20 Day - Tasman Odyssey

‘Haere Mai’ … Welcome to New Zealand

Having cleared customs & immigration formalities, you will be met by our representative & transferred by limousine to your city hotel.

The 'City of Sails' is New Zealand's largest and most vibrant, offering an exciting array of cosmopolitan experiences. Imagine an urban environment where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, hiking trails and a dozen enchanted holiday islands. Add a mild climate, a background rhythm of Polynesian culture and a passion for outstanding food, wine and shopping and you’re beginning to get the picture of Auckland. Also known as the City of Sails - a title gained from the view of yachts seen against the cityscape.

Sightseeing and activity options available:

One Nights Accommodation at the Heritage Hotel in Auckland. Perfectly positioned overlooking the sparkling Waitamata Harbour and the excitement of the America's Cup Village. Situated in the heart of Auckland's business district The Heritage is within walking distance of the city's many attractions, including the Sky Tower, Casino, the shops of Queen Street and Auckland city's finest cafés and restaurants.

The Coromandel Peninsula is a beautiful rugged area fringed with dozens of excellent beaches & is a place where many kiwis choose to escape the hustle & hype of city life. It is home to many arts & crafts people who seek an alternative lifestyle. At the quaint township of Coromandel, ride the Driving Creek narrow gauge railway to a fascinating artist colony.

One Nights Accommodation at Puka Park Resort in the coromandel. The stylish and private chalets are hidden amid 25 acres of lush, native bushland, each harmonising perfectly with the environment. . The resort’s signature restaurant, Miha, is renowned for superb dining, intimate ambience and stunning views, whilst the adjacent ti kouka bar offers the perfect environment to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring.

Journey along the Bay of Plenty coastline to Mt Maunganui & Tauranga. Then head inland across the volcanic plateau to the geothermal city of Rotorua.

Geysers, mud pools and thermal springs have been attracting visitors to Rotorua since the 1800s and the living, breathing landscape never fails to amaze. Perched on the edge of a large lake, in the crater of an ancient volcano, this picturesque city is also the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture. With 16 sparkling lakes within 20 minutes drive of the city, as well as magnificent forests surrounding, Rotorua has earned the reputation as the North Islands outdoors adventure centre offering an exciting array of experiences.

This evening, enjoy a twilight cruise across Lake Rotoiti to the natural themal springs of Manupirua Pools before enjoying a lakeside BBQ dinner at your resort.

Sightseeing and activity options available:

Two Nights Accommodation at the Duxton Hotel in Okawa Bay. Located on the shores of beautiful Lake Rotoiti, and just 15 minutes drive from central Rotorua the Duxton Hotel Okawa Bay is known for its idyllic setting, superb facilities and magnificent surroundings.

Today’s highlight is an exclusive cruise across the pristine, clear waters of Lake Tarawera. Experience spectacular scenery, try your hand at trout fishing and enjoy soaking in the thermal waters of Hot Water Beach. This afternoon, visit the Blue & Green Lakes and then wander around the famous buried village of Te Wairoa.

This morning, visit Wai-O-tapu (meaning Sacred Waters), a wonderland of geothermal activity. Walk at your own pace and marvel at the reserves unique features that include the world famous Champagne Pool, geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. Stop to view the mighty Huka Falls & Wairakei Geothermal project and then take time to wander around the popular lakeside resort of Taupo. Continue on to Napier, one of the world’s finest Art Deco cities. Your local guide will bring this fascinating architecture to life on your walk around the town this afternoon.

Two Nights Accommodation at the Te Pania Hotel in Napier. Hawkes Bay is one of the first places in the world to see the light each day, and the Hotel Te Pania in Napier enjoys a premium waterfront location on Marine Parade. The hotel’s slender curved form echoes the shape of the bay, and guests enjoy sweeping views out over the water.

