New Zealand Uncovered Sample Itinerary

New Zealand Uncovered
Sample Itinerary
10 nights / 11 days
E X C L U S I V E L Y
N E W
www.exclusivetravelgroup.com
Z E A L A N D
Itinerary Route:
Eichardt’s Private Hotel, Queenstown
Edenhouse, Nelson
Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua
970 Lonely Bay Lodge, Coromandel
E X C L U S I V E L Y
N E W
www.exclusivetravelgroup.com
3 nights
3 nights
2 nights
2 nights
Z E A L A N D
Day 1
Arrive Auckland – Queenstown
Today’s Outline:
Arrive into Auckland (flight not included), New Zealand and enjoy a VIP meet & greet service as you exit the air bridge you’ll be met by a representative of Exclusively New Zealand and escorted through
Customs, Immigration and Bio-security to check into your domestic flight to Queenstown
Take a domestic flight from Auckland to Queenstown – This connecting flight will be dependent on your
arrival flight into Auckland – if there are no suitable connecting flights we can arrange a charter flight (extra cost
would apply)
Private road transfer from Queenstown Airport to your accommodation
The remainder of your day is at leisure to relax and unwind after your flights
Queenstown, as well as the gateway to the Fiordland National Park, is a sophisticated resort town,
nestled in picture postcard fashion on the shores of the expansive snow-fed, glacial Lake Wakatipu,
surrounded by mountains. Luxury lodges and five star resorts head a vast range of accommodation
options for international visitors.
In winter the town is alive with the buzz of skiers and snowboarders - between Queenstown and the
neighbouring resort of Wanaka are six international standard snow areas, with après ski culture to match.
And while the town is the original home to the popular bungy jumping phenomenon, there are many less
challenging treats awaiting your visit. Wine is a new yet chic industry in Central Otago, already producing
internationally acclaimed pinot noirs and aromatics. At stylish vineyards, where the architecture matches
the stark beauty of the surrounding rock gorges and tussock covered hills, you will be welcomed into
character-filled cellar rooms and classy, alfresco restaurants. Queenstown is surrounded by national parks,
glaciers, fiords, backcountry fly fishing rivers, Lord of the Rings film scenes, deserted gold mining
settlements and a host of exciting tour options.
The Remarkables soar above you in the crisp air, their snow-clad peaks, rosy in the dawn, beckon you
upwards, tempting you to explore the majestic mountain tops. For something a little more relaxing
perhaps a languid wander around town and relaxing in the warmth of a fine restaurant.
Many popular tramps begin at Glenorchy, at the head of the Lake Wakatipu, a 44km drive through
breathtaking scenery. The Rees-Dart, Greenstone and Caples valleys, with their dramatic mountain
backdrops, take several days to explore, and the Routeburn track is so famous that visitors walking it now
have to book well in advance.
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Z E A L A N D
Day 1
Arrive Auckland – Queenstown (Cont.)
Eichardt’s Private Hotel is a landmark luxury hotel in the centre of the city which has acquired a reputation as the
world's capital of adventure sports. For those seeking pure indulgence, few places compare with Eichardt’s on the lakefront
in beautiful Queenstown, set in the heart of the Southern Alps on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. As an Iconic landmark,
Eichardt’s Private Hotel, was built on the back of the gold-mining boom in the mid 19th century and bears the name of
former owners Albert and Julia Eichardt. On the shores of Lake Wakatipu, this elegant downtown retreat retains many of
its original features, with supreme comfort and a home-from-home welcome. Antiques mingle with modern colours, glossy
touches and designer furniture. This is elegance epitomised without any stuffiness. The wing-backed chairs by the fire in the
parlour are the best place to relax before sipping pre-dinner cocktails from the House Bar. Step outside and you are in the
heart of the town’s premier restaurant and café precinct. Designer shops are within easy walking distance, there are plenty of
gourmet dining choices and our team can ensure you get the best seat in the house. This gold rush town has become the
epitome of Victorian elegance and the Queenstown Historical Society rightly holds the Eichardt's Private Hotel, in great
reverence. As a visitor yourself, the first thing to smite your senses is the extraordinary loveliness of its location - on the edge
of the lake whose fathomless still waters invert the brooding majesty of the encircling mountains.
