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Day 1 & 2 - March 9
& 10
Depart from Hometown
Depart from home town on flight to
New Zealand. Skip a day as you cross the International Date Line.
(Airfare on own - Best Single Travel will be glad to
assist)
Day 3: March 11 Arrive in Auckland,
New Zealand
Arrive at Auckland Airport where you will be met by the group's
assistant & transfered to our Hotel. The afternoon is yours to
relax.
Meet and Greet Dinner at Hotel
(D)
Mercure Hotel
Auckland
Day 4: March 12 - Auckland /
Waitomo / Rotorua
We start today with a short sightseeing tour of Auckland, then
drive south across Bombay Hills to Waikato Valley for a guided
tour of the famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. See the amazing
stalactite and stalagmite formations and the highlight is a
boat trip through the spectacular Glowworm Grotto. As we enter
this galaxy of tiny living lights, you'll immediately
experience a serene atmosphere and be intrigued by tiny
glowworms that light our way..
After time for lunch we continue across
picturesque farm country and over the bush clad Mamaku Ranges
to Rotorua.
Hotel Ibis
Rotorua
Day 5: March 13 - Rotorua
Sightseeing and Maori Cultural Experience
Todays
morning tour includes Te Puia and
Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve see the magnificence of the
geothermal landscape and experience a traditional Maori
village, where young Maori are taught traditional carving and
weaving skills. Whakarewarewa is home to the largest geyser in
New Zealand. The Pohutu geyser erupts about 15 times a day and
shoots hot water up 90 feet. We will visit the lovely Rainbow
Springs to see trout and rare kiwis then visit the lovely
Goverment Gardens.
The afternoon is free to visit the
Agrodome, an interactive hands-on experience with Kiwi farming,
goats, cattle, deer, alpacas and ostriches. Take part in the
world famous Agrodome Sheep Show!
Agrodome is also a magnet for
thrill-seekers! Have a go at one of the many adrenalin-pumping
activities including Bungy Jumping, the legendary Zorb, the
wicked Swoop, Freefall Xtreme body flying, Agrojet, Shweeb
rides, Helipro and more!
This evening we will visit a
Marae (Maori Village) for a powhiri (traditional welcome),
followed by a hangi (dinner cooked over hot stones in the
ground). Then sit back and enjoy a concert of Maori song and
dance. (B/D)
Hotel Ibis Rotorua
Day 6: March 14 - Rotorua /
White Island
White Island is one of the most
fascinating and accessible volcanoes on earth but it is like
walking on the moon. Virtually no vegetation survives the harsh
acidic environment inside the crater walls. Instead, lush beds of
yellow and white sulfur crystals grow amongst hissing, steaming,
bubbling fumaroles. White Island currently sits on an alert level
rating of 1, meaning she is always active, constantly steaming.
Misty, roaring, ashing, rumbling - who knows what mood she’ll be in
when we are fortunate enough to visit .....
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On arrival we transfer from
boat to the island by tender craft for our guided tour of White
Island with its crater lake, sulfur vents, and old sulfur works.
On the return trip the launch will interact with any marine life
that is encounters - the pods of dolphins that inhabit these
waters are often seen. Free evening in Rotorua. (B/L)
Hotel Ibis Rotorua
Day 7: March 15 - Rotorua /
Wellington
Our full day coach tour to Wellington travels
south through forests and farmlands to Wairakei and Taupo, stopping
en route to view the spectacular HukaFalls. Take an optional tour and experience 30
minutes of awesome jet boating on the Waikato River and view
the majestic Huka Falls from the base of the
falls.
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Then we continue around
LakeTaupo, across the Desert Road to Waiouru. The views of volcanic
mountains Mt Tongariro, Mt Ngaruahoe and Mt Ruapehu are
great on a clear day. Mt Ruapehu erupting spectacularly
as recently as 1995 and again in 1996.Some of the scenes
from the Lord of the Rings were filmed here. From
Waiouru we continue through Taihape and descend through the
Mangaweka Hills. Cross the Manawatu Plains and travel down
the Kapiti Coast into Wellington.
