Highlights of New Zealand is the first of two new additions to our Highlights series of vacation packages, and it offers the benefits built into all tours in this popular program category. It is short, to accommodate travellers with limited time away from home, or those who wish to add New Zealand to another tour. And it strives to give its participants a real sense of interaction with a unique corner of the world - a personal experience rather than a passive travelogue.
To that end we've included the stops we feel best represent the spirit and charactor of modern New Zealand, including Auckland, the largest Polynesian city in the world; the volcanic geysers of Rotorua; the resort center of Queenstwn; and Christchurch, lifted wholesale from rural England and plunked down into the Pacific, eleven thousand miles away. We predict you'll come away from this tour with a sense of discovery, a pair of sheepskin slippers and a few dozen new friends.
New Zealand's grass feeds sheep; sheep in turn feed the markets of the world.
Day 1, Monday
USA or Canada - Auckland
We board our flight today to begin a comfortable journey to New Zealand.
Day 2, Tuesday
International Date Line
On our return trip, we recover the day temporarily "lost" here as we cross the International Date Line.
Day 3, Wednesday
Auckland, New Zealand
We land in Auckland early this morning, to be met by our A&K escort and transferred to our luxurious hotel (where we are joined by travellers on other A&K tours). Afternoon sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Auckland Museum, venue for a beautifully presented traditional Maori performance. In the evening, A&K New Zealand hosts a welcome dinner and tour briefing in the home of a local family. Stamford Plaza Auckland, Dinner
Day 4, Thursday
Auckland - Rotorua
We set off on a senic drive to volcanic Rotorua, stopping en route at a private dairy farm for a barbecue lunch. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel, then spend the afternoon sightseeing. Sheraton Rotorua, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5, Friday
Rotorua - Queenstown
After morning visits to the thermal reserve and Rainbow Springs, we board our lunch time flight to Queenstown, where the evening is at leasure. Parkroyal Queenstown, Breakfast
Day 6, Saturday
Queenstown
This morning we visit Arrowtown, a picturesque gold mining settlement, and take a gondola ride. Many optional activities are available this afternoon - try white water rafting or meeting the local players at the lakeside 18-hole golf course. Parkroyal Queenstown, Breakfast
Day 7, Sunday
Queenstown - Milford Sound - Queenstown
This morning we begin a spectacular drive from Queenstown to Fjordland National Park, where we embark on a midday 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). Parkroyal Queenstow, Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8, Monday
Queenstown - Christchurch
A flight brings us to Christchurch and we visit the Antartic Centre en route to our hotel, withfree time before dinner at a local restaurant. Parkroyal Christchurch, Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9, Tuesday
Christchurch - Auckland - USA or Canada
We fly to Auckland to board connecting flights to another destination or homeward. Breakfast, Lunch
Land Arrangements
| April - June | Balance of Year | 1997 Pricing | |
| Double occupancy | $2170 | $2470 | $2,390 |
| Single supplement | $815 | $815 | $835 |
| Internal Airfare | $345 | $345 | $321 |
| Airfare from West coast Economy Class from | $1078 | $950 |
| Depart | Return | Depart | Return | Depart | Return | ||
| Oct 21 | Oct 29 | Nov 4 | Nov 12 | Dec 16 | Dec 24 | ||
| 1997 Tour Dates | |||||||
| Jan 13 | Jan 21 | Apr 14 | Apr 22 | Oct 13 | Oct 21 | ||
| Feb 10 | Feb 18 | Jun 02 | Jun 10 | Nov 10 | Nov 18 | ||
| Mar 3 | Mar 11 | Sep 08 | Sep 16 | Dec 22 | Dec30 | ||
| 1998 Tour Dates | (new dates and prices may apply) | ||||||
| Jan 12 | Jan 20 | Feb 09 | Feb 17 | Mar 02 | Mar 10 |
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.