New Zealand Vacations

New Zealand Vacations, Luxury Travel Packages

New Zealand Country Highlights

NORTH ISLAND
Dubbed the "City of Sails", Auckland is New Zealand's international gateway and largest city. Blessed with magnificent twin harbors, the city is surrounded by water making it an ideal playground for boaters. Sophisticated and stylish, Auckland has earned a reputation for its innovative cuisine, excellent shopping and cosmopolitan lifestyle. The city is home to a multi-cultural population of over a million people and reflects its past in a unique blend of Polynesian and European culture. Slip into luxury under sail on a luncheon cruise along Waitemata Harbour followed by a visit to the Auckland Museum offering some of the best displays of Maori artifacts in the world. For the finest in culinary experiences, our guides can recommend the best of Auckland's elegant waterfront restaurants overlooking the Auckland Harbour .

Oenophiles will find the local wine selection dizzying. Sample vintages which can only be tasted in New Zealand, as many exceptional wines are not exported.

To the north of Auckland is the historic Northland . Extending from the north tip at Cape Reinga, south to the tranquil Bay of Islands , the subtropical Northland is varied and dramatic with miles of deserted beaches, tiny islets, and ancient kauri forests. For the sporting, we suggest a few days boating, game fishing or simple relaxation on the water.

To the southeast of Auckland lies the magnificent Coromandel Peninsula . Dominated by craggy volcanic hills and gold mining operations, the peninsula offers a haven for nature lovers and those seeking a slower pace of life. Absolute South Pacific offers an array of accommodation from B&B's and renovated colonial hotels to unique wilderness retreats and vineyard stays . Further south is Rotorua , a major center of Maori culture & crafts and a geothermal wonderland of boiling mud and hot springs, explosive geysers and the pervasive aroma of sulfur. An invigorating soak in a hot spring pool awaits you, followed by a traditional Maori hangi feast.

The trout capital of New Zealand, Lake Taupo is an hour's drive south of Rotorua and is most popular among water sports enthusiasts and anglers. Southeast of Taupo, in the region known as Eastland , lies the sunny, port city of Napier . Destroyed by an earthquake and fire in 1931, the city was completely rebuilt in the Art Deco style of the times. Take a leisurely stroll through the well-preserved and restored architecture.

Wellington is New Zealand's cultural heart and administrative capital and the city's reputation as a cultural center is apparent in its fine museums and galleries. Set around a magnificent bright blue harbor, the city is framed against a dramatic backdrop of steep, verdant hills, dotted with turn-of-the-century villas and colonial-era homes that cling to narrow, zigzag streets. Take the Wellington Cable Car from the city center to Kelburn for glorious panoramas of Wellington extending out to the Cook Strait. Spend a day at the new state-of-the-art Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa is a ground-breaking entertainment and learning facility that tells the history of New Zealand through exhibits, interactive computers, virtual reality and live theater.

SOUTH ISLAND
A short flight from Wellington connects travelers to the charming cities and spectacular scenery of the South Island , but by far the most pleasurable and picturesque way to arrive is by inter-island ferry. Less than two hours southwest of Picton is the charming & relaxed resort town of Nelson -the departure point for the Abel Tasman National Park . Nature lovers will truly appreciate its sea kayaking or four-day, guided walking track which passes through dense beech forest and over rocky headlands while skirting a secluded coastline of golden sands and azure waters.

Lashed by the tempestuous Tasman Sea and flanked by the Southern Alps , the rugged West Coast offers a remarkable journey through a landscape of wild, pristine beauty. Inland lies the fern-fringed Lake Brunner , teeming with brown trout and opportunities for a peaceful retreat at a secluded lakeside fishing lodge. The spectacular Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers are located in Westland National Park . Surrounded by forests and towering snow-capped mountain peaks, these awesome glaciers are a solid wall of ice that descend directly into the lowland rainforest. Embark on one of our scenic flights that offer an unforgettable opportunity to view these icy giants from the air.

Mirrored in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wakatipu against a backdrop of the snow-capped Southern Alps, Queenstown is a picture-postcard town. Year round, Queenstown offers a dizzying choice of outdoor activities-jetboating, whitewater rafting, and bungy jumping are just some of the spine-tingling adventures which satisfy even the most jaded thrill seekers. Embark on a scenic alpine drive to Milford Sound and cruise on the calm waters where fur seals and bottlenose dolphins can be spotted; or enjoy a dinner cruise on Lake Wakatipu onboard a beautifully restored vintage steamer. Queenstown is the usual departure point for walkers enroute to Fiordland National Park . Hike through this vast area of rainforests, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and deep fiords. Our guided, three and four night, accommodated walks explore this fantastic, pristine landscape considered to be among the finest in the world.

Christchurch , originally planned as a model Anglican settlement, is located on the banks of the River Avon. Take a few days to stroll the tree-lined avenues, parks and nature reserves as well as tour the unique 19th century and Gothic buildings. Spend an afternoon at the Art Centre in the Gothic stone cloisters of the former university. A charmingly romantic English city, one can soar over the patchwork quilt of the Canterbury Plains in a hot air balloon. We can also arrange for travel to Kaikoura for an unforgettable highlight-a whale watching expedition in the open sea. A short flight from Christchurch brings you to Mount Cook where a helicopter or fixed-wing airplane ride carries you over the awesome peaks and breathtaking scenery. At the end of the day, we can arrange for a cozy lodge or chalet accommodation with marvelous views of the mountain.

The city of Dunedin is the South Island's second largest city…an early Scottish settlement that has a rich architectural heritage of beautifully preserved Victorian and Edwardian buildings, and graceful gardens. Wildlife abounds on the nearby Otago Peninsula , where our guided excursions lead you to colonies of rare yellow-eyed penguins and royal albatross.

At the far south end of New Zealand, the far end of the earth, lies Stewart Island -a remote, unspoiled isle in the Pacific. By day, go sea kayaking or observe kiwis in their natural environment; and spend a night or two at a deluxe turn-of-the-century lodge overlooking Half Moon Bay

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