Eichardt’s Lakefront Cottages are just a few paces away from Eichardt’s Private Hotel and have stunning views of
Lake Wakatipu and nearby mountain ranges. Launched in September 2008, the cottages have been designed to blend with
the historic character of the waterfront, home to Queenstown’s oldest original building and a Victorian bathhouse.
Eichardt’s Lakefront Cottages comprises four two-bedroom suites offering visitors flexible and luxurious accommodation,
each with stunning lake and mountain views. The interior design was masterminded by acclaimed New Zealander Virginia
Fisher, recently named one of the top five hotel interior designers worldwide by Time Magazine. The cottage is perfect for
larger parties, families, professionals and longer staying guests. The split-level suites are interconnected and can be opened to
become a large single accommodation space, or sectioned off for smaller groups. The Lakefront Cottages offer all the comfort
and style of a home-away-from-home while guests enjoy full use of all Eichardt’s Hotel facilities, including concierge services,
literally just a few steps away.
Accommodation
Eichardt’s Private Hotel,
Queenstown
www.eichardtshotel.co.nz
3 nights
Room Type
1x Lakeview Suite
E X C L U S I V E L Y
Inclusions
Notes
Cooked Breakfast, valet parking
and complimentary broadband
services.
N E W
www.exclusivetravelgroup.com
Z E A L A N D
Day 2
Queenstown
Today’s Outline:
Today enjoy a unique lunch experience at the remote Minaret Station (only accessible by
helicopter)
Picture yourself in a sheltered glacial valley at an elevation of 3000ft, located above the shores of Lake
Wanaka on one of New Zealand’s iconic high country stations. The Estuary Burn valley, classic Lord of the
Rings territory, is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks, tussock grass, and hillsides covered in native
bush where wild Deer and Chamois clambering on the slopes. Every now and then a cheeky Kea bird
appears from nowhere to say ‘hello’; the only other sound is the water in a nearby stream making its way
downhill to the lake below.
The Mountain Kitchen where guests gather by open fires for meals, has a well stocked library, dining
room, study area and open kitchen – the perfect location to relax tell stories, listen to your guides
reminiscing of life in the high country and of course enjoy the sumptuous lunch prepared by the camp
chef.
Minaret Station draws its name from the distinctive Minaret Peaks which stand tall on the western shores
of Lake Wanaka at over seven thousand feet. Bounded by two large rivers, Mt Aspiring National Park
and New Zealand’s fourth largest lake, Minaret Station has a peaceful sense of isolation within its glacially
carved valleys.
With landscapes ranging from dense native forest in the tranquil alpine valleys to the sloping snow
tussock grass covered mountaintops, Minaret offers its visitors ever changing views as they explore the
more than 60,000 acres and experience the New Zealand high country.
E X C L U S I V E L Y
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Z E A L A N D
Day 3
Queenstown
Today’s Outline:
Spend today with your private guide exploring Queenstown and its surroundings at your leisure –
Your day is reasonably flexible and you can set the pace (below are a few suggestions - activities & entry
fees at extra cost)
Shotover Jet Experience
Nothing you have experienced will have you prepared for the thrill and excitement of a Shotover Jet ride;
it's an adrenaline rush you'll never forget! From the moment the accelerator hits the floor your adrenaline
hits the roof as you speed in mere centimetres of water along the famous Shotover River and deep into
the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. It's an amazing ride, as the Shotover Canyon walls tower over
you, your expert driver puts your ‘Big Red’ through its paces and skillfully whips the Jet Boat past rocky
outcrops, skims around crags and boulders, and speeds through the narrow canyons. Rock faces blur in
your peripheral vision, the opaque water sprays into myriads of white crystals with every turn, and you
grip the hand rail for comfort and reassurance and then let out a whoop of excitement as your driver
spins the boat around in its own boat length — wow, you've just experienced the World famous
Shotover Jet full 360 degree spin. Hold on tight and enjoy the thrill as you spin and without losing
momentum keep speeding along the river.
