9 Day Bay of Islands & Southern Sounds

This morning you will depart from central Auckland travelling north through spectacular scenery of native forests and sub-tropical bush to the foreshores of the National Maritime Park. On arrival at the small seaside township of Paihia in the Bay of Islands, you will visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a unique insight into New Zealand’s early history. (2 nights)

You can relax today and enjoy the Bay of Islands in a number of ways. We’ve included a cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock & Cape Brett for you this morning. Board the luxury catamaran which will whisk you on a journey out through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse. Next is Motukokako Island and the famous “Hole in the Rock” where we make a passage through the Hole and on to the Grand Cathedral Cave. On the return journey the cruise takes its time and meanders through the inner islands. View sandy beaches, beautiful bays and marine wildlife as your skipper gives an informative commentary. Included is an island stopover on beautiful Urupukapuka Island. As your catamaran docks at the Historic Otehei Bay, enjoy the white sandy beach, picturesque views and its rich archaeological landscape.

You have a few hours at leisure before you afternoon departure back to Auckland. We’d suggest taking a short ferry trip to Russell to enjoy a sumptuous seafood lunch. Make this your main meal for the day as your journey south to Auckland arrive back in the late evening (around 8pm). On arrival you’ll be transferred to your accommodation.

This morning you’ll be transferred to the domestic terminal and board your domestic flight to Queenstown. The price of the flight is included in your tour price. On arrival in Queenstown you’ll be transferred to your accommodation. (2 nights)

Today we’ve included the Dart River Wilderness Safari. Jet boat deep into the pristine wilderness up a stunning aquamarine “braided” glacial river, beneath magnificent snow capped peaks mountains, walk amongst ancient beech forest, and enjoy a backroad journey by coach through “Paradise”, home to several Lord of the Rings film locations.

Today, board a luxury glass-roofed coach to the Doubtful Sound. Travel along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and through the rolling countryside to Manapouri. Then cruise across the crystal waters of Lake Manapouri to West Arm before boarding a coach and crossing the alpine route of Wilmot Pass through some of Fiordland and Doubtful Sound’s most dense rainforest. On reaching Deep Cove, board the Fiordland Navigator for your overnight cruise. (Overnight cruise does not operate 21 May – 31 August)

Designed along the lines of a traditional scow, the Fiordland Navigator blends old world charm with modern comforts that include spacious viewing decks, a dining saloon/fully licensed bar and an observation lounge. After dropping anchor in a sheltered cove, you can choose to explore the shoreline by kayak or tender boat or to simply relax onboard. In the evening, enjoy a delicious three course buffet dinner prepared by our onboard chef. Mingle with fellow travellers, savour some of the fine wines at our licensed bar and if the skies are clear in the evening, spend some time on the upper deck gazing at the stars. Kick off the next day with a hearty cooked breakfast and spend the rest of the morning exploring other parts of the fiord. You then return to Deep Cove for the trip back to Queenstown. (D)

Today you return from the Doubtful Sound arriving mid afternoon. The rest of the day & evening are yours to relax. Take the opportunity to dine out at one of the many fantastic restaurants in town, or perhaps dinner overlooking Queenstown at the Skyline Restaurant?

Today you will be met at your Queenstown accommodation and transferred to the airport for your included domestic flight to Auckland. From Auckland you may choose to stay an extra night at one of the airport hotels, or you can organise your flight home to link up with your arrival back in Auckland. Have a safe trip home!