New Zealand | 7 week nature and cultur trip New Zealand

Price

€ 7.560 p/p

Comfortable and relaxed trip through New Zealand inclusive of 47 nights in small and pleasant accommodations, all flights, rental car and different activities, from € 7.560,- p.p. (2 people travelling together)

Important items

Nature, observation of wild animals and walking options, wilderness. You start your trip on the South Island and travel from there to the North Island

Highlights

Southern Alps, Catlins, Doubtful Sound, West Coast, Pancake Rocks, swimming with dolphins and whale watching in Kaikoura, Abel Tasman National Park

Level of accommodation

Good and comfortable

Travel pace

Slow (2-3 nights in every accommodation), short distances (2-3,5 hours drive per day)

Season

Departure every day in 2011

Stopover

Yes, 2 nights in Hong Kong

Flights

Yes, with Cathay Pacific from Amsterdam to Hong Kong to Auckland and back, inclusive of taxes, with Air New Zealand from Auckland to Christchurch

Duration of the trip

45 nights in New Zealand, 2 nights in Hong Kong plus travel days

Inclusive of

All accommodation, rental car, flights

Not included

Meals, unless otherwise mentioned

Flights

Economy Class with Cathay Pacific to New Zealand via Hong Kong

Transportation

46 Days Hertz rental car, intermediate sedan automatic with airco etc.

Ferryboat crossing between Picton and Wellington

Activities

Doubtful Sound overnight cruise
Siberia Wilderness Adventure, Mount Aspiring National Park
Kaikoura whale watching
1 Day kayak tour Abel Tasman National Park
Kiwi watching on Kapiti Island
Guided walk in Urewera National Park with tree planting
Swimming with dolphins
A day with Hone, a unique cultural experience in the Bay of Islands

47 Nights unique accommodation

2 Nights in L’hotel Causeway Bay Harbour View, Hong Kong in a Deluxe Room with breakfast
2 Nights in The Oaks Historic Homestead, Darfield with dinner and breakfast
2 Nights in Parkbrae Estate, Lake Tekapo in a Top Floor Garden Apartment, self-catering
3 Nights in Riverrun Lodge, Wanaka in a Cardrona Room with breakfast
2 Nights in Captain Eady’s Lookout, Portobello (near Dunedin) in an Upstairs Queen Room with breakfast
3 Nights in Eco Cottages at Mohua Park, Catlins, self-catering
2 Nights in Captain’s Lookout, Manapouri in a Lake View Studio, self-catering
1 Night in Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise from Manapouri in a Quad Share with dinner and breakfast
2 Nights in Hunter Valley Station, Lake Hawea, self-catering
2 Nights in Mahitahi Lodge, Bruce Bay in a King Room with breakfast
2 Nights in Awatuna Homestead, Awatuna in a Stafford Room with breakfast
3 Nights in Surfwatch Village Accommodation and B&B, Kaikoura in a Double Ensuite Room with breakfast
3 Nights in The Old Schoolhouse, Kina Beach (near Nelson) in a Double Room, self-catering
2 Nights in Booklovers B&B, Wellington in a Double Room with Ensuite with breakfast
1 Night in Kapiti Island Nature Lodge in a Double Ensuite with dinner and breakfast
3 Nights in The River Lodge, Ohakune in a cottage for 2 with breakfast
2 Nights in Tom’s Cottages, Hawke’s Bay in Tom’s Cottage, self-catering
1 Night in Te Urewera Treks and Tree Planting. 1 Night stay, guided walks and tree plan, fully catered
2 Nights in The Quarters, Mahia, Hawke’s Bay in a cottage, self-catering
2 Nights in Lakestay Rotoiti, Rotoiti in a cottage, self-catering
3 Nights in Hideaway Holidays, Russell in a Bay Cottage, self-catering
2 Nights in Takamatua Estate, Matakana in a Balmain Suite with breakfast

Day 1

Departure from Amsterdam to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific.