Widely regarded as the ‘Tuscany of the South Pacific’, this region boasts some of New Zealand’s best and oldest wineries. Enjoy a free day to experience some of the many optional activities available. Enjoy a guided wine trail and taste some of the great wines produced locally, visit the world’s largest mainland Gannet Colony, play a challenging round of golf at Cape Kidnappers, take to the skies on an early morning balloon ride over vineyards, olive groves and orchards or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Some alternative sightseeing and activity options are:

Travel this morning through the rural heartland of the Wairarapa region to Pukaha Mount Bruce, New Zealand's National Wildlife Centre. In this beautiful setting of native forest you will see the finest collection of New Zealand native birds to be found anywhere. On arrival at Wllington, the nation’s capital, enjoy a brief sightseeing and orientation tour before checking into your accommodation.

Sightseeing and activity options include:

One Nights Accommodation at the James Cook Hotel in Wellington. This luxurious hotel is situated in the heart of Wellington less than 500 metres from the harbour. Featuring modern, comfortable rooms, many of which boast breathtaking views of the harbour and city.

At leisure this morning to explore what Wellington has to offer. A visit to Te Papa National Museum is highly recommended. You will be transferred to Wellington airport this afternoon for your short jet flight to Christchurch where you will be met on arrival & transferred to your hotel (flight included).

Christchurch is a city of contrasts, a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for. It really is the 'city that shines'.

Some sightseeing and activity options available are:

Two Nights Accommodation at the Novotel in Christchurch. Located in the city centre, this contemporary hotel has city views in all rooms. It is walking distance from the Convention Centre and Hagley Park. Featuring  spacious rooms with contemporary design and double glazed windows, Novotel’s restaurant is open throughout the day, serving New Zealand cuisine and excellent wines. There is also a fully equipped gym and a popular bar.

Travel by road through the Canterbury Plains to the Waimakariri Gorge in the foothills of the rugged Southern Alps. Travel by jet boat through the gorge deep into the Southern Alps to areas otherwise inaccessible. Rendezvous with the Unimog and travel in this unique 4WD vehicle to Flock Hill Station, viewing spectacular alpine scenery en-route. After lunch, travel by road to Arthur's Pass National Park where you return to Christchurch aboard the world-famous TranzAlpine train.

After a leisurely breakfast, travel inland to the naturally picturesque and tranquil alpine village of Hanmer Springs and relax in the thermal pools. Travel on to the township of Kaikoura, nestled in a narrow strip of stunning coastline that lies between mountain peaks and the Pacific Ocean.

One Nights Accommodation at the White Morph Inn in Kaikoura. A quality complex situated on the quiet beachfront of Kaikoura. It is ideally located for visitors staying in the area to go whale watching and dolphin swimming. The White Morph has on site parking and on-site restaurant and bar.

Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience & sightings may vary from day to day. Giant sperm whales are the star of the show and are year-round residents. A typical Whale Watch tour may also encounter fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins & the endangered Wandering Albatross. Depending on the season, you may also see migrating Hump Back whales, Pilot whales, Blue whales & Southern Right whales. On to Nelson, a city of charm based on a harbour that is home to the busiest fishing port in New Zealand.

Marine Mammal encounters available are:

Two Nights Accommodation at the Rutherford Heritage Hotel in Nelson. luxurious hotel accommodation with a full complement of features designed to help you achieve the most from your stay. The hotel offers a range of superior guest facilities including two restaurants, and is only a couple of minutes walk from Nelson’s main shopping district and landmark cathedral.

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand's smallest national park at 225sq km. Small in size but big on beauty! Golden beaches border the translucent turquoise sea, and sandy estuaries fringed by natural forests. The walking tracks here both in land and costal are world famous for there out standing beauty. Tonga Island is located in the Marine Reserve or the Abel Tasman National Park and is home to the ever-entertaining seal colony.

Sightseeing and activity options include:

Travel south through the Nelson Lakes region before arriving on the West Coast.

The heaving swells of the Tasman Sea have carved the coastline of the West Coast for millions of years. Nowhere is the effect on the landscape more spectacular and profound than at Punakaiki. These rocks really are remarkable pieces of natural sculpture, a series of stratified limestone stacks which, over many thousands of years, have been eroded to give the effect of giant piles of neatly stacked pancakes.

