Ten Days
New Zealand is a surprise. Dwarfed in size and advertising budget by her bolder neighbor Austrailia, it is easy to mistake her for a quiet, slow-going, 19th century relic of shepards and unsullied landscapes. The surprise comes as soon as you dip below the surface, as we do on this itinerary, tp find a friendly, foward-looking country where gracious hospitality and an uninhabited sense of fun, Polynesians and Europeans, bankers and beachcombers live comfortably side-by-side.
Lakes and Landscapes is an excellent opportunity to spend time on both North and South Islands on an itinerary carefully planned to show you New Zealand's best. Whether you choose to see New Zealand in combination with Australia or alone, on Lakes and Landscapes you'll fall in love with a destination which should simply not be missed.
The gate house, Mona Vale, Christchurch; New Zealand has been called "a little piece of Victoriana in the Antipodes," and Christchurch's Botanical Gardens certainly fit the description.
Day 1, Wednesday
USA or Canada - Auckland
Today's flight begins a comfortable journey to Auckland, New Zealand's largest and most sophisticated city.
Day 2, Thursday
International Date Line
As our journey takes us across the International Date Line, we "lose" a day, to be recovered on our return trip.
Day 3, Friday
Auckland, New Zealand
We arrive early this morning, then take a harbour lunch cruise to explore the city's marine playground; one in four Aucklanders owns a boat. Passengers joining Lakes and Landscapes from Australia arrive this evening, with tonight's dinner at a restaurant of your choice.Stamford Plaza Auckland, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4, Saturday
Auckland
Morning sightseeing includes the Auckland Museum and a wonderful Maori concert. The afternoon and evening are at leisure. Stamford Plaza Auckland, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5, Sunday
Auckland - Rotorua
This morning we take a senic drive to Rotorua, stopping en route at a private dairy farm for lunch. An important Maori cultural center and resort area, Rotorua's geysers and thermal pools draw visitors from around the world. Dine where you wish tonight. Sheraton Rotorua, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6, Monday
Rotorua - Queenstown
After sightseeing this morning at the thermal reserve and a senic trout farm where huge fish can be observed through underwater windows into natural pools, we have an early lunch before boarding our flight for Queenstown. Dinner tonight is in the home of a local family. Millbrook Resort, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7, Tuesday
Queenstown
This morning we take a gondola ride and visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park to see New Zealand's native birds, including the Kiwi. This afternoon there are many optional activities available - try white water rafting or meet the local players at Queenstown's lakeside 18-hole golf course. Millbrook Resort, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8, Wednesday
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
This morning we begin a spectacular drive from Queenstown to Fjordland National Park, where we embark on a lunchtime boat trip along the senic spectacle Rudyard Kipling called the "Eighth Wonder of the World": Milford Sound. Our party returns to Queenstown by road or on a spectacular scenic flight (an optional extra) for an evening at leisure. Millbrook Resort, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9, Thursday
Queenstown - Christchurch
Visit a local deer farm and experience a true working farm. A farmhouse morning tea is served prior to departing on our flight to Christchurch-the "Garden City". Our farewell dinner is in a local restaurant. Parkroyal Christchurch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10, Friday
Christchurch - Auckland - Pacific Islands or USA or Canada
Spend the morning getting acquainted with Christchurch situated on the beautiful Avon river. Our half day tour includes the Antartic centre and lunch at a rural homestaed overlooking magnificent landscaped gardens. This evening we fly to Auckland, connecting on to the Pacific Islands or boarding a flight home to the USA or Canada. Breakfast, Lunch
| Land Arrangements | April - June | Balance of Year |
| Double Occupancy | $2,690 | $2,990 |
| Single supplement | $880 | $880 |
| Internal Airfare | $345 | $345 |
| Airfare from West Coast Economy Class from | $1,126 | $1,126 |
| 1997 Pricing | ||
| Double Occupancy | $2,750 | $3,095 |
| Single supplement | $990 | $990 |
| Internal Airfare | $321 | $321 |
| Airfare from West Coast Economy Class from | $950 | $950 |
| Depart | Return | Depart | Return | |
| Oct 16 | Oct 25 | Nov 20 | Nov 29 | |
| Oct 30 | Nov 8 | Dec 25 | Jan 3,'97 | |
| 1997 Tour Dates | ||||
| Jan 29 | Feb 7 | Sep 24 | Oct 03 | |
| Feb 26 | Mar 7 | Oct 29 | Nov 07 | |
| Mar 19 | Mar 28 | Nov 26 | Dec 05 | |
| Apr 23 | May 02 | Dec 31 | Jan 09 | |
| Jul 23 | Aug 01 | |||
| 1998 Tour Dates | (New dates and pricing may apply) | |||
| Jan 28 | Feb 06 | Mar 18 | Mar 27 | |
| Feb 25 | Mar 06 |
Prices and dates are subject to change
Your land arrangements include:
Not included are personal expenses such as laundry; travel insurance; excess baggage fees; communication charges; cost of obtaining passports or visas; scenic flights; meals, beverages or sightseeing not included in the itinerary; any airfares.