New Zealand Explorer March 9 - 21 '10
13 Days - 10 Nights
$2,799*

No other country in the world can offer so many unique scenes in just one vacation. From  the sub-tropical and lush bush of Northland, to the beauty and snow of Fox Glazier to the caves in Rotorua this country is truly unique. New Zealand is abundant in native wildlife, the best known the flightless Kiwi bird, also the name given to New Zealanders.
Whether you want to just sit back and enjoy the scenery or get the adrenaline rush
of bungy jumping, the zorb or jet boats, this singles vacation is for you!

Meet and greet with your group and tour leader tonight and enjoy a Welcome Dinner.

Day 4 - Auckland

This morning we begin our guided tour of Auckland, known as the ‘City of Sails’ for the large number of yachts and sailboats that use the beautiful waters of Auckland Harbour and the stunning Hauraki Gulf.  From Bastion Point, enjoy the panoramic views of Auckland City, Rangitoto Island, the Waitemata Harbour, the sparkling Hauraki Gulf, and the forested Waitakere Ranges.  Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum which was built as a memorial to New Zealand’s war dead who sacrificed their lives in WWI, WWII and other conflicts. The Maori and Pacific Islands Court at the Museum gives an excellent introduction to the people of the Pacific and New Zealand and the remarkable flora, fauna and geography of the area.  Other sightseeing highlights include trendy Parnell Village, some of Auckland’s best residential areas and the lovely Waterfront Drive.

Day 5 - Auckland / Waitomo / Rotorua

After breakfast we drive south across the Bombay Hills to the Waikato Valley, an important dairy farming region, to Hamilton City and on to Waitomo for a guided tour of the famous limestone 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.

This evening we 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.

Day 6 - Rotoura

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!

Day 7 - Rotoura / Christchurch

Transfer to Rotorua Airport for our flight to Christchurch.  On arrival transfer to our hotel located on the outer edge of the city.

Day 8 - Christchurch / Arthur’s Pass / Franz Josef

An early start today as we transfer to Christchurch Railway Station to board the popular Tranz Alpine train, perhaps the most scenic train ride in New Zealand. From our seats we see sheep and the cropping farmlands of the Canterbury Plains to Arthur’s Pass in the heart of the mighty Southern Alps.

Upon arrival at Arthur’s Pass we de-board and drive cross the Alps to the West Coast and south to Hokitika for a visit to a greenstone factory, a local jade like stone highly prized by pre European Maori crafted into exquisite jewellery. Continue on through forests and farmlands with vistas of the Tasman Sea to the west and the mighty Southern Alps rising sharply to the east.

The Fox and Franz Josef glaciers are unique because of their rapid rate of movement and their position just above sea level. These remnants of ice ages gone are dramatic and beautiful, giving us a real sense of the glacier as a river of ice cascading down the mountain valley. We have time to take a self-guided walk near the glacier, which offer good views from a higher vantage point or the option (not included) of scenic flights over both the Glaciers and across the main divide in the Southern Alps to Mt Cook National Park.

Day 9 - Franz Josef /Queenstown

Enjoy the scenery as we have a long drive, 250 miles, today. We travel south through magnificent rain forest and past beautiful bush fringed lakes.

Every New Zealand holiday should include a jet boating experience. At Haast River is our chance for an exhilarating ride up the scenic Haast River. Hear stories of the Kiwi spirit that enabled the Haast community to survive on the edge of the wilderness on this ride in the South Westland World Heritage area.

Then we drive inland and across the Haast Pass. The scenery is spectacular with high snow capped peaks all around. Descend past glacial Lakes Wanaka and Hawea to Wanaka township on the shores of lovely Lake Wanaka, a popular holiday resort. Take a quick walk around town and time for lunch before travelling through the Central Otago sheep and cattle farmlands, past Lake Dunstan and the Cromwell fruit growing district. Pass through the rugged but scenic Kawarau Gorge into Queenstown.

Day 10 - Queenstown

Our morning tour of Queenstown includes a visit to historic Arrowtown a pretty village which now rests under shady trees but was once a rip roaring gold rush town, views of Lake Hayes and the rugged Shotover River. Ride the aerial gondola to Bob’s Peak to see the stunning panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Who is the dare-devil in the group that will bungy jump from the original AJ Hackett site, Kawarau Bridge.  

Day 11 - 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.

Day 12 - Depart Queenstown - Tour Ends

New Zealand Explorer Price - $2799* Includes * 9-Nights Accomodations * Breakfast Daily * 1 Lunch - 3 Dinners * Best Single Travel Hostess * Tours and Admissions as stated in itinerary * Air Conditioned Coach/Van * TranzAlpine Scenic Train * Guides and Drivers per itinerary * Airport / Hotel Transfers on Tour dates * 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    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  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   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