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16 Day Grand Kiwi Southbound 2013 - 2014
Apr 13 - Mar 14
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Awesome landscapes, mad sports & unique cultural experiences!
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Kick back, relax and enjoy the ride!
From: US$2275pp
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Essential Info
Trip starts
Auckland, New Zealand
Trip ends
Christchurch, New Zealand
Trip code
ANGKBC
Trip duration
16 Days
Countries Visited
New Zealand
Accommodation
Quad Share
Group Size
Average 28 People
Transport
Modern air-conditioned coach
Totally Topdeck:
- Stunning Bay of Islands
- ‘Rock the Boat’ Upgrade Option
- 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
- Fiordland Experience – Nature Cruise & Overnight in the Fiord
- Kiwi Farm Experience in Fairlie
- Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Queenstown city tours
Also Included:
- 15 breakfasts (B), 8 dinners (D)
- 5 nights in hotels/motels, 7 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 Paihia, Bay Of Islands.
Kia Ora! We head north from Auckland to our hotel in seaside Paihia, nestled among the Bay of Islands. An optional ‘Rock the Boat’ Overnight upgrade could see you sailing among the 144 islands, stargazing from deck and sharing laughs at the cosy bar.
Day 2 Paihia, Bay of Islands.
A free day to explore this fascinating area. Optional activities include a catamaran cruise to spot dolphins, a kayak trip through mangrove forests and even sand-boarding down the Te Paki sand dunes. We can also learn about Kiwi history at Waitangi Treaty House or hike to Haruru Falls through native bush. Not bad! (B, D)
Day 3 Bay of Islands to Rotorua (Marae Experience).
Back to Auckland today 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 4 Rotorua. A day to explore 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 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 13 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!
Day 14 Queenstown to Fiordland (Milford Sound Cruise).
Today we’re off to the awe-inspiring Fiordland region, via the township of Te Anau, Mirror Lake and Hollyford Valley. This afternoon we enjoy a Nature Cruise on the astonishing Milford Sound. Keep an eye out for fur seals, bottlenose dolphins and even penguins. We stay overnight in a lodge in the Fiordland. (B, D)
Day 15 Fiordland to Lake Ohau.
A day of contrasting scenery – from the Lord of the Rings landscapes along the Kawarau River, we’ll notice the backdrop change as we cross Lindis Pass and make for our lakeside lodge retreat at Lake Ohau. This evening, why not enjoy a drink on the deck as the sunset silhouettes Mt Cook to the west. (B, D)
Day 16 Lake Ohau to Christchurch (via Mt Cook Village).
After waking to magnificent views, we make tracks to Mt. Cook village and Lake Pukaki for some photos – hopefully we’ll get views of New Zealand’s highest peak, Mt Cook, which is known as Aoraki (‘cloud-piercer’) to the Maori people. We then head to our Kiwi Farm Experience in Fairlie – here we can learn about life on a sheep station and see the Collie dogs in action! Then it’s back to Christchurch, where our Topdeck New Zealand adventure ends and we say ‘e noho rÄ’ to new friends. (B)
From: US$2275pp
