new zealand uncovered sample itinerary - new zealand uncovered.10 nights.… · queenstown, as well...

E X C L U S I V E L Y N E W Z E A L A N D www.exclusivetravelgroup.com

New Zealand Uncovered

Sample Itinerary

10 nights / 11 days


Itinerary Route:

Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown 3 nights Edenhouse, Nelson 3 nights Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua 2 nights 970 Lonely Bay Lodge, Coromandel 2 nights


Day 1 Arrive Auckland – Queenstown

Today’s Outline:

Arrive into Auckland (flight not included), New Zealand and enjoy a VIP meet & greet service - as you exit the air bridge you’ll be met by a representative of Exclusively New Zealand and escorted through Customs, Immigration and Bio-security to check into your domestic flight to Queenstown

Take a domestic flight from Auckland to Queenstown – This connecting flight will be dependent on your arrival flight into Auckland – if there are no suitable connecting flights we can arrange a charter flight (extra cost would apply)

Private road transfer from Queenstown Airport to your accommodation

The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax and unwind after your flights Queenstown, as well as the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, is a sophisticated resort town, nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the expansive snow-fed, glacial Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountains. Luxury lodges and five star resorts head a vast range of accommodation options for international visitors. In winter the town is alive with the buzz of skiers and snowboarders - between Queenstown and the neighbouring resort of Wanaka are six international standard snow areas, with après ski culture to match. And while the town is the original home to the popular bungy jumping phenomenon, there are many less challenging treats awaiting your visit. Wine is a new yet chic industry in Central Otago, already producing internationally acclaimed pinot noirs and aromatics. At stylish vineyards, where the architecture matches the stark beauty of the surrounding rock gorges and tussock covered hills, you will be welcomed into character-filled cellar rooms and classy, alfresco restaurants. Queenstown is surrounded by national parks, glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining settlements and a host of exciting tour options. The Remarkables soar above you in the crisp air, their snow-clad peaks, rosy in the dawn, beckon you upwards, tempting you to explore the majestic mountain tops. For something a little more relaxing perhaps a languid wander around town and relaxing in the warmth of a fine restaurant. Many popular tramps begin at Glenorchy, at the head of the Lake Wakatipu, a 44km drive through breathtaking scenery. The Rees-Dart, Greenstone and Caples valleys, with their dramatic mountain backdrops, take several days to explore, and the Routeburn track is so famous that visitors walking it now have to book well in advance.


Day 1 Arrive Auckland – Queenstown (Cont.)

Eichardt’s Private Hotel is a landmark luxury hotel in the centre of the city which has acquired a reputation as the world's capital of adventure sports. For those seeking pure indulgence, few places compare with Eichardt’s on the lakefront in beautiful Queenstown, set in the heart of the Southern Alps on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. As an Iconic landmark, Eichardt’s Private Hotel, was built on the back of the gold-mining boom in the mid 19th century and bears the name of former owners Albert and Julia Eichardt. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this elegant downtown retreat retains many of its original features, with supreme comfort and a home-from-home welcome. Antiques mingle with modern colours, glossy touches and designer furniture. This is elegance epitomised without any stuffiness. The wing-backed chairs by the fire in the parlour are the best place to relax before sipping pre-dinner cocktails from the House Bar. Step outside and you are in the heart of the town’s premier restaurant and café precinct. Designer shops are within easy walking distance, there are plenty of gourmet dining choices and our team can ensure you get the best seat in the house. This gold rush town has become the epitome of Victorian elegance and the Queenstown Historical Society rightly holds the Eichardt's Private Hotel, in great reverence. As a visitor yourself, the first thing to smite your senses is the extraordinary loveliness of its location - on the edge of the lake whose fathomless still waters invert the brooding majesty of the encircling mountains. Eichardt’s Lakefront Cottages are just a few paces away from Eichardt’s Private Hotel and have stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and nearby mountain ranges. Launched in September 2008, the cottages have been designed to blend with the historic character of the waterfront, home to Queenstown’s oldest original building and a Victorian bathhouse. Eichardt’s Lakefront Cottages comprises four two-bedroom suites offering visitors flexible and luxurious accommodation, each with stunning lake and mountain views. The interior design was masterminded by acclaimed New Zealander Virginia Fisher, recently named one of the top five hotel interior designers worldwide by Time Magazine. The cottage is perfect for larger parties, families, professionals and longer staying guests. The split-level suites are interconnected and can be opened to become a large single accommodation space, or sectioned off for smaller groups. The Lakefront Cottages offer all the comfort and style of a home-away-from-home while guests enjoy full use of all Eichardt’s Hotel facilities, including concierge services, literally just a few steps away.