Day 2

Arrival in Hong Kong.

Arrival at L’hotel Causeway Bay Harbour View, Hong Kong, where you stay for 2 nights in a Deluxe Room with breakfast.

Day 4

Departure from L’hotel Causeway Bay Harbour View, Hong Kong.

Departure from Hong Kong to New Zealand with Cathay Pacific.

Day 5

Arrival in Auckland.

Domestic flight to Christchurch.

Pick up your rental car at Christchurch airport at 3.00 pm.

Arrival at The Oaks Historic Homestead, Darfield, where you stay for 2 nights in a Double Room with ensuite and with dinner and breakfast. This accommodation is situated amidst a magnificent landscape of the Southern Alps at some 35 minutes from Christchurch.

The Oaks is a perfect spot to start your New Zealand trip. It is a quiet place, in the middle of nature and with lots of activities possible. Your host, Madeleine, offers first class service without the routine of similar accommodations. Enjoy the cosy log fires, the beautiful scenery and the clean alpine air.

Welcome in New Zealand!

Day 7

Departure from The Oaks Historic Homestead, Darfield.

Arrival in Parkbrae Estate, Lake Tekapo where you stay for 2 nights in a Top Floor Apartment Garden Tower (2 persons), self-catering

Parkbrae Estate has a number of cosy cottages in Lake Tekapo village. Every cottage, from cosy and colonial to highrise with magnificent views, is unique. Enjoy the views of the blue waters of Lake Tekapo and the snow covered mountains beyond. Lake Tekapo is situated halfway Christchurch and Wanaka/Queenstown; it is a perfect place for an evening of star gazing in Mt. John Observatory. Enjoy the dark sky and the many stars above. Real fireworks!

Enjoy the landscapes of the Inland Scenic Route along the foot of the mountains to Geraldine when you travel from Christchurch to Lake Tekapo. Take the highway leading to the west coast and after Darfield take the exit to the south. This road will take a little bit more time compared to Highway 1, but the views and panorama’s are far more beautiful.

Day 9

Departure from Parkbrae Estate, Lake Tekapo.

Arrival at Riverrun Lodge, Wanaka, where you stay for 3 nights in a Cardrona Room with breakfast.

Riverrun Lodge & Estate is a small, luxurious accommodation 5 kilometers from Wanaka and 1 hour drive from Queenstown in the heart of New Zealands Southern Alps. The lodge is situated in a large private plot along the longest New Zealand river, the Clutha. From the lodge there are walking and running routes and you have a spectacular and free view of the mountains. Not far from the lodge there are two lakes, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea, and Mt Aspiring National Park.

Day 12

Departure from Riverrun Lodge, Wanaka.

Arrival in Captain Eady’s Lookout, Portobello (near Dunedin) for 2 nights in an Upstairs Queen Room with breakfast.

Day 14

Departure from Captain Eady’s Lookout, Portobello (near Dunedin).

Arrival at Eco Cottages at Mohua Park, Catlins for 3 nights in a cottage for 2, self-catering

The Catlins are situated in the southeastern part of the South Island. This is a spectacular nature area with many geological phenomenons. A lot of animals are living in The Catlins like penguins, seals, sea-lions and dolphins and there are many birds of different species like sea-swallows, kaka’s, blue ducks and rare threatened yellow-eyed penguins. At Mohua Park you stay in a cute little house, simply but comfortably furnished.

Day 17

Departure from Eco Cottages at Mohua Park, The Catlins.

Arrival at Captain’s Lookout, Manapouri for 2 nights in a Lake View Studio Suite, self-catering.

Inside and outside you have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the magnificent and constantly changing view of the lake and the mountains.

The lodge is very close to shops, beach and harbour. You can enjoy walks in the forest, go fishing, sailing and canoeing on the lake and in the fiords. There are signposted walking routes like the Kepler-, Milford-, Hollyford- and Key Summit-route, all within the glorious surroundings of the Fiordland Heritage Park. And the highlight is of course Doubtful Sound.

Day 19

Departure from Captain’s Lookout, Manapouri.

Arrival at Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise from Manapouri for 1 night in a Quad Share from Manapouri with dinner and breakfast.

Doubtful Sound is part of the Fiordland National Park, the second largest World Heritage Park in the world, and can easily be described as a wonder of the world. Huge mountains covered with age old rainforest loom up from the mist while thousands of waterfalls, some of them hundreds of meters high, fall down from the steep rocks into the fiord. Doubtfull Sound is a restful and majestic place, larger and more intimate than Milford Sound, and ideal for people who want to be acquainted with the most beautiful parts of New Zealands nature.

During the overnight cruise you have ample time to enjoy the fantastic views and to explore the hidden branches of Doubtful Sound. Seals and dolphins are often seen and sometimes even rare penguins. There is time to go kayaking or to explore the fiords at close quarters in a small boat in the company of a naturalist. In the evening the cruise ship will drop anchor in a quiet bay. After all the daily activities you now can enjoy a delicious buffet dinner in the spacious restaurant. In the morning enjoy the magnificent sunrise in one of the world’s most spectacular nature areas; after that you return to Manapouri.

Important: Doubtful Sound is part of the rainforest and gets more than 6000 mm rain every year. Therefore a raincoat is a necessary item. But even when it rains Doubtful Sound is a most beautiful area, maybe even more beautiful than in dry weather. Don’t forget your camera!

Bring a waterproof jacket, clean clothes, a warm sweater or fleece jersey, protection against sunburn, sunglasses, insect repellent, swimsuit (for the more audacious), cash money for the bar and snacks, everything in a light travelling bag or rucksack because of the limited space onboard.

Also important: All meals are included and check-in is at the office of Real Journeys in Manapouri harbour. Check-in is 20 minutes prior to departure. The cruise ship will leave around 12.30 from November untill April and at 12.00 in May. You will return the next day around 12.00 hrs.

Day 20

Departure from Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise from Manapouri.

Arrival at Hunter Valley Station, Lake Hawea for 2 nights in a Cottage for 2, self-catering.

Day 21

Siberia Wilderness Adventure for 2 at 10.00 hrs.

Day 22

Departure from Hunter Valley Station, Lake Hawea.

Arrival at Mahitahi Lodge, Bruce Bay for 2 nights in a King Room (kingsize bed) with dinner and breakfast.

Bruce Bay is a quiet coastal village 30 minutes drive from the Fox glacier, an ideal stopping-place when you arrive from Wanaka. Your hosts at the Mahitahi Lodge have lived on the west coast for a very long time and know the area like no one else. They offer knowledge and the kind of personal service you can expect in a special accommodation like this one.They are very concerned about the environment, therefore they use many ingredients for the meals from their own garden and John catches fish from the local rivers and the sea. Maybe John will invite you to accompany him when he goes fishing. You are also most welcome for a early morning walk together with John along the beaches of Bruce Bay and to enjoy the glorious sunrise over Mt Cook. After that a delicious breakfast awaits you in the lodge.

Day 24

Departure from Mahitahi Lodge, Bruce Bay.

Arrival at Awatuna Homestead, Awatuna for 2 nights in a Stafford Room with breakfast.

Here you will be welcomed by friendly Kiwi’s offering a comfortable stay at the Awatuna Homestead. Ask Hemi after his Maori origin and culture; he will be happy to tell you more about it.

The Awatuna Homestead is situated in a valley that stretches from the Southern Alps until the Tasman Sea. You will find the Homestead on Highway 6 on the edge of the Southern Alps, close to the road that leads through Arthurs Pass to Christchurch. Here you can enjoy the rest and space of rural countryside. Awatuna is an ideal starting point for a daytrip to Punakaiki with its famous Pancake Rocks.