On arrival in Wellington enjoy a city tour,
featuring ParliamentBuildings, the GovernmentCenter, Old St Paul’s the views from Mt Victoria and
Te Papa – the National Museum of New Zealand where there are
some wonderful exhibits and inter-active displays. (B)
Hotel Ibis
Wellington
Day 8: March 16 - Wellington
/ Picton / Blenheim
After breakfast we depart
Wellington
on
the Inter Islander ferry and cruise
across Cook
Strait to
Picton on the South
Island.
The last part of the voyage through Queen
Charlotte
Sound
is
especially scenic.
We board our coach in Picton and drive across the hill to Blenheim
in the heart of the Marlborough
wine
region. A
visit to a winery to sample some of the excellent estate wines
produced here is included. (and lunch is available at the winery –
not included). The area is best known for its Sauvignon Blancs.
Among the leading wineries are Hunters
Estate, Cloudy
Bay,
Montana
,
Allan Scott, Herzog, Wither Hills and Grove Mill. Evening at
leisure.(B)
Chateau Marlborough
Hotel
Day 9: March 17 - BLENHEIM / KAIKOURA
/ CHRISTCHURCH
After breakfast we drive
down the Pacific Coast to Kaikoura for our Whale
Watching Cruise. The sea in this area is especially rich in
nutrients, which attracts a wide variety of Sea life including
Sperm Whales – the largest of all the toothed whales can be seen
in these waters 95% of the time. There are also pods of playful
Dusky Dolphins, seals, penguins and occasionally Orca can be
seen.
In the afternoon view a seal colony on
the rocky coastline before continuing south across the Canterbury
Plains to Christchurch.
On
arrival in Christchurch we will stroll through the central city
to the Gothic-style Cathedral,
the interesting Canterbury Arts Centre, Museum, and the lovely
Botanic Gardens.
Hotel Ibis
Christchurch
Day 10: March 18 - CRISTCHURCH /
GREYMOUTH / FOX GLACIER
The TranzAlpine scenic train journey travels
between Christchuch and Arthurs Pass. It's perhaps
the most scenic train ride in New Zealand, and one of the most
scenic train trips anywhere in the world. From your seat
see the fields of Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by
the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri
River. Your train then climbs into the Southern Alps before
descending through lush beech rain forest to the West Coast
town of Greymouth.
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Pass the Franz Josef
Glacier and 30 minutes later we arrive at Fox Glacier. The
Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are huge rivers of snow and ice that flow from vast
snowfields high in the Southern Alps. Upon arrival we will
take a 55 minute walk. Optional scenic flights by fixed wing
aircrafts or helicopter over both the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and across
the main divide in the Southern Alps to Mt Cook National Park
are available.
Scenic Circle Franz Josef Hotel - Graham
Wing
Day 11: March 19 FRANZ JOSEF /
QUEENSTOWN
Today we drive south past the Fox Glacier
through magnificent rainforests and past bush fringed lakes
to Wanaka and Queenstown.
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The scenery is spectacular with high snow capped
peaks all around as we drive inland and across the Haast
Pass. Board our fully enclosed safari river jet boat for
a one hour trip through the mighty Haast River
Valley into the heart of Te Wahipounamu - the South West
World Heritage Area and experience a close-up encounter with
the untouched landscape and its remarkable natural
features.
After disembarking our drive continues as we
descend past glacial Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Wanaka. Take a quick walk around town
and have lunch before we travel through Central Otago
sheep and cattle farmlands, past Lake Dunstan, Cromwell fruit growing
district and the rugged but scenic Kawarau Gorge into
Queenstown.
Novotel Lakeside
Day 12: March 20
- QUEENSTOWN
There is plenty to do in this wonderful alpine
resort, so enjoy your day at leisure and choose from the
numerous tours and activities and
activities.Tonight is out farewell dinner at the hotel.
Novotel
Lakeside
Day 13: March 21QUEENSTOWN / AUCKLAND AND
DEPART
After breakfast the day is yours to explore until
it is time for your transfer to the Queenstown Airport and check in. Don’t forget to say goodbye to all
your new single travel friends.