Shotover Canyon Swing
Canyon Swing has built a platform on the edge of a cliff 109m/360ft above the Shotover River. At the
platform you are fitted into a seat and chest harness and connected to the jump ropes. This harnessing
configuration keeps your arms and legs free throughout the journey and enabling you to safely depart the
platform in any position imaginable. Gravity does the rest. At Shotover Canyon Swing no one's pushing
you through at breakneck speed. You've time to soak in the surroundings – one of the most spectacular
valleys in the region; to chat with your driver – who'll act as host throughout the trip; and to have fun
without feeling pressured. Your jumpmaster will expertly manage your fear factor while ensuring your
enjoyment. Whether you're confident or timid they know exactly how to ensure you have a great time.
Launching yourself from 109 metres into a canyon is a scary move. With over 10 different jumpstyles
they can expertly manage your scariness for everyone – from knitting nana's to adrenalin junkies! All
these different styles are made possible by the unique combination of their chest and seat safety harness,
cliff top platform, special release mechanism.
E X C L U S I V E L Y
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Z E A L A N D
Day 3
Queenstown (Cont.)
Mountain Biking
Queenstown - New Zealand's Major Mountain Biking Destination, ride some of the sweetest New
Zealand mountain bike trails!
It’s difficult to put a title on trails we ride – think elements of all-mountain, single track, enduro, epic, XC
- what we do is go mountain biking on natural trails in the back country (high mountains with sheep and
farm tracks, no trees - just open and rocky). We like to think of our trails as Mother Nature's ultimate
terrain park - we take you to great tracks and trails no one else gets to – huge descents through high
country farms with stunning scenery. These are not trails that you will be able to get to yourself; we have
access to private land, no crowds on these trails!
Because we are totally flexible we tailor the rides to suit you (and the weather)!
Private Hiking Experience
By far one of the best things you can do in the Wakatipu district. Above the tree line and immersed in the
high country mountain environment, your hike could take you over pristine alpine terrain or through
native forests. As energetic or flexible as you desire enabling you to appreciate your surroundings take a
photo or enjoy a delicious lunch at your leisure. With our unique access to high country stations (Alpine
Ranch’s) surrounding the Queenstown lake. Many forms of transport can be utilized to create unique
adventures. As an example a short helicopter ride can have you standing at 6,000ft on the opposite side
of the lake with no road access. Trek the ridgeline and work your way down to the lake edge (Altitude
1000ft) before being picked up via jet-boat for the ride back to the Queenstown Bay.
E X C L U S I V E L Y
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Z E A L A N D
Day 3
Queenstown (Cont.)
Kayaking
Kayaking in Queenstown is very weather dependant. Different trips suit different weather patterns due to
prevailing wind and water movement. Your guide will advise on the day which tour you will be doing.
QUEENSTOWN BAY TO KELVIN HEIGHTS:
• Queenstown Bay to the gardens and Kelvin Grove
• Paddle around the shore of Deer Park Heights
• Famous as a Lord of the Rings movie set
• Go to the mouth of the Kawarau River and see the Jet boats whizzing people down the river
• Get amongst the Willow “Islands” then back to Queenstown
QUEENSTOWN BAY TO SUNSHINE BAY:
• To Sunshine Bay and beyond
• Great views of Cecil and Walter Peak and the Remarkables
• See the Ragged Rock Rooted Ratas, Some of the best external tree roots this side of Ankor Wat
QUEENSTOWN BAY TO JACKS POINT:
• Follow the lake shore around Queenstown Bay to the gardens, around the point and across to the
Kelvin Heights golf course
• Follow around towards Jack’s Point for some splendid lake side scenery
QUEENSTOWN BAY TO HIDDEN ISLAND:
• For intermediate kayakers
• A great paddle across the lake to Hidden Island – invisible from Queenstown
• See the Earnslaw from a safe distance (she cannot stop quickly!)
• At Hidden Island stop for a cuppa. A great trip and a great feeling out in the middle of the lake
E X C L U S I V E L Y
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Z E A L A N D
Day 3
Queenstown (Cont.)
12 MILE DELTA:
• A special area of Lake Wakatipu with fossils showing that we were once under the ocean, unique
associated Maori legends and history, beautiful native bush, beaches, bird life and the lime kilns.
