Please indicate on your booking form which of the Your Choice Options you would like to undertake (included in your tour price):
PAIHIA
Discover the Far North of New Zealand – a region rich in Maori culture and tradition. Journey along the magnificent 90 Mile beach in a purpose built coach and stand on the wind swept tip of New Zealand at Cape Reinga where the Tasman Sea collides with the Pacific Ocean. This full day tour includes a visit to the ancient Puketi Kauri forest and lunch.
Departs Russell at 7.00 am and returns approx. 6.40 pm.
Alternatively this morning join a Dolphin Cruise and Hole in the Rock cruise. On the way to the Cape Brett Lighthouse, the boat seeks out the playful dolphins. Bottlenose and common dolphins take great delight in racing alongside and showing off their aerobic flips! Conditions permitting, see them race alongside and play in the bow waves. Farther out see beautiful Motukokako Island and the famous Hole in the Rock. Hold your breath as the skipper skilfully navigates his way through the hole and into Grand Cathedral Cave (sea conditions permitting). On the return to Russell meet a local guide for an insight into this pretty little town’s rip-roaring past, when drunken sailors earned it the name ‘the hell hole of the Pacific’.
Departs Russell 9.10 am / returns 12.10 pm
Time for lunch (own cost) before reporting for Mini Tour at 2.00 pm.
Mini tour concludes approx. 3.00 pm
ROTORUA
Visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley – site of the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886, which destroyed the world-famous ‘Pink & White’ silica terraces and devastated local Maori villages. This catastrophic event changed the landscape forever and created the valley we now walk through, past boiling craters and jewel-coloured steaming lakes. Take a cruise across Lake Rotomahana to the site of the old silica terraces, hear the story of Guide Sophia and see the new terraces of silica slowly forming.
Departs hotel 12.15 pm / returns approx. 4.30 pm
Alternatively, experience the real Middle-earth with a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set, the bucolic setting for The Shire that featured in the Peter Jackson directed films, The Lord of the Rings. Your tour commences with a drive through the picturesque 1,250 acre sheep farm with spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges. Your guide will escort you through the ten-acre site recounting fascinating details of how the Hobbiton set was created. The Hobbit holes, Green Dragon Inn, Mill and other structures created for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films can be viewed and you will see how this beautiful piece of Waikato farmland was transformed into The Shire from Middle-earth. Upon completion of your tour of the set you will return to Rotorua.
Departs Rotorua 7.45 am / Returns Rotorua 12.35 pm
WANAKA
Today join a passionate local eco-guide as you depart Wanaka by boat and quickly leave civilization behind as you cruise across the lake to a predator-free island. The walking track leads from the landing and climbs steadily through native vegetation filled with very vocal birdlife to the top to the “island’s secret”- a lake on top of the island with small islands in it! Unique and very photogenic, the echo of birdsong here is astounding. Carrying on a little farther you come to the very top of the island and have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys and the Arethusa Pool below. This is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the panorama. The flightless Buff Weka often join visitors on the island; this rare flightless bird has been extinct on Mainland NZ since 1920.
Departs 9.00 am / approx. returns 12.00 pm. Average fitness required
Alternatively, experience New Zealand’s most authentic 4WD adventure – the perfect mix of incredible scenery, history, heritage and farming life. Explore remote and seldom travelled back roads of an authentic New Zealand High Country farm overlooking sparkling Lake Wanaka. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, glaciers and wild river valleys you’ll see farm animals including Red Deer, cattle and sheep up close and in their natural environment. Visit historical sites and experience what life was like for Wanaka’s first farmers. With two optional walks, through pristine alpine meadows and ancient lakeside forests, this journey offers a unique insight into Wanaka’s rich history, heritage, modern-day farming life and breath-taking scenery.
Departs 8.30 am / approx. returns 12.30 pm
ASHBURTON
Rural homestay: Here you are met by your hosts who will extend their hospitality to you to with a tour of the property, perhaps a visit with the animals, and a delicious home-cooked dinner before a cosy night’s stay in a local home. Please note there may be shared bathroom facilities and the type of properties will differ – e.g. you may be on a small lifestyle block or a large farm.
Alternatively, local hotel: spend the night in a local hotel enjoying dinner in the hotel restaurant.