A Presented
place that never
leaves
you!
by Janet
Blair,
President, Successfully Single Inc.
& World Traveler
A place that never leaves you!
Presented by Janet Blair,
President, Successfully Single Inc.
& World Traveler
A New Zealand vacation is like no other. It’s spectacular beauty is as unique
as the huge range of fun and varied activities it has to offer. It is my distinct
pleasure to share with you the magnificence of this land down under known
as Aotearoa or the “Land of the Long White Cloud”.
Day 1 & 2
Depart the USA for your flight to Los Angeles where you will embark on
your international non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Auckland and then
onto Queenstown on Air New Zealand, ranked one of the top airlines in the
world. Cross the international dateline and lose one day. This overnight
non-stop flight from LA to Auckland is approximately 12 ½ hours and 2
hours to Queenstown.
Day 3 - Queenstown
Queenstown is one of New Zealand’s top visitor destinations and if you come to
the region you’ll understand why. The town sits on the shore of crystal clear
Lake Wakatipu among the dramatic Remarkable Mountain ranges.
Head out of Queenstown and the drama of the Central Otago landscape unfolds
around you. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan you’ll recognize many of the
locations of Middle-earth here.
Day 3 Queenstown
The lake and mountain landscape
make Queenstown suited to all kinds
of adventure. There’s skiing in the
winter and activities such as bungy
jumping, jet boating, horse trekking and
river rafting all year round.
AJ Hackett International is the most
recognized and respected of all
adventure brands. It has been at the
forefront of adventure tourism since its
creation in the late 1980s. Started by
AJ and Henry van Asch in the mountain
setting of Queenstown, Bungy Jumping
was a vehicle for the perfect lifestyle, a
never-ending adventure by two mates
to push each other and their friends to
the limit.
Day 4 Queenstown
Join an optional scenic cruise to Walter Peak on board the vintage steamship
TSS Earnslaw. During the cruise, the ship's pianist entertains with a variety of old
favorites and you are encouraged to join in sing-a-long around the piano. Upon
arrival at the Colonel's Homestead you can wander through the beautiful
lakeside gardens, take a farmyard walking tour, viewing the livestock including
sheep, highland cattle, deer and goats. Your hosts will work the sheep dogs and
explain high country mustering practices, plus a demonstration on the art of wool
spinning. A barbecue lunch is available for an additional charge. After your farm
tour, return to Queenstown across the lake aboard the TSS Earnslaw.
Day 4 - Queenstown
By night you can enjoy dinner at Queenstown's most spectacular location.
Reputed to be the steepest lift in the Southern Hemisphere, the gondola carries
visitors high above Queenstown to the Skyline complex located on Bob's Peak,
an easy five minute walk from central Queenstown. The Skyline Restaurant
serves up a mouthwatering Taste of New Zealand buffet of legendary proportions
every night of the year. Feast on South Island salmon, seafoods, salads, roast
meats and delicious desserts - and feast your eyes on the most spectacular
scenery in the country. Tiered seating guarantees stunning views from every
table.
Day 5 Milford Sound
Milford Sound is a fjord in the south west of New
Zealand's South Island, within Fiordland National
Park, a World Heritage site. The beauty of this
landscape draws thousands of visitors each day. It
has been judged the world's top travel destination in
an international survey by TripAdvisor and is New
Zealand's most famous tourist destination, even with
its remote location and the long journey from the
nearest population centers. Kipling had previously
called it the eighth Wonder of the World. With a
mean annual rainfall of 6,813 mm on 182 days a
year, a high level even for the West Coast, Milford
Sound is known as the wettest inhabited place in
New Zealand and one of the wettest in the world.
Rainfall can reach 250 mm during a span of 24
hours. The rainfall creates dozens of temporary
waterfalls cascading down the cliff faces, some
reaching a thousand meters in length. Whatever the
fiord’s mood – brooding and wet, or tranquil in the
sunshine – it will inspire you.