One Nights Accommodation at Punakaiki Resort in Paparoa National Park. Few places in the world can offer comfort so close to the wild action. All rooms are architecturally designed to maintain a sense of privacy and maximise the incredible ocean and rainforest views while ensuring harmony with the local environment.

The West Coast is home to towering rainforests, mountains and glaciers, tranquil lakes and rushing rivers. It is steeped in history dating back to the gold rush era of the 1860's. Our overnight stay tonight is in the glacial village of Franz Josef.

Sightseeing and activity options include:

One Nights Accommodation at Punga Grove in Franz Joseph. Punga Grove offers stylish accommodation in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village. Perfectly positioned in a beautiful rainforest, set amongst native forest against a stunning backdrop of high alpine peaks, Wake up to call of native birds, step from your motel room into luxuriant rainforest, and be spellbound by superb alpine and glacier views.

There is the opportunity to experience an optional scenic flight over this remarkable region before our departure this morning (subject to weather conditions). Today, view incredible scenery as you travel past the untouched native forests and pristine lakes of the World Heritage Westland National Park and Haast Pass. Cross the spectacular Crown Range to the historic gold mining village of Arrowtown. On to Queenstown, a beautiful alpine resort regarded as New Zealand's premier holiday destination.

Two Nights Accommodation at the Heritage Hotel in Auckland. Perfectly positioned overlooking the sparkling Waitamata Harbour and the excitement of the America's Cup Village. Situated in the heart of Auckland's business district The Heritage is within walking distance of the city's many attractions, including the Sky Tower, Casino, the shops of Queen Street and Auckland city's finest cafés and restaurants.

Enjoy a free day today to experience this magnificent resort. Surrounded by majestic mountains, Queenstown boasts adventure & leisure activities in all forms, from extreme to relaxed exploration. There are numerous activities from which to choose and your Tour Host will be pleased to offer advice and help you in your selection.

Here is a selection of the many options available:

At Milford Sound board the Milford Mariner for a relaxing cruise the entire length of the Sound to the Tasman Sea. View spectacular waterfalls, rainforests, mountains & wildlife. Activities include kayaking and excursions in the tender vessels (stabi craft) to explore the coastline.

Overnight in the Sheltered Harrison Cove on the Milford Mariner.

For those wishing to return to Queenstown by air, an optional scenic flight is available (subject to weather conditions). Upon our return, the rest of the day is free to relax & enjoy all that this spectacular resort has to offer.

Two Nights Accommodation at the Heritage Hotel in Auckland. Perfectly positioned overlooking the sparkling Waitamata Harbour and the excitement of the America's Cup Village. Situated in the heart of Auckland's business district The Heritage is within walking distance of the city's many attractions, including the Sky Tower, Casino, the shops of Queen Street and Auckland city's finest cafés and restaurants.

This Wilderness Safari takes you on a spectacular Jet Boat journey through the Dart’s ever-changing braided river system, where you’ll be thrilled by our Jet Boat's capabilities including jet spins and awed by your surroundings of breathtaking snow-capped mountains, ancient native forest, waterfalls and glacial valleys frozen in time. It includes an easy guided 30 - 40 minute walk through the ‘Heritage Trail’ at Paradise, where your knowledgeable guide will enliven your walk with an informative and entertaining commentary about the ancient native beech forest, the unique flora and fauna, as well as the fascinating Maori and colonial history of the area.

Sadly, your holiday is at an end and you will be transferred to Queenstown airport today for your onward flight to Christchurch or Auckland (flight not included). Here we bid you 'Haere Ra', a fond farewell and hope you leave with many happy memories of your time in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Please take the time to view our “Virtual Tour” for the 20 Day Tasman Odyssey tour or download/print the detailed “Tour Dossier”. Both can be found on the right hand column of this page. Alternatively you can simply contact us. For a comprehensive list of all activities available in each location featured in this tour, please refer to the "Destination Guide" found at the top of this page.