New Zealand Travel Itinerary

Tuesday,

Air New Zealand flight 5 from Los Angeles to Auckland leaving at 7:30pm and arriving at 5:25am on

Thursday,

Hertz New Zealand, midsize. 3-6d airport/ferry pickup

Seafields -  Garden Studio, 1 Double

Seafields luxury waterfront accommodation is a semi rural retreat nestled amongst beautiful landscaped gardens on the shores of the Hauraki Gulf at Whitford, just 20 minutes from Auckland’s International Airport and 30 minutes from Auckland city, by car or by ferry from nearby Pine Harbour Marina, Beachlands.

The luxurious ambience of Seafields provides the ideal coastal retreat to immerse yourself in the beauty of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf offering magnificent uninterrupted sea views overlooking boats moored in our channel and beyond to islands of the Gulf.

Bask in the infinity swimming pool that blends seamlessly with the sea and let your body rejuvenate, unwind in pampered comfort whilst enjoying glorious sea views, fragrant abundant native plant life and the gentle caress of sea air.

Friday,

Black Water Rafting, Black Labyrinth - 3 Hour Rafting Tour

The Black Labyrinth is styled on The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company’s original classic adventure that made the company internationally famous! Weave, jump and float through the glowworm flecked underworld of Ruakuri Cave. This popular tour takes approximately three hours with one hour underground, and involves a combination of walking and floating on an inner tube through a unique underground river system.

As you prepare for your adventure your professional guide will ensure you are properly equipped and will teach you some fun techniques before you climb down into nature’s underground network for an enjoyable cave tubing experience of a lifetime. Streams spill, twist, turn and join to build a river canyon. Glide with the water as it drops down the ‘hidden’ waterfall and tumbles down rocky chutes before sliding through vaulted limestone galleries to finally emerge into the dazzling green Waitomo Forest.

Prepare to be amazed at the naturally occurring decorations within the cave including stalactites and stalagmites, your enthusiastic guide will happily share their knowledge on all aspects concerning Cave Formations and cave life. This exhilarating journey also provides a spectacular visual display of glowworms.

At the end of your caving experience return to Black Water HQ for a complimentary hot shower, hearty soup and a legendary Black Water bagel before visiting the internationally acclaimed Waitomo Cave Museum using the free ticket provided with your Black Labyrinth tour.

Tour Includes: use of equipment such as tubes, wetsuits, boots and helmets; however, you will need to bring your own swimwear, a towel and a sense of adventure!

Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay, Rotorua -  Lake View Room, 1 Double

Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotoiti, the Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay Rotorua is known for its idyllic setting and superb facilities. Well-appointed rooms offer stunning views over the lake or surrounding garden. The hotel is fully equipped to make your stay pleasurable including a pool, tennis court and private beach. Conveniently located close to the major attractions of Rotorua, the magnificent surrounds provide the perfect setting for a getaway.

Saturday,

Helipro Rotorua, White Island Landing - Direct

Experience the thrill of exploring an active Volcano. Flying east take in views of the lakes, forest and the volcanic fault line. On landing, take a one hour trek up to the crater through remains of sulphur works, boiling water, crystallized sulphur and much more. On the return flight watch dolphins and school fish on the surface. Tour Duration: Approximately 3 hours.

Te Puia, Te Po - Evening experience (Hangi Dinner)

Begin your evening at Te Puia in Te Heketanga-a-Rangi (The Heavenly Origins). Hear the stories of the past and learn how these traditions live on today. Visitors will then be asked to assemble at the waharoa (gateway) of the fully carved traditional marae. Once assembled, the rituals associated with this encounter will be explained to you and a chief will be selected from within your group. You are about to experience an authentic Mâori welcome.

Following the formal elements of this ceremony you can relax and enjoy the beautiful waiata (songs), the world renowned haka (challenge), and the elegant poi dance. You will then be invited to participate alongside the group and learn some of the customs from the past including musical instruments, haka, poi and weaponry. The dining experience is a culinary opportunity like no other. The range of traditional and indigenous-inspired foods have been designed to create a memorable cultural experience. Enjoy an exclusive guided tour of the valley with one of Te Puia's world renowned guides.

As part of the tour you will visit New Zealand's national carving and weaving schools and witness these disciplines in practice, under the guidance of the full-time master carvers and weavers. You will visit the award winning interactive galleries, see a kiwi bird up close, and most importantly, hear stories as told by the descendants of the valley.

Sunday,

Air New Zealand flight 8585 from Rotorua to Wellington leaves at 9:50am and arrives at 10:55am

Air New Zealand flight 8147 from Wellington to Nelson leaves at 12:40pm and arrives at 1:15pm

Hertz New Zealand, midsize. 7-13d airport/ferry pickup

Cambria House -  Luxury Room, 1 Double

Cambria House luxury bed and breakfast is a beautifully restored homestead with seven individually furnished rooms (all with ensuites), private guest living and dining rooms, a large sunny deck and established gardens. Cambria House is ideally suited for a comfortable stay only five minutes walk from the centre of Nelson city with its renowned arts and crafts, excellent cafés and restaurants. Breakfast can be served around the large wooden dining room table, alfresco on the deck or in the privacy of your room. Every effort is made to use local produce.

Monday,

Wilson's Abel Tasman, 1 Day Cruise & Walk - The Great Day Out ex Nelson

Take the coach from Nelson or Motueka to Kaiteriteri for the 9.30am Vista Cruise departure. Cruise the length of the spectacular Abel Tasman coastline to Totaranui, viewing the fascinating Seal Colony at Tonga Island Marine Reserve along the way.