Day 5 Milford Sound
In the morning we travel to Milford Sound checking out the most amazing scenery in
New Zealand along the way. The day includes a two hour boat cruise, a free hot
buffet lunch and free entry to the underwater observatory. See the Homer Tunnel,
gigantic waterfalls and amazing fiords. One of the highlights of the cruise is the
stunning Mitre Peak, an iconic mountain and one of the most photographed peaks in
the country. The distinctive shape of the peak gives the mountain its name, after the
miter headwear of Christian bishops. Part of the reason for its iconic status is its
height – it rises to just over a mile from the water of the sound.
Day 6 - Franz Joseph – Lake Matheson
We arrive in Franz Joseph in time to take a shuttle to the awe-inspiring Lake
Matheson. Famous for its reflected views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount
Tasman, Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest just 3 miles from Fox
Glacier. The excellent mirror-like reflecting properties are due to the dark
brown color of the waters, the result of organic matter leached from the
humus of the forest floor. Dawn and dusk are generally the best viewing times
as the lake is generally calm.
Day 7 - Franz Joseph
Franz Josef is a small town with a
population of 330 in the West Coast region
of the South Island. The Waiho River runs
from the Franz Josef Glacier to the south,
through the town, and into the Tasman Sea
to the north-west. The town with a
population of just 330 is named after the
Glacier - itself named by Julius von Haast
in honour of the Emperor of Austria, Franz
Josef I. The glacier's terminal face is 3
miles from the town and its accessibility
Franz Joseph offers the most
makes it a major tourist attraction and the
spectacular glacier environment
reason many people visit Franz Josef.
available to the general public
anywhere in the world, offering a range
of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels
of fitness and ability. The glacier area
is one of the main tourist attractions of
the West Coast, with around 250,000
visitors a year, and up to 2,700 per day.
A number of guided walks up to and
onto the glacier are available.
Day 7 - Franz Joseph
As the walking part of any tour up to the glacier
takes a long time, numerous tourists book
helicopter tours from one of the several local
airlines, which usually drop their guests off on
the glacier for a guided 1-2 hour walk through
the broken ground atop the glacier. Though the
glacial landscape changes almost daily with the
glaciers unusually fast flow, and some walks
include passages through ice tunnels, they are
still considered quite safe and only somewhat
strenuous.
Day 8 Franz Joseph – Punakaki - Nelson
Punakaiki is a small community on the
West Coast of the South Island of New
Zealand, between Westport and
Greymouth,on the edge of the Paparoa
National Park.
The Pancake Rocks are a very popular
tourist goal at Dolomite Point south of the
main village. The Pancake Rocks are a
heavily eroded limestone area where the
sea bursts though a number of vertical
blowholes during high tides. Together with
the 'pancake'-layering of the limestone
(created by immense pressure on
alternating hard and soft layers of marine
creatures and plant sediments), these
form the main attraction of the area.
The Pancake Rocks are presently
explorable by a number of walkways
winding through the rock formations.
Day 9 – Nelson - Abel Tasman National Park
Named for Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who first visited the region in 1642, this
national park is New Zealand's smallest - but it's perfectly formed for relaxation
and adventure. Visitors love the way the Abel Tasman National Park mixes
physical exertion with beach life. Bursts of hiking or kayaking are punctuated by
sun bathing, swimming and sedate snorkelling around the characteristic granite
outcrops.
Day 9 – Tuesday, February 28 Abel Tasman National Park
Hiking - Considered one of New Zealand's 'Great Walks', the Abel Tasman's Coastal
Track takes between 3 and 5 days to complete in it’s entirety. It climbs around
headlands and through native forest to a series of beautiful beaches. The track is
walkable at any time of the year and you can spend as little as 2 hours hiking portions
of the track through lush native bush bordered by pristine golden beaches.
Sea kayaking - A number of kayaking companies run guided tours from Marahau and
Kaiteriteri. Advanced reservations are recommended.
Water taxis - Water taxis run the length of the coastline on a regular basis daily and
can take you from the starting point to the major points of interest along the way.
Day 10 Nelson - Wellington
Interislander travels between the North and South Islands of New Zealand
and has been described as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world”.
