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Kiwi Small Group Tour | 33 DAY 8: Nelson & Wilsons Abel Tasman National Park Today is yours to decide. Take a scenic cruise or stroll the golden sands of the Abel Tasman coastline; watch for playful seals no matter the choice. Offshore islands, granite cliffs, world-famous hiking trails, and estuaries abundant in marine life set a tranquil scene. Catch some sun on the beach, or even go for a swim if the weather's right. DAY 9: Kaikoura Another seascape is in store for today, this time in Kaikoura. Sprawling vistas make a meandering drive along the Kaikoura Ranges and the Pacific well worth it, and an afternoon at your leisure gives you the opportunity to see the sights up close. Search for penguins and gannets, albatrosses and seals—optional swims with the seals and whale-watching cruises make it that much simpler. DAY 10: Akaunui Farm & Aoraki/Mt. Cook Hop back on the highway to wind through the Hundalee Hills to the Canterbury Plains. A special lunch featuring produce straight from the garden at Akaunui farm, a 100-year-old homestead built of all local materials, is hosted by Di and Ian Mackenzie, a fan-favorite on this tour. Continue on to the Southern Alps and Lake Tekapo, its turquoise waters a majestic photo op. Afterwards, relax in your lodgings at the foot of Mt. Cook. (L) DAY 11: Aoraki/Mt. Cook & Queenstown Awaken to views of Mt. Cook, "The Cloud Piercer," doing exactly that. Then, take an early morning stroll in the valleys—or opt for a scenic flight over them—before driving down the Mackenzie Basin, over the golden grass of the Lindis Pass, and through the Kawarau Gorge into Queenstown by midday. Check in to your home for the next several nights, then it's off to narrow down the many restaurants you'll be free to choose from tonight. DAYS 12 – 13: Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound & Queenstown Find yourself deep in Fiordland National Park today via Milford Road, a panorama of high mountains and deep valleys studded with glaciers, falls, and mirror lakes. Upon arrival in Milford, a boat and nature guide will be waiting to lead you through this majestic fjord. Your return to Queenstown will be by air, flying over the Southern Alps and Lake Wakatipu. You'll have a full day to explore this playground for adventure on your own the next day, with optional tours your guide can help you plan. The lively attractions and fine dining will tempt you to take on the city proper, shopping its boutiques, walking the botanic gardens, or joining its many resident and visiting cyclers on a trail. DAY 14: Departure Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before being transferred to the airport, and begin planning your return to New Zealand! (B) Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours.