Wednesday 8th January 2003 

Home to Auckland

You fly overnight from the UK to Auckland via Los Angeles. En route you cross the International Dateline, thereby losing a day. You arrive in Auckland on the morning of day three. 

On arrival at Auckland airport, after clearing Customs and Immigration, you are met by your tour manager and escorted to your hotel, where you spend two nights. 

The 3Q Rydges Hotel is centrally located, close to the Sky Tower and Casino complex. Your air-conditioned room has a television, telephone, coffee and tea making facilities, mini bar, refrigerator and hairdryer. 

The hotel's facilities include a restaurant, bar and gym. You have the remainder of the day at leisure to relax in your new surroundings.

Thursday 9th January 2003

Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand's largest metropolis and main gateway city.

The locals say that everything they need can be found within the boundaries of the greater Auckland region.

There are two beautiful harbours; Waitemata in the north-east, and Manukau to the south-west and the coastline is dotted with secluded offshore islands.

Enjoy an included city tour this morning, viewing the busy town centre area of Queen Street, the Skytower (New Zealand's tallest building), Auckland Harbour Bridge and the restored colonial villas of Parnell Village. Here you can browse through the numerous craft shops and boutiques, or relax at one of the many cafés.

Auckland is built on the back of a ridge of extinct volcanoes and your city tour includes a visit to one of these - Mount Eden.

From the top of Mount Eden you have fantastic views of the city and its harbours - a great opportunity for photos. You can also enjoy an included visit to Auckland Museum.

Friday 10th January 2003

Auckland to Bay of Islands (243 km)

Optional half-day excursion to the Treaty House of Waitangi.

The Northland region is the birthplace of the New Zealand nation, where the British made their first permanent contact with the Maori.

Your journey today takes you north, across the Harbour Bridge, and along the Hibiscus Coast, with its beautiful long sandy beaches

You continue through small farming towns to the Bay of Islands. The bay's 800-kilometre coastline

embraces 150 islands and is steeped in historical association with the early history of New Zealand. Captain Cook discovered the harbour in 1769, and gave the bay its present name.

This afternoon you reach the small town of Paihia, just south of Waitangi, where the famous Waitangi Treaty was signed in 1840. An optional excursion to the historic Treaty House is available this afternoon.

You spend the next three nights of your holiday in Paihia, in the Bay of Islands at one of the following 3Q hotels.

The Quality Autolodge is set on the waterfront, only 100 metres from Paihia wharf and town centre. Each of the 72 rooms is equipped with direct-dial telephone, satellite television, alarm clock and radio, iron and ironing board and tea and coffee-making facilities. The Reef Restaurant, which opens for breakfast and dinner, boasts views over the water to Russell. Other available facilities include a swimming pool, spa pool, sauna, games room, complimentary use of bicycles and dinghy, guest laundry and dry-cleaning service and sate deposit.

The Paihia Pacific Resort is set in lush tropical grounds, approximately 150 metres from the beach and is within walking distance of Paihia town centre. Each of the 22 rooms is equipped with television and video, radio, tea and coffee-making facilities, direct-dial telephone, refrigerator and hairdryer. The Oasis Restaurant serves breakfasts and the lounge bar opens out on to the poolside. The hotel's facilities include a swimming pool, hydrotherapy spa, sauna, gymnasium and flood-lit tennis courts.

Saturday 11th January 2003

Bay of Islands

Included full-day excursion to Ninety Mile Beach.

On either Day 6 or Day 7, you can enjoy an included excursion to Ninety Mile Beach, on one of the 'finest scenic day tours in the world'. You drive north from Paihia to the Aupouri Peninsula, the northernmost tip of the North

Island.

According to Maori legend, the North Island was once a giant fish, and the Aupouri Peninsula was the tail of the fish.

Aupouri's long west shore is known as Ninety Mile Beach. It is an awesome spectacle, with sand and sea stretching as far as the eye can see.

Your specially-designed coach will drive along a 72-kilometre stretch of the beach itself, providing stunning views of the green Tasman Sea and the narrowing peninsula. 

Eventually, when you can go no further north, you reach Cape Reinga, with its lighthouse. A picnic lunch is included.

A lone pohutukawa tree at Cape Reinga marks a sacred spot for the Maoris. This is the legendary 'leaping-off" place for the spirits of the dead on their homeward journey to Hawaiki. 

You can visit the lighthouse and mail a postcard from New Zealand's northernmost post box. Enjoy spectacular views over the two oceans that meet here: the blue Pacific and the green Tasman sea.

Sunday 12th January 2003

Bay of Islands

Depending on the day of your included excursion to Ninety Mile Beach, you will have either Day 6 or Day 7 to spend exploring Paihia at your leisure.