Day 26

Departure from Awatuna Homestead, Awatuna.

Arrival at Surfwatch Village Accommodation & B&B, Kaikoura for 3 nights in a Double Ensuite Room with breakfast.

Surfwatch is situated on a hill with view of the sea at some 10 minutes drive north of Kaikoura. The view of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Seaward Kaikoura Mountains on the other side is truly spectacular. Surfwatch has only 3 guestrooms and offers very comfortable accommodation. You can be sure of total privacy in very beautiful surroundings. Close by there are seal colonies and the sunsets are really unforgettable.

Day 27

Kaikoura Whale Watching for 2 at 09.00 hrs.

Day 29

Departure from Surfwatch Village Accommodation and B&B, Kaikoura.

Arrival at The Old Schoolhouse, Kina Beach (near Nelson) for 3 nights in a Double Room, self-catering.

The Old Schoolhouse is situated in the heart of the Marlborough wine region at some 10 minutes drive from Blenheim. This “rammed earth”-building and the separate cottage have beautiful views over the garden unto the hills around the Marlborough Plains. The accommodation is cosy and comfortable thanks to its simplicity and design. This is an outstanding location to enjoy the food and wine Marlborough is famous for. The Marlborough Sound and the Queen Charlotte Track are not too far away. The location is also perfect for people who depart from or arrive at the South Island, because it is only 30 minutes drive to the ferry terminal in Picton.

Day 30

1 Day Kayak tour for 2.

Abel Tasman Kayaks organises kayak tours in the Abel Tasman National Park in the northwest of New Zealands South Island. There are half day and whole day tours but also tours that last several days, all of them conducted by experienced guides, during which you will learn to know this magnificent area. During the tour you can enjoy the ever changing landscape and explore various bays and inlets along the coast where it is possible to see seals and sometimes even swim with them.

Day 32

Departure from The Old Schoolhouse, Kina Beach (near Nelson).

After arrival of the ferry boat at 1.10 pm you will be greeted by a representative and accompanied to your rental car.

Arrival at Booklovers B&B, Wellington for 2 nights in a Double Room with Ensuite and with breakfast.

Booklovers is situated on a hill with a beautiful view, adjoining “bushland” and with a stylish and inspiring Victorian interior. Booklovers is at the far end of the street, in front of a tunnel through the hill and has the privilege of a neighbouring indigenous forest. There is a walking track through the forest leading down to the beach at Oriental Bay. In the comfortable breakfast room with a view of the valley below it is difficult to believe that you are only at a 15 minutes walk from the city centre. The owner, author Jane Tolerton, always uses the “good”dinner-set so that you will have the feeling that this is a special occasion. Music and books fill the different rooms; a small selection of the books is available for the guests to read free of charge.

Day 34

Departure from Booklovers B&B, Wellington.

Arrival at Kapiti Island Nature Lodge for 1 night in a Double Ensuite with dinner and breakfast.

Day 35

Departure from Kapiti Island Nature Lodge.

Arrival at The River Lodge, Ohakune for 3 nights in a cottage for 2 with breakfast.

The River Lodge is situated between Ohakune and Rahtihi on the banks of the Mangawhero river. The lodge offers magnificent views of Mt Ruapehu volcano. It is a quiet and relaxing place to stay. Enjoy breakfast on the veranda with view of the mountain and in the evening indulge in a picknick on the riverbank. The cottages are filled with the lovely scent of the cedar from which they have been built.

Mt Ruapehu and the national park are ideal for walking. Close by is the famous Tongariro Crossing. Don’t forget to consult the weather forecast before starting your walk because in the mountains the weather can change drastically.The Whanganui river is ideal for those who want to take the jet boat upstream and the canoe downstream. The upper level of the Turoa ski run is an excellent place to watch the sunset.