Accommodation Room Type Inclusions Notes

Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown www.eichardtshotel.co.nz 3 nights

1x Lakeview Suite

Cooked Breakfast, valet parking and complimentary broadband services.

http://www.eichardtshotel.co.nz/


Day 2 Queenstown

Today’s Outline:

Today enjoy a unique lunch experience at the remote Minaret Station (only accessible by helicopter)

Picture yourself in a sheltered glacial valley at an elevation of 3000ft, located above the shores of Lake Wanaka on one of New Zealand’s iconic high country stations. The Estuary Burn valley, classic Lord of the Rings territory, is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, tussock grass, and hillsides covered in native bush where wild Deer and Chamois clambering on the slopes. Every now and then a cheeky Kea bird appears from nowhere to say ‘hello’; the only other sound is the water in a nearby stream making its way downhill to the lake below. The Mountain Kitchen where guests gather by open fires for meals, has a well stocked library, dining room, study area and open kitchen – the perfect location to relax tell stories, listen to your guides reminiscing of life in the high country and of course enjoy the sumptuous lunch prepared by the camp chef. Minaret Station draws its name from the distinctive Minaret Peaks which stand tall on the western shores of Lake Wanaka at over seven thousand feet. Bounded by two large rivers, Mt Aspiring National Park and New Zealand’s fourth largest lake, Minaret Station has a peaceful sense of isolation within its glacially carved valleys. With landscapes ranging from dense native forest in the tranquil alpine valleys to the sloping snow tussock grass covered mountaintops, Minaret offers its visitors ever changing views as they explore the more than 60,000 acres and experience the New Zealand high country.


Day 3 Queenstown

Today’s Outline:

Spend today with your private guide exploring Queenstown and its surroundings at your leisure – Your day is reasonably flexible and you can set the pace (below are a few suggestions - activities & entry fees at extra cost)

Shotover Jet Experience Nothing you have experienced will have you prepared for the thrill and excitement of a Shotover Jet ride; it's an adrenaline rush you'll never forget! From the moment the accelerator hits the floor your adrenaline hits the roof as you speed in mere centimetres of water along the famous Shotover River and deep into the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. It's an amazing ride, as the Shotover Canyon walls tower over you, your expert driver puts your ‘Big Red’ through its paces and skillfully whips the Jet Boat past rocky outcrops, skims around crags and boulders, and speeds through the narrow canyons. Rock faces blur in your peripheral vision, the opaque water sprays into myriads of white crystals with every turn, and you grip the hand rail for comfort and reassurance and then let out a whoop of excitement as your driver spins the boat around in its own boat length — wow, you've just experienced the World famous Shotover Jet full 360 degree spin. Hold on tight and enjoy the thrill as you spin and without losing momentum keep speeding along the river.

Shotover Canyon Swing Canyon Swing has built a platform on the edge of a cliff 109m/360ft above the Shotover River. At the platform you are fitted into a seat and chest harness and connected to the jump ropes. This harnessing configuration keeps your arms and legs free throughout the journey and enabling you to safely depart the platform in any position imaginable. Gravity does the rest. At Shotover Canyon Swing no one's pushing you through at breakneck speed. You've time to soak in the surroundings – one of the most spectacular valleys in the region; to chat with your driver – who'll act as host throughout the trip; and to have fun without feeling pressured. Your jumpmaster will expertly manage your fear factor while ensuring your enjoyment. Whether you're confident or timid they know exactly how to ensure you have a great time. Launching yourself from 109 metres into a canyon is a scary move. With over 10 different jumpstyles they can expertly manage your scariness for everyone – from knitting nana's to adrenalin junkies! All these different styles are made possible by the unique combination of their chest and seat safety harness, cliff top platform, special release mechanism.


Day 3 Queenstown (Cont.)