The town was founded in 1823, when a missionary, the Reverend Henry Williams, built a reed hut here. In 1834 a printing press was brought here from England to produce the first Bible in Maori. 

Places of historical interest along the red-sand seafront are marked with bronze plaques, and New Zealand's oldest tree, a Norfolk pine, stands here. 

There is an interesting aquarium, called Aquatic World.

Paihia is a popular departure point for cruises, and today you have the opportunity to board a luxury catamaran on a choice of optional excursions.

Monday 13th January 2003

Bay of Islands to Cambridge (370 km)

This morning you leave Paihia and drive back south through the Northland region. The mild climate here allows trees, shrubs and flowers to thrive all year round. 

Reaching Auckland, you cross the Harbour Bridge and head south to Hamilton, in the Waikato Valley.

(Walkato Valley was used to represent Hobbiton in the 'Lord of the Rings' movie).

This afternoon you arrive at the pretty town of Cambridge, about 23 kilometres south-east of Hamilton. Cambridge, as one might expect, has a very English atmosphere, with a charming Anglican church, village green and cricket pitch.

You experience true Kiwi hospitality tonight, staying in a family home or on a farm in the Cambridge area. As a number of properties may be used, it is possible that some bedrooms may share bathroom facilities. Please note also that no laundry facilities are available.

Tuesday 14th January 2003

Cambridge to Rotorua (113 km)

Included excursion to Waitomo Caves and Rainbow Springs and Farm

After breakfast with your host family, travel south to the Waitomo Caves, where you enjoy a walking tour through passages with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, before reaching the famous Glow Worm Cave. 

Here you board a boat for a cruise on an underground river, lit by thousands of pale blue lights formed by the glow worms on the cave roof. 

The New Zealand glow worm is the larval stage of a two-winged insect, found nowhere else in the world. It lives around

nine months, and uses its light to attract flying insects, on which it feeds. Please note that photography is not permitted in the caves.

After visiting the caves, you continue east to the thermal region of Rotorua. Rotorua lies on a volcanic rift which stretches 200 kilometres from White Island off the coast of the Bay of Plenty to Lake Taupo. This is a place of lush forests, green pastures and crystal-clear lakes. Here nature's antics can be fascinating, odd and even scary.

Every now and then you will catch a whiff of pungent sulphur gas escaping from subterranean fires not too far beneath your feet. Even steam wafting from cracks in the pavements is not unusual.

You also stop at Rainbow Springs and Farm. The clear natural pools of Rainbow Springs are crammed with thousands of rainbow, brown and brook trout, while the Farm's wildlife sanctuary affords an insight into New Zealand's sheep

farming industry as you watch a show.

You spend the next two nights at the 3Q Lake Plaza Hotel in Rotorua. The hotel is located on the shores of Lake Rotorua.

Each of the 250 rooms is equipped with satellite television, direct-dial telephone, clock radio, mini-bar, refrigerator and tea and coffee-making facilities.

The hotel's facilities include an open-air heated pool, private indoor spas, restaurant, bar and laundry.

This evening, you enjoy a traditional Maon feast or 'hangi'. The food is cooked on hot stones, in a specially prepared hole the ground.

Afterwards enjoy a traditional Maori concert.

Wednesday 15th January 2003

Rotarua

An included excursion this morning takes you first to the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, or

"Whaka" for short. 

Here you can see boiling mud pools and gushing geysers. On Geyser Flat is Pohutu ('Big Splash'), New Zealand's most famous geyser. 

It erupts roughly once every 20 minutes, and shoots hot water up to 20 metres into the air.

You will also have time to visit the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre on the reserve, where you can watch craftspeople at work, see a replica Maori village and 'kiwi' house and enjoy a visit to an art gallery.

Thursday 16th January 2003

Rotarua to Wellington (466 km)

A pleasant drive south today takes you to Lake Taupo, the country's largest lake, in the centre of the North Island. The lake was formed by a dramatic volcanic explosion in about AD186. It is especially famous for its rainbow trout.

From Lake Taupo, you follow the dramatic Desert Road south. On the way, you can see two dramatic volcanoes.

Mount Ruapehu, 2,800 metres high, is an active volcano which last erupted in 1995. It is an irregular shape with several peaks and craters. Mount Ngauruhoe, on the other hand, is a single-vent volcano with a symmetrical conical peak. It is 2,300 metres high, and the summit is covered with snow for much of the year.

Late this afternoon you arrive in Wellington. The approach from the north is particularly dramatic, as the capital is ringed by a natural amphitheatre of hills, which posed severe challenges to the road and railway builders of the 19*-century.

Wellington's deep harbour is surrounded by steep, green hills, dotted with white wooden houses. The city has many good shops, boutiques and pedestrian streets. 

