Tour Type: Small Group Tour
Duration: 18 Days
Tour Starts In: Auckland
Tour Finishes In: Christchurch
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from NZ $5753 pp
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18 Day Pacific Escapade Touring Route:
Tour Inclusions:
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The Heartland Of The North
Commencing in the cosmopolitan ‘City of Sails’, Auckland, you’ll travel south to the stunning, unspoilt region of the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches. Continue on to the geothermal city of Rotorua where you will peer into massive volcanic craters, see boiling mud, exploding geysers and learn of Maori culture. Cruise the pristine, clear waters of beautiful Lake Tarawera at the foot of a mighty, dormant volcano and visit the Buried Village of Te Wairoa.
Centre Stage & Spectacular TranzAlpine
On to the nations capital, Wellington before crossing the Cook Strait by The Interislander ferry. At Picton, board your water taxi for the short transfer to Kenepuru Sound, a remote area of the famous Marlborough Sounds. Travel the Kaikoura Coast to Christchurch, then join the TranzAlpine Train for a coast to coast journey through the Southern Alps, rated as one of the most scenic in the world.
Lakes, Glaciers, Fiords & World Heritage Listed Parks
From Franz Josef Glacier, head to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort boasting adventure & leisure activities in numerous forms. The stunning fiords of Milford & Doubtful Sounds can be easily explored from here. Travel the historic gold rush routes of Central Otago to Dunedin. Enjoy a stay in the majestic surrounds of the Mt Cook National Park before ending your holiday in the garden city of Christchurch. |
Day
1 |
Arrive Auckland
‘Haere Mai’ … welcome to New Zealand.
Having cleared customs & immigration formalities, you will be met by our representative & transferred by limousine to your city hotel. The 'City of Sails' is New Zealand's largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences. Stay: Heritage Auckland Hotel |
Day
2 |
Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula
Today, travel south to the Coromandel Peninsula, a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches that separates the Pacific Ocean from the Hauraki Gulf. It is a place where many kiwis choose to escape the hustle & hype of city life and is home to many arts & crafts people who seek an alternative lifestyle. At the quaint township of Coromandel, we ride the Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony before crossing the divide to the eastern side of the peninsula for our overnight stay in Tairua. Stay: Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort (B) |
Day
3 |
Coromandel, Rotorua
Journey along the Bay of Plenty coastline to Mt Maunganui & Tauranga. Then head inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua, an area that has enchanted visitors from around the world for more than 160 years. This evening, enjoy a twilight cruise across Lake Rotoiti to the natural themal springs of Manupirua Pools before enjoying a lakeside BBQ dinner at your resort. Stay: Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay (2 nights) (B/D) |
Day
4 |
Exclusive Lake Tarawera Cruise & Te Wairoa Buried Village
The days highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera at the base of a gigantic dormant volcano. You’ll experience spectacular scenery & some of the country’s best trout fishing & have the opportunity to soak in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach before enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch. This afternoon, visit the Blue & Green Lakes and then wander around the famous Buried Village of Te Wairoa. (B/L) |
Day
5 |
Lake Taupo, Art Deco Napier
This morning, visit Wai-O-Tapu, a wonderland of geothermal activity. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the reserve's unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters & sinter terrace formations. An hour south of Rotorua is Lake Taupo, itself a gigantic volcanic crater following an enormous explosion in AD183. View Huka Falls & the Wairakei Geothermal project and take time to walk around this popular lakeside resort. Journey on to Napier, widely regarded as the 'Art Deco Capital of the World', the result of a thorough rebuilding after a massive earthquake in 1931. It boasts the largest collection of Art Deco buildings outside of Miami, Florida. Nowhere else can you see as wide a variety of 1930’s-style buildings in such a concentrated area, including Striped Classical, Spanish Mission and above all, Art Deco. Your local guide will bring this fascinating architecture to life on your walk around the town this afternoon. Stay: Scenic Hotel Te Pania (2 nights) (B) |
Day
6 |
At leisure in the Hawke's Bay