PIG AND PIGEON ISLAND AREA:
• Two beautiful islands at the head of the lake. This is a beautiful paddle with a profusion of bird life and
awesome unique scenery
CECIL PEAK FARM TO TABLE BAY:
• Across the lake from town. We are now able to land on the beaches favoured by Queenstowners for
picnics after the big open water crossing
MOKE LAKE:
• Also one of Queenstown’s favourite spots for a picnic and swim, Moke Lake is about a 15 min drive
from Queenstown, amongst High country farm land and native bush. This lake is warmer than Wakatipu
and sheltered and gives us a good option when conditions on Wakatipu are not favourable
E X C L U S I V E L Y
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Z E A L A N D
Day 4
Queenstown – Nelson
Today’s Outline:
Private road transfer to Queenstown Airport
Take a domestic flight from Queenstown to Nelson
Private road transfer from Nelson Airport to your accommodation – approx. 45 mins
Remainder of your day at leisure
Situated around Tasman and Golden Bays at the top of the South Island, the Nelson region is
surrounded by sheltering mountain ranges, giving it a Mediterranean-type climate. Nelson, named after
Admiral Lord Nelson of Battle of Trafalgar fame is best known for its year-round sun, golden beaches,
three national parks, 350 working artists, boutique wineries and the city for its historical streetscapes,
waterfront cafes, fresh seafood, and a thoroughly relaxed lifestyle.
The town of Nelson is the main commercial centre for the region; key industries are forestry,
horticulture, fishing and tourism. Only the West Coast has as many national parks as Nelson. Abel
Tasman, New Zealand's smallest, is a coastal wonderland of sea, sky, rocky headlands and bright golden
beaches.
Known as a centre for arts and crafts, Nelson's artists include carvers, glassblowers, painters, potters and
weavers, whose work can be seen by following any of the 13 craft trails that also take in Nelson's most
attractive rural settlements. Within the sheltering confines of Tasman Bay, Nelson's beaches are safe, with
silvery sand. Tahunanui Beach, within the city boundaries has the largest and best-equipped holiday park
in the country.
The Nelson Lakes National Park is set amidst the mountains and glaciated valleys of south Nelson, and
features beech forests and the beautiful jewel-like lakes, Rotoiti and Rotoroa. Kahurangi, the country's
second-largest national park comprises 450,000 hectares of mostly upland wilderness, with magnificent
three to four-day hiking trails.
Naturally high sunshine hours, diverse terrain and varying soil types are like a blank canvas for Nelson’s
winemakers, who are every bit as aware of the artistic aspect to their craft as the exacting, scientific one.
Different expressions of Nelson wine include full-bodied, cool climate chardonnay, succulent sauvignon
blanc, promising pinot noir and racy riesling. Many winemakers are pioneering pinot gris, syrah and
unusual revivals of lesser-known grapes like zweigelt, but one thing every winemaker in the region has in
common is an ability to make top-tasting wine from a range of different grapes. This strength belongs as
much to the region’s plentiful sunshine and wide diurnal swing – that change between day and night-time
temperatures, which gives the region a long, relatively cool ripening season – as it does to talented
winemakers.
E X C L U S I V E L Y
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Z E A L A N D
Day 4
Queenstown – Nelson (Cont.)
Edenhouse, Idyllically set in 48 acres of an area of outstanding natural beauty, Edenhouse is a boutique luxury
guesthouse designed in the style of an elegant yet contemporary English-style country house. Like any masterpiece Edenhouse
plays the scales beautifully, twisting large and small together. Take the main house, for instance. As you approach the
property, it seems fairly modest in size—a spot of cream architecture dropped on the rich green hills of the Orinoco Valley.
And then, standing in the gardens directly in front of the house, it starts to feel quite grand—a big breath of classical
proportion. The paradox continues inside, where the two guest rooms (the third is in a separate cottage) are actually vast
suites—acreage as much as accommodation.
Only 30 minutes from Abel Tasman National Park – one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural wonders offering
golden beaches, aquamarine waters, and idyllic bush walks, making it a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts.