From the numerous vantage points on the hilltops surrounding the city you can look out across the harbour to the nearby South Island. (Wellington featured in the recent 'Lord of the Rings’ movie, representing Bree, The Shire, Moria, and Weathertop. Studio scenes were also shot here).

The 3Q Novotel Capital is located within walking distance of Lambton Quay, Wellington's main shopping precinct, Courtenay Place, the waterfront and a good selection of cafés and entertainment.

The hotel's facilities include a restaurant, bar and gymnasium. Your room has a mini-bar, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities, colour television and individually controlled air conditioning.

You spend two nights in Wellington, with dinner included at your hotel.

Friday 17th January 2003

Wellington

During your time in Wellington, enjoy an included sightseeing tour. 

Highlights show you New Zealand's Parliament Buildings, which include the distinctive "Beehive" building, the National Library and Old St Paul's Church. 

The church is built in the 'Selwyn' style, with a beautiful high ceiling. From Mount Victoria you get spectacular views of Wellington's deep-water harbour and the city centre. 

The included sightseeing tour may take place on Day 11

Saturday 18th January 2003

Wellington to Picton (3 hours by ferry)

Your coach takes you from your hotel to Wellington Harbour, where you board the inter-island ferry.

This is one of the world's most delightful journeys, as the ship crosses to the South Island through a maze of sheltered waterways, known as the Marlborough Sound.

The sound is a myriad of inlets and bays with steep hills plunging straight down into the sea. You can sit out on deck and enjoy the views, or relax in the lounge. The comfortable ferries have a bar and café, a self-service restaurant, snack bar, souvenir shop and cinema.

The final part of the crossing is especially scenic, as the ferry cruises through the narrow Queen Charlotte Sound to the small port and railhead of Picton. Just before entering the harbour, look out for the battered old hulk on the right hand side. This is the old East Indiaman Edwin Fox, built in Bengal in 1853.

On arrival in Picton, you disembark and join a coach for the short journey to your hotel. You spend one night at the 3Q Ancient Mariner Hotel in Picton, with dinner included.

Sunday 19th January 2003

Picton to Christchurch (345 km)

Today's drive to Christchurch takes you along the rugged east coast of the South Island. On the way, you may see colonies of seals basking in the sun.

You stop in the small town of Kakoura, which nestles at the base of a peninsula, providing shelter for the fishing boats based here.

Kaikoura's name means 'crayfish' in Maori, and a giant crayfish, on the roof of a house, is the symbol of the town. Kakoura is a popular centre for whale watching.

From Kaikoura, you continue south, passing small towns and scattered farms, to the Canterbury Plains, used to represent Edoras and the Plains of Rohan in the 'Lord of the Rings' movie.

At the heart of this area of farming land, to the east of the Southern Alps, is the beautiful garden city of Christchurch.

Christchurch is the most 'English' of New Zealand cities.

Laid out in the mid-1800s as a model Anglican settlement, it is built to a grid pattern, centred on the Anglican cathedral, an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture. 

The cathedral and its surrounding square forms the heart of the city. The River Avon flows through the city centre, past the old stone buildings of Canterbury University. Other places of interest include the Canterbury Museum, the Chamber of Commerce Building, Riccarton House and the Provincial Council Buildings.

Stay for two nights at the 3Q Rydges Christchurch Hotel. The hotel, which overlooks the Avon River, is within walking distance of shops and restaurants and close to Hagley Park for recreational pursuits including tennis, running tracks and walks along the river.

Each of the 208 rooms is equipped with individually controlled air with conditioning, television, pay-per-view movies, tea and coffee-making facilities, iron and ironing board, mini bar, refrigerator, direct-dial telephone, clock radio and hairdryer.

The hotel has its own bar, restaurant and laundry service.

Monday 20th January 2003

Christchurch

Enjoy the rich tapestry of sights that Christchurch has to offer on today's sightseeing tour. 

You visit the gardens of Mona Vale, and drive past the historic Museum and Arts Centre. The cathedral. dating back to 1864, is one of New Zealand's great historic buildings; it was designed in the style of an English church of the 13th century.

You take a scenic drive up to the Port Hills for breathtaking views over the Pacific Ocean, and visit the harbour town of Lyttleton. Lyttleton's Timeball Station, built in 1876, used to signal the precise moment of one o'clock to ships by dropping a large ball on a mast. This allowed ships' captains to set their chronometers.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the city at leisure. You could board one of Christchurch's historic trams on their circuit through the city, or stroll around the Cathedral Square and its environs.

You can visit the City Mall, where you will find Ballantynes, the city's long-established department store, where the assistants dress in black and are renowned for being very helpful.

The City Mall, New Regent Street and the area around the Bridge of Remembrance contain some of the city's best shopping. You can also enjoy a stroll in beautiful Hagley Park, or hire a punt for a cruise of the River Avon.