With 57 miles of breathtaking views, the three-hour journey between
Wellington and Picton really is one of New Zealand's most iconic tourism
activities. Once you're on your Interislander journey, you can take a stroll on
the decks, enjoy a meal, a drink or even catch the latest movie releases. Or
you could just choose to relax and take in the breathtaking view.
Day 11 - Wellington
The Wellington Cable Car is one of Wellington’s oldest & most popular tourist
attractions. The cars run from Lambton Quay in the heart of the central
business district and within 5 minutes whisk you from under the corporate
towers of The Terrace past Kelburn Park and Victoria University to the top
entrance of the Wellington Botanic Gardens.
Day 11 - Wellington
Te Papa is New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum and a recognized
world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences. Entry is free,
though charges apply to some short-term exhibitions and activities. New Zealand's
geology and natural environment and the stories of New Zealand's indigenous
people, the Māori, are celebrated in Te Papa's permanent exhibitions, while Te
Papa's Marae is a vibrant contemporary meeting house and a living communal
centre, unique in a museum. An exciting range of exhibitions display New
Zealand's diverse art and visual culture and top-rating international exhibitions tour
regularly. Te Papa also features entertainment, performances, floor talks, lectures,
and more.
Day 12 Wellington - Rotorua
With a population of 4 million people and over 50 million sheep, New Zealand is
all about sheep! The Agrodome is one of New Zealand’s most loved tourist
attractions. Located just north of Rotorua, the Agrodome is home to the multiaward winning Sheep Show featuring live sheep shearing, 19 breeds of
champion rams, cow milking, lamb feeding, sheep dog demonstrations as well as
a full New Zealand dog trial. There are three exciting shows a day, each an hour
in duration. Visit the Woollen Mill and Shearing Shed to see the full process of
wool from the Sheep’s back to yours. The Farmyard Nursery is also a must see
with baby animals available for cuddles and photos year round.
Day 13 - Rotorua
Te Puia is the premier Māori cultural centre in New Zealand a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud
pools and spectacular geysers. Māori tradition lives on at
Te Whakarewarewa, with guided tours and attractions, Māori
culture, and the National Carving and Weaving Schools of
New Zealand.
Day 13 - Rotorua
Voted one of the top 10 spas in the world, the Polynesian Spa with its thermal
pools, hot spring pools and massage therapies are a perfect way to relax in
Rotorua.
Polynesian Spa has been receiving visitors to New Zealand for over 150 years.
There are 26 hot mineral spring pools in four areas, but we recommend you
choose the deluxe Lake Spa, an inviting haven surrounded by native flora and
views across the lake. Entry to this area is complimentary with your Lake Spa
Retreat treatment. Signature treatment here is the Rotorua thermal mud body
polish, and it is one you are unlikely to find outside of Rotorua.
Day 13 Rotorua
Complete your adventure through Rotorua with a traditional Maori "hangi" feast.
You'll travel by coach to Tamaki Maori Village where your local guide will escort
you on a cultural journey to the "marae" (Maori village), the life force of New
Zealand's indigenous people. In this authentic Maori village nestled in the
Rotorua forest, you’ll discover Maori art forms, ancient rituals and traditions,
experience thrilling song and dance, and then share in a 3 course meal with your
Maori hosts.
Day 14 – Rotorua - Waitamo - Auckland
World renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must
see for any traveler. The glow worm, Arachnocampa
luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of
these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable
luminescent light as expert guides provide informative
commentary on the caves' historical and geological
significance.
During the world famous boat ride you will
journey underground on a subterranean
adventure in complete darkness with just
the glowworms shining like a starry night.
The hardy little glowworms are oblivious to
the huge number of admirers they have
been receiving over the past 100 years and
they keep glowing to attract their food in
the caves.
Day 15 - Auckland
Enjoy the entire day in the "City of Sails". Visit the Sky Tower, New Zealand's
highest man-made structure, Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and
Underwater World, take a sail in the harbor or visit any of the other major
attractions in this great city. You may also want to consider the Hop-On Hop-off
bus that takes you to 14 of Auckland's major points of interest.
