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12 Day Iconic Kiwi Southbound 2013 - 2014
Apr 13 - Mar 14
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Spend the night on a traditional Maori marae
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Get your heart pumping in Queenstown
From: US$1895pp
Essential Info
Trip starts
Auckland, New Zealand
Trip ends
Queenstown, New Zealand
Trip code
ANGKAQ
Trip duration
12 Days
Countries Visited
New Zealand
Accommodation
Quad Share
Group Size
Average 28 People
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach
Totally Topdeck:
- Stay overnight in a Maori Marae
- Guided tour of Whakarewarewa Village & Thermal Reserve
- Traditional Kiwi Lamb Roast
- Explore Tongariro National Park & Lake Taupo
- Wine Tasting in Marlborough
- Stay in Fox Glacier
- Adventure capital Queenstown
- Wellington, Christchurch & Queenstown city tours
Also Included:
- 11 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D)
- 3 nights in hotels/motels, 5 nights in lodges/cabins, 2 nights in an Alpine Resort, 1 night in a traditional Maori Marae,
- Ferry crossing through Marlborough Sounds
- Modern air-conditioned coach
- Escorted services of a fully trained Trip Leader & Driver
Additional Information
Topdeck Nz Optionals Itinerary
Day 1 Auckland to Rotorua (Marae Experience).
Our fabulous Kiwi Adventure begins in Auckland today, where we meet our fellow travellers before heading to the heart of Maori culture, Rotorua. Tonight we’ll stay in a traditional Maori Marae (sacred meeting house) for an evening of history and legend. Unforgettable. (B, D)
Day 2 Rotorua.
A day to explore geothermal Rotorua – notice the distinct smell! Maybe hire a mountain bike, go white-water rafting, visit the famous thermal spa pools or splash out for a massage. Tonight we can check out the nightlife. (B)
Day 3 Rotorua to Tongariro National Park.
First up is Whakarewarewa Village and Thermal Reserve for a guided tour. Later we visit raging Huka Falls, massive Lake Taupo, and the Taupo bungy over the Waikato River (jump optional!). We then head to our alpine retreat in the striking volcanic landscape of Tongariro National Park. Tonight enjoy a traditional lamb roast. (B, D)
Day 4 Tongariro National Park.
Hike one of the many trails, hire a mountain bike or even ski (during winter) on our free day in Tongariro National Park, a.k.a Mordor of ‘Lord of the Rings’ fame! Later we can relax in the sauna or spa pool at our accommodation. (B)
Day 5 Tongariro National Park to Wellington.
Today we ask, “why is Wellington known as NZ’s coolest city?” Funky galleries, designer shops, top museums, a scenic cable car, great restaurants and stylish bars. Oh, that’s why! (B)
Day 6 Wellington to Nelson.
We trade North Island for South Island with a ferry through the Marlborough Sounds. First stop, an included wine tasting in the Marlborough region! Tonight we stay in Nelson. (B)
Day 7 Nelson (Abel Tasman National Park).
Today we can visit nearby Abel Tasman National Park to stroll the many walking tracks or take an optional ocean kayak trip. Other choices include horse-riding, quad biking or even skydiving! Tonight we enjoy a Kiwi BBQ dinner provided by our awesome Topdeck crew. (B, D)
Day 8 Nelson to Christchurch via Kaikoura.
We pass through Rai Valley, stopping in Blenheim, then to Ohau Point to spot fur seals. Later, in coastal Kaikoura we can try some optional whale watching or dolphin/seal swimming (summer) or snuggle up in a local winery (winter). Tonight we stay in Christchurch. (B)
Day 9 Christchurch to Fox Glacier.
Jaw-dropping scenery today as we traverse the Southern Alps. We stop in Hokitika and visit a jade factory, then on to Lake Matheson to (hopefully) see the reflection of NZ’s two highest peaks. We overnight in Fox Glacier. (B, D)
Day 10 Fox Glacier to Queenstown.
Why not make some unforgettable memories today with an optional half-day hike on Fox Glacier? If you have a bit more cash saved up, then a heli-hike to the upper reaches of this river of ice might tempt you! Afterwards, our scenic drive passes beauty spots Thunder Creek Falls, Haast River and stunning Lake Wanaka en-route to the adrenaline capital Queenstown. (B)
Day 11 Queenstown.
Today is time to play and adventure waits at every turn! Queenstown is perfect for everyone from the adrenalin junkie to the leisure seeker there is so much to do. Try a bungy jump, or a giant swing through a narrow canyon. Skim past canyon walls on the Shotover Jet, pass through the breathtaking scenery of the Dart River on a jet boat safari or for a more leisurely view take a horseback ride through Paradise. If this is not your ‘cup of tea’, enjoy the mountains and views from a bike or hike to Ben Lomond for 360 degree views. Admire Queenstown from above with a ride on the skyline gondola or take one of the many fantastic walks Queenstown has to offer. And if all of this seems just too much, you can always chill out in a local restaurant, cafe or bar. Our night tonight in town will include the world famous Winnies Bar for dinner – a box to tick on everyone’s list! (B, D)Day 12 Queenstown.
Sadly after breakfast this morning it's time to say farewell to the fabulous new friends that you have made on your New Zealand trip. (B)
From: US$1895pp