Accommodation
Edenhouse, Orinoco Valley
www.edenhouse.co.nz
3 nights
Room Type
1 x King Suite
Inclusions
Notes
Country Breakfast and As an Exclusively New Zealand guest to
pre-dinner drinks & Edenhouse, you’ll receive value added
canapés and Dinner
services in the form of:
1st night: Receive a 250 page Nelson Art
Guide, showcasing the region's local
artists
2nd night: A gift pack of local saffron and
citrus infused olive oils
3rd night: A kete harakeke (flax basket)
woven by highly regarded artist, Sally
Austin, using traditional Maori weaving
techniques
E X C L U S I V E L Y
N E W
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Z E A L A N D
Day 5
Nelson
Today’s Outline:
Today enjoy a private charter onboard ‘Taranui’ in the Abel Tasman National Park
Today, join your skipper onboard Taranui for a charter experience exploring the Abel Tasman National
Park's coastline; past Split Apple Rock, Kaiteriteri, Marahau, round golden sandy bays, Adele and
Fishermans Islands and on to Tonga Island seal colony. You’ll have the chance to kayak around Tonga
Island and walk in the park. Enjoy lunch during your time onboard before returning to Stephen’s Bay.
The Abel Tasman National Park, simply put, is an outdoor buff's paradise. With magnificent foliage
lining pristine beaches and crystal clear water lapping at golden sand, you can be forgiven for thinking
you have found ecstasy. The Park is a walkers’ paradise - spend time exploring the 50 kilometres of
awesome coastline.
Located at the top of the South Island near Motueka and Kaiteriteri, and only a couple of hours drive
from Nelson, this small slice of heaven is accessible and inviting to New Zealanders and tourists alike.
Named after the Dutch seafarer Abel Tasman who first visited the area in 1642, the Abel Tasman
National Park was opened in 1942 - the 300th anniversary of his visit.
The most noticeable features of this park are the golden sandy beaches, the fascinating rocky outcrops
(mainly granite but with a scattering of limestone and marble) and the rich, unmodified estuaries. The
landscape has been modified, perhaps more than in our other national parks. The vegetation cover varies
and reflects a history of fires and land clearance, but the forests are regenerating well especially in damp
gullies where a rich variety of plants can be found. Black beech dominates the drier ridges.
The more common forest birds, like fantails, tui and bellbirds, can be seen along with pukeko around the
estuaries and wetlands. The park's boundary excludes the estuaries and seabed but in 1993 the Tonga
Island Marine Reserve was created along one part of the Abel Tasman coast. Like a national park, all life
in the reserve is protected.
E X C L U S I V E L Y
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Z E A L A N D
Day 6
Nelson
Today’s Outline:
Today is free for you to explore the Nelson/Abel Tasman region, below are a few suggestions for
your day (optional and at extra cost)
Activities near Edenhouse
Monterey House Country Club
Edenhouse has exclusive membership for guests on a complimentary basis at the nearby Monterey
House Country Club 9 hole golf course.
Fly Fishing
Edenhouse is 5 minutes from the nationally important Motueka River catchment with miles of bountiful
riffles, runs and pools. Sight casting to spotted brown trout freely sipping dry flies and nymphs is an
angling experience not to be missed. For anglers seeking even more adventure take a helicopter ride to
the legendary Karamea river system for big wilderness brown trout in pristine waters, far from
civilisation.
Native Plant Weaving
Sally Austin is an extremely talented and highly regarded artist who lives 5 minutes from Edenhouse. Her
fine craftsmanship has been exhibited throughout the country and she undertakes private commissions.
Her work is strongly influenced and inspired by the teachings of famed Maori weavers, Erenora
Puketapu-Hetet and Christina Hurihua Wirihana. Sally’s lifelong passion for creativity and gardening has
culminated in her work with plant fibres. She utilises traditional Maori weaving techniques to create a
range of art forms, mostly with native plant materials such as Flax and Lacebark.Sally exhibits her work
and imparts her vast knowledge to guest at Edenhouse. These relaxed and informative interludes take
place, for those who are interested, over drinks prior to dinner. These sessions are extremely popular and
Sally also conducts personalised workshops at Edenhouse. The time can vary from a few hours to a full
day and gives guests the opportunity to create their own artwork, from ornamental flowers to baskets.
