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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive in Auckland
After arriving in Auckland, transfer privately to The Sofitel for a two-night stay to relax after your long journey. The Sofitel is beautifully positioned on Viaduct Harbour, within easy reach of the neighbouring restaurants and bars which lend themselves perfectly to long lazy lunches. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, adjusting to the time zone and beginning to absorb the clean and invigorating New Zealand air.
Overnight: QT Auckland
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Day 2 Winery tours on Waiheke Island
Enjoy a leisurely stroll to the ferry terminal where you will take a 40-minute ferry trip to Waiheke Island. Known for its endless, rolling vineyards, Waiheke Island is a haven for wine lovers. Spend the day exploring the island's wineries, stopping at one for a well-deserved lunch. Sail back to Auckland this evening.
Overnight: QT Auckland
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Day 3 Self-Drive to Rotorua
Pick up a car and take the scenic drive to Rotorua for an exhilarating zip lining adventure at Rotorua Canopy Tours. Afterwards, continue your journey on to Taupo where you will check in to Acacia Cliffs Lodge.
Overnight: Acacia Cliffs Lodge
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Day 4 Rotorua
Grab a bicycle and make your way up to the beautiful Huka Falls this morning. Spend some time enjoying the tranquillity and watching the azure waters crash and foam. This afternoon, take the half-hour drive north of Taupo to Orakei Korako. This geothermal wonderland is the ideal place to spot impressive geysers and sparkling thermal pools. Being tucked away, Orakei Korako is much more exclusive than other geothermal parks in the area, allowing you to truly soak up the natural beauty on display here.
Overnight: Acacia Cliffs Lodge
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Day 5 Drive to Hawkes Bay
Your journey today takes you further south and across to Havelock North on the east coast, just 20 minutes by car by from the Art Deco city of Napier. The centre of Napier was destroyed in 1931 by a deadly earthquake but rose from the ashes some two years later with a cutting edge architectural trend. Today Art Deco still dominates this skyline and nowhere else in the world will you find such an immense collection of this incredible architecture in such a small space. Arriving in Hawke's Bay region you will check in to Mangapapa Lodge. The lodge was built around 1885 and has just twelve luxury rooms, set within beautifully maintained landscaped gardens. Enjoy a game of tennis on the lawn court, an early morning swim in the pool or perhaps a relaxing treatment in the sanctuary spa.
Overnight: Mangapapa Lodge
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Day 6 Exploring Napier
Today is free for you to explore the region independently. You could take the short drive to Napier to fully immerse yourself in the Art Deco architecture, or perhaps visit some of the region's less-visited but excellent wineries. Back at the hotel you could hire a bike and set out on a gentle cycling tour of Hawke's Bay.
Overnight: Mangapapa Lodge
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Day 7 Martinborough
The last stage of your journey on the North Island takes you to the charming village of Martinborough. With colonial-style buildings, this photogenic town is surrounded by patchwork pastures and is within easy reach of world-class wineries and gourmet restaurants. With around 30 vineyards across the region, Martinborough sits in the Wairarapa Region and has plenty of well-oiled cellar doors that swing wide-open for tastings. Your home for the next two nights is the delightful Martinborough Hotel, which dates back to 1882 and enjoys a prime location in the heart of the village. Nods to the rich heritage of the hotel abound, from the faded photographs and historic sketches of local personalities that decorate the walls to the battered old suitcase of a gentleman traveller that sits pride of place at the top of the stairs.
Overnight: The Martinborough Hotel
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Day 8 Cycling through Vineyards
Make your way to the centre of town to collect your bicycles, as this morning it is time to explore on two wheels. Cycle along flat country roads, calling in at vineyards and olive groves along the way, before you arrive at back in Martinborough for a delicious and well-earned lunch at the Tirohaha Estate. Return your bicycles after lunch and enjoy an afternoon relaxing in the serene hotel gardens.
