Tour New Zealand, Milford Sound Tours, South Island, Rotorua, Nelson, Queenstown
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53 NEW ZEALAND VOYAGER a day tour to Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northernmost point; experience life aboard a tall ship; embark on a dolphin watching adventure; take a mini-tour of Russell; or return to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds for an enriching guided tour. B Day 9. Bay of Islands, Auckland. Explore the spectacular Bay of Islands on a dolphin-watching cruise to Cape Brett and the famous Hole in the Rock. In these deep-sea fishing grounds, dolphins are frequently seen. Meander through the inner islands, admiring the picturesque sandy beaches, rocky outcrops, and secluded bays. Return by coach to Auckland and enjoy a special dinner at your hotel to mark the end of the land tour. Stay: Hilton Hotel, Auckland. B, FD Day 10. Auckland, Freedom of Choice, Holland America Line Cruise. Enjoy a city sights tour this morning followed by select Freedom of Choice options (time permitting). This afternoon we say goodbye to our Tour Director as our land journey comes to an end. We arrive at Auckland Harbour to board our Holland America Line cruise ship, ms Noordam, our home for the next 14 nights. 14 Night Cruise: Holland America Line's ms Noordam in a Verandah Stateroom. BD Day 11. Tauranga, Rotorua. This morning your ship docks in the port of Tauranga. Once the site of fierce Maori wars, today it is a peaceful city in the heart of kiwi fruit growing country. After breakfast, you may choose to transfer to Rotorua where you can select from various sightseeing tours. Perhaps visit the Hobbiton Movie Set and gain an enthralling insight into the making of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Other options include learning about Maori culture at Maoria Marae, a traditional Maori meeting place, or witness the thrilling sight of erupting geysers at Hell's Gate Thermal Reserve. Others may prefer to relax and enjoy the scenery on a cruise on Lake Rotoiti, one of nine beautiful lakes in the district. BLD Day 12. Napier. Today the ship arrives in the town of Napier. Known globally as 'the art deco town', Napier was rapidly rebuilt in the prevailing style of the 1930s after a devastating earthquake in 1931. Today's optional shore excursions include a tour of Hawke's Bay Wineries, or an Art Deco Highlights tour. Melbourne Sydney Hobart Auckland Picton Rotorua Christchurch Arthur's Pass Milford Sound Akaroa Port Chalmers Dunedin Tauranga Wellington Queenstown 1 2 Franz Josef Glacier 1 Mt Cook Bay of Islands Napier Lake Tekapo 1 ms Noordam 14 2 2 Coach Cruise Cruise route TranzAlpine Train No. of nights stay National Park Flight (included) Perhaps visit Clifton Station, a working sheep farm and a tour of the Tuki Tuki Valley and Te Mata Peak where you will have panoramic views over Hawke's Bay. Another option is a visit to the Clearview and Abbey Cellars where you can learn about the history of wine-making in the region and sample some of Hawke's Bay's finest wines at the cellar door. BLD Day 13. Wellington. Arrive in New Zealand's capital today, which is famous for its Botanic Gardens which feature 25 acres of ponds, sculptures and beautiful native flora on a hillside overlooking the city and harbour. Wellington is also famous for its Cable Car, that runs from Kelburn hill overlooking the city, down to Lambton Quay, the main shopping street. Optional shore excursions include a Lord of the Rings tour where you will visit some of the locations featured in the famous film trilogy or a Seal Coast Safari to discover the rugged and unique beauty of the south coast in a 4WD vehicle, driving along unpaved roads and beaches to where a seal colony is situated. BLD Day 14. Picton. This morning your ship berths on the South Island, in the port of Picton*, which lies in the upper reaches of the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound. Picture perfect in every way, Picton is the gateway to New Zealand's famous Marlborough wine growing region. Shore excursions include a spectacular Sounds Seafood Cruise, or perhaps sample some of the region's famous Sauvignon Blancs on a Wines of Marlborough tour. Another option is to visit the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum and see its stunning display of World War I aircraft. BLD Day 15. Akaroa, Christchurch. This morning ms Noordam arrives in the port town of Akaroa, known for its historic French and English colonial architecture and vibrant café culture. Perhaps take a Nature Cruise around the See Napier's impressive ard deco architecture Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Bay of Islands