Widely regarded as the ‘Tuscany of the South Pacific’, this region boasts some of New Zealand’s best and oldest wineries. You can enjoy a guided wine trail and taste some of the great wines produced locally, visit the world’s largest mainland Gannet Colony, play a challenging round of golf at Cape Kidnappers, take to the skies on an early morning balloon ride over vineyards, olive groves and orchards or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings. (B) |
Day
7 |
Wairarapa, Mt Bruce & Wellington
Travel through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region to Pukaha Mount Bruce, New Zealand's National Wildlife Centre. In this beautiful setting of native forest you will see the finest collection of New Zealand native birds to be found anywhere. See the mighty Takahe, the rarest & most colourful of all. The centre also houses tuatara, various lizards and bats in its nocturnal house. Watch out for the enormous eels and trout that loiter under the bridges, waiting for handouts. Later, we continue on to Wellington, the nations capital, and enjoy a brief sightseeing and orientation tour before checking into your accommodation. Stay: James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor (B) |
Day
8 |
Picton & the Marlborough Sounds
This morning is at leisure to explore what Wellington has to offer. Downtown Wellington on Lambton Quay is popular with shoppers. Perhaps a trip on the Cable Car, which takes you from Lambton Quay to Kelburn or a visit to the Botanic Gardens. A visit to Te Papa National Museum is highly recommended. This afternoon, travel across Cook Strait, the stretch of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand. The journey across Cook Strait has a dramatic beauty all of its own. Both Islands can be viewed, including the magnificent Kaikoura ranges, and there is often the chance to see wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and orca. On arrival in Picton, join your water taxi transfer to Torea Bay & transfer over the saddle by resort vehicle to your hotel. Stay: The Portage Resort (2 nights) (B) |
Day
9 |
Stunning Kenepuru Sound
A free day to relax & marvel at the magic that is the Marlborough Sounds. Resort staff will share their love of the Sounds with you through the range of water and nature based experiences they put at your fingertips. The wide beach access is great for fishing, boating, sailing, swimming & sea-kayaking and there is a wealth of walks and meanderings in the immediate vicinity. There is also the opportunity to visit the vineyards & wineries that are located in the famous Marlborough wine region. (B) |
Day
10 |
Kaikoura Coast, Christchurch
Return by water taxi to Picton. Rejoin your coach and travel through Blenheim to Kaikoura, world-renowned as the whale-watching centre of New Zealand. Later, we continue south to the “Garden City” of Christchurch, regarded as the most English of New Zealand cities. Stay: Heritage Hotel, Christchurch (B) |
Day
11 |
Spectacular TranzAlpine Train, Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers
The TranzAlpine is described as "The Great New Zealand Rail Adventure" and is rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world. After crossing the huge and fertile patchwork farmlands of the Canterbury Plains, the TranzAlpine winds its way over massive viaducts, through spectacular river gorges and the stunning Waimakariri River valley. It tracks its way up and across the spectacular Southern Alps via the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass situated 737 metres above sea level. Your driver/guide will meet you on arrival at Arthur’s Pass where you will rejoin your coach and travel along the dramatic West Coast, steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1800's, to the township of Fox Glacier for our overnight stay. Stay: Te Weheka Inn (B) |
Day
12 |
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. Time to wander around the popular lakeside townships of Hawea and Wanaka before travelling to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand's premier holiday destination. Stay: Heritage Queenstown Hotel (4 nights) (B) |
Day
13
to
15 |
Explore Queenstown & Fiordland National Park
Enjoy three full days to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. Here you can take a thrilling jet boat ride, pan for gold, raft the white water rapids, take a wine trail, fish for trout, play golf or 4WD sheer canyons. It is also a great base from which to explore the Fiordland National Park, and optional day tours & overnight cruises to the awesome Milford & Doubtful Sounds are available. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection. |
Day
16 |
Arrowtown, Mt Cook National Park
