Day Three in Queenstown (Breakfast and lunch included today): This morning you will will be travel to Glenorchy, at the head of Lake Wakatipu for your fantastic small group backcountry jetboat trip with half day independent Routeburn Track walk. Lunch today is included at a wonderful little eatery recognized as a noteworthy mention by the acclaimed Saveur magazine.
Day Four in Queenstown (Breakfast, lunch and all tastings included today): Following a leisurely morning in Queenstown, accompanied by your expert guide, you will experience the Central Otago's wonderful food and wine offering during this afternoon's trip around some of the region's top wineries.
Day Five in Queenstown / Franz Josef (Breakfast included today): Today you will depart the Southern Lakes District and travel to the West Coast and the magnificent Glacier Region. On arrival, you will check in to your charming Bed & Breakfast accommodation.
Two Nights at Ribbonwood Retreat in the Baumann Glacier Room
Day Six in Franz Josef (Breakfast included today): This morning you will take the short drive in to Franz Josef Village from where you will commence your half day guided Glacier Hike on magnificent Franz Josef Glacier. The afternoon is yours to explore this beautiful area with its myriad of excellent hiking opportunities and dramatic West Coast scenery.
Day Seven in Franz Josef / Karamea (Breakfast included today): This morning you will begin the trip up the ruggedly spectacular West Coast to the northern-most town on the Coast Road, the tiny settlement of Karamea. On arrival in this interesting and totally unique location, you will make your way to your delightful accommodation.
Two Nights at Karamea Lodge in a Lodge Cabin
Day Eight in Karamea (Breakfast and lunch included today): This morning you will travel to the Oparara Caves in the magnificent Oparara river basin for your remarkable guided caving experience. Following this wonderful trip, you will take your picnic lunch and commence your afternoon hike through original old growth rain forest featuring New Zealand natives, the kahikatea and rimu trees. You'll also encounter many of New Zealand's native birds - this is truly an immensely rewarding day in the New Zealand outdoors.
Day Nine in Karamea / Nelson (Breakfast included today): From Karamea this morning, you will cut across the northern South Island to the gorgeous Nelson region and to your beautiful accommodation; located on Monaco Peninsula just minutes from Nelson city.
Three Nights at Grand Mercure Nelson Monaco in a One Bedroom Cottage
Day Ten in Nelson (Breakfast and lunch included today): This morning you will drive to the beautiful Golden Bays area and the small beach settlement Kaiteriteri. From this special little area of New Zealand, you will commence your incredible full day of sea kayaking and hiking in the South Island’s awe-inspiring Abel Tasman National Park.
Day Eleven in Nelson (Breakfast included today): Today is yours to spend at leisure to explore this spectacular location in the freedom of your rental vehicle.
Day Twelve in Nelson /Hapuku Lodge (Breakfast and dinner included today): Following a wonderful few days at the top of the South Island, you will commence your drive south via the East Coast Road that travels between the Kaikoura Mountain Range on one side and the South Pacific Ocean on the other - this is one of the most picturesque drives in New Zealand and you'll definitely want to have the camera handy. Just north of Kaikoura, you will find celebrated Hapuku Lodge whereupon arrival you will be shown to your beautiful room prior to this evening's dinner at the Lodge.
One Night at Hapuku Lodge in a Hapuku Room
Day Thirteen in Hapuku Lodge / Akaroa (Breakfast included today): From the Lodge, you will continue down the East Coast and along the scenic Banks Peninsula to the delightful little French settled town of Akaroa and your wonderful boutique accommodation.
Two Nights at Oinako Lodge in the Jade Room
Day Fourteen in Akaroa (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included today): This morning, you will be collected by our guide, the local farmer, for your trip up to the Banks Peninsula hill-country sheep farm where you will learn about the history of the farm, watch farm dogs in action and try your hand at sheep shearing. After morning tea with the farmer, you’ll head into Akaroa for a delectable lunch followed by your small vessel Akaroa Harbor cruise for sightings of such creatures as seabirds, the very cute little New Zealand native, the Hectors dolphin and seals. After some time at your accommodation to refresh, you will enjoy your farewell dinner at one of our absolute favourite Akaroa eatery's. This is a really special day and a great finish to your New Zealand Adventure Co. Southern Escapade.
Day Fifteen, Departure from Akaroa, New Zealand (Breakfast included today): Today you will take the short, scenic drive back along the Peninsula to Christchurch Airport. From Christchurch, you will farewell New Zealand and board your flight home.
Inclusions:
14 nights deluxe accommodation
14 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 2 dinners
Exclusive luxury arrival vehicle and guide in Queenstown
Late model, automatic rental vehicle with collection on Day Two and drop off on departure
Full day Dart River trip and independent structured Routeburn Hike in Queenstown
Afternoon food and wine experience in Queenstown
Half day guided Glacier Hike in Franz Josef
Full day Oparara Caves and independent structured hike in Karamea
Full day Abel Tasman sea-kayaking trip in Nelson
Full day Banks Peninsula Farm tour and Akaroa Harbour Cruise
Exclusive farewell dinner in Akaroa
New Zealand Goods & Services Tax (GST)
Comprehensive New Zealand Adventure Co. concierge and travel planning service
24 hour on the ground assistance while in New Zealand
Departure Dates 2011 / 2012: Daily, year round
Cost Per Person: US$4,329.00
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COST IS PER PERSON BASED ON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.
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PACKAGES ARE LAND ONLY AND DO NOT INCLUDE AIRFARES. COST PER PERSON VALID UNTIL 31 MARCH, 2012.
- SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE WITH AIRFARES, PLEASE LET US KNOW.
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WE REQUIRE A NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT OF 10% OF TRIP COST TO CONFIRM AND HOLD ARRANGEMENTS.
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LAND ARRANGEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY.
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COST PER PERSON AS REFLECTED IN USD IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE BASED ON CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
UNTIL TIME OF FULL PAYMENT.
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FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED 60 DAYS PRIOR TO UNITED STATES DEPARTURE.
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BOOKINGS CAN BE MADE USING VISA, MASTERCARD OR CASHIERS CHECK AT NO EXTRA CHARGE.
The South Island of New Zealand is one of the most spectacular and pristine places on earth and with our Southern Escapade trip offering unique experiences such as tramping through a newly discovered limestone cave system, visiting a true-blue kiwi sheep farm and hiking in some of the country's most beautiful National Parks blended with untouched environments from The Routeburn Valley in the high-alpine backcountry of the south to Karamea in the sub-tropical north, this trip is about seeing the real New Zealand in all of its majestic glory.
ITINERARY
Day One, Arrival in Queenstown, New Zealand: On arrival in Queenstown, you are met by our New Zealand Adventure Co. representative and privately driven to your stunning, lakeview accommodation.
Four Nights at The Rees in a Lakeview Hotel Room
Day Two in Queenstown (Breakfast included today): This morning you will receive your late model, automatic rental vehicle and spend the day acquainting yourselves with this exciting and scenic area prior to the ensuing days of exploration and adventure.