Arts & Crafts
Nelson Tasman is blessed with creative abundance and is home to over 350 working artists. The diverse
art forms range from paintings to ceramics, sculpture, glass, jewellery and wearable art. The region is
conducive to creativity for many reasons. Its physical charms include turquoise lagoons and golden sand
beaches, sun-kissed produce from groves and bays, and a rich light, courtesy of the highest sunshine
hours in New Zealand. Edenhouse guests are presented with a complimentary copy of the Nelson Art
Guide, a most informative 250-page publication.
E X C L U S I V E L Y
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Z E A L A N D
Day 6
Nelson (Cont.)
Vineyards & Wine Tasting
There are around 24 boutique wineries in the Nelson Tasman region and several, including Neudorf,
Kahurangi and Woollaston, are within 25 minutes of Edenhouse. Neudorf is “New Zealand’s greatest
wine producer” according to Tom Stevenson’s UK publication “Wine Report 2009”. Stevenson has been
writing about wine for twenty years and he is the author of the prestigious Sotheby’s Wine
Encyclopaedia. This vineyard was created in 1978 and the owners, Tim and Judy Finn, were told by their
bank to think about raising sheep, there was no future in wine! However Neudorf has grown into the
most stunning vineyard and is located 15 minutes from Edenhouse in an idyllic setting for tastings and
picnics. It’s a great way to experience a model New Zealand vineyard and “some of the finest wines in
the Southern Hemisphere”. In August 2009 Neudorf won the Tri Nations trophy for White Wine of the
Show at the annual, hotly contested, tasting between the best wines from Australia, New Zealand and
South Africa.
Pitts Special Stunt Plane
Motueka airport (20 minutes by car from Edenhouse) is the home of an aerobatic, open cockpit Pitts
Special Biplane, the world's most popular aerobatic aircraft and the only one of its kind in New Zealand.
Learn the basics of flying this fabulous little dynamo and within minutes you will be piloting it yourself
and performing aerobatic manoeuvres such as loops and barrel rolls. No previous experience required
and you are, of course, flying with a qualified instructor.
E X C L U S I V E L Y
N E W
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Z E A L A N D
Day 7
Nelson – Rotorua
Today’s Outline:
Private road transfer to Nelson Airport
Take a domestic flight from Nelson to Rotorua
Private road transfer from Rotorua Airport to your accommodation
Remainder of your day at leisure
With its unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture, natural hot springs and plenty of options for
adventure, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most famous destinations. When explaining the appeal of
their region, the people of Rotorua like to talk of five spirits. You can feel the spirit of the earth, as it
rumbles beneath your feet and escapes, hissing, through fumaroles and geysers. You can witness the spirit
of Maori culture, with authentic village and performance experiences. With a soak in a natural hot spring
or a relaxing massage, you can rejuvenate your spirit. Or free your spirit with outdoor adventures - trout
fishing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming, hiking and mountain-biking. And if it's excitement you crave,
you can challenge your spirit with adrenalin-charged extreme activities such as sky-diving, jet boating and
zorbing. Apart from its surprising crater, mountain and lake landscape, Rotorua is memorable for striking
Tudor-style architecture and beautiful public parks. The farmland around city is some of the most fertile
in New Zealand. Watching a sheep show or staying on a working farm is a great way to get a different
view of the region.
Solitaire Lodge is a paradise of tranquillity and relaxation amidst a wonderland of bush and lakes. It has been
described as “the most beautiful lakeside position anywhere in the world”. Perched in solitary splendour on the tip of a bushclad peninsular overlooking magnificent Lake Tarawera, Solitaire is the perfect place to base yourself for trout fishing, or to
relax and do absolutely nothing.
Accommodation
Solitaire Lodge, Lake Tarawera
www.solitairelodge.co.nz
2 nights
Room Type
1x Executive Suite
E X C L U S I V E L Y
Inclusions
Notes
Full Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks
& canapés, gourmet dinner and full
use of lodge facilities
N E W
www.exclusivetravelgroup.com
Z E A L A N D
Day 8
Rotorua
Today’s Outline:
Given the myriad of options available in Rotorua – today is at leisure to structure your day to suit.
