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Experience Type: Self Drive
Valid Period:01/12/06 - 01/03/08

The Pacific Traveller Self-Drive

Pacific Traveller

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The Pacific Traveller Self-Drive

21 Days Auckland to Christchurch from £1,637pp
21 Days Pacific Traveller Self-Drive 21 days from £1,637pp
23 Days Auckland to Christchurch, including the Bay of Islands, from £1,747pp

Highlights include:
• Scenic Interislander ferry crossing
• Spectacular TranzAlpine train journey
• Traditional Maori Hangi and cultural evening, Rotorua
• The quaint village of Akaroa
• World-famous Shotover Jet Boat and Milford Sound nature cruise, Queenstown

Day 1: Auckland
After collecting your rental car, take time to explore the ‘City of Sails’. A modern, vibrant city, it has a blend of sophistication surrounded by glistening harbours and lush native rainforests.
Accommodation: Superior: The Duxton Hotel, Special: Aachen House

Travel south to the Coromandel Peninsula, an area well known for the many conservationists and craftspeople that live and enjoy an alternative lifestyle here. In the delightful township of Coromandel, ride the Driving Creek narrow-gauge railway through lush rainforest to a fascinating artists’ colony.

Day 3: Coromandel at leisure
The Coromandel Peninsula is an unspoiled haven which many kiwis choose to escape to. It truly is one of their best kept secrets, find out why during a day at leisure. Perhaps wander the lovely beaches at Cathedral Cove and Hahei, make sure you dig your way to some pampering at Hot Water beach, where therapeutic thermal waters bubble up through the sand. (B)

Day 4: Coromandel - Rotorua (226km / 140miles)
Travel along the Bay of Plenty coastline through the subtropical orchards of kiwi fruit and citrus. Head inland through massive pine forests, passing many of the region’s crystal-clear lakes en route to Rotorua.

Day 5: Rotorua
New Zealand’s thermal wonderland is home to some of the world’s most incredible earth forces. From the moment you enter Rotorua you know you are somewhere special. Take in the steaming thermal lakes, the volcanic geysers and bubbling mud pools of Whakarewarewa, the flora and fauna of Paradise Valley, the Agrodome and a scenic ride on the Skyline Gondola. Relax in the thermal pools of the Polynesian Spa before enjoying a traditional Maori Hangi and concert in the evening. (BD)

Day 6: Lake Taupo - Napier (224km / 139miles)
An hour south of Rotorua is Lake Taupo, a gigantic volcanic crater lake, larger than the island of Singapore! View Huka Falls and the Wairakei Geothermal project, taking some time to walk around this popular lakeside resort. On to Napier, the well-known Art Deco city.

Day 7: Napier
In 1931 an earthquake devastated the centre of Napier and caused widespread damage. Within a couple of years the town had been rebuilt and today it represents the most significant group of Art Deco buildings in the world. This morning enjoy a locally guided Art Deco walk of the town. Hawke’s Bay boasts some of the best vineyards in the country so the rest of the day is free for you to explore this wonderful area. (B)

Day 8: Napier - Wellington (313km / 194miles)
Drive south to Wairarapa, a rural retreat in the very heart of New Zealand. Stop at Martinborough, a unique wine village with over 20 boutique vineyards. This delightful village is also well known for its gourmet food,so perhaps you could indulge in some lunch before continuing to Wellington, the nation’s capital.

Day 9: Wellington - Nelson (104km / 64miles)
Cook Strait separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand and is one of the most beautiful cruise crossings in the world. This morning a leisurely cruise on the Interislander ferry takes you to Picton, gateway to the South Island. Driving through vineyards, arrive in Nelson, a charming seaside town close to the stunning Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 10: Abel Tasman National Park (131km / 81miles)
A day at leisure to explore the National Park with its crystal-clear waters. Enjoy some of the many cruise and walking options, go kayaking, or wander through the arts and crafts villages. (B)

