Tour Type: Small Group Tour
Duration: 18 Days
Tour Starts In: Christchurch
Tour Finishes In: Auckland
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from NZ $9199 pp
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18 Day Antipodean Encounter Touring Route:
Highlights & Inclusions:
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Day
1 |
Arrive Christchurch
On arrival at Christchurch airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred into the "Garden City" of Christchurch, also thought of as the most English of New Zealand cities. It is the nations second largest city & is alive with colour, atmosphere and world class attractions. Stay: Novotel Christchurch (2 nights) |
Day
2 |
4WD High Country TranzAlpine Experience
Travel by road through the Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri Gorge in the foothills of the rugged Southern Alps. Travel by jet boat through the gorge deep into the Southern Alps to areas otherwise inaccessible. Rendezvous with the Unimog and travel in this unique 4WD vehicle to Flock Hill Station, viewing spectacular alpine scenery en-route. After lunch, travel by road to Arthur's Pass National Park where you return to Christchurch abroad the world-famous TranzAlpine Train. (B/L) |
Day
3 |
Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura
After a leisurely breakfast, we travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs, nestled in a valley surrounded by a superb expanse of mountains and forest clad hills. Relax in hot thermal pools at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Reserve before continuing on to Kaikoura, located in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean. Stay: White Morph Inn (B) |
Day
4 |
Whale Watch Cruise, Nelson
Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. Kaikoura also attracts the largest concentration and variety of seabirds on mainland New Zealand including 13 species of Albatross, 14 varieties of Petrel & 7 types of Shearwater. Later, we continue north to Blenheim, gateway to the well-known Marlborough Sounds region before arriving at Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand. Stay: Heritage Rutherford Hotel (2 nights) (B) |
Day
5 |
Abel Tasman National Park Bush 'n' Beach walk
Today you can choose from a number of included 'Cruise & Walk' or 'Cruise Only' options in the famous Abel Tasman National Park. Cruise into protected bays & view the fur seal colony on Tonga Island. The launch hugs the shore, travelling in close to idyllic beaches fringed by native forest. The Abel Tasman Coastal track is well formed & shaded and comes out onto protected beaches excellent for swimming. Your Tour Host will give you details of the various choices available & will be happy to guide you onto the best walk that suits your own individual needs. (B/L) |
Day
6 |
Nelson Lakes, Punakaiki Rocks
Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast. Marvel at the bizarre limestone landscapes that is the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowhole. Stay: Punakaiki Rocks Hotel |
Day
7 |
Greymouth, Franz Josef Glacier
The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860's. Our overnight stay tonight is in the glacial village of Franz Josef. (B) Stay: Punga Grove Lodge |
Day
8 |
Haast, Wanaka, Queenstown
There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region (subject to weather conditions) before our departure this morning. Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. We then travel over the magnificent Southern Alps to the Southern Lakes District. There is time to wander around the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before travelling over the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand's premier holiday destination. Stay: Heritage Hotel (2 nights) (B) |
Day
9 |
Explore Queenstown & its surrounds
Enjoy a free day today to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection. (B) |
Day
10 |
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise
Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Te Anau. Continue along the spectacular Milford Road and through the hand-strewn Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound where you board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise. Cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea & view spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. The Milford Mariner is designed along the lines of a traditional New Zealand trading scow to reflect Fiordland's heritage and you will be accommodated in private cabins with en-suite bathrooms in this purpose-built vessel. It boasts spacious deck areas for viewing the wilderness, scenery & wildlife of Milford and activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline. Stay: Overnight in sheltered Harrison Cove on board the Milford Mariner (B/D) |
Day
11 |
Return to Queenstown, day at leisure
For those wishing to return to Queenstown by air, an optional scenic flight is available (subject to weather conditions). Upon our return, the rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer. Stay: Heritage Hotel, Queenstown (2 nights) (B) |
Day
12 |
Mighty Dart River Jetboat Safari
This morning, we are collected from our hotel & travel to Glenorchy to join our Dart River Jetboat Safari. Here you jet boat on crystal clear waters in a wild and scenic landscape amidst towering peaks, glaciers and the ancient rainforests of the Mt. Aspiring National Park. This is far more than a jet boat ride … it's a rare journey into the enchanted wilderness of a World Heritage area. This afternoon is free for further sightseeing. (B) |
Day
13 |
Fly Queenstown - Rotorua
This morning we board our aircraft for the flight north to the geothermal city of Rotorua. The region's raw beauty has enchanted visitors from around the world for more than 160 years. Here you can stand upon volcanoes, peer into massive craters, see boiling mud, exploding geysers and marvel at the unspoiled native forests that cloak the land. Tonight enjoy a traditional Maori hangi (feast) & cultural evening. Stay: Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
14 |
Helicopter to White Island Volcano
