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Auckland to Christchurch
8 Days / 7 Nights from $1659
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Package Name
Tramping New Zealand
Duration
8 Days/7 Nights
Description
If you only have about a week in New Zealand, this is a great tour to see both the urban areas, as well as New Zealand's natural beauty. You'll see the main cities: Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, but most of your time will be spent in the countryside. View the geysers of Rotorua, relax on the North Island's largest lake: Lake Taupo, go tramping (hiking) among the volcanoes in Tongariro National Park and along the Queen Charlotte Track, tour the vineyards of the Marlborough region, and journey on the TranzCoastal Train for scenic views of the South Island's coastline. It just might be the best 8 days of your life!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Auckland to Waitomo to Rotorua
Departing Auckland, you will travel south to Waitomo Caves for a tour of the famous glowworm caves. Continue on to Rotorua - a great place to learn about and experience Maori culture. Consider attending a traditional Hangi (feast) this evening.
Day 2 - Rotorua to Taupo
Join your morning tour of Rotorua's highlights: geysers, mud pools, and the Agrodome. This afternoon, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you travel south to Lake Taupo - the North Island's largest lake. Tonight is at your leisure to explore the area.
Day 3 - Taupo to Tongariro National Park
On your guided tour, you'll see Huka Falls, Wairakei, the Aratiatia Rapids, and the Craters of the Moon. This afternoon, travel around the lake to journey up the side of Mt Ruapehu - your home for the next 2 nights.
Day 4 - Tongariro National Park
Often labeled the best one-day walk in New Zealand, Tongariro Crossing will be one of the highlights of your trip! Your guided walk will take you along colorful lakes, waterfalls, ancient lava flows, and various craters. If the day is clear, you'll have great views of the surrounding area, and may even see Mt Taranaki, over on the western side of the Island.
Day 5 - Tongariro National Park to Wellington
Ride another coach down, along the western coast, to the capital city of New Zealand. Join your late afternoon tour for sightseeing of the Parliament Buildings, the Cathedral, and a great panoramic view from Mt Victoria.
Day 6 - Wellington to Blenheim
Travel by the Interisland Ferry across Cook Strait to the South Island. Hop on a coach to Blenheim: your home for the next 2 nights. Later today, join your tour of the surrounding Marlborough vineyards - famous the world over. At dinner, make sure to sample several local specialties.
Day 7 - Marlborough Sound and Queen Charlotte Track
Journey back up to Picton for your boat cruise through the Sounds to Ship Cove. Disembark to enjoy your guided walk along the famous Queen Charlotte Track. Another of New Zealand's top tramps, the Queen Charlotte Track is about 45 miles long, taking 3 to 5 days. But, given time constraints, today you will only walk the first section, from Ship Cove to Endeavour Inlet. Walking among beautiful plants and ferns, there will be great lookouts for views of the Sound, and - if the day is clear - you will even be able to see the North Island of New Zealand in the distance.
Day 8 - Blenheim to Christchurch
Your last day in New Zealand will be as memorable as all the previous days, as you board the scenic TranzCoastal Train to journey to Christchurch. Fantastic views of the coastlines and Canterbury Plains abound throughout the day. Arriving in Christchurch shortly before dinner, take a few hours to explore the town before leaving for the airport. Or, ask a Travel Team agent about adding more days to your vacation! Call 1.800.788.0829 for details and a quote.
Pricing
| Accommodations |
Double |
Single |
| Standard |
$1659 |
$2259 |
| Quality |
$1739 |
$2349 |
| Superior |
$1899 |
$2749 | |
