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Treasures of New Zealand

January 11-24, 2007

Spanning two islands, New Zealand is a unique blend of colorful Maori mythology and British colonial history set amidst tremendous natural beauty. In Auckland, ascend Mount Eden and cruise the city's two harbors. Enjoy a scenic drive to Rotorua, and learn about traditional Maori culture at Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. See the impressive Huka Falls and Lake Taupo, New Zealand 's largest lake, before touring a vineyard in the Napier wine country. Then, visit Puhaka Mount Bruce and the Museum of New Zealand in Wellington. Experience Christchurch, the Garden City, from a boat on the Avon River. Marvel at snow-capped Mount Cook and beautiful Lake Wakatipu en route to Queenstown. Finally, cruise through lush rain forest into the serene and silent Hall Arm in Doubtful Sound.

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COMPLETE BROCHURE pdf

Itinerary

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Auckland, New Zealand. (Flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Day 2
Cross the International Dateline in flight. (Flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Day 3
Upon arrival, transfer to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. (Transfer provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.) Excursion: Highlights of Auckland. After lunch in a local restaurant, visit Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, ascend Mount Eden, explore the Auckland Museum, see Parnell Village and travel through Auckland’s business district.
Enrichment: Cheers and Chat.  This evening, attend a Welcome Reception and informative overview of New Zealand.

Day 4
Excursion: Auckland Harbor Cruise. Board a boat to cruise through Auckland’s two harbors, and admire stunning views of the city. Independent Exploration: The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 5
Excursion: Scenic New Zealand. Depart Auckland for a scenic drive to Rotorua. Stop in charming Matamata, the township used as the set for Hobbiton in The Lord of the Rings movies. Continue into a volcanic crater, where Rotorua nestles on the shore of the lake. Visit the Kiwi Encounter habitat, an effort to save the endangered kiwi bird, and tour the Rainbow Springs Nature Park. Upon arrival in Rotorua, check into the Millennium Hotel. Local Flavor: Stop for lunch on a working dairy farm in rural Matamata.
Optional Enrichment: Native Cultures. This evening, learn about traditional Maori culture during a special concert and dinner accompanied by a guest lecturer.

Day 6
Excursion: Rural New Zealand. Visit the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve for a guided tour of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and the geysers of Thermal Valley. Visit the Agrodome for a sheep shearing and herding demonstration. Independent Exploration: The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 7
Enrichment: The Waters of New Zealand and Napier. Depart Rotorua for Napier, passing Huka Falls and New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, renowned for its trout fishing. Upon arrival in Napier, check into the Te Pania Hotel, and tour the Art Deco quarter. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Day 8
Excursion: Winery Tour and Tasting. Tour one of the Napier area’s colorful wineries and learn about New Zealand’s wine industry. Local Flavor: Savor lunch and local wines at a historic winery and restaurant. Independent Exploration: The afternoon is yours to spend as you please.

Day 9
Excursion: Pukaha Mount Bruce. Depart Napier, and stop at the Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre, a region dedicated to conserving New Zealand’s endangered wildlife. Continue to the capital city of Wellington, where you will board a short flight to Christchurch. Upon arrival in Christchurch, transfer to the Millennium Hotel. The remainder of the evening is at leisure.

Day 10
Excursion: Highlights of Christchurch. All aboard the Christchurch Tram for a fascinating tour with expert commentary. Next, board punting boats for a leisurely punt up the Avon River and a completely different perspective of the city. Independent Exploration: The remainder of the day is yours for individual pursuits. Enrichment: Meet the People Dinner. Dine in the homes of local hosts, and learn about the New Zealand way of life firsthand. 

Day 11
Excursion: Mountain Vistas. Depart Christchurch, stopping at Lake Tekapo, a vast mirror reflecting the majestic mountain panorama. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and a bronze sheep dog sculpture. See Mount Cook, a craggy, snow-capped beauty. Continue on to Queenstown on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and transfer to the Millennium Hotel. Local Flavor: Enjoy lunch at a local hotel. Optional Excursion: Glacier Flight. Fly the length of the Tasman Glacier aboard a ski plane.

Day 12
Lecture: Geography and Geology. Independent Exploration: The day is at leisure for individual activity.

Day 13
Excursion: Milford Sound. Enjoy a wonderful cruise on stunning Milford Sound as you marvel at the surrounding natural beauty.

Day 14
Transfer to the airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Fiji Optional Pre-Trip Extension

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Nadi, Fiji. (Flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Day 2
Cross the International Dateline in flight. (Flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)

Day 3
Early this morning, arrive in Fiji’s Nadi airport on the Island of Viti Levu. Upon arrival, transfer to the Shangri-La Fijian Resort where your rooms have been reserved for early occupancy. (Transfer provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.) The remainder of your morning is at leisure to rest or explore this beautiful resort on your own. This afternoon, visit Fiji's capital city, Suva, the center of commerce, communication and government. This city includes sights such as the President's residence, Albert Park and Thurston Botanical Gardens. Enjoy tall modern buildings balanced by rich traditional colonial architecture. Visit the Fiji Museum, which features exhibits on the country’s history and culture.

Day 4
The day is at leisure. An AHI Hospitality Desk is available to help you plan your day. You may want to play a round of golf on the 9-hole course designed by Peter Thomson, relax at the lagoon pool or sail on a catamaran.

Day 5
The day is at leisure. The AHI Hospitality Desk is again available for your convenience. Today you may decide to enjoy glass-bottom boat cruise or join a deep sea fishing excursion.

Day 6
Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Auckland, New Zealand. (Transfer and flight provided for Air-Inclusive participants only.)