Te Anau, Queenstown & Fox Glacier II

[die Tourbeschreibung ist momentan nur auf Englisch verfügbar]

DAY 1: Christchurch
On arrival in Christchurch you will be transferred to your hotel situated in the heart of the city. You'll have free time today to explore at your own pace.
Copthorne Christchurch

DAY 2: Christchurch to Lake Ohau
Our NZ experience kicks off today as we depart Christchurch - where it's flat going as we enter the Canterbury plains and travel to Geraldine. We then travel on to Lake Tekapo, where there is an opportunity to take a breathtaking fixed wing flight back over the Southern Alps or alternatively take a short walk around the “Church of the Good Shepherd”. Our destination tonight is magnificent Lake Ohau.
Lake Ohau Lodge
(B,D)

DAY 3: Lake Ohau to Te Anau
This morning we make our way to Te Anau - the self-named "Walking Capital" of the world! Te Anau is beautifully situated on the lakeshores of NZ's second largest lake - Lake Te Anau . Here you have time to explore this region and possibly take a walk by the lake. This evening is yours free to enjoy.
Kingsgate Hotel
(B,D)

DAY 4: Te Anau to Milford Sound & Queenstown
This morning we say travel through World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park to magnificent Milford Sound for a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience. Sail the full length of Milford Sound, viewing a multitude of waterfalls, past sheer cliffs and the grandeur of mile-high Mitre Peak. We then make our way to action packed, adrenalin capital Queenstown.
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown
(B)

DAYS 5 & 6: Queenstown
You have the next two days here to discover this incredible alpine resort, an exhilarating year-round town perfect for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. Perhaps take an exhilarating half-day trip on board a jet boat on the Dart River Safari or enjoy a guided forest and lake walk that this region is renowned for. A highlight during your stay here is the cruise on the TSS Earnslaw on Lake Wakatipu, plus dinner and high country sheep show at Walter Peak. (Bx2,Dx1)
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Queenstown
(B,D)

DAY 7: Queenstown to Fox Glacier
Make sure you have your camera out today as the scenery is breath-taking. Today we journey past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and break at Makarora for lunch. We negotiate Haast Pass and stop at Thunder Creek Falls, which flows into the Haast River amidst rainforest, highlighting the beauty of this World Heritage area. Let’s hope Lake Matheson’s waters are still and the skies clear so we can get that famous reflection of New Zealand’s two tallest mountain peaks in it’s waters this afternoon. It's here we'll settle in for the night.
Scenic Circle Glacier Country Hotel
(B,D)

DAY 8: Fox Glacier to Punakaiki
This morning we tackle stunning Fox Glacier. Our guide will lead us beside a riverbed to a track, which zig-zags uphill through ferns and regenerating temperate rainforest. The route takes you onto the ice amongst crevasses and ice ridges and leads you into the middle of the glacier for spectacular views of the icefalls and lower glacier. We continue our journey travelling north through the nearby village town of Franz Josef. Tonight, our overnight stay is at Punakaiki, nestled into the foothills of the Paparoa National Park.
Punakaiki Rocks Hotel
(B,D)

DAYS 9 & 10: Punakaiki to Nelson
This morning we visit Lake Rotoroa or Lake Rotoiti and enjoy short walks through this spectacular region. Our final destination this evening is Nelson - the South Island’s second largest city, well known for its wineries, breweries and its energetic local arts and crafts community. Here you have free time to explore one of the most beautiful regions of New Zealand. (Bx2, D)
Trailways Hotel
(B,D)

DAY 11: Nelson to Wellington
This morning we travel on to Picton where we board our Interislander cruise for a journey across Cook Strait through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds to Wellington, New Zealand's capital. You’ll have free time then to explore this cosmopolitan and vibrant city.
Travelodge Wellington Plimmer Towers or Ibis Hotel
(B)

DAY 12: Wellington to Tongariro National Park
This morning we visit the National Museum of New Zealand where you’ll explore Te Papa’s exhibitions and collections with one of their knowledgeable hosts. These guided tours are fun, informative, and inspiring. Later today we continue through the Kapiti Coast and further north across the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park. This afternoon is at your leisure to enjoy New Zealand’s first National Park.
Chateau Tongariro Hotel
(B,D)

DAYS 13 & 14: National Park to Rotorua
This morning we continue north. We view Wairakei Steam Valley, where thermal energy is harnessed in the world's second largest geothermal power plant. See the spectacular Huka Falls, mouth of the mighty Waikato River and tranquil Lake Taupo, the water filled crater of an ancient volcano. Our journey then takes us to New Zealand's cultural heart, Rotorua. Rotorua never fails to enthral and excite, a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud-pools, gushing geysers and captivating culture. You have a full day here tomorrow to explore this popular tourist area. (Bx2)
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
(B)

DAYS 15 & 16: Rotorua to Bay of Islands
Our day kicks off this morning as we depart, travel through Auckland and head further to discover the fascinating history of the Far North. We journey across Auckland’s scenic harbour and north to Parry’s Kauri Park to check out a magnificent Kauri tree, whose ancestors once covered the island. Continuing north we reach the seaside town of Paihia in the beautiful Bay of Islands, home to 144 islands, secluded bays and an abundance of marine life. You have two nights here to take in as much of this stunning area as you wish. (Bx2, D)
Beachcomber Resort
(B)

DAY 17: Bay of Islands to Hokianga
A leisurely morning this morning, before we make our short journey to Hokianga Harbour. This afternoon you’ve got time to soak up the sights and sounds of this idyllic harbour at your own pace. Tonight after dinner you'll have your last taste of the "Spirit of New Zealand" with a four hour night 'Twilight Encounter'. This is an experience that allows visitors to enter the Waipoua forest at a unique time; a time experienced by not many; a time when its inhabitants change; a time when seeing is replaced with listening and a time when the clouds and sun are replaced by stars and the moon. You'll be moved by the experience!
Copthorne Hotel & Resort Hokianga
(B,D)

DAY 18: Hokianga to Auckland
It’s a leisurely start to the morning before we head back south towards our final destination. We visit the majestic Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve. View the towering Kauri tree ‘Tane Mahuta’ – Lord of the Forest in the daylight, and take a walk to the ‘Four Sisters’ and Te Matua Ngahere Trees. Our next stop is Matakohe to visit the kauri and Pioneer Museum which tells a fascinating history of the Far North region. We travel on to Auckland for our overnight stay in New Zealand's largest city. Your hotel is situated in the CBD and close to the Viaduct Harbour precinct.
Mercure Hotel
(B)

DAY 19: Auckland
Today you are free to explore the city and farewell friends made on tour as this is where our Spirit of New Zealand journey comes to an end. When ready you can catch your transfer to the Auckland airport.
(B)