Mountain Biking Queenstown - New Zealand's Major Mountain Biking Destination, ride some of the sweetest New Zealand mountain bike trails! It’s difficult to put a title on trails we ride – think elements of all-mountain, single track, enduro, epic, XC - what we do is go mountain biking on natural trails in the back country (high mountains with sheep and farm tracks, no trees - just open and rocky). We like to think of our trails as Mother Nature's ultimate terrain park - we take you to great tracks and trails no one else gets to – huge descents through high country farms with stunning scenery. These are not trails that you will be able to get to yourself; we have access to private land, no crowds on these trails! Because we are totally flexible we tailor the rides to suit you (and the weather)!

Private Hiking Experience By far one of the best things you can do in the Wakatipu district. Above the tree line and immersed in the high country mountain environment, your hike could take you over pristine alpine terrain or through native forests. As energetic or flexible as you desire enabling you to appreciate your surroundings take a photo or enjoy a delicious lunch at your leisure. With our unique access to high country stations (Alpine Ranch’s) surrounding the Queenstown lake. Many forms of transport can be utilized to create unique adventures. As an example a short helicopter ride can have you standing at 6,000ft on the opposite side of the lake with no road access. Trek the ridgeline and work your way down to the lake edge (Altitude 1000ft) before being picked up via jet-boat for the ride back to the Queenstown Bay.



Kayaking

Kayaking in Queenstown is very weather dependant. Different trips suit different weather patterns due to prevailing wind and water movement. Your guide will advise on the day which tour you will be doing. QUEENSTOWN BAY TO KELVIN HEIGHTS: • Queenstown Bay to the gardens and Kelvin Grove • Paddle around the shore of Deer Park Heights • Famous as a Lord of the Rings movie set • Go to the mouth of the Kawarau River and see the Jet boats whizzing people down the river • Get amongst the Willow “Islands” then back to Queenstown QUEENSTOWN BAY TO SUNSHINE BAY: • To Sunshine Bay and beyond • Great views of Cecil and Walter Peak and the Remarkables • See the Ragged Rock Rooted Ratas, Some of the best external tree roots this side of Ankor Wat QUEENSTOWN BAY TO JACKS POINT: • Follow the lake shore around Queenstown Bay to the gardens, around the point and across to the Kelvin Heights golf course • Follow around towards Jack’s Point for some splendid lake side scenery QUEENSTOWN BAY TO HIDDEN ISLAND: • For intermediate kayakers • A great paddle across the lake to Hidden Island – invisible from Queenstown • See the Earnslaw from a safe distance (she cannot stop quickly!) • At Hidden Island stop for a cuppa. A great trip and a great feeling out in the middle of the lake



12 MILE DELTA: • A special area of Lake Wakatipu with fossils showing that we were once under the ocean, unique associated Maori legends and history, beautiful native bush, beaches, bird life and the lime kilns. PIG AND PIGEON ISLAND AREA: • Two beautiful islands at the head of the lake. This is a beautiful paddle with a profusion of bird life and awesome unique scenery CECIL PEAK FARM TO TABLE BAY: • Across the lake from town. We are now able to land on the beaches favoured by Queenstowners for picnics after the big open water crossing MOKE LAKE: • Also one of Queenstown’s favourite spots for a picnic and swim, Moke Lake is about a 15 min drive from Queenstown, amongst High country farm land and native bush. This lake is warmer than Wakatipu and sheltered and gives us a good option when conditions on Wakatipu are not favourable


Day 4 Queenstown – Nelson

Today’s Outline:

Private road transfer to Queenstown Airport

Take a domestic flight from Queenstown to Nelson

Private road transfer from Nelson Airport to your accommodation – approx. 45 mins