Set beneath the rugged Crown Range is Arrowtown, a fascinating collection of mining cottages with an atmosphere straight out of last century. Enjoy some time to stroll through this historic village located beside the Arrow River, once a haven for the gold prospectors of the 1860’s. Later, we travel through the towns of Omarama & Twizel before driving up the western side of Lake Pukaki to the Mt Cook National Park, a World Heritage listed site. Mt Cook is Australasia's highest mountain at 3764 metres. The park covers over 70,000 hectares of breathtaking alpine scenery and is also home to the Tasman Glacier, the longest in the Southern hemisphere (optional Ski-plane & helicopter flights are available subject to weather conditions). Stay: The Hermitage, Mt Cook - Aoraki Wing (B/D) |
Day
17 |
Tasman Glacier, Lake Tekapo, Christchurch
Experience the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s largest, in the most unique way possible. An experienced guide will whisk you away in a stable MAC Boat to explore the melting ice-face of the Tasman Glacier where you will also get to touch & taste 400-year old icebergs that have been carved into the murky waters of the lake. Later we visit beautiful Lake Tekapo and view the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd, built of local stone and oak in 1935. Leaving the High Country, cross the vast Canterbury Plains to the 'Garden City' of Christchurch. Stay: Heritage Hotel, Christchurch (B) |
Day
18 |
Depart Christchurch
Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Christchurch airport today for your onward flight. Here, we bid you ‘Haere Ra’, a fond 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 Pacific Escapade tour in pdf format. |
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The trip was excellent. The group was unusually comfortable and congenial, Graham Duff was a superb guide, help, source of information, and great good cheer. New Zealand is truly a spectacular place and we feel we saw as much of it as is possible in a short time. We took away only the best feelings about the country and the tour company. I would not hesitate to recommend it. It was a perfect mix of together and on our own. We were able to compliment it with a longer stay in Wellington at the end visiting our family there for 6 months. I realize it is not possible to cram everything into a short trip but it would be nice if everyone could see more of Wellington. It would have been nice to know the names of our fellow trip mates before meeting them but I realize that is not always possible. Good luck and I would love to return to New Zealand. It does not seem likely but then, life is unpredictable. Thank you for all the hand-holding before the trip and our warmest regards to Graham. And the weather in Chicago is still an adventure. When you come to visit, try May or mid-September.
Gerry & John Macsai (United States)
Tour Date 03/06/2009 |
What a company, what a holiday. Many many thanks, I am already e-mailing friends with your itinerary of the best ever holiday we have ever had. Thank you again.
Marge & Tony Hogg (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 20/11/2008 |
We are still getting back so to speak, from our fantastic vacation. Our trip to New Zealand left us wanting to move there! Just loved it and all the spots you chose for us to visit. Thank you for all your good planning. Everything went smoothly and everyone was so gracious. The only comment I would have is the accommodation in Lake Taupo though adequate, was not up to the standard of the other places we stayed. As it turned out, I was glad we had the extra day I Christchurch. We would have missed a lovely town otherwise. I thought this was a once in a lifetime trip, but we will be back. Thanks again.
Judith & David Simonson (United States)
Tour Date 05/11/2008 |
We have been back home for a couple of weeks now and Tom and I just wanted to thank you for arranging such a great holiday. We had a fantastic time - New Zealand is like it was here about 35 years ago!
Caroline Read (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 05/09/2007 |
Thank you so much for the photos - all safely retrieved and looking good (who's that woman with the big bum?). Seriously, we love them and they brought back so many happy memories. We'll print them off for our album. Yes, the weather here is bloomin awful - grey, damp and lights on at 3pm (sometimes sooner) - so we're thinking longingly of NZ and the lovely sunshine. Glad to know you're well and pleased to say that we are fine too. Christmas is fast approaching and I'm almost there with the shopping etc - just got to wrap everything now. Might need to some red wine to keep me going! Have a super Christmas and a really happy New Year. Thanks again for the photos and for being such a fun tour guide. We won't forget you, you can bet on that. All the very best.
Frankie & Brian (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 15/10/2006 |
We have travelled extensively in other countries and never had a better trip. New Zealand is a beautiful country & you showed us the best.
