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Day 1 - Arrive in Auckland
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation.
2 nights Mollies Boutique Hotel, Auckland - including breakfast
Dinner this evening is included.
IMPORTANT: Dinner on 25 and 31 December is mandatory. Please add NZ$220 per person should either the first or second night of your stay fall on one of these dates.
Day 2 - Auckland - Potiki Adventures, Urban Maori Tour
Spend a day exploring Auckland from a Maori perspective. This is an ‘Auckland Orientation Trip’ but with a few minor differences to the usual ones! First visit Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), originally the site of a Maori fortified village. See stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland City and Rangitoto Island. As we sit with you on Maungakiekie we will explain to you about the traditional history of this sacred  mountain and point out evidence of the 5,000 strong Maori community who lived in this area, tell stories about the reason why this hill is so significant to Maori and explain about the controversial history of more recent times.
We will tell you the origin of our company name and related stories about the exploits of Maui Potiki, and also share with you the Maori creation myths. Next we drive out to a boutique village where you can buy your lunch at a funky cafe, enjoy mixing with the locals and view some authentic Maori / NZ made arts and  crafts. Then we drive to the west coast, and through the beautiful native rainforest to our next stop, a bush walk set beside a fresh water stream. Here you will be able to walk amongst the plants and trees and learn some of our ancestral knowledge of the traditional Maori medicinal and practical uses for them. Learn about the Maori Creation stories and Tane Mahuta - the God of the Forest. We finish the day in the realm of Tangaroa God of the Sea with a walk along the velvety sands of one of Auckland's famous black sand surf beaches.
Day 3 - Auckland/Waipoua Forest (approx. 230 km, 3,5 h)
Your rental car will be delivered to your accommodation this morning (details are at the end of this page).
2 nights Waipoua Lodge - including dinner and breakfast
 Day 4 - Waipoua Forest Lodge, Day at leisure
Day 5 - Waipoua Forest/Karikari Peninsula (approx. 170 km, 2,5 - 3 h)
2 nights Carrington Resort, Karikari Peninsula - including dinner and breakfast
Day 6 - Karikari Peninsula - Day at leisure
Take a relaxing day out or join in one of the many activites offered:. Golf, hiking, horse riding, swimming, claybird shooting, wine tasting, and much more.
Day 7 - Karikari Pensinsula/Matakana (approx.. 280 km, 4 - 4,5 h)
1 night Gifford Lodge, Matakana - including breakfast
Day 8 - Matakana/Coromandel (approx. 200 km, 3 - 3 1/2 h)
2 nights Colleith Lodge, Tairua/Coromandel - including breakfast
Dinner this evening is included.
 Day 9 - Coromandel - Full day tour with Kiwi Dundee
Experience a day of fun and knowledge. Take a gentle walk through regenerating Kauri forest and along the old roads of a gold mining town. Visit an underground jail and discover hundreds of glow-worms. View a spectacular collection of quartz and amethyst crystals and other treasures of this area. The day concludes with a walk along isolated sandy beaches and if the tide is right, a visit to Hot Water Beach. Lunch is included.
 Day 10 - Coromandel/Rotorua (approx. 195 km, 3 - 3 1/2 h)
2 nights The Springs Bed & Breakfast, Rotorua - including breakfast
You will be picked up at 2.00pm for a 4 hour private sightseeing tour including entry to Te Puia Thermal Valley.
Day 11 - White Island by Helicopter with crater landing (duration: approx. 3 hours)
Depart over the northern lakes of Rotorua and out over the Pacific Ocean to land on New Zealand’s most active volcano – White Island. Your pilot will take you on a guided tour to experience the fury of nature at work on this ever changing Island. View the main crater, sulphur deposits and the remains of the old sulphur mine.
Day 12 - Rotorua/Napier (approx. 225 km, 3 - 3.5 h)
2 nights McHardy House, Napier - including breakfast
Day 13 - Napier - Day at leisure
Day 14 - Napier/Wellington (approx. 325 km, 4.5 - 5 h)
2 nights Intercontinental Hotel, Wellington - Club room including breakfast
 Your rental car will be collected from your accommodation tomorrow morning. Please leave the keys and any documentation required at reception.