Remainder of your day at leisure Situated around Tasman and Golden Bays at the top of the South Island, the Nelson region is surrounded by sheltering mountain ranges, giving it a Mediterranean-type climate. Nelson, named after Admiral Lord Nelson of Battle of Trafalgar fame is best known for its year-round sun, golden beaches, three national parks, 350 working artists, boutique wineries and the city for its historical streetscapes, waterfront cafes, fresh seafood, and a thoroughly relaxed lifestyle. The town of Nelson is the main commercial centre for the region; key industries are forestry, horticulture, fishing and tourism. Only the West Coast has as many national parks as Nelson. Abel Tasman, New Zealand's smallest, is a coastal wonderland of sea, sky, rocky headlands and bright golden beaches. Known as a centre for arts and crafts, Nelson's artists include carvers, glassblowers, painters, potters and weavers, whose work can be seen by following any of the 13 craft trails that also take in Nelson's most attractive rural settlements. Within the sheltering confines of Tasman Bay, Nelson's beaches are safe, with silvery sand. Tahunanui Beach, within the city boundaries has the largest and best-equipped holiday park in the country. The Nelson Lakes National Park is set amidst the mountains and glaciated valleys of south Nelson, and features beech forests and the beautiful jewel-like lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa. Kahurangi, the country's second-largest national park comprises 450,000 hectares of mostly upland wilderness, with magnificent three to four-day hiking trails. Naturally high sunshine hours, diverse terrain and varying soil types are like a blank canvas for Nelson’s winemakers, who are every bit as aware of the artistic aspect to their craft as the exacting, scientific one. Different expressions of Nelson wine include full-bodied, cool climate chardonnay, succulent sauvignon blanc, promising pinot noir and racy riesling. Many winemakers are pioneering pinot gris, syrah and unusual revivals of lesser-known grapes like zweigelt, but one thing every winemaker in the region has in common is an ability to make top-tasting wine from a range of different grapes. This strength belongs as much to the region’s plentiful sunshine and wide diurnal swing – that change between day and night-time temperatures, which gives the region a long, relatively cool ripening season – as it does to talented winemakers.


Day 4 Queenstown – Nelson (Cont.)

Edenhouse, Idyllically set in 48 acres of an area of outstanding natural beauty, Edenhouse is a boutique luxury guesthouse designed in the style of an elegant yet contemporary English-style country house. Like any masterpiece Edenhouse plays the scales beautifully, twisting large and small together. Take the main house, for instance. As you approach the property, it seems fairly modest in size—a spot of cream architecture dropped on the rich green hills of the Orinoco Valley. And then, standing in the gardens directly in front of the house, it starts to feel quite grand—a big breath of classical proportion. The paradox continues inside, where the two guest rooms (the third is in a separate cottage) are actually vast suites—acreage as much as accommodation. Only 30 minutes from Abel Tasman National Park – one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural wonders offering golden beaches, aquamarine waters, and idyllic bush walks, making it a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts.


Edenhouse, Orinoco Valley www.edenhouse.co.nz 3 nights

1 x King Suite Country Breakfast and pre-dinner drinks & canapés and Dinner

As an Exclusively New Zealand guest to Edenhouse, you’ll receive value added services in the form of: 1st night: Receive a 250 page Nelson Art Guide, showcasing the region's local artists 2nd night: A gift pack of local saffron and citrus infused olive oils 3rd night: A kete harakeke (flax basket) woven by highly regarded artist, Sally Austin, using traditional Maori weaving techniques

http://www.edenhouse.co.nz/


Day 5 Nelson

Today’s Outline:

Today enjoy a private charter onboard ‘Taranui’ in the Abel Tasman National Park

Today, join your skipper onboard Taranui for a charter experience exploring the Abel Tasman National Park's coastline; past Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri, Marahau, round golden sandy bays, Adele and Fishermans Islands and on to Tonga Island seal colony. You’ll have the chance to kayak around Tonga Island and walk in the park. Enjoy lunch during your time onboard before returning to Stephen’s Bay. The Abel Tasman National Park, simply put, is an outdoor buff's paradise. With magnificent foliage lining pristine beaches and crystal clear water lapping at golden sand, you can be forgiven for thinking you have found ecstasy. The Park is a walkers’ paradise - spend time exploring the 50 kilometres of awesome coastline. Located at the top of the South Island near Motueka and Kaiteriteri, and only a couple of hours drive from Nelson, this small slice of heaven is accessible and inviting to New Zealanders and tourists alike. Named after the Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman who first visited the area in 1642, the Abel Tasman National Park was opened in 1942 - the 300th anniversary of his visit. The most noticeable features of this park are the golden sandy beaches, the fascinating rocky outcrops (mainly granite but with a scattering of limestone and marble) and the rich, unmodified estuaries. The landscape has been modified, perhaps more than in our other national parks. The vegetation cover varies and reflects a history of fires and land clearance, but the forests are regenerating well especially in damp gullies where a rich variety of plants can be found. Black beech dominates the drier ridges. The more common forest birds, like fantails, tui and bellbirds, can be seen along with pukeko around the estuaries and wetlands. The park's boundary excludes the estuaries and seabed but in 1993 the Tonga Island Marine Reserve was created along one part of the Abel Tasman coast. Like a national park, all life in the reserve is protected.