Mr & Mrs D Tewkesbury (United States)
Tour Date 23/09/2006 |
The holiday ran very smoothly, was well organised & we very much liked our travelling companions. Graham (tour host) is a gem!
Mr & Mrs P Radcliffe (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 16/08/2006 |
We would rate Graham as among the best tour guides that we have had. Overall we rate our trip 9 out of 10 (versus recent holidays in China, Peru, Brazil, Spain & India).
Mr & Mrs J Price (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 15/07/2006 |
We enjoyed Craig's commentary. The hotels were good. The company was good and we had a wonderful time because of the care & preparation done by Craig who was a superb host. We all missed him at the end of the trip.
Mr & Mrs Wright (United Kingdom)
Tour Date 16/11/2005 |
Tour Prices
All tour prices are per person, twin share. |
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EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
Save $NZ 1,000 per person off the retail price shown for Sep & Oct departures!
Valid for bookings made with Relaxing Journeys between 1 August 2010 and 31 August 2010
. Subject to availability at time of booking. |
Tour
Starts |
Tour
Finishes |
Tour
Status |
Brochure
Price |
OUR
SPECIAL |
OUR
PRICE |
| 08 Aug 2010 |
25 Aug 2010 |
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NZ $6753 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6453 |
| 22 Aug 2010 |
08 Sep 2010 |
|
NZ $6753 |
Save $300 |
NZ $6453 |
| 12 Sep 2010 |
29 Sep 2010 |
G |
NZ $6753 |
Save $1,000 |
NZ $5753 |
| 26 Sep 2010 |
13 Oct 2010 |
G |
NZ $6753 |
Save $1,000 |
NZ $5753 |
| 10 Oct 2010 |
27 Oct 2010 |
G |
NZ $7945 |
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NZ $6945 |
| 24 Oct 2010 |
10 Nov 2010 |
G |
NZ $7945 |
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NZ $6945 |
| 31 Oct 2010 |
17 Nov 2010 |
G |
NZ $7945 |
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NZ $6945 |
| 07 Nov 2010 |
24 Nov 2010 |
G |
NZ $7945 |
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NZ $7645 |
| 14 Nov 2010 |
01 Dec 2010 |
G |
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| 21 Nov 2010 |
08 Dec 2010 |
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| 28 Nov 2010 |
15 Dec 2010 |
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| 05 Dec 2010 |
22 Dec 2010 |
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| 12 Dec 2010 |
29 Dec 2010 |
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| 19 Dec 2010 |
05 Jan 2011 |
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| 02 Jan 2011 |
19 Jan 2011 |
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| 09 Jan 2011 |
26 Jan 2011 |
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| 12 Jan 2011 |
29 Jan 2011 |
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| 16 Jan 2011 |
02 Feb 2011 |
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| 23 Jan 2011 |
09 Feb 2011 |
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| 02 Feb 2011 |
19 Feb 2011 |
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| 06 Feb 2011 |
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| 09 Feb 2011 |
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| 13 Feb 2011 |
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| 16 Feb 2011 |
05 Mar 2011 |
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09 Mar 2011 |
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| 23 Feb 2011 |
12 Mar 2011 |
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| 27 Feb 2011 |
16 Mar 2011 |
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| 06 Mar 2011 |
23 Mar 2011 |
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| 13 Mar 2011 |
30 Mar 2011 |
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| 16 Mar 2011 |
02 Apr 2011 |
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| 20 Mar 2011 |
06 Apr 2011 |
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| 23 Mar 2011 |
09 Apr 2011 |
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| 27 Mar 2011 |
13 Apr 2011 |
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| 03 Apr 2011 |
20 Apr 2011 |
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| 10 Apr 2011 |
27 Apr 2011 |
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| 17 Apr 2011 |
04 May 2011 |
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| 24 Apr 2011 |
11 May 2011 |
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NZ $7945 |
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NZ $7645 |
*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: |
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NZ $2,400 |
*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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