Naturally New Zealand 15 Days – North & South Islands From $5,899 per person
Designed to immerse you in the rich culture and stunning scenery,
Naturally New Zealand offers a wide range of truly authentic New
Zealand experiences that will have your heart singing!
Experience a cultural twilight walk with Māori guides through
ancient forest, Bay of Islands scenic flight, 4WD drive and tobogganing
on sand dunes or a private cruise and island stopover to walk and
picnic; a high country wilderness lodge stay including sheep shearing,
southern sky night walk and nature walks; a guided glacier walk; scenic
flight to Milford Sound and cruise on the fiords and a tour to the eco
rich corner of New Zealand – the Otago Peninsula including Penguins,
Albatross and Larnach Castle!
And don’t be surprised if your most memorable experiences are the
friendly New Zealand people you will meet while staying in fabulous
‘Guest and Hosted’ qualmarked properties - from lovingly restored villas and heritage homes, to wilderness lodges nestled in the mountains!
Day 1: Depart Los Angeles or San Francisco onAir New Zealand
Day 2:Cross the international dateline
Day 3: Arrival in Auckland You will arrive in Auckland early this morning. Transfer to central city
hotel - walking distance to the waterfront, enjoy a sail on an
America's Cup boat or ride the ferry to Waiheke Island for lunch at a
vineyard or to Rangitoto Island where you can walk to the top for
fabulous views back across the harbour to Auckland city.
Day 4: Auckland - Matakohe / Kauri Museum - Dargaville - Waipoua Forest This
morning your rental vehicle will be delivered to your hotel. Enjoy a
leisurely drive north to Waipoua. You may like to stop along the way
to visit the fascinating Kauri Museum in Matakohe. This stunning
museum tells the tales of the early settlers who came to fell the Kauri
giants, or dig for precious Kauri Gum. Allow at least 90 minutes for
this fascinating journey into times past.
Continuing north – you may elect to call into Baylys Beach (New
Zealands longest beach) for your first glimpse of the wild Tasman Sea.
Stop by the 'Funky Fish Cafe' for refreshments before arriving at your
accommodation, 'Waipoua Lodge' - nestled on a ridge overlooking the
9000 ha Waipoua Forest, the historic lodge and apartments are set in
landscaped gardens. Relax in the lodge by the fire, in the library, or
choose a soothing wine from the bar. Dinner (additional cost) offers
New Zealands best natural produce. Surrounded by deserted, pristine
beaches, clear lakes for trout and swimming, forests for hiking, bird
watching - Waipoua Lodge is the ideal location to explore this magical
area. Your host Nicole will welcome you and ensure you get
the most of your stay in this gorgeous area.
Day 5: Waipoua / Guided Twilight Encounter with Māori Guides in Waipoua Forest Today,
enjoy a wide range of sightseeing experiences from walks in the kauri
forests to the Kai Iwi Lakes for swimming, mountain biking, trout
fishing, kayaking; or a round of golf at Bayly's Beach, deserted white
sand beaches where seals rest, surfcasting, quad biking, horseriding,
woodturning or visit local art and craft galleries.
Early
evening offers you an 'Experience of a Lifetime' - as featured in
Lonely Planet’s publication: *Code Green: ‘Experiences of a Lifetime’.
Guided by the same stars that bought the Māori people to New Zealand
from Hawaiki, this tour is designed for visitors offering an intimate
encounter with the ‘giants’ of the forest. Using well maintained
walking tracks this 4-hour night experience visits the oldest and
largest known kauri trees in the world; Te Matua Ngahere and Tane
Mahuta, the Father and the Lord of the Forest. Let the night noises,
foreign environment, time, local Māori guides and ecological and
cultural interpretation (Māori story, song and instruments), awaken
your senses.
Day 6: Waipoua - Bay of Islands / Waitangi Treaty Grounds / Maori War Canoe
Today you will travel north, exiting the forest as the highway climbs
steeply to suddenly reveal the majestic beauty of the historic Hokianga
Harbour and views out to the stunning giant sand dunes. Heading inland
you will drive towards the Bay of Islands - a myriad of secluded
beaches, islands and a subtropical paradise. This afternoon you may
like to visit one of Northland's greatest icons, a place where, many
years ago, Maori and European came together to sign New Zealand's
founding document, “The Treaty of Waitangi”. Here you can also see a
Maori War Canoe, the Treaty House, a meeting house, all set in the
stunning Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Gardens or have us book a private
tour.