Overnight: The Martinborough Hotel
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Day 9 Sail to the South Island
After breakfast take the one-hour drive to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, to drop off your vehicle. Board the ferry and sail across the Cook Strait to Picton, which sits within the Marlborough Sounds at the tip of the South Island. As you gently sail into the port, you will pass forested hills that rise steeply from the water, and see a coastline of sheltered inlets and sandy bays. The scenery is truly spectacular. On arrival in Picton, collect your vehicle and make your way to Kaikoura, a leisurely drive of around two hours. The star attractions in Kaikoura are the mighty sperm whales, and this is one of the best places in the world to see them so close to shore. Some resident whales regularly swim close to the shoreline which makes viewing relatively easy, and - although sightings are never guaranteed - there is a 95% of sightings throughout the entire year. This afternoon you will check in to Kaikoura Boutique Hotel overlooking the historic waterfront.
Overnight: Kaikoura Boutique Hotel
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Day 10 Whale Watching In Kaikoura
This morning, prepare for an unforgettable experience as you board a helicopter flight over the Kaikōura Canyon. Not only may you be fortunate enough to spot whales, but Kaikoura is also home to the resident dusky dolphin and they are plentiful just off the coast as they leap, flip and chase each other through the water. During the spring season of September to December, it is not uncommon to see whale calves swimming with their mothers, while in the autumn and winter months, pod sizes tend to be at their largest. Round off the experience with a spectacular landing on Mt Fyffe where you can soak up stunning vistas before returning to the ground. Afterwards, continue your drive down the coast to the garden city of Christchurch, with its many cycle paths, botanical gardens, and historic buildings. Check-in to the MayfairHotel, a brand new boutique hotel.
Overnight: The George Hotel
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Day 11 Scenic Train Journey Kaikoura to Christchurch
Today, catch the Coastal Pacific Train from Kaikoura to Christchurch, admiring the endless landscapes as you go. You will be met on arrival and transferred back to The Mayfair, where you can spend an evening in the heart of the city. Explore the shops, restaurants and parks on the doorstep or unwind after your journey.
Overnight: The Mayfair
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Day 12 Day at Leisure in Christchurch
You have a full day at your leisure to explore the vibrant city of Christchurch at your own pace. Enjoy a peaceful morning punting on the River Avon, meander through the bustling markets and indulge in the city's tantalising cafes and restaurants.
Overnight: The Mayfair
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Day 13 TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass National Park
Soak up the stunning vistas surrounding Christchurch today as you board the TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass National Park. After a gentle ascent through deep gorges and over the glimmering Waimakariri River you will arrive at the quant village of Arthur's Pass, the gateway to the national park. Spend the day learning about the park at the National Park Visitor's Centre before venturing into the wild, enjoying the utterly breathtaking walking trails which weave through the alpine woodlands. Board the train back to Christchurch this evening and return to The Mayfair for a final night in the city.
Overnight: The Mayfair
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Day 14 Arrive at Queenstown
Today, fly to Queenstown where you will check in to The Rees. Overlooking the placid Lake Wakatipu, this serene hotel is a welcome change of pace from the city. A celebrated restaurant and wine lounge, selection of tempting in-room spa treatments and easy access into Queenstown town centre are just some of the facilities to look forward to today.
Overnight: The Rees Hotel
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Day 15 Plane and Boat Adventures at Milford Sound
After a day settling into Queenstown, you will today have the opportunity to explore the region in the most spectacular fashion. Soar over the sprawling back country of Central Otago and then over the glimmering Lake Wakatipu as you make your way to Milford Sound by plane. You will be greeted at the Milford Sound Airport by vistas as of Mitre Peak and the surrounding fjord. Here, board a cruise ship and drift along the 16-kilometre fjord and into the Tasman Sea. Board your return flight to Queenstown, via the Southern Alps, and unwind at The Rees after a simply unforgettable day.
Overnight: The Rees Hotel
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Day 16 Jet Boat Adventure in Queenstown
This morning, take a shuttle bus to the Dart River, where you will enjoy a thrilling morning zipping across the glacial waters in a jet boat. Covering up to 90 kilometres of beautiful scenery, the boat is able to access all areas of Mount Aspiring National Park. Lead by an expert guide, you can learn all about the fascinating local culture and geology here. Return to The Rees this afternoon for a relaxing afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: The Rees Hotel
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Day 17 Fly Home
Make your way to the airport to drop off your vehicle in time for your flight home.
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Depart