Following are some suggested options (optional and at extra cost)
Heli Tour - White Island Experience
Fly to Whakaari (White Island) and land for a guided walk around this volcanically active island, once
home to factory workers who mined for Sulphur. Ruined remains of this hard life still exist today. One
of the most fascinating and accessible volcanoes on earth, White Island carries with it an A grade level of
scientific importance and as New Zealand’s only live marine volcano, scientists and volcanologists
worldwide are attracted to its unique features. The volcano is estimated to be between 100,000 and
200,000 years old. However, the small portion of the island that is visible above sea level has been in its
present form for an estimated 16,000 years - evidence of a continually changing landscape. Walking on
White Island is like walking on the moon. Virtually no vegetation survives the harsh acidic environment
inside the crater walls. Instead, lush beds of yellow and white sulphur crystals grow amongst hissing,
steaming, bubbling fumaroles.
A day out on the Beautiful Lake Tarawera
Transfer to Lake Tarawera for a day on a luxury cruiser exploring this most magnificent of lakes. The
majestic backdrop of the dormant Tarawera volcano, naturally heated thermal waters and unspoiled flora
and fauna provide a beautiful playground to experience a delightful cruise on this beautiful lake. As well
as simply relaxing and enjoying the serenity of this natural playground, you may wish to combine one of
the following activities:
Te Rata Bay - Hot water Beach (Te Rata Bay) is located in a secluded bay and only accessible by boat.
Thermal springs gently rise through the lake bed, warming the water and creating a mystical steam around
the cliffs. Here you can enjoy a relaxing swim or a lovely intimate soak in a natural thermal rock pool.
Fishing - Lake Tarawera is renowned for its trophy sized Rainbow Trout of up to 7 kg. You will love the
excitement of catching these huge fish yourself and with Clearwater Cruises you can enjoy it in the best
possible way.
Catch & Cook - Once landed, your own trout can be enjoyed Sashimi style (similar to Sushi)
accompanied by Wasabi and soy sauce, or barbequed with Clearwater’s delicious but secret recipe. For
special occasions, your very own fish can be baked in the thermal sands at Hot Water Beach while you
soak in the natural hot pool. But of course, your fish doesn’t have to be eaten. If it makes you feel better,
you can release your trout back into the wild after taking a photo as proof of your expertise.
E X C L U S I V E L Y
N E W
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Z E A L A N D
Day 8
Rotorua (Cont.)
Rotorua Adventure Day:
Depart Solitaire this morning and travel to nearby Whakarewarewa Forest, one of New Zealand’s
premiere mountain biking destinations. You’ll be fitted to your bike and will ride the easier trails to begin
with; as your guide assesses the perfect tracks for your skill and fitness levels for the remainder of the
ride. Choose from incredible single track, beautiful forest backroads or exciting jump tracks – there are
over 100kms of purpose-built trails ready to ride.
Following your mountain biking experience enjoy a hot drink before heading to Okere Falls - your base
for the rest of the day. Changing from your bike clothes to rafting fleece, wetsuits and booties don the
safety equipment and undergo a thorough safety briefing before experiencing one of the most exciting
area activities – Waterfall Rafting on the Kaituna River. Only 45minutes on water, this rafting experience
is well worth the effort. Raft through stunning river gorges laden with Maori lore and exciting Grade 5+
rapids including 3 waterfalls from 1m, 3m and 7m high – the last being the tallest commercially rafted
waterfall in the world! Enjoy a fun surf at the end before returning to base for showers and lunch at our
local eco-store brimming with character. Continuing to the last leg, don warm fleece and lifejackets once
again before unloading the kayaks at nearby Lake Rotoiti, paddling approximately 30 minutes across
scenic waters to a natural thermal hot pool that is only accessible by boat, owned and operated by a local
Maori trust. Soak at your leisure before boarding your private charter catamaran and sail your way down
the length of Lake Rotoiti.
After your exhilarating day, transfer by private vehicle back to your accommodation.