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New
Zealand Singles Trip
Price - $2799*
Includes
* 10-Nights Accomodations
* Breakfast Daily
* 1 Lunch - 3 Dinners
* Best Single Travel Hostess
* Tours and Admissions as stated in itinerary
* Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
* Te Puia & Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
* Rainbow Springs & Government Gardens
* White Island Volcano Tour
* Auckland and Wellington City Tour
* Winery Visit and Tasting
* Maori Concert and Dinner
* Whale Watching Cruise
* Safari River Boat Trip
* Air Conditioned Coach/Van
* TranzAlpine Scenic Train
* Inter-Island Ferry
* All Transfers
* Taxes and Surcharges
*The price per person is for a double
room. Best Single Travel provides roommate matching so
there is never a need to pay a "single supplement". If
you wish to room alone the cost is an additional
$859
Not
included
* International air flights
* Tips ($12 per day - collected first day of
trip)
New Zealand
Tour
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Optional
Activities
Auckland
Harbour Bridge Experience
$80 Duration of tour: 1 hr 30 mins
Auckland's Harbour Bridge Experience takes you on an adventure
under, around, up and over the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, some
65 metres above sea level. Once at the top you will have a stunning
360-degree view of one of the greatest harbours in the world and
over Auckland, the 'City of Sails'. You will even have a bird's eye
view of participants leaping from the bungy jumping from the
bridge.
Auckland Bungy Jump (from Harbour Bridge)
$80 - Duration of tour: 60 mins
Experience the adventure of Bungy with this 40 metres jump from the
Auckland Harbour Bridge. This unforgettable experience involves
jumping from the purpose-built jump pod suspended over the
sparkling Harbour. It is AJ Hackett Bungy's only North Island Bungy
operation and accelerating at 9.8 metres/sec you are guaranteed the
thrill of your life! You will be using the classic foot-tie jump on
this bungy and get a jumper only T-shirt to prove that you have
just faced your fear.
Rotorua
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Hukafalls Jet Boat Ride Tour
$66 - Duration of tour: 30 mins
Marvel at the incredible water level views of the spectacular Huka
Falls, and enjoy the sensation as you slide past cliffs and trees
at 80km per hour. Then get ready for a 360 degree spin, as the boat
turns on it's own length! The fun and excitement takes you along a
beautiful river environment, lined with native bush and natural hot
springs. Travel up to the very base of the Huka Falls, past the
Wairakei Thermal Power Station, Prawn Park and the Aratiatia Dam.
This unique Geothermal Power Station uses underground geothermal
activity to produce hot steamy water.
Agrodome Combo with Farm Tour and Sheep Show
$33.50 (Not including transport - open to 5:00 pm
The Agrodome is a multi-faceted visitor attraction, which displays
many aspects of New Zealand agriculture. The Agrodome complex is
surrounded by a 150 hectare working farm providing enrichment. This
ticket includes the one hour Sheep show with a Sheep shearing
Demonstration, an exciting auction with audience participation, a
demonstration by Huntaway dogs, plus the famous "Duck" dog. Your
ticket also includes a farm tour conducted in custom built tractor
drawn vehicles. See animals of all descriptions, including 1200
Romney sheep, beef cattle, red and fallow deer, llamas, alpacas,
ostrich and emus. You can handle and feed the livestock. The Farm
tour stops at the Organic Education Center for kiwifruit juice and
honey tasting.
Hell's Gate Mud Bath & Spa & Geothermal Walk Combo
$60 - Duration: 2 hours 50 mins
Stroll through our amazing, steaming, bubbling thermal park, see
mud pools and hot springs and experience a day spa, soak in hot
pools, enjoy a true Rotorua experience. The traditional mud bath
experience, followed by the relaxing sulphur spa overlooking the
geothermal reserve, provides visitors with a completely unique
geothermal experience. The silky smooth geothermal mud in
combination with the sulphurous geothermal water opens the skins
pores allowing the active ingredients to gently exfoliate and treat
the skin while in the spa leaving it very clean and soft to
touch.
