Nov 14

Fly from Los Angeles to Auckland.  (We lose a day crossing International Dateline, but gain it upon return home.)  

Nov 16

Welcome to sparkling Auckland.  This city is sprawled across an isthmus.  It envelops 40 extinct volcanoes that form lush green hills overlooking the harbor.  Sailing is almost a birthright here.  The “City of Sails” has the highest per capita of boats in the world.  It has a flourishing cultural life.  More Polynesians live here than in the entire Pacific Islands. 

 On airport arrival we are met by our guide and transferred to the President Hotel.  It’s in the absolute center of the city on Victoria St. near the fun Sky Tower.  Enjoy an orientation tour by coach to view the major landmarks.  This evening is a Harbor Dinner Cruise.  From the base of the Maritime Museum, we board the “Pride of Auckland” a 50’ mono-hull yacht to sail Hauraki Gulf.    The emphasis is on participation with hands-on sailing.  Enjoy a gourmet meal and bar service onboard.  You’ll get great photos of the city’s skyline.  President Hotel

Nov 17

We intentionally added a free day here to allow you to regain your energy after the long flight and explore on your own.  Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city and there are countless choices of things to do.  Near our hotel, shop Queen Street, the Victorian Park Market or do the “Sky Jump” off the 1000’ Sky Tower. 

 Visit some fine museums, the zoo and Botanical Gardens.  You can easily book a tour like a Whale & Dolphin cruise or Bush & Beach tour to the coast.  For hot air balloons see www.balloonsafaris.co.nz  Auckland comes alive with a vibrant nightlife and most venues are near our hotel.  President Hotel

Nov 18

After an early breakfast we travel overland by private coach through New Zealand’s countryside to Waitomo, known for its glow worms.  Time for some ripping fun tubing in Tumu Tumu Caves.  The tour combines the best elements of blackwater rafting with walking, climbing and swimming in the underground lake. See awesome cave formations and the unique glow worms native only to this country.  The trip is moderately challenging and fully rewarding.   

Continue on to bubbling Rotorura.  Check into Distinction Hotel with superior rooms, spa and pool.  Rotorura sits on a thermal belt.  The steamy town is a geothermal spectacle of swirling mud pools and erupting geysers.  (I recently read about a family here who had one spout through their living room.)  You’ll be welcomed first by the unique sulfur smell in this spa town.  Since 1840, visitors have flocked here for natural therapeutic treatments.  There is also a wealth of Maori culture and art here.  This is home to 1/3 of New Zealand’s indigenous Maori. 

This evening we visit Polynesian Lake Spa recently noted in Conde Nast.  Relax in thermal waters.  In the adult section, you’ll have a choice of 7 pools fed by radium hot springs to marinate in.  The setting on Lake Rotorura is beautiful.  Spa treatments and mud baths also available.  Distinction Hotel

Nov 19

 This morning visit the Agrodome for a farm show and sheep shearing.  This is a working station of 12 cattle, 1200 sheep, ostriches, alpaca and more.  See 19 breeds of rare sheep that are each represented by a champion ram.  Listen to the fast paced auction with audience participation.  The sheep herding dogs are amazing to watch.  You may have the chance to bottle feed baby lambs and ride a bull.  The show is entertaining and educational insight into this country’s farming history from dairy to the wool industry.   

You’ll have free time for lunch and some adrenaline pumping activities if you choose.  There is a Freefall Xtrme here, the Southern Hemisphere’s only free-fall skydive simulator or the Zorb, a downhill run inside a clear 32m Zorb ball.  (Our last group loved this.) 

 Later we visit Rainbow Springs, a showcase park of New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. Set in lush gardens are crystal clear springs and streams teeming with wild trout.  See thousands of Rainbow, Brown and Tiger trout.  In the aviary, view the endangered kiwi birds.  Learn about their conservation in the Kiwi Recovery Program here.  Also see reptiles and nearly extinct lizards.

