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luxury New Zealand Tours
14 Day - Traditional Highlights Tour - Nationwide
Auckland to Christchurch We are happy to offer you what we consider a very exciting and diverse trip to New Zealand. You will see all the highlights of this country and visit the best known locations.
You stay in the city centre of all main tourist destinations and also experenience some beautiful remote stays and lodges. Relax at a special dinner cruise in the City of Sails and enjoy a taste of some of the best wines in the world. See the world famous glow-worms, get educated in our Maori history. Hike though the hot steams of our geothermal areas. Walk through pristine rainforest and close to crystal clear waterfalls and see stunning alpine country. Land with a helicopter on the unique West Coast glaciers and experience an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Cruise through the magnificent world of our Fiordland National Park. You will enjoy with us a private and friendly journey and an authentic New Zealand experience!
All tours are private, depart daily, and can be customized to suit individual interests and schedules. Please contact us at info@arohatours.co.nz or 0064-21-890611 for more information about our luxury New Zealand tours.
Day 1: Auckland City (Sailing-dinner cruise in Auckland Harbour)
You will be met on arrival at Auckland International Airport by your Aroha NZ Tours Representative, and transferred to your accommodation in our luxurious vehicle. (Early flight) Your 14 Day Tour starts with a relaxing sightseeing tour of Auckland, a chance to explore the CBD and outer area's of the city, taking in the spectacular harbour views of the Waitemata from Auckland's illustrious waterfront, and through some of the most expensive real estate in NZ. You will also have the opportunity to stop off and visit one of Auckland's most prestigious shopping areas 'Parnell Historical Village', from 'Parnell Historical Village' your tour continues on to the summit of Mt Eden one of 48 dormant volcanoes situated in and around Auckland, from the summit of Mt Eden you can take in a stunning 360 degree view of Auckland city and it's surrounding harbours. From Mt Eden your tour continues out to the magnificent west coast famous in New Zealand for its unique black sand coastline, and native bush surroundings set in one of Auckland's many regional parks. Auckland is known as the City of Sails! Watch the fairy-tale lights of Auckland city pass while dinning and cruising the Auckland Harbour. If you still not tired that visit the nearby Viaduct Basin and its many lively bars. Accommodation: Auckland City,
Day 2: Auckland–Waitomo Caves (Glow-worms and farm-stay) driving distance 2h
Relax in the Inner-city in the morning. Before midday we travel further south through the lush green rural farm land of the Waikato region. The rich and fertile pastoral land of the Waikato is one of New Zealand’s major dairy producing and horse breeding areas, and host to incalculable stands of exotic timber. One of the major attractions of the Waikato/King Country region are the famous Waitomo Caves (translation: 'where the water disappears into a hole in the ground'). The caves are perhaps one of the finest natural attractions in the country, with their vast unique caverns and eerie stalactite and stalagmite formations home to the thousands and thousands of glow-worms. Accommodation: Waitomo Farm-stay, inclusive dinner
Day 3: Waitomo-Rotorua (Agrodom Sheep-show and Hells gate hot pools) driving distance 2h
As you depart Waitomo your tour will take you through the Central North Island region of the Bay of Plenty. Your tour arrives in the geothermal capital of Rotorua in the midday. First join others at the world famous Agrodome Sheep show. During the show the audience will see nineteen sheep breeds introduced onto the stage, the art of sheep shearing, sheepdog demonstrations, cow milking, bottle feed lambs and an exciting sheep auction. The unique geothermal muds and waters of Rotorua are renown for their curative and invigorating properties—and this is particularly so at “Hells Gate” - Rotorua’s most active thermal park. Enjoy a relaxing spa or swim in the mud pools. Take a rejuvenation massage or facial provided by local Maoris in their traditional Miri Miri way. Accommodation: Rotorua
Highly recommnended: In the afternoon we can arranged a helicopter flight and landing on an active volcano “White Island (optional and extra charge). Situated 50 kilometres offshore, this active island volcano constantly emits a cloud of steam and periodically erupts to a greater extent expelling volcanic ash several thousand metres into the atmosphere. (This is the most active volcano in New Zealand) The main vent is below sea level and protected by crater walls. You can walk right inside its main crater just above sea level with a minimum of physical effort and without undue risk. This allows you to experience at first hand nature's immense power as gas and steam burst up from far below the Earth's crust. An adventure tour you will not forget for a long time. (optional and extra charge). Accommodation: Rotorua
Day 4: Rotorua–Taupo (Maori cultural show, geothermal areas, Huka Falls and dinner/cruise on lake) driving distance 1h
Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and hot bubbling mud pools is the Living Maori village of Whakarewarewa situated in Rotorua, the heart of the North Island. Discover our unique lifestyle and traditions. Join a guided tour and see the wonders of Mother Nature and learn how we have come to live in harmony within this unique environment. Prepare your own Hangi Meal and making your own rourou (food basket) or place mat. After the cultural performance, lift your hangi meal from the steam vents and enjoy your meal. From here you will also see the world famous Pohutu Geyser, the largest such geyser in the Southern hemisphere. Following on from this you take another journey through a world of unique thermal formations at Waitapu Thermal Wonderland. View the fascinating 'Champagne Pool' and experience the panorama of vividly colourful hot and cold pools, steaming fumaroles and hot boiling mud pools. We continue through the Waikato region, one of New Zealand's greenest places, and richest agricultural regions. You will pass land with lush grass for raising cattle, thoroughbred horses and vast stands of exotic timber. Today we stay at Lake Taupo, the largest Lake in this country on the way we stop at the Huka Falls - these spectacular falls roar through a 15-m wide chasm before plunging a further 11-m. For dinner we have organised a boat cruise on Lake Taupo, where you can just relax or catch one of the many rainbow trouts for your evening meal. Accommodation: Lake Taupo
Day 5: Taupo–Napier (Art Deco city and Gannet reserve) driving distance 2h
Departing from Taupo you pass through the rugged mountains and native forests. Arriving in the coastal settlement of Waiora we make a brief stop, before continuing on along the coastal East Cape to the twin-city of Napier. Napier today is known for the inner city’s Art Deco Architecture, which was created after a devastating earthquake in 1931. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring a region that hosts some of the finest wine growing areas in the world where no doubt you will be tempted to sample just some of the world-renowned New Zealand wine brands exported from the Hawkes Bay each year. The Cape Kidnapper Gannet Reserve is rare in ornithological circles as it contains the largest and most accessible mainland gannet colony in the world. By this very rarity, you will visit the reserve and experience for themselves the gannets in their natural environment. Accommodation: Hawkes Bay
Day 6: Hawkes Bay/Napier-Wellington (Te Papa museum) driving distance 3h
As you depart the Hawkes Bay your tour takes you through the Norwegian and Danish settlements of Norsewood and Dannevirke into the rural regions of the Manawatu, before encroaching on New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington. Spend the afternoon strolling around the many shops and galleries the city has to offer. Visit the “Te Papa History Museum”, the largest natural history museum in the country, another suggested visit is the “Embassy Theatre” which recently hosted the world premier of the third Lord Of The Rings trilogy” The Return of the Kings”, climb aboard the famous Wellington Cable Car which takes you up the steep terraced divide to the luxuriant Botanic Gardens which allows you an overall 360 degree view of Wellington city. A must for all visitors is a visit to New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings, where you can take a 1-hour tour of the hub of New Zealand’s political arena, as you depart the beautiful government grounds be prepared to stop and watch the buzz around “The Beehive”. Accommodation: Wellington City
Day 7: Wellington-Marlborough Sounds-Kaikoura (Wine tour and Whale-watch) ferry 3h, driving distance 2h
We board a ferry to cross the Cook Strait encounter a glorious world as the ferry enters the Marlborough Sounds, from the Tory Channel into the Queen Charlotte Sound. You will discover a region of myriad inlets and bay's with dramatic hills that plunge steeply into the sea. From Picton, we enter the sun-drenched wine region, New Zealand’s pre-eminent grape-growing area. Here you can taste some of the country’s best wines and visit wineries world famous for their Sauvignon Blanc’s and Chardonnays. Leaving the wine area you travel along the East Coast of New Zealand. We pass over the arid. Rolling foothills of South Marlborough, we drop down to the dramatic Pacific Coastline. By midday we reach the small seaside town of Kaikoura which is nestled on a rugged peninsula on the East Coast and is backed by the breathtaking Seaward Kaikoura Ranges. A spectacular marine playground exists off the coast of Kaikoura; - living in this environment is the mighty Sperm Whale. Join a whale watching cruise at the beautiful coastline of the South Island. (This excursion is subject to weather and lighting conditions –optional and extra charges). Fur seals, once almost hunted to extinction are now plentiful here, resting on warm rocks after a nights fishing. Walk among these creatures at this unique beach and watch our native Seabirds, also enjoying the rich sea harvest. Accommodation: Kaikoura
Day 8: Kaikoura – Arthur Pass (Alpine road-Wilderness lodge) driving distance 2 h
From Kaikoura we take you through the scenic alpine scenery through North Canterbury. From your window you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains and farmland, followed by the spectacular gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Your car then climbs to the scenic untouched areas of the Southern Alps, the Arthurs Pass. Today you will discover wild nature in a spectacular mountain setting and experience life on a 2,400 hectare nature reserve and high country merino sheep station. Walk from your room into a natural paradise of beech forest, tussock clearings, moss-lined streams and lakes. A naturalist guides will help you learn about high country life and explore nature in this special place the first Maori visitors called "Te Ko Awa a Aniwaniwa - Valley of the Mother of the Rainbows." Join a canoe trip in a safe and stable canoe on lovely Lake Pearson or Lake Sarah to look for Crested Grebe, Scaup, Paradise Ducks and other wetland birds. Accommodation: Arthur Pass, Wilderness Lodge, inclusive dinner