Day 11: Nelson – Kaikoura (245km / 152miles)
Travel through the Marlborough wine growing region before joining the highway south along the rocky Kaikoura coastline. (B)
Accommodation: Superior: White Morph Inn, Special: Fyffe Country Lodge

Day 12: Kaikoura - Akaroa (265km / 165miles)
This morning enjoy a leisurely breakfast and there is time available for optional (own expense) whale-watching or dolphin excursions. Later this afternoon travel on to the Banks Peninsula known for its stunning scenery and amazing wildlife. Your stay is in the quaint harbour village of Akaroa, home to the early French settlers of the 1840s.
Accommodation: Superior: Akaroa Village Inn for two nights, Special: Maison de la Mer for two nights

Day 13: Akaroa
Time to relax and experience the beauty and tranquillity of this captivating little town. Enjoy a cruise around the beautiful bay on a relaxing wildlife harbour cruise. Later we recommend you explore further and lunch at one of the village’s many restaurants, or French Farm Vineyard which is highly recommended (optional own expense). (B)

Day 14: Akaroa - Dunedin (457km / 284miles)
Travel along the ocean highway to Oamaru, home to the exquisite Oamaru Stone and then on to the Moeraki Boulders. Dunedin, with its rich Scottish heritage, is the next stop.

Day 15: Dunedin
Explore the city and its surrounds, rich in history and culture. Your sightseeing includes entry to Larnach Castle, Olveston house and Speights Brewery, the oldest in New Zealand. (B)

Day 16: Dunedin - Queenstown (288km / 179miles)
Today travel through the historic goldfields of Central Otago to Queenstown, a beautiful Alpine resort and regarded as New Zealand’s premier holiday destination. Queenstown is a place for new challenges, adventure, rest or relaxation. The resort is nestled beside Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the towering Remarkables mountain ranges - the views are breathtaking.

Day 17: Queenstown
Today enjoy a relaxing breakfast before embarking on your adventures. There are numerous activities available in the immediate Queenstown area, but you can’t leave town without experiencing the world-famous Shotover Jet! (B)

Day 18: Milford Sound Nature Cruise (299km/185miles)
A full-day tour awaits! Board your luxury glass-roofed coach and travel to Te Anau. Join the Milford Road and travel through the Eglinton Valley and through the Homer Tunnel to spectacular Milford Sound. Enjoy an extended nature cruise of the fiord before returning to Queenstown late afternoon. An option to fly back to Queenstown is available at an additional cost (subject to weather). (BL)

Day 19: Queenstown - Franz Josef (395km / 245miles)
Admire spectacular Alpine scenery as you travel past lakes Hawea and Wanaka and through Haast pass to the wild west coast. Take a short side trip to Lake Matheson for a magnificent view of Mount Cook and the Fox Glacier before continuing on to Franz Josef. Nowhere in the world are glaciers as accessible as here on the South Island.

Day 20: TranzAlpine Train - Christchurch (397km/246miles)
Today travel through the rainforests of the west coast to Greymouth. Leave your car here and join the award-winning TranzAlpine train for a journey through the Southern Alps, rated as one of the top six scenic train journeys in the world. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B)
Accommodation: Superior: Hotel Grand Chancellor, Special: The George Hotel

Day 21: Depart Christchurch
One last day to explore this very English city, with its colourful gardens and meandering River Avon, before your transfer to the airport for your onward or return flight. (B)

Prices Include:
• Scenic Interislander ferry crossing
• TranzAlpine train journey
• Car hire as indicated
• Superior or special accommodation as chosen
• Meals as stated (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch)
• Sightseeing & admission to the following:
-Driving Creek narrow-gauge railway, Coromandel
-Polynesian Spa themal pools, Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Paradise Valley Springs, Agrodome, Skyline Gondola & Maori Hangi & cultural performance, Rotorua
-Art Deco walking tour, Napier
-Harbour cruise, Akaroa
-Larnach Castle, Speights Brewery & Olveston House, Dunedin
-Shotover Jet & Milford Sound Cruise, Queenstown

Prices Exclude:
• Airfares
• Meals and sightseeing other than that stated

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