Day 15 - Auckland
A truly captivating experience awaits visitors
at Auckland's Sky Tower. At 1076 feet, it is
the tallest man-made structure in New
Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up
to 50 miles in every direction.
Travel up in the glass-fronted elevators to
one of the three spectacular viewing
platforms, or for more thrills and excitement,
SkyWalk round the pergola at 630 feet up or
SkyJump off the Tower!
Relax with a coffee and light refreshments at
Sky Lounge, enjoy a seafood feast at The
Observatory Restaurant or dine at Orbit Auckland's only 360-degree revolving
restaurant.
Sky Tower is one of New Zealand's most
exhilarating and spectacular tourist
attractions. You will be amazed at what you
can see and do under one roof!
Day 15 - Auckland
Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World was the brainchild of the
late Kelly Tarlton, a wreck diver, treasure hunter & visionary. Highlights includes
the Antarctic Encounter, where you’ll be taken back in time to the life-sized
replica hut of intrepid South Pole explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott;
Antarctic snowcat a ride where you can observe sub-Antarctic Penguins and
view the birds as they swim underwater; Amazon tank to view the deadly
Piranha; Stingray Bay Stingrays some 6 ½ long; Underwater World - while
travelling in a clear tunnel, surrounded by ocean water and the awesome sea
creatures within it, including sharks. Free shuttle picks up from the Sky City
Hotel on the hour every hour, 7 days a week
Day 16 Auckland - USA
Depart Auckland where you will embark on your international flight from
Auckland to LA on Air New Zealand, ranked one of the top airlines in the
world. Cross the international dateline and gain one day. This overnight
non-stop flight is approximately 12 ½ hours.
ACCOMMODATIONS
YHA Auckland International
YHA Nelsom
Centrally located.
Qualmark Rated
YHA Rotorua
Literature of attractions and travel
desk, where staff can help you out
with your travel plans and book
activities.
YHA Punakaki
Full laundry facilities
Internet access.
YHA Taupo
All accommodations include fully
furnished self-catering kitchens.
YHA Franz Joseph
Lounge and TV room.
High speed internet access.
Personal safes available.
YHA Wellington
YHA Queenstown Lakefront
PASSPORT GUIDELINES
YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT TO LEAVE
THE U.S.!
This passport MUST meet these 4 requirements:
# 1-- Passport must be VALID... expired passports
aren't good for anything!
# 2-- Passport must be good for at least SIX MONTHS
AFTER your return date home from your trip... if it
expires before then, you won't be going!
(Passports "unofficially" expire 6 months before
their actual expiration, so don't let that catch you
by surprise!)
# 3-- Passport must be in YOUR LEGAL NAME &
passport must match the name you put on your
ticket/travel documents... no matching names, no
leaving the country!
# 4-- Passport must have at least ONE BLANK PAGE
left in the passport... this is for when they stamp
your passport upon arrival in the foreign country.
Your passport is invalid if it doesn't have at least 1
blank page for use!
WHAT TO PACK
New Zealand is well known for having ‘4 seasons in
one day’ – In other words, you should expect
almost any type of weather at any time of day.
The following is a guide as to what you should pack for
you to enjoy your New Zealand trip.
Baggage Allowance for Economy
Class Air New Zealand International
Flights
Checked luggage: 1 piece weighing no
more than 50 lbs. Additional bag charge
of $50.
One piece of cabin baggage with a
maximum weight of 15lbs and maximum
total dimensions 46.5".
1 thick sweater
New Zealand's agricultural
industries are free of many insect
1 Warm jacket
pests, and plant and animal
1 Rainproof jacket
diseases common elsewhere in
Umbrella
the world. They put a lot of effort
1 or 2 pairs of Jeans
into minimizing the risk of these
1 or 2 Shorts
being introduced at ports and
2 or 3 Casual shirts or tops
airports.