E X C L U S I V E L Y
N E W
www.exclusivetravelgroup.com
Z E A L A N D
Day 9
Rotorua – Coromandel
Today’s Outline:
Private road transfer from Rotorua to Cooks Beach, Coromandel – including sightseeing and
stops enroute
The Coromandel - New Zealander’s favourite North Island destination - is home to fabulous white sand
beaches with magnificent coastal scenery and a rugged forest cloaked interior waiting to be explored. A
key feature of The Coromandel is the people, living mainly in several small towns linked by the Pacific
Coast Highway and known for their friendly, relaxed and welcoming personalities; look forward to
meeting and sharing our slice of paradise with you.
Captain Cook visited the area in 1769 and observed the transit of the planet Mercury across the face of
the sun hence the names of two significant areas within the Peninsula - Mercury Bay and Cook's Beach.
In the nineteenth century the peninsula teemed with human activity associated with the exploitation of
timber, gold and kauri gum. Eventually the kauri and the accessible gold were exhausted and the gum
market destroyed. The Coromandel lapsed into an economic and social decline that was eventually halted
by the gradual growth of farming, fishing, horticulture and tourism. The land slowly "mended" and a new
era of people moved into the area, one that valued the environment. Thirty four percent of the land on
the peninsula is now administered by the Department of Conservation.
As a walker’s paradise with a range of trails to explore, from short coastal walkways to multi day treks,
the region will delight you at every turn and a visit to Cathedral Cove is a highlight not to be missed.
Accessible only on foot or by boat, famous Cathedral Cove is one of the “must visit” sites on the
Coromandel Peninsula, where the track begins at the northern end of Hahei. Cathedral Cove Marine
Reserve Te Whanganui- A-Hei, covers nine square kilometres and is New Zealand’s sixth marine reserve.
It is administered by the Department of Conservation. This site was chosen for a marine reserve because
of the rich and varied habitats associated with the coastline and outlying islands. Reefs of hard rock, soft
sediments, intricate caves and underwater arches provide homes for complex communities of plants,
crustaceans, molluscs and fish. Sheltered from the worst of the southerly winds Te Whanganui-A-Hei
gives visitors an opportunity to learn from and enjoy an unspoilt marine environment.
E X C L U S I V E L Y
N E W
www.exclusivetravelgroup.com
Z E A L A N D
Day 9
Rotorua – Coromandel (Cont.)
970 Lonely Bay Lodge is luxury boutique accommodation in Cooks Beach, Whitianga, New Zealand.
Accommodation includes three one bedroom suites and a premier two bedroom (honeymoon) suite, all with en suite, extensive
mini-bar, spacious terrace and bush or water views of Purangi Estuary and Cooks Beach. Lodge accommodation facilities
include a library, TV/AV 'snug' with Bang & Olufsen plasma television / sound system, separate guest indoor and
outdoor bathrooms, solarium and deck, and multiple fireplaces.
Accommodation
Room Type
970 Lonely Bay Lodge, 1 x King Suite
Cooks Beach, Whitianga
www.970lonelybay.com
2 nights
Inclusions
Notes
Breakfast & 2 course dinner
As an Exclusively NZ guest to
Lonely Bay, you’ll receive value
added services in the form of:
First night: A bottle of local
Mercury Bay Estate wine and
antipasto platter or high tea with
homemade delights
Second night: Gourmet picnic
basket
E X C L U S I V E L Y
N E W
www.exclusivetravelgroup.com
Z E A L A N D
Day 10
Coromandel
Today’s Outline:
Today enjoy an exclusive full day sea kayaking trip
Sea Kayaking at Cathedral Cove
As The Coromandel is abundant with forest and marine life, paddling yourself around the Marine
Reserve is one of the best ways to get up close. Cathedral Cove Kayaks is based in Hahei and offers the
opportunity to explore the volcanic coastline. Islands, coves and sea caves are easy to find and access in a
kayak. It has been described by visitors as ‘some of the best paddling in the planet’.
E X C L U S I V E L Y
N E W
www.exclusivetravelgroup.com
Z E A L A N D
Day 11
Coromandel – Auckland Depart
Today’s Outline:
Private road transfer from Cooks Beach, Coromandel to Auckland International Airport –
including sightseeing and stops enroute
Depart Auckland Airport (flight not included in costing)
E X C L U S I V E L Y
N E W
www.exclusivetravelgroup.com
Z E A L A N D