Day 6 Nelson

Today’s Outline:

Today is free for you to explore the Nelson/Abel Tasman region, below are a few suggestions for your day (optional and at extra cost)

Activities near Edenhouse Monterey House Country Club Edenhouse has exclusive membership for guests on a complimentary basis at the nearby Monterey House Country Club 9 hole golf course. Fly Fishing Edenhouse is 5 minutes from the nationally important Motueka River catchment with miles of bountiful riffles, runs and pools. Sight casting to spotted brown trout freely sipping dry flies and nymphs is an angling experience not to be missed. For anglers seeking even more adventure take a helicopter ride to the legendary Karamea river system for big wilderness brown trout in pristine waters, far from civilisation.

Native Plant Weaving Sally Austin is an extremely talented and highly regarded artist who lives 5 minutes from Edenhouse. Her fine craftsmanship has been exhibited throughout the country and she undertakes private commissions. Her work is strongly influenced and inspired by the teachings of famed Maori weavers, Erenora Puketapu-Hetet and Christina Hurihua Wirihana. Sally’s lifelong passion for creativity and gardening has culminated in her work with plant fibres. She utilises traditional Maori weaving techniques to create a range of art forms, mostly with native plant materials such as Flax and Lacebark.Sally exhibits her work and imparts her vast knowledge to guest at Edenhouse. These relaxed and informative interludes take place, for those who are interested, over drinks prior to dinner. These sessions are extremely popular and Sally also conducts personalised workshops at Edenhouse. The time can vary from a few hours to a full day and gives guests the opportunity to create their own artwork, from ornamental flowers to baskets. Arts & Crafts Nelson Tasman is blessed with creative abundance and is home to over 350 working artists. The diverse art forms range from paintings to ceramics, sculpture, glass, jewellery and wearable art. The region is conducive to creativity for many reasons. Its physical charms include turquoise lagoons and golden sand beaches, sun-kissed produce from groves and bays, and a rich light, courtesy of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand. Edenhouse guests are presented with a complimentary copy of the Nelson Art Guide, a most informative 250-page publication.


Day 6 Nelson (Cont.)

Vineyards & Wine Tasting There are around 24 boutique wineries in the Nelson Tasman region and several, including Neudorf, Kahurangi and Woollaston, are within 25 minutes of Edenhouse. Neudorf is “New Zealand’s greatest wine producer” according to Tom Stevenson’s UK publication “Wine Report 2009”. Stevenson has been writing about wine for twenty years and he is the author of the prestigious Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopaedia. This vineyard was created in 1978 and the owners, Tim and Judy Finn, were told by their bank to think about raising sheep, there was no future in wine! However Neudorf has grown into the most stunning vineyard and is located 15 minutes from Edenhouse in an idyllic setting for tastings and picnics. It’s a great way to experience a model New Zealand vineyard and “some of the finest wines in the Southern Hemisphere”. In August 2009 Neudorf won the Tri Nations trophy for White Wine of the Show at the annual, hotly contested, tasting between the best wines from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Pitts Special Stunt Plane Motueka airport (20 minutes by car from Edenhouse) is the home of an aerobatic, open cockpit Pitts Special Biplane, the world's most popular aerobatic aircraft and the only one of its kind in New Zealand. Learn the basics of flying this fabulous little dynamo and within minutes you will be piloting it yourself and performing aerobatic manoeuvres such as loops and barrel rolls. No previous experience required and you are, of course, flying with a qualified instructor.


Day 7 Nelson – Rotorua

Today’s Outline:

