNESS LEVEL – A RATING OF 3 (ACTIVE/MODERATE) Passengers must be able to:-
• Walk 20 min without stopping
• Ascend stairs without stopping
• Stand for 45 min without sitting
• Walk over uneven ground
• Embark/debark transport unaided
• Manage their own luggage

Highlights & inclusions

Return economy flights ex. Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne
Hosted from Brisbane with an experienced Fun Over Fifty Host
2 nights Auckland; Orbit Revolving Restaurant
Sky Tower Observation deck
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
2 nights Bay of Islands; Cream Trip cruise
Kauri Museum
Hobbiton movie set tour
2 nights Rotorua
Gondola and luge rides; Agrodome
Thermal mud pools and geysers
Traditional Maori Village experience and Hangi dinner
Huka Falls; Lake Taupo; Tongariro National Park; Wellington Tramway Museum
2 nights Wellington; guided city tour; Te Papa, NZ’s National Museum
Cruise on the Interislander Cook Strait Ferry
Marlborough Sounds; Picton
Coastal Pacific rail journey
3 nights Christchurch; Arts Centre; Earthquake Memorial; Bridge of Remembrance; Cardboard Cathedral; International Antarctic Centre
TranzAlpine rail journey; Hokitika
1 night Franz Josef; Haast Pass
2 nights Queenstown; Lake Wakatipu cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station
Arrowtown; Lakes District Museum
Milford Sound; 1 night aboard the Milford Mariner in en-suited cabins
1 night Te Anau
2 nights Dunedin; Scottish dinner including a traditional Haggis ceremony
Guided tour of Larnach Castle
Wildlife cruise to Taiaroa Head; Olveston House
Hotel porterage
52 meals; Locally operated comfort plus coach travel