1 or 2 T-shirts
Heavy fines may be imposed on
1 or 2 eveningwear outfits
people caught carrying prohibited
1 or 2 Warm-up suit
materials. On arrival visitors
should place any questionable
Socks
items, particularly fruit, in the
Underwear
bins provided.
1 or 2 Nightwear
Swimwear and towel
Thongs/flip flops/sandals
Going out shoes
Comfortable walking shoes (for outdoor activities)
Toiletry bag and contents
Sun tan lotion
Insect repellent
Aspirin/Medicines, etc.
Travel Documents
Passport (carried on, not in checked baggage)
NEW ZEALAND CLIMATE
New Zealand does not have a large temperature range, lacking the extremes found in
most continental climates. However, the weather can change unexpectedly, as cold
fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for
sudden changes in weather and temperature if you're going hiking or doing other
outdoor activities.
•Spring - September, October, November
•Summer - December, January, February
•Autumn - March, April, May
•Winter - June, July, August
New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While the far north has subtropical
weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as 50 degrees in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild
temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine.
Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature
decreases as you travel south. The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south
temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest
June, July and August. In summer, the average temperature ranges between 65-80ºF
and in winter between 50-60ºF.
NEW ZEALAND CUISINE
Occupying an island nation with a primarily agricultural economy, New Zealanders
enjoy quality local produce from land and sea. Typical New Zealand favorites are
lamb, pork, venison, seafood, sweet potato, kiwi fruit, tamarillo, and pavlova, the
national dessert - a meringue cake with a light, delicate, crisp crust and a soft
sweet marshmallow center. Similar to the cuisine of Australia, the cuisine of New
Zealand is a diverse British-based cuisine with Mediterranean, Pacific Rim and
Indian influences.
Like other Polynesian people, Māori cooked their food in earth ovens known as
hāngi. Stones are heated by fire and food parcels, packed in leaves, are placed on
top. The packs are further covered with foliage and cloth, or, nowadays wet sacks,
then earth. Other cooking methods included roasting and, in geothermal areas,
boiling or steaming using natural hot springs and pools. Māori were one of the few
people to have no form of alcoholic beverage.
Sheepskin Coats
Sheepskin Slippers
Lanolin Skin Care
Thermal Mud Skin Care
New Zealand Soaps
All Blacks Rugby Gifts
Paua Shell Gifts
Greenstone Jade
Bone Carvings
Maori Wood Carvings
Wool products
Possum Knitwear
Merino Knitwear
Hokitika Glass
Maneuka Honey
Wine
Tea
Biscuits
NEW ZEALAND SHOPPING
The Utimate Kiwi Experience - 17 days for just $1799* plus airfare.
$899 Non-refundable deposit due before November 23, 2011.
Inclusions:
•Budget accommodations (based on
double occupancy)
•Airport transfers
•Sightseeing per itinerary
•Free roommate matching service
•Free airport carpooling service
•Waitamo Caves, Waitomo
•Agrodome, Rotorua
•Huka Falls, Taupo
•Te Papa Museum, Wellington
•Wellington Cable Car, Wellington
•Interislander Ferry across Cooks Strait
•Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, West Coast
•Lake Matheson, West Coast
•Milford Sound Cruise (includes lunch)
•Airport departure tax
*Rates subject to change based on availability.
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
While travel insurance is not required, it is strongly encouraged!
MHRoss Travel Protection Benefits
(Benefits and Limits vary by plan)
•24-Hour Worldwide Assistance
•Trip Interruption or Cancellation
•Travel Delay
•Medical Expenses / Emergency Assistance
•Baggage Delay or Disappearance
•Pre-Existing Condition Waiver
•Emergency Medical Evacuation
•Non-Medical Emergency Evacuation
•Cancel for any reason option: Pays up to 100% of non-refundable trip
cost if you cancel your trip two (2) days or more before your scheduled
departure date. This option must be purchased within fifteen (15) days
of the initial deposit/payment for your trip.
www.mhross.com or 800-423-3632
OTHER POPULAR DESTINATIONS
Bay of Islands
Kaikoura
Christchurch
Dunedin
Milford Track Guided Walk