Private road transfer to Nelson Airport

Take a domestic flight from Nelson to Rotorua

Private road transfer from Rotorua Airport to your accommodation

Remainder of your day at leisure With its unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture, natural hot springs and plenty of options for adventure, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most famous destinations. When explaining the appeal of their region, the people of Rotorua like to talk of five spirits. You can feel the spirit of the earth, as it rumbles beneath your feet and escapes, hissing, through fumaroles and geysers. You can witness the spirit of Maori culture, with authentic village and performance experiences. With a soak in a natural hot spring or a relaxing massage, you can rejuvenate your spirit. Or free your spirit with outdoor adventures - trout fishing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming, hiking and mountain-biking. And if it's excitement you crave, you can challenge your spirit with adrenalin-charged extreme activities such as sky-diving, jet boating and zorbing. Apart from its surprising crater, mountain and lake landscape, Rotorua is memorable for striking Tudor-style architecture and beautiful public parks. The farmland around city is some of the most fertile in New Zealand. Watching a sheep show or staying on a working farm is a great way to get a different view of the region. Solitaire Lodge is a paradise of tranquillity and relaxation amidst a wonderland of bush and lakes. It has been described as “the most beautiful lakeside position anywhere in the world”. Perched in solitary splendour on the tip of a bush-clad peninsular overlooking magnificent Lake Tarawera, Solitaire is the perfect place to base yourself for trout fishing, or to relax and do absolutely nothing.


Solitaire Lodge, Lake Tarawera www.solitairelodge.co.nz 2 nights

1x Executive Suite Full Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks & canapés, gourmet dinner and full use of lodge facilities

http://www.solitairelodge.co.nz/


Day 8 Rotorua

Today’s Outline:

Given the myriad of options available in Rotorua – today is at leisure to structure your day to suit. Following are some suggested options (optional and at extra cost)

Heli Tour - White Island Experience Fly to Whakaari (White Island) and land for a guided walk around this volcanically active island, once home to factory workers who mined for Sulphur. Ruined remains of this hard life still exist today. One of the most fascinating and accessible volcanoes on earth, White Island carries with it an A grade level of scientific importance and as New Zealand’s only live marine volcano, scientists and volcanologists worldwide are attracted to its unique features. The volcano is estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old. However, the small portion of the island that is visible above sea level has been in its present form for an estimated 16,000 years - evidence of a continually changing landscape. Walking on White Island is like walking on the moon. Virtually no vegetation survives the harsh acidic environment inside the crater walls. Instead, lush beds of yellow and white sulphur crystals grow amongst hissing, steaming, bubbling fumaroles. A day out on the Beautiful Lake Tarawera Transfer to Lake Tarawera for a day on a luxury cruiser exploring this most magnificent of lakes. The majestic backdrop of the dormant Tarawera volcano, naturally heated thermal waters and unspoiled flora and fauna provide a beautiful playground to experience a delightful cruise on this beautiful lake. As well as simply relaxing and enjoying the serenity of this natural playground, you may wish to combine one of the following activities: Te Rata Bay - Hot water Beach (Te Rata Bay) is located in a secluded bay and only accessible by boat. Thermal springs gently rise through the lake bed, warming the water and creating a mystical steam around the cliffs. Here you can enjoy a relaxing swim or a lovely intimate soak in a natural thermal rock pool. Fishing - Lake Tarawera is renowned for its trophy sized Rainbow Trout of up to 7 kg. You will love the excitement of catching these huge fish yourself and with Clearwater Cruises you can enjoy it in the best possible way. Catch & Cook - Once landed, your own trout can be enjoyed Sashimi style (similar to Sushi) accompanied by Wasabi and soy sauce, or barbequed with Clearwater’s delicious but secret recipe. For special occasions, your very own fish can be baked in the thermal sands at Hot Water Beach while you soak in the natural hot pool. But of course, your fish doesn’t have to be eaten. If it makes you feel better, you can release your trout back into the wild after taking a photo as proof of your expertise.


Day 8 Rotorua (Cont.)

Rotorua Adventure Day: Depart Solitaire this morning and travel to nearby Whakarewarewa Forest, one of New Zealand’s premiere mountain biking destinations. You’ll be fitted to your bike and will ride the easier trails to begin with; as your guide assesses the perfect tracks for your skill and fitness levels for the remainder of the ride. Choose from incredible single track, beautiful forest backroads or exciting jump tracks – there are over 100kms of purpose-built trails ready to ride. Following your mountain biking experience enjoy a hot drink before heading to Okere Falls - your base for the rest of the day. Changing from your bike clothes to rafting fleece, wetsuits and booties don the safety equipment and undergo a thorough safety briefing before experiencing one of the most exciting area activities – Waterfall Rafting on the Kaituna River. Only 45minutes on water, this rafting experience is well worth the effort. Raft through stunning river gorges laden with Maori lore and exciting Grade 5+ rapids including 3 waterfalls from 1m, 3m and 7m high – the last being the tallest commercially rafted waterfall in the world! Enjoy a fun surf at the end before returning to base for showers and lunch at our local eco-store brimming with character. Continuing to the last leg, don warm fleece and lifejackets once again before unloading the kayaks at nearby Lake Rotoiti, paddling approximately 30 minutes across scenic waters to a natural thermal hot pool that is only accessible by boat, owned and operated by a local Maori trust. Soak at your leisure before boarding your private charter catamaran and sail your way down the length of Lake Rotoiti. After your exhilarating day, transfer by private vehicle back to your accommodation.