 Tonight you may want to opt for a Maori Hangi and Concert at our hotel or in Maori Village.  See how food is prepared the ancient way beneath rocks in the ground and sacred performances of song and dance.  Distinction Hotel  

Nov 20

Transfer to airport for flight to Christchurch, a graceful city set in the Canterbury Plains.  It is called the “Garden City” for its expansive parks.  I call it Little Oxford.  Founded in 1850 as an English colony, it is a picturesque mix of old and new.  The architecture still reflects the culture of its European immigrants.  After an orientation tour of city sites, we embark for punting down the Avon River.  Drift along in a shallow boat propelled by a pole through the English city’s parks, gardens and neighborhoods. 

Later it’s easy to explore on foot or by the tram that covers 8 blocks.  See Christchurch Cathedral and climb the spire for a view. Visit Canterbury Museum which has Antarctic exhibits.  Or just stroll the outdoor cafes, boutiques and art galleries.  Christchurch is known for its gardens, hot air ballooning and many festivals. 

Overnight in Rydges Hotel, in heart of the city with panoramic views of the Southern Alps.  Rydges Hotel

Nov 21

This morning we coach to exciting Queenstown.  Check into the A Line Hotel, close to the action of the town center, yet elevated in the alpine mountains with views of Lake Wakatipu.  Queenstown is the “adventure capital” with scores of well equipped tour operators to organize any activity of high energy fun.  It is the home of the world’s first bungy jump.  You can see the site at Kawarau Bridge that has since hosted over 350,000 jumps.

This afternoon, enjoy what I believe is the world’s most exciting jet boat ride.  We embark our boats on the Shotover River with its rapids and steep rock walls.  Fly over shallow waters navigating huge boulders and deep rushing waters.  Our Xtreme jet boats will perform 360° pirouette turns within inches of canyon walls.  It is ballistic fun you won’t forget.

Later explore the town.  There are spas, casinos, pubs and great shops along the waterfront.  A Line Hotel

Nov 22

After breakfast we head by gondola up Bobs Peak high above Queenstown for the Skyline Luge Run.   Step into a racy red luge car to hurtle down the mountain.  Test your driving skills on hair pin turns and pause to admire the alpine scenery along the way.  It’s the fastest fun on wheels.  A Line Hotel

 This afternoon we offer 3 optional guided tours.  You may choose one that suits your desires.

 “Lord of the Rings Safari” - For Rings fans, this tour “takes you There and Back”.  Retrace the steps of Frodo, elves, hobbits and wizards through stunning landscapes of Glenarchy along the Dart River.  (Film sites include:  Isengrad, Paradise , Forest of Lothlorien, Mt. Earnslaw, Ithlien and more.)  Tour also covers movie locations of the Xmen, Chronicles of Narnia, Wolverine and Prince Caspian.  $126

“Frogz” – A new watersport to challenge your spirit.  You’ll gear up for white water sledging behind jet boats.  $110

“Queenstown Wine Trail” – A fun and personal visit to vineyards in NZ foremost wine regions.  Central Otago region has become well known for its Pinot Noir.  Also:  Riesling, Chardonnay, Savignon Blanc.  For first time wine tasters or connoisseurs, this is an in-depth introduction to 4 Queenstown wineries and an underground wine cave tour.  Tastings included at each winery.  $89

Nov 23

Milford Sound and BBQ Bus.  Travel south into Fiordland National Park through different alpine zones of the Remarkables mountain range.  Here is a breathtaking 10 mile inlet of majestic fiords.  Enjoy a boat cruise through the quiet beauty of the sound.  See waterfalls cascading from cliffs rising to 4000’.   Metre Peak, the 5560’ pinnacle is the centerpiece.  Its reflection mirrored on Lake Wakatipu make this one of the world’s most photographed sites.

Stop for lunch at Cascade Creek in Gertrude Valley.  Your driver-guide don’s an apron and cooks the BBQ.  You have the opportunity for an alpine bush walk then to experience the forest up close.  Along the water, keep your eyes peeled for fur seals and bottlenose dolphins.  In November, the crested penguins nest here before leaving for Antarctica.  The entire day is a Kodak moment.   A Line Hotel

Nov 24

Transfer to airport for flight home.  Arrive same day.