Day 9: Arthur Pass -Pancake Rocks-Hokitika-Franz Josef/Fox Glacier (Helicopter flight/landing) driving distance 3h
Your day has an interesting flavour of mountains, and native flora and fauna, as you travel through the rugged terrain that divides the east from the west. Upon reaching Reefton your tour then takes you south toward to Greymouth, the northern gateway to the 'Wild West'. From Westport your journey winds its way through the western slopes of the West Coast which displays a series magnificent mountain ranges, and native New Zealand vegetation. We stop and stay at Punakaki the jewel of the West Coast, Punakaiki is world renown for its pancake rock formation and blowholes. Walk with us along some of the stunning and remote beach treks, though a dense rainforest with Nikau Palms and large ferns. We follow the winding road along one of the most stunning coastal drives in the country. Pass the township of Greymouth and Hokitika; known both for gold and coal mining in New Zealand. The mountains in this area are a source for jade, or greenstone, important in Maori history as material for jewellery, tools and weaponry. Galleries here offer you the chance to view this beautiful stone and gold crafts. We take a leisurely and scenic drive to the famous glacier region, which make a dramatic approach to the sea. Your day’s itinerary will end in the tiny settlement of Franz Josef. One of the best ways to appreciate the glaciers size and features and blue ice crevasses is by air. From here you can hire a helicopter to take a scenic flight over this spectacular scenery. Accommodation: Fox Glacier
Day 10: Franz Josef Glacier-Haast-Mt Aspiring National Park-Queenstown (Rainforest walk to remote water-falls) driving distance 5h
This day gives you the opportunity to view two major glaciers Franz Josef Glacier and Fox Glacier; it also takes you through the South Westland region to one of our World Heritage Parks. Your guide will take you on a walk/trek that will take you to the bottom of Fox Glaciers. Both Glaciers are located 25 km from each other and are unique in the world as they seem to nearly reach the ocean Mt Aspiring National Park this area is a vast, glacial sculpted wilderness. Or decide to visit nearby Lake Matheson. The forested path skirts the shores of the mist-shrouded lake and on a clear day, New Zealand’s highest peaks are spectacularly reflected in the mirror-like waters. As you exit Mt Aspiring National Park you will travel through what is known as 'The Neck' a formation of land that separates two of our great South Island lakes Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka, a short stopover in Lake Wanaka before continuing on across the Crown Range to Queenstown. We take you on a tour into the surrounding areas to Arthur's Point it's on to Coronet Peak for more spectacular views of Queenstown. We will take you to your accommodation in Queenstown from where you can take the opportunity to explore the village area. Accommodation: Queenstown
Day 11: Queenstown (Chinese settlement,Shotover jet boat and AJ Hacket bungy jump)
Your day’s itinerary will lead you to some of the most interesting adventures Queenstown has to offer, your first stop is Arthurs point, home of the Shotover Jet Boat Company, here you can experience (optional and extra charge) one of New Zealand’s most exciting adventure rides Jet Boating on the Shotover River (this is a safe excursion for both children and adults). We take you to your next stop in Arrowtown, a historic colonial village that takes you back into the Gold Mining days of the Otago region. From there you can encounter encounter which is widely regarded as a safe spectator attraction the famous Kawarau Gorge Bungy Jumping exhibition (this is free for spectators, however, if you desire to make a jump the charge is additional to your tour package). From Kawarau Gorge you return to Queenstown where you can take the opportunity to explore the village area. Because they are so many things to do in Queenstown, to cater to your diverse interests, we have left the afternoon free for you to pick and choose whatever optional activities you desire. Your guide can arrange and advise you on all the options, if you a thrill seeker and you want to go skydiving or if you just like to walk beautiful treks. Later in the evening, a special dinner itinerary can been arranged high above Queenstown where you can enjoy the scenery of Lake Wakitipu, and the spectacular Remarkables mountain range from the Skyline Restaurant. Accommodation: Queenstown
Day 12: Queenstown-Milford Sound-Fiordland National Park (Cruise in Fiordland National Park) driving distance 6h