Queenstown
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Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump (AJ Hacket) $110 - Duration
of tour: 2 hours 30 mins
Welcome to the original home of Bungy - The Kawarau Bridge. A 43
metre Bungy Jump above the Kawarau River. Just 20 minutes from the
heart of Queenstown, it is the world's first commercial bungy site
(since November 1988). You have the choice of jumping with either a
foot tie or in harness. It is also Queenstown's only Bungy with a
water touch option so don't hesitate to splash-down! Your jump
price also includes the genuine jumper only T-shirt. After all that
emotion you can unwind at the onsite cafe or browse around the AJ
Gear Adventure clothing shop. The bungy site is also a place of
interest as it is situated on a Department of Conservation Historic
Reserve so this jump will take you through an emotional and
intellectual journey never to be forgotten.
Queenstown Highlights Half Day Tour
$60 - Duration of tour: 3 hours
First stop is on the Queenstown Hill with spectacular panoramic
views over the town centre, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables
Mountain Range. Next is a visit to the birth place of bungy jumping
as we know it and home to the Bungy Dome, an 8 minute multi media
show that allows passive bystanders to experience the thrill of
bungy jumping without taking the leap. The Bungy Centre is a state
of the art facility that offers grand stand viewing of the Kawarau
Suspension Bridge and of the Bungy jumping platform. Then head to
Gibbston Valley for some wine tasting and cheese tasting. Then onto
Kawarau Gorge where a scene from "Lord of the Rings" was filmed. To
complete the highlights of the Queenstown area, visit the
picturesque town of Arrowtown which retains its old world charm
through careful preservation of its colourful history and colonial
style architecture.
Discover Milford Sound
$155 - Duration of tour: 12 hours 25 mins
Travel by luxury coach along the edge of Lake Wakatipu and beneath
the rugged Remarkables to Te Anau, the 'Gateway to Fiordland'. From
here we will enter the Fiordland National Park so prepare to be
mesmerised by the rugged grandeur of this region. As we pass
through the Egligton Valley you will see ancient alpine beech
forests, stunning waterfalls, and the famous Mirror Lakes where we
will make a photo stop. From here we will progress through the
Upper Hollyford Valley past the stunning Christie Falls and enter
the 1.2km Homer Tunnel. Prepare yourself for the breathtaking
impact of the Cleddau Valley and the descent into Milford Sound.
Here you will take an unforgettable Red Boat cruise from which you
will see the wonders of Mitre Peak, rock walls scarred by glaciers
that rise 1,200 meters vertically from the sea, and waterfalls from
hanging valleys tumbling into the sound.
Shotover River Rafting (Grade 3-5)
$116.50
- Duration of tour: 4 hours 50 mins
Your adventure begins with an unforgettable coach trip on the
historic Skippers Road along old gold miners trails into Skippers
Canyon, unparalleled in terms of scenery. Rafting from Deep Creek
over peaceful waters at first, you head toward the exhilarating
rapids of the lower Canyon, experiencing the memorable rapids Rock
Garden, Sharks Fin, Toilet, Pinball, Jaws, Sequel and the
unforgettable 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel, followed closely by Cascade
Rapid. All rafting equipment, return transfers from town to the
rafting base, hot showers, sauna, complimentary snacks and
refreshments are provided!!
Shotover Jet
Thrill Tour
$72.50 - Duration of tour: 45 mins (1 1/2 hour incl
transport)
Get ready for the World's most exciting Jet Boat ride! Acknowledged
as the World's most famous and successful Jet Boat operation, many
imitate Shotover Jet, but no one comes close. Shotover Jet is the
only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River
Canyons and it's a thrilling ride. Speed in mere centimetres of
water along the famous Shotover River and deep into the Canyons. As
the rocky walls tower over you, your expert driver puts your "Big
Red" through its paces and skilfully whips the Jet Boat past rocky
outcrops, skims around crags and boulders and twists through the
narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. And a major highlight -
hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360 degree
spins.
* Optional Tours to be purchased 2 weeks before
departure
For More
Information
877 848 - 7477
NewZealand@bestsingletravel.com
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