Coming from the south you can enter Ohakune from Highway 1 or you can follow one of the roads that lead from the north of Whanganui. These roads are longer, but very scenic. When on your way to the Rotorua region don’t forget to visit the Huka Falls and the Orakel Korako volcanic valley north of Taupo.

Day 38

Departure from The River Lodge, Ohakune.

Arrival at Tom’s Cottages, Hawke’s Bay for 2 nights in Tom’s Cottage, self-catering.

Dag 40

Departure from Tom’s Cottages, Hawke’s Bay.

Arrival at Te Urewera Treks and Tree Planting for 1 night; 1 night stay, guided walks and tree planting on a fully catered basis.

The Urewera Tree Planting Trek is a project realised by Te Urewera Treks, TravelEssence and the local Maori of Te Urewera National Forest. The aim is simple: restoration of part of the park that during the last century has been used for agricultural purposes to its former glorious state of age old rainforest.

The adventure starts some 20 minutes south of Rotorua where you meet your guide for the day, Joe Doherty, a member of the local Maori whose ancestors have lived in this area for hunderds of years. Joe will take you to one of New Zealands most beautiful rainforests. In the morning you walk through the mystical Whirinaki Forest. During the walk Joe will tell tales and legends of the Maori, he will explain the role that, according to the Maori, trees have played during creation and why trees are so holy.

After lunch the planting of indigenous trees like Rimu, Totara and the local birch tree will start. Within 1000 years the trees will develop into mature members of the Podocarp-type of forest that is created in Te Urewera National Park. Every person plants 9 trees with 6 meters of space between them. 3 of those trees will grow quickly and live for 75 years, 3 grow slower and will live for some 200 years and the last ones will grow very slow and reach an age of 1000 years.

As part of your contribution to the restoration of this very special landscape you will be blessed with the Tangata Whenua status meaning that you are considered to be a “local person of the land”. You will always be welcome in Te Urewera and the trees that you planted yourself will live for 1000 years or more.

Apart from the meaning towards the environment there is also a social aspect to all this. The trees will be taken care of until they will be able to support themselves (some 5 years) by the local youth and the adults of the Te Urewera Maori. Their knowledge of the forest is unequalled, but until now this expertise has not been judged by its true merits, hence the high and long lasting unemployment in the region.

We are sure that you will enjoy this day and that the Maori will appreciate your contribution to this very important project.

Day 41

Departure from Te Urewera Treks and Tree Planting.

Arrival at The Quarters, Mahia, Hawke’s Bay for 2 nights in a cottage, self-catering.

Day 43

Departure from The Quarters, Mahia, Hawke’s Bay.

Arrival at Lakestay Rotoiti, Rotoiti for 2 nights in a cottage, self-catering.

Day 45

Departure from Lakestay Rotoiti, Rotoiti.

Arrival at Hideways Holidays, Russell for 3 nights in a Bay Cottage, self-catering.

Day 46

Swim with dolphins for 2 persons at 8.05 am.

Day 47

A Day with Hone for 2 persons at 10.00 am.

Day 48

Departure from Hideways Holidays, Russell.

Arrival at Takamatua Estate, Matakana for 2 nights in a Balmain Suite with breakfast.

Takamatua means “a place to rest at the end of a long trip” and this is how you will remember this architecturally breathtaking lodge and large family home. The lodge has been built on a large terrain with wide views of Ti Point, Omaha Beach all the way to the Coromandel Peninsula. Situated at only 1 hour drive from Auckland, surrounded by the Matakana vineyards, agricultural markets and fine dining facilities this place is truly paradise. The lodge has been meticulously designed, has a classic architecture, luxurious amenities and furniture, a lush garden and tasteful fitting up with antiquities that have been collected over the years. All this goes in combination with the necessary high tech audio and visual means and a climate control system.

Day 50

Departure from Takamatua Estate, Matakana.

Delivery of the rental car at the office at Auckland airport at 12.00 pm.

Departure from Auckland with Cathay Pacific. Arrival in Amsterdam.