Your accommodation is Cliff Edge by the Sea, a luxuriously appointed 5
Star Boutique Lodge. Sitting on a promontory with perhaps the grandest
views over the Bay of Islands, Cliff Edge offers a harmonious
combination of relaxed elegant accommodation; professional
and personable from the heart service; million dollar views; and simply
the best in cooking with an innovative "mediterrasian"inspired cuisine
and excellent wines. Your hosts Peter and Glennis
Meier owned & operated Award winning 'Casuarina Restaurant and
Country Inn' in Australias Hunter Valley Wine Country for 19 years.
Day 7: Bay of Islands - Half Day Scenic Flight, 4WD & Tobogganning or Privately Guided Bay of Islands Highlights
Half Day Scenic Flight, 4WD and Tobogganing An unforgettable half day experience to Cape Reinga and Northland including a scenic flight and 4WD tour. Fly by fixed wing aircraft along the spectacular West Coast and land on a remote air strip. A comfortable 4WD awaits to whisk you away to explore Cape Reinga, New Zealand’s northern most point and where the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea collide. Next it’s off to the giant sand dunes for some fun tobogganing - enjoyed by all ages, followed by a spot of morning or afternoon tea on a remote sandy beach before your return flight back down the spectacular East Coast returning via the beautiful Bay of Islands. Get a bird's eye view of some of the most stunning coastal scenery New Zealand has to offer, most of which is inaccessible by road.
Privately Guided Bay of Islands Highlights Looking for a unique immersion into the Northland region during your New Zealand vacation? Schedule a day-tour with your own knowledgeable, local driver-guide so you can experience the Northland with a series of activities and stops tailored to suit your particular interests. This type of tour allows you flexibility in choosing from many insider experiences that would be diffucult to duplicate on your own. Your customized day will contain the activities that most interest you, and give you a local's perspective on this beautiful region.
Immerse yourself into the past with Russell Township sightseeing and history or a walk around the Waitangi Treaty House & Grounds; Learn the culinary side of this region with wine tasting, try New Zealanders favorite Hokey Pokey ice cream, a visit to a beef and sheep farm, cheese tasting, or an educational tour of a kiwifruit orchard; delve into the nature of the Northland with a walk in Puketi Kauri forest or a visit to a local orchid hothouse. There are many options to choose from. Meet your guide in the morning and plan an unforgettable day together. Your day includes private tour guide and transporation. Admissions and lunch at your cost.
Day 8: Bay of Islands - Auckland - Christchurch Today you will drive back to Auckland and connect with an early afternoon flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival you will collect your rental car and drive approx 90 minutes through the foothills of the Southern Alps to arrive at Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge, nestled in a spectacular mountain setting. Tonight you will enjoy a fabulous 3-course dinner. After dinner, subject to weather you may like to join the lodge guide for an easy after dinner walk to view the magnificent mountain night sky.
Day 9: Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass Early risers can join the lodge guide on a guided walk to listen to the dawn chorus of bellbirds, walk amongst ancient beech on a carpet of moss and discover dramatic mountain landscapes at first light. After breakfast you may like to take a map and choose one of the many self guided walks available or join a guided activity (additional cost) which can include a canoe safari, limestone castles and desert landscapes, alpine flowers and discovery walk and more. On one of the evenings of your stay (offered every 2 days) you have the opportunity to join watch the sheep dogs at work and have a go at blade shearing sheep. Your nature guides are experienced, knowledgeable and specialize in the wilderness environment. Enjoy another fabulous dinner and relaxing lodge evening.
Day 10: Arthur's Pass Wilderness Lodge - Fox Glacier Leaving the lodge your drive takes you through Arthur’s Pass, over the Otira Viaduct, and out towards the rugged West Coast of New Zealand. The contrast in scenery from one side of the Southern Alps to the other is immediately evident as you pass through lowland rainforest, wild beaches and the unspoilt nature. Stop in Hokitika, small town New Zealand where you can watch artisans working with the much prized ‘Pounamu’ (Greenstone) which is found in the nearby rivers. Wander the arts and crafts stores featuring fabulous glass, ceramics and paintings. From here it's a lovely drive along the coast before heading a little inland through the township of Franz Josef before arriving in the small town of Fox Glacier. This afternoon or early tomorrow morning you may like to take a stroll (90 mins) around Lake Matheson - New Zealand's most photographed lake.