Today, board your helicopter for an incredible flight over the geothermal region of the Volcanic Plateau to White Island. Whakaari (the Maori translation), is New Zealand’s only active marine volcano and perhaps the most accessible on earth, attracting scientists and volcanologists worldwide as well as many tourists. The full Maori name for the island is 'Te Puia o Whakaari' meaning literally: 'The Dramatic Volcano.' It was named 'White Island' by Captain Cook on October 1, 1769 because it always appeared to be in a cloud of white steam. Although Cook went close to the island he failed to notice that it was a volcano. Words cannot express the experience that is walking on the active crater floor of this unique lunar landscape, part of our Pacific 'Ring of Fire'. Located 52km’s off the Bay of Plenty Coastline the Islands active Volcanic vents, steaming Crater Lake, bubbling hot streams and desolate mining ruins combine to create a surreal experience. When present the sighting of Dolphins in the Pacific Ocean over which we fly contrast to create an awesome & inspiring excursion. (B) |
Day
15 |
Bay of Plenty, Coromandel Peninsula
Travel north this morning to the popular beachside towns of Tauranga & MT Maunganui. Continue your journey to Pauanui on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula, a region where many kiwis choose to escape the bustle and stress of city life. Stay: Mercure Grand Puka Park Resort (B) |
Day
16 |
Pauanui Beach, Auckland
After a leisurely breakfast and a stroll along the local beaches, we travel on to Auckland, the 'City of Sails', New Zealand's largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences. Stay: Heritage Auckland (2 nights) (B) |
Day
17 |
Sail Auckland Harbour
Today you you have the opportunity to crew on an original America's Cup racing yacht. NZL40 was built for the 1995 America's Cup challenge in San Diego and you will have the chance to take the helm, trim on the grinders or simply sit back and relax and enjoy the action as you sail down Auckland Harbour. The rest of today is free to follow your own pursuits. (B) |
Day
18 |
Depart Auckland
Sadly your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Auckland airport for your onward flight. Here we bid you farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your stay in Aotearoa, New Zealand. (B) |
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Click on the icon to download the 18 Day Antipodean Encounter tour in pdf format. |
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from NZ $9,199
18 Day Antipodean Encounter
5
4.0
5
18 Day Antipodean Encounter Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Relaxing Journeys for the 18 Day Antipodean Encounter. |
Thanks for the opportunity to give feedback for John and Kathy Albano. Kathy and I got together and went over their trip in great detail. It was a dream trip for them. It was all they hoped for and more. Ian Wooster was their tour guide and they adored him. He really put the sparkle in their vacation. They loved the accomodations and the tours. They particularly enjoyed Milford Sound and the overnight cruise. The Dart River Safari was also a favorite. The 4WD High Country TranzAlpine experience was just OK. They were very pleased with your company and had nothing but good things to say about your services. Hooray! I'm so glad they loved their vacation. Thanks for all you did to make their trip a success!
Judy Scott (United States)
Tour Date 20/02/2010 |
Just got back today from the best holiday of my life. The tour was great. Only one problem and that was the definition of a 12 kilometre hike as a gentle walk! Superb accommodation. An excellent host in Patrick Scarlett and my only problem is I am no longer in New Zealand. Thanks for organising it for me.
Georgina Ford (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 29/03/2007 |
Thanks to Relaxing Journeys, great weather, wonderful scenery & sights, friendly people and service everywhere, fantastic experiences (like jet boating, helicopter flights, etc, etc), we now have memories that will stay with us forever.
Mr & Mrs J Harris (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 29/09/2006 |
Just a quick note to thank Relaxing Journeys for a wonderful trip on 20 Jan-6 Feb. It more than lived up to expectations and will be remembered for many years to come! Ian on South Island and Cam on North Island were both delightful and excellent guides.
Anne McSweeney (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 20/01/2006 |
Craig is brilliant, he made our holiday! 11/10 The best holiday of our lives.
Mr & Mrs Pearce (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 27/11/2005 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012 Season Sale! Save $500 per person. Guaranteed Departures. Deposit this month to qualify.
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 February 2012 and 29 February 2012
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
Tour
Starts |
Tour
Finishes |
Tour
Status |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
SPECIAL |
OUR
PRICE |
| 05 Feb 2012 |
22 Feb 2012 |
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NZ $9699 |
Save $500 |
NZ $9199 |
| 12 Feb 2012 |
29 Feb 2012 |
G |
NZ $9699 |
Save $500 |
NZ $9199 |
| 19 Feb 2012 |
07 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $9699 |
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NZ $9199 |
| 26 Feb 2012 |
14 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $9699 |
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NZ $9199 |
| 04 Mar 2012 |
21 Mar 2012 |
G |
NZ $9699 |
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NZ $9199 |
| 11 Mar 2012 |
28 Mar 2012 |
|
NZ $9699 |
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NZ $9199 |
| 18 Mar 2012 |
04 Apr 2012 |
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NZ $9699 |
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NZ $9199 |
| 25 Mar 2012 |
11 Apr 2012 |
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NZ $9199 |
| 01 Apr 2012 |
18 Apr 2012 |
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NZ $9699 |
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NZ $9199 |
| 08 Apr 2012 |
25 Apr 2012 |
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NZ $9699 |
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NZ $9199 |
| 15 Apr 2012 |
02 May 2012 |
G |
NZ $9699 |
Save $500 |
NZ $9199 |
*Tour Status: 'G' Tours are guaranteed to depart.
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Single Travellers:
Solo travellers are required to pay the single supplement. |
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| Single Supplement: |
Add |
NZ $2,676 |
*Terms & Conditions apply to any discounts and/or specials above. Your designated tour consultant will apply the appropriate discounts automatically to your quote and detail any currently applicable 'Exclusive Specials'. |
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