Day 9 Rotorua – Coromandel

Today’s Outline:

Private road transfer from Rotorua to Cooks Beach, Coromandel – including sightseeing and stops enroute

The Coromandel - New Zealander’s favourite North Island destination - is home to fabulous white sand beaches with magnificent coastal scenery and a rugged forest cloaked interior waiting to be explored. A key feature of The Coromandel is the people, living mainly in several small towns linked by the Pacific Coast Highway and known for their friendly, relaxed and welcoming personalities; look forward to meeting and sharing our slice of paradise with you. Captain Cook visited the area in 1769 and observed the transit of the planet Mercury across the face of the sun hence the names of two significant areas within the Peninsula - Mercury Bay and Cook's Beach. In the nineteenth century the peninsula teemed with human activity associated with the exploitation of timber, gold and kauri gum. Eventually the kauri and the accessible gold were exhausted and the gum market destroyed. The Coromandel lapsed into an economic and social decline that was eventually halted by the gradual growth of farming, fishing, horticulture and tourism. The land slowly "mended" and a new era of people moved into the area, one that valued the environment. Thirty four percent of the land on the peninsula is now administered by the Department of Conservation. As a walker’s paradise with a range of trails to explore, from short coastal walkways to multi day treks, the region will delight you at every turn and a visit to Cathedral Cove is a highlight not to be missed. Accessible only on foot or by boat, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” sites on the Coromandel Peninsula, where the track begins at the northern end of Hahei. Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve Te Whanganui- A-Hei, covers nine square kilometres and is New Zealand’s sixth marine reserve. It is administered by the Department of Conservation. This site was chosen for a marine reserve because of the rich and varied habitats associated with the coastline and outlying islands. Reefs of hard rock, soft sediments, intricate caves and underwater arches provide homes for complex communities of plants, crustaceans, molluscs and fish. Sheltered from the worst of the southerly winds Te Whanganui-A-Hei gives visitors an opportunity to learn from and enjoy an unspoilt marine environment.


Day 9

Rotorua – Coromandel (Cont.)

970 Lonely Bay Lodge is luxury boutique accommodation in Cooks Beach, Whitianga, New Zealand. Accommodation includes three one bedroom suites and a premier two bedroom (honeymoon) suite, all with en suite, extensive mini-bar, spacious terrace and bush or water views of Purangi Estuary and Cooks Beach. Lodge accommodation facilities include a library, TV/AV 'snug' with Bang & Olufsen plasma television / sound system, separate guest indoor and outdoor bathrooms, solarium and deck, and multiple fireplaces.


970 Lonely Bay Lodge, Cooks Beach, Whitianga www.970lonelybay.com 2 nights

1 x King Suite Breakfast & 2 course dinner As an Exclusively NZ guest to Lonely Bay, you’ll receive value added services in the form of: First night: A bottle of local Mercury Bay Estate wine and antipasto platter or high tea with homemade delights Second night: Gourmet picnic basket

http://www.970lonelybay.com/


Day 10

Coromandel

Today’s Outline:

Today enjoy an exclusive full day sea kayaking trip Sea Kayaking at Cathedral Cove As The Coromandel is abundant with forest and marine life, paddling yourself around the Marine Reserve is one of the best ways to get up close. Cathedral Cove Kayaks is based in Hahei and offers the opportunity to explore the volcanic coastline. Islands, coves and sea caves are easy to find and access in a kayak. It has been described by visitors as ‘some of the best paddling in the planet’.


Day 11 Coromandel – Auckland Depart

Today’s Outline:

Private road transfer from Cooks Beach, Coromandel to Auckland International Airport – including sightseeing and stops enroute

Depart Auckland Airport (flight not included in costing)

new zealand uncovered sample itinerary - new zealand uncovered.10 nights.… · queenstown, as well...

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