Day 11: Fox Glacier Today you will join your guides for a half day guided glacier walk. If you are looking for something a little more exhilirating you may like to upgrade to the 'Heli Hike' which includes an exciting helicopter flight and glacier landing so you can explore the many ice caves. Either way, you will enjoy learning about New Zealand's unique glaciers from your guides and get up close and personal with this river of ice!
Day 12: Fox Glacier - Lake Wanaka Today is a very scenic drive down the West Coast, with many opportunities to stop and take photo's and break for short bush and waterfall walks before heading over the Haast Pass to arrive in Lake Wanaka - your base for the next three nights to explore the Southern Lakes Region (Arrowtown, Queenstown, Wanaka).
(Queenstown is approx 1hr 15mins drive from Wanaka)
Day 13: Wanaka / Scenic Flight to Miflord Sound and Cruise on the fiords The best scenic route to Milford Sound begins from Lake Wanaka and Makarora Valley. Take in huge chunks of Mt Aspiring and Fiordland World Heritage National Parks. Stunning vistas of rugged untouched wilderness, numerous glaciers, mountains, snow, ice, rivers, valleys and rainforest. Fly the full length of Milford Sound before landing and taking in the views from the water on a 1hr 45min scenic boat cruise. You will be back in Wanaka in time for an afternoon activity or simply time to kick back after a fabulous experience!
Day 14: Wanaka Free day to explore
Day 15: Wanaka - Dunedin (via Central Otago) Today offers a lovely 3.5hr drive through the golden heartland of Central Otago, an area of dramatic landscapes, breathtaking colour, abundant flavours and pioneer sprited people. In summer, stop by an orchard stall of succulent fruits, spring admire the first wildflowers, autumn the stunning shades of colour, and winter cross-country skiing. Learn about the Central Otago Gold Rush at the Cromwell and Alexandra Museums, see the Clyde dam, have lunch in historic Clyde town, stop in Alexandra for a wooden boat ride down the Clutha River and historic Roxburgh Gorge. Arrive early evening at your accommodation, a Dunedin Heritage Home.
Day 16: Dunedin / Otago Peninsula Experience / Penguins / Albatross and Larnach Castle Today you will be picked up from your accommodation in a Classic Jaquar. This full day private tour provides a private guide/driver who will share their extensive knowledge of the stunning Otago Peninsula with you. You will visit impressive Larnach Castle, along with an experience to see albatross and penguins.
Day 17: Dunedin - Auckland - Los Angeles or San Francisco Today
you will bid your friendly New Zealand accommodation hosts farewell and
drop your rental car at the airport before connecting to Auckland for
your international flight back to the USA.
Package includes:
International round trip airfare from Los Angeles or San Francisco to Auckland on Air New Zealand;
Domestic airfares within New Zealand on Air New Zealand;
14 nights accommodation at 4 and 5 Star Qualmark rated properties;
Twilight Encounter (voted one of 82 ‘Experiences of a Lifetime’ by Lonely Planet 2006);
Privately Guided Bay of Islands Highlights OR Scenic Flight, 4WD & Toboganning;
Wilderness Lodge Stay;
Southern Night Sky Walk;
Sheep Dogs and Sheep Shearing;
Half Day Guided Glacier Walk;
Scenic flight to Milford Sound and Scenic Cruise;
Otago Peninsula Private Tour to Larnach Castle; Albatross, Penguins and Seals
This itinerary can be customized to suit.
Not Included:
Optional sightseeing experiences;
Meals (unless specified);
Travel Insurance;
Fuel Surcharges and Airline Taxes of up to $310 per person (subject to change without notice)
Auckland Harbor
Tane Mahuta
Waipoua Lodge
Dining al fresco
Fun in the sand dunes!
Moturua Island
Maori Meeting House - Waitangi
Wilderness Lodge Arthur's Pass
Hikers on Fox Glacier
Rippon Vineyard
Wine and cheese platter
Milford Sound
Larnach Castle
Albatross
"What a wonderful trip! The areas we visited were so different from each other and each beautiful. The tours were all wonderful and accomodations were outstanding (we felt pampered). This was a trip of a lifetime for us - thank you, thank you!" -- S. Bourn, CO - Feb 07 Read full testimonial