Day 15 - Wellington, Day at leisure
Day 16 - Wellington/Picton/Bay of Many Coves
Transfer from the hotel to the ferry terminal.
Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton (approx. 3 hours)
Transfer by watertaxi to your accommodation.
2 nights Bay of Many Coves Resort - including breakfast
Day 17 - Bay of Many Coves - Day at leisure
 Day 18 - Bay of Many Coves/Picton/Kaiteriteri (approx. 170 km, 2.5 h)
You will return by watertaxi to Picton this morning where you will collect your rental car (same category)
We recommend to take the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive. The Museum of Wearable Arts just outside Nelson is worth a visit.
2 nights Bellbird Lodge, Kaiteriteri - including breakfast
Day 19 - Kaiteriteri - Day at leisure
Day 20 - Kaiteriteri/Punakaiki (approx. 270 km, 3.5 - 4 h)
1 night Punakaiki Rocks Hotel - including breakfast
We recommend a visit to the famous Pancake Rocks.
Day 21 - Punakaiki/Fox Glacier (approx. 245 km, 3.5 h)
2 nights Te Weheka Boutique Hotel - including breakfast
Day 22 - Fox Glacier, Scenic Helicopter flight - or - Heli Hike
Option 1: 40 minute flight - Mountain Scenic Spectacular: Discover the gigantic expanse of the Franz Josef and Fox Glacier snowfields with a landing at around 7000 feet. Step out of your helicopter and experience how it feels to walk on snow. Then follow the Southern Alps for fantastic views of the mountains and surrounding terrain.
Option 2: Helihike: Enjoy a spectacular short scenic flight by helicopter before landing on the glacier where you will see caves and formations on a remote part of the glacier. Though not strenuous, some agility is required. Boots and equipment supplied.
 Day 23 - Fox Glacier/Queenstown (approx. 381 km, 6 h)
2 nights The Dairy Bed & Breakfast, Queenstown - including breakfast
Day 24 - Queenstown, Nature Walk and Wine Trail
On this exclusive full day tour you will see real drama in the scenery, hear the pristine silence of the high country, savour the scent of pure clean air and feel the pulse of the heart of Central Otago wine region. The half-day guided walk combines the best of native flora and fauna with magnificent lake and mountain views. Native birds are readily seen and heard, in and around the edges of the forest. Then enjoy an afternoon of  wine tasting among the boutique vineyards and spectacular scenery of Central Otago, a perfect introduction to the wine region. Friendly and knowledgeable guides offer an understanding of the unique Central Otago wine growing conditions and wines offered and our small groups of up to 10 people ensure an interactive & sociable afternoon.
 Day 25 - Queenstow/Milford Sound (approx. 291 km, 4h)
Take your time and enjoy the scenery on the journey from Queenstown to Milford Sound today.
Board the Milford Mariner by 4.00pm.
Milford Sound Overnight Cruise - private cabin with en-suite bathroom including dinner and breakfast.
 Departing from the Milford Wharf, the 'Milford Mariner' cruises the length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. The vessel explores many points of interest, viewing waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife with the experienced nature guide on board. The vessel returns to Harrison cover to anchor overnight.
Activities include kayaking and exploring the shoreline on the tender craft. Dinner and breakfast is included. Additional cruising is included after breakfast before returning to Milford Wharf.
Day 26 - Milford Sound/Te Anau (approx. 125 km, 2h)
Disembark at approx. 9.30am.
1 night Fiordland Lodge Te Anau - including dinner and breakfast
Day 27 - Te Anau/ Dunedin (approx. 290 km, 4.5 h)
2 nights Fletcher Lodge, Dunedin - including breakfast
 Day 28 - Dunedin, Private day tour
See many of Dunedin's highlights today, including: City sightseeing, Larnach Castle, Albatross Colony, Yellow Eyed Penguin Colony.