We are heading for the spectacular Milford Sound, described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world” which was carved out during successive ice ages and, at its deepest point off Mitre Peak, plunges to a depth of 265 meters. The awesome splendour of this region is unsurpassed anywhere else in the World, a daring claim in a country which offers extraordinary beauty around every corner. Getting there is half of the experience; we take you through the Fiordland National Park, pass staggeringly beautiful valleys, lakes and creeks. If the time allows we will stop at the” Mirror Lakes”, before entering the narrow and dark 1km long Homer Tunnel. We take you on a day cruise into the magnificent wonder-world of the Milford Sound. You may encounter Kea’s, New Zealand’s cheeky alpine parrots and we stop and explore some of nature’s wonders on the way. At Milford we board a vessel and cruise on the Fiord through sheer cliffs covered with vegetation that plunges into the sea. View the Bowen Falls, hurtling 165 meters into the sea, and the Stirling Falls further down the sound, set amidst the towering cliffs and dwarfed by Mitre Peak. On the way back we take a board walk into the “Chasm” to see surreal, water-hewn rock sculptures. (We highly recommend a flight, cruise and drive excursion into the Milford Sound) Accommodation: Te Anau
Day 13: Te Anau – Dunedin (Larnach Castle and Royal Albatross Colonie) driving distance 4h
From the Fiordland National Park the guide will take you back North to the East Coast and the town of Dunedin. The splendour of many of its public buildings reflects Dunedin's economic and cultural pre-eminence in Victorian New Zealand. Today, Dunedin has a rightly deserved reputation as one of the best preserved Victorian and Edwardian cities in the Southern Hemisphere. High among the rolling hills of the Peninsula is Larnach Castle , the grand home of an early politician. Visit its historic-style garden which can be reached via the high road along the Peninsula's ridge. From here, views out to sea and back towards the city emphasise the singular beauty of Dunedin and its jewel-like harbour. Drive further to the tip of the Otago Peninsula is Taiaroa Heads, about forty minutes from the city centre. The magnificent Royal Albatross, a huge sea bird of mythology, soars above the rugged cliffs. Take a guided tour of the only mainland nesting colony of the Royal Albatross in the world. Accommodation: Dunedin
Day 14: Dunedin - Christchurch (Moeraki Boulders -Historical Omaru ) driving distance 4h
We stop over at the facinating Moeraki Boulders. The Moeraki Boulders are huge spherical stones that are scattered over the sandy beaches, but they are not like ordinary round boulders that have been shaped by rivers and pounding seas. From there we take you further to the white sandstone town of Oamaru. The main Town of North Otago is a pretty town and the best-preserved collection of historic and commercial buildings in New Zealand. To the east lie the coastal climes of Timaru while, to the west, Mackenzie Country accounts for a large percent of New Zealand’s sheep population. In the lat afternoon will be transferred from your accommodation to the main City in the South Island Christchurch. Here you will have the opportunity to spend some time is this very English influenced city with the old Cathedral and the Victorian stone buildings. Walk the inner City with the many shops and get that one last present for your friends and family, dine at some of the local restaurants and bars, visit the Arts Centre and take a relaxing walk through the Botanical gardens. Accommodation: Christchurch
Day 15: Christchurch City-departure airport (Botanical Gardens)
Christchurch is called the garden city. Relax in the morning or stroll through the nearby Botanical gardens.
Your driver will take you to your departing/connecting flight at the airport!
We are happy to offer you what we consider a very exciting and diverse trip to New Zealand. You will see the highlights of this country and experience remote and very special places.
Prices:
We are specialized in custom made tours for the desiring traveler. Each tour package will be tailored to your specific needs. Individual choices of accommodation style and the amount of activities you anticipate in will reflect on the general overall cost of the tour. Please make an enquiry.
Accommodation:
We use quality accommodations which are handpicked and have great hosts and are located in beautiful locations. All rooms are modern with private on suites or bathrooms! If you decide on 5 Star travel that we will offer you the best boutique lodging that New Zealand has to offer.
Dining:
We have decided not to include lunches and most dinners in the package, as we believe that each individual has different needs and tastes and that New Zealand had great restaurants in each area, that are within reach. It also allows you to choose places to your own budget. Your guide will advise you in each area about your best options. Special dietary needs can be catered for.
Activities:
We pride ourselves on a wide range of activities in your tour package. We chosen those that we feel will enhance your New Zealand experiences. You can participate in as many or as few as you like. If you are unable to participate in any activity or there are weather restrictions, alternatives will be provided where possible. Please check our activity list on 'Links' site
Transport:
All our vehicles are comfortable, luxury sedans (max 4 people) or luxury vans (max 8 people).
Support:
You will receive detailed pre-trip information. Including passport and visa requirements, packing tips and general travel information for New Zealand!
We have professional office staff to help you plan every aspect of your trip inside of New Zealand.
Guiding:
You will be accompanied throughout your visit by an experienced and trained Aroha NZ Tour guide. All our guides have a likened P endorsement driver licenses which means they have the legal approval to drive paying passengers and first aid certificate. They will take care of all your personal needs and basic details, leaving you the time to relax and enjoy this unique experience.
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