Return to the golden expanse of Anchorage Beach to walk 3hrs 30mins along the easiest section of the coast track, with spectacular views over Tasman Bay. The track winds through sunny Kanuka forest with hidden fern grottos and crystal mountain streams.

Inclusions: Coach to Kaiteriteri ex Nelson, cruise to Totaranui and return, walk 3h3m to Marahau, and coach ex Marahau to Nelson. Meals not included.

Tuesday,

Punakaiki Resort -  Luxury Eco Room, 1 Double

The Punakaiki Rocks Hotel & Villas is a modern, award-winning hotel complex, architecturally designed to harmonize with the local environment.  The complex offers a magnificent oceanfront location, with spectacular views of wild West Coast beaches.

Nestled into the foothills of the Paparoa National Park, all rooms have rainforest and/or ocean views. The complex is the nearest accommodation to the famous Punakaiki pancake rocks and blowholes (just a short walk from the hotel).  Beach and river walks, guided walks into the Paparoa National Park, caving, horse treks, gentle river kayaking, and local arts/crafts are all available within minutes of the hotel.

Wednesday,

Te Waonui Forest Retreat -  Deluxe Room D,B&B, 1 Double

Te Waonui Forest Retreat is at the cutting edge of sustainable, luxury accommodation. Great care has been taken to not only respect and preserve the environment around the hotel, but to celebrate and embrace the rainforest within the hotel’s design.

Every aspect of Te Waonui Forest Retreat has been crafted to an impeccable standard. Your comfort is a top priority, with luxuriously appointed rooms where you can rest on soft woollen underlays and beneath plush down and wool duvets. The energy efficient rooms feature double-glazing and deluxe soundproofing technology. In the appropriately named Canopy Restaurant guests will enjoy sumptuous meals with the freshest West Coast and South Island produce presented in a five-course degustation menu

Thursday,

The Helicopter Line, 1/2 Day Franz Josef Glacier Heli-hike

Your Heli Hike departs from The Helicopter Line's Franz Josef Glacier base, situated on the main road of Franz Josef Glacier.

The rugged West Coast is hemmed between the Tasman Sea and the imposing Southern Alps, making for spectacular contrasts in the surrounding scenery. Franz Josef Glacier, found in the stunning Westland National Park, is one of the most spectacular glaciers in this region.

Combine an awesome scenic helicopter flight over the glacier with a unique guided walk amongst the ice caves, pinnacles and seracs of this pristine, alpine environment. You'll see the extraordinary colors of the ice-flow from above and then up close, on an unforgettable guided walk.

Friday,

Sofitel Queenstown -  Deluxe Lakeview Room, 1 Double

Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of the city, just 15 minutes drive from the airport and 20 minutes from Coronet Peak ski fields. The hotel features luxury rooms and suites, most offering private balconies with either mountain or lake views. All rooms are equipped with LCD television, CD and DVD player, espresso machine, wireless LAN and an additional LCD television in the bathroom. Sofitel Queenstown also has a day spa, business lounge, library, conference area, bar and restaurant.

Saturday,

Over The Top - The Helicopter Company, Milford & Fiordland Highlights - 2 pax

New Zealand's climate is dominated by two main geographical features, the mountains and the sea. Visit both on the highlights excursion as you view alpine lakes, rivers, forests, glacial valleys and ice capped mountains. Fly over the fiord, land on a remote west coast beach and an a;pline glacier. The versatility of the helicopter is admirably suited to this diverse terrain ensuring enhanced visibility in this incredible landscape.

2.5 hours

Sunday,

The Hermitage Aoraki Mount Cook -  Premium Plus Room, 1 Double

Nestled beneath the towering peaks of the mighty Southern Alps, The Hermitage is a gateway to an extraordinary alpine wonderland, the Mount Cook (Aoraki) National Park, a World Heritage Park. This world-renowned tourist destination has been an icon of superior accommodation and dining since 1884. The hotel is open year round and features well-appointed rooms and luxurious facilities. The Hermitage boasts restaurants, a lounge bar, a coffee shop, post office, and gift shop. 

Monday,

Glacier Explorers Cruise - Mount Cook

An up close amazing encounter with icebergs, on a glacial terminal lake. Depart from Mount Cook Village outside The Hermitage Hotel. The bus will take you on a pleasant trip to the Tasman Valley, followed by an easy 1/2hr stroll through the National Park.
Then board your MAC boat, and enjoy the ever changing ice face of theTasman Glacier icebergs on the Tasman Glacier Terminal Lake. Commentary throughout the trip by your experienced guide.

The Charlotte Jane, Christchurch -  Honeymoon Suite B&B, 1 Double

Originally built in 1891, this former grand Victorian residence and private girls’ school has been transformed into a boutique hotel. Guests are offered elegant and luxurious accommodation with excellent service and comfort. Rooms have a sense of indulgence featuring a double spa bath, and French doors overlooking the garden.

Your stay includes a gourmet breakfast, complimentary port or sherry in the evenings, and a selection of teas and coffee throughout the day. Located at the hotel, The Alexander Lawrence restaurant is regarded as one of Christchurch’s finest and offers seasonal New Zealand produce. A beautiful garden, blending native trees with rhododendrons and roses, frames this Merivale landmark, located within strolling distance from the center of Christchurch.

 Tuesday

Air New Zealand flight 556 from Christchurch to Auckland leaves at 2:30pm and arrives at 3:50pm

Air New Zealand flight 6 from Auckland to Los Angeles leaves at 7:15pm and arrives at 10:15am

~ End of Travel Arrangements ~