Day 29 - Dunedin/Mount Cook (approx. 335 km, 5 h)
1 night Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook - including breakfast
Day 30 - Mount Cook/Christchurch (approx. 335 km, 5 h)
2 nights Charlotte Jane Boutique Hotel, Christchurch - including breakfast
Your rental car will be collected from your accommodation tomorrow morning. Please leave the keys and any documentation required at reception.
 Day 31 - Christchurch, Exclusive day tour - Christchurch and Banks Peninsula including lunch
Full day tour with well know food author Mavis Airey. Mavis will collect you from your accommodation at approximately 9.30am. She will then show you the highlights of Christchurch first, and then take you out to the Banks Peninsula.
The itinerary may include a selection of the following:
 ● Barrys Bay Cheese ● Rossendale wines and beef ● country tea at Little River Store ● Akaroa Herb Farm ● lunch at French Farm Vineyard ● Treecrop Farm ● Raspberry Cafe at Otahuna Berries ● Akaroa Harbour Wines ●
 Day 32 - Depart Christchurch
You will be transfered to the airport today.
Inclusions:
- 31 nighs accommodation
- 31 breakfasts
- 9 dinners
- 25 days rental car (Auckland to Wellington, Picton to Christchurch)
- 3 transfers (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch)
- 8 sightseeing tours (Auckland, Coromandel, Rotorua, White Island, Fox Glacier, Queenstown, Dunedin, Christchurch)
- Ferry from Wellington to Picton
- Return watertaxi (Picton)
Important note if you are travelling with children: Some properties featured in this itinerary do not cater for children under the age of 14 years. We would make other recommendations.
Total price : NZ$14188 per person based on two people travelling together and sharing a twin or double room
Price is valid for travel between 01 October 2009 and 31 March 2010.
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DEPOSIT (non-refundable): NZ$500.00 per person (final payment due 45 days prior to arrival in New Zealand)
Do you like the itinerary, but would prefer a different accommodation and/or car category? Or would you like to take out some parts or add others - we will create an itinerary specifically taylored to your personal interests, requirements and budget.
Rental Car (please let us know if you would prefer a different category):
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Group FFAR - Toyota Prado or similar
4.0L, V6 large sized 4WD, automatic, 5-door. Air-condition, radio with CD player, air bag(s), ABS brakes, central locking.
Luggage: 3 small and 2 medium suitcases.
Renter qualification: All intending drivers must present a valid full national driving licence, which has been held for at least one year . A current international driving licence must accompany driving licences issued in a language other than English. There is no extra charge for additional drivers. Minimum rental age and other requirements for additional drivers will be the same as for the renter. Additional authorised drivers must be notified to Thrifty and listed on the rental agreement.
Motor Vehicle Insurance: Comprehensive Motor Vehicle Insurance (MVI) including third party and public liability, is included in our rates. An Accident Damage Excess (ADE) of NZD2813.00 does apply however. This excess may be reduced (at the renter's option) at the time of rental by purchasing Accident Excess Reduction.
Restricted Roads: Thrifty vehicles are prohibited from the following roads:
North Island: Ninety-Mile Beach (Northland) / South Island: Skippers Canyon Road (Queenstown)
Driving on these roads constitutes a breach of the rental agreement and the renter would be fully liable for any damage to the Thrifty vehicle or Third party property occurring as a result.
Fuel: Fuel is not included in the rates. Each vehicle is supplied with a full tank of fuel, which is refilled at the renter's expense on return. If the vehicle is not returned with a full tank, the renter will be charged for the fuel required to refill the tank at the prevailing rate applicable by Thrifty Car Rental at the time.
Airport / Ferry Terminal Service charges: Rentals initiated by or commencing from airports or Interislander ferry terminal locations are subject to a nominal Airport/Ferry Service Charge (AFSC), which the hirer will pay directly to Thrifty Car Rental. |
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