A Grand Discovery of New Zealand
Experience some of the world's most magnificent and dramatic scenery, full of opportunities for stunning walks, on this grand tour of New Zealand's North and South Islands.
- Visit both North and South Islands
- A holiday of a lifetime - full of highlights
- Milford Track option - one of the world's best walks
Detailed information
| 2008/09 Tour Itinerary |
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Day 1: Depart UK.
Day 2: Overnight flight via Hong Kong.
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Days 3-4: Morning arrival in Auckland (2 nights) for a relaxed exploration of the city and a
cruise across the harbour for walks on the volcanic
Rangitoto Island.
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Days 5-6: Drive via the fascinating Waitomo
Glow-worm Caves to Rotorua (2 nights) where we
walk among the thermal springs of the Waimangu
Valley, take a cruise on Lake Tarawera and enjoy a
traditional Maori feast.
Days 7-8: Visit a Maori village and Lake Taupo en
route to the Tongariro National Park
(2 nights) for
walks through this remarkable volcanic landscape.
Days 9-10: We continue to Wellington and cross the
Cook Strait to Picton (2 nights) for outstanding
coastal walks around Marlborough Sounds following
a classic section of the Queen Charlotte Track.
Day 11: Short walks to the Cape Foulwind seal
colony and the blow holes at Dolomite Point
en route to Greymouth (1 night).
Day 12: Walks to the awesome Franz Josef and
Fox Glaciers (1 night) which plunge down from
mountain peaks to lush rainforests.
Days 13-16: A scenic drive through the Haast Pass to
Queenstown (4 nights) where we walk in magnificent
scenery, dubbed the 'Switzerland of the Southern
Hemisphere'. Enjoy short walks along the shores of
Lake Wakatipu and over the Ben Lomond saddle for
outstanding views of the region.
Days 17-19: Follow part of the Kepler Track before
continuing to Te Anau (3 nights) where we walk along
part of the Routeburn Track and visit the magical fjord
of Milford Sound, one of the most beautiful locations
in New Zealand.
Days 20-21: On to Twizel (2 nights) for some
spectacular walking in the beautiful Hooker Valley, at
the foot of Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest
mountain.
Days 22-23: Drive via Lake Tekapo to Christchurch (2 nights) for free time to relax, with an optional
excursion to Akaroa or Kaikoura to see whales and
dolphins.
Day 24: Transfer to Christchurch airport for the return
flight.
Day 25: Arrive UK
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 Milford Track
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There is an option to leave the main group and HF Holidays' leader to join the guided Milford Track walk, often described as the finest in the world. |
Day 15:
Drive to Te Anau and lake cruise.
Days 16 - 18: Three days of outstanding guided walking along the Milford Track. You'll stay in comfortable lodges (multi-bedded rooms - may be mixed) with the final night at Mitre Peak Lodge.
Day 19: Travel by boat across Milford Sound and then on to rejoin the group in Te Anau.
Download full 2008 itinerary here.
Download full 2009 itinerary here.
If you require Adobe Acrobat Reader download here
Price includes: Full Board - Professional guides - Transport to and from the walk - 3 nights in comfortable lodges (multi-bedded rooms - may be mixed) - 1 night at the Mitre Peak Lodge.
Milford Track 2008 Supplement: £569 (including £75 non-refundable deposit). This price includes an adjustment for the 4 nights' accommodation not taken with the main group. A £75 discount will be given to those paying the main tour single supplement.
Milford Track 2009 Supplement: £615 (including a £75 non-refundable
deposit). This includes an adjustment for the 4 nights
not taken with the group. A £40 discount will be given
to those paying the main tour single supplement. |
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| About the walks |
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A good balance between part and full-day walks, travelling and sightseeing.
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Guided Walks:
Many walks range from 3-4 miles with minimal ascent/descent. On a few days harder walks of up to 9 miles and 2,200ft of ascent are possible, with an easier alternative also available. |
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| Dates and prices |
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| 18 December 2008 (21nts) |
£4,059 |
£2,999 |
| 15 January 2009 (21nts) |
£4,134 |
£3,025 |
| 12 February 2009 (21nts) |
£4,044 |
£2,995 |
| 22 October 2009 (21nts) |
£4,044 |
£2,995 |
| 19 November 2009 (21nts) |
£4,124 |
£3,165 |
| 18 December 2009 (21nts)* |
£4,444 |
£3,225 |
Single room supplement: 2008 holidays £651, 2009 holidays £700.
# Land itineraries start on day 3 and finish on day 24.
* Friday departure. Return flight arrives in UK on Monday. Independent travellers who book the no flight option can join the HF Holidays' airport transfers for £20 per person return.
Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.
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| Temperatures |
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The warmest weather is likely to be in November, December, January and February which is summer in New Zealand. October and March are excellent times to travel with fewer tourists and superb mountain flora.
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| Accommodation |
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A wide variety from modern city hotels to comfortable country lodges in beautiful locations. All have a high standard of meals and facilities.
Where you'll stay
Auckland - 2 nights
Rotorua - 2 nights
Tongariro National Park - 2 nights
Picton - 2 nights
Greymouth - 1 night
Fox Glacier - 1 night
Queenstown - 4 nights
Te Anau - 3 nights
Twizel - 2 nights
Christchurch - 2 nights
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| Flight information |
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Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 23.09.2008 (provisional)
Air New Zealand
Heathrow - Auckland (via Hong Kong)
Out 21:15 (Thurs) - 10:45 (Sat)
Christchurch - Heathrow (via Auckland & Hong Kong)
Return 20:40 (Sat) - 13:35 (Sun)
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| What the holiday includes |
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- Return economy class air travel UK / New Zealand on scheduled airlines, with appropriate in-flight meals.
- 21 nights' accommodation in twin-bedded en-suite rooms.
- Half Board plus lunch on day of arrival.
- Services of courier / driver.
- Services of an HF Holidays' leader.
- Services of local guides.
- Walks, sightseeing, entrance fees for the itinerary as described.
- Travel by air-conditioned coach.
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