Tuesday 21st January 2003

Christchurch to Franz Josef (402 km)

You travel by coach this morning from your hotel to Christchurch's modern railway station, in the suburb of Addington. 

Here you board the Tranz-Alpine Express for a fascinating 140-kilometre train journey to the township of Arthur's Pass, in the heart of the Southern Alps. Part of the Midland Line from Christchurch to Greymouth, this wonderful feat of engineering was completed in 1923.

The train has a licensed buffet car, comfortable carpeted carriages and panoramic windows. Halfway along the train is an open observation car, which provides an excellent vantage point for filming and photography.

The first part of the journey takes you across the patchwork Canterbury Plains, the home of New Zealand lamb. After stopping at Springfield station, an hour out of Christchurch, the train begins its climb to the Waimakariri Gorge,

crossing numerous mountain streams on the way.

Depending on the time of year, you may see wild flowers, including blue lupins and yellow broom, beside the track. There are 16 tunnels on this section of line, and five high viaducts. You leave the train at Arthur's Pass station, 3,023 feet above sea-level.

Rejoining your coach, you travel west over the dramatic Otira Gorge. Your journey takes you from the scree-slopes of the rugged mountains to the lush rainforests of the west coast, full of crimson rata - New Zealand's beautiful flowering tree. It is not unusual for the weather here to be completely different from Christchurch.

The West Coast has a very high rainfall and it is advisable to have your rain jacket in your hand luggage. You continue south along the west coast to the village of Franz Josef, around which has grown up New Zealand's most famous glacier.

Depending on the time of arrival, the coach may take you directly to the information centre, where you can spend an interesting half hour or so browsing the displays before making your own way to the 3Q Franz Josef Hotel just across the road.

Stay overnight at the Franz Josef Glacier Hotel, located on the edge of the Westland World Heritage Park. Each of the rooms is equipped with colour television, telephone, radio, tea and coffee-making facilities and hairdryers.

The facilities include spa pools, bars and laundry service. The West Coast is an isolated area of New Zealand with limited choice of accommodation. The Franz Josef Hotel is one of only two 3-star hotels in the Glacier area and, therefore, it may be very busy.

Every effort is made to keep to scheduled mealtimes and to provide timely service. However, some delays may be

experienced at times. 

Wednesday 22nd January 2003

Franz Josef to Queenstown (418 km)

The Franz Josef Glacier was first explored in 1865 by an Austrian, Julius Haast, who named it after the Austrian Emperor. Nowhere else in the world is a glacier so close to the sea. 

Depending on the weather and visibility, you may be able to take an optional helicopter flight over the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Ask your tour manager for details.

You also have the opportunity to embark on an optional armchair ride over fantastic scenery, courtesy of a giant 'Helimax' screen.

From Franz Josef, a scenic drive takes you south, past Fox Glacier and over the Haast Pass, into the heart of the beautiful South Westland Region.

This is one of the least populated parts of New Zealand, and after passing tiny Haast village there is a long stretch of road with no settlements of any size, as you skirt Mount Aspiring National Entering the Central Otago region, you pass beautiful Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.

From Wanaka town you continue south to Queenstown, one of New Zealand's most popular resorts. The 4Q Novotel Queenstown is your base for the next three nights of your holiday.

The hotel is close to the centre of Queenstown and offers panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range.

Each of the 148 rooms has a view of the lake or pool and is equipped with mini-bar, hairdryer, pay-per-vIew movies and individually controlled air conditioning. Both the hotel's restaurants, which offer international cuisine, have views of Lake Wakatipu, while you ca admire the Remarkables mountain range from the Moonshiners Bar.

Available facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, spa pool, sauna, two tennis courts, a fully equipped gymnasium and laundry.

Thursday 23rd January & Friday 24th January 2003

Queenstown

Queenstown lies on the north shore of Lake Wakatipu, which is popular for water sports and safe for swimming. According to Maori legend the lake is the "Hollow of the Giant" (Whakatipua), formed when an evil sleeping giant was set on fire by a brave youth, melting the snow and ice of the surrounding mountains and filling the 50-mile long hollow.

Queenstown came into being with the Otago Gold Rush in the 1860s. By 1900, the gold had petered out and the population of the town had dropped from several thousand to 190.

Queenstown has now come back to life as the self-styled adventure capital of the world, and now has about 7,500 permanent inhabitants and many more visitors. (Queenstown was used to represent Lothlorien in the 'Lord of the Rings' movie).

Adventurous activities which abound in Queenstown include bungy jumping, white-water rafting, river sledging and parachute jumping. However, there are plenty of less strenuous things to do in the town. 

You can see New Zealand's most famous native birds in the Kiwi and Wildlife Park, or travel by the Skyline Gondola cable-car to the top of Bob's Peak, for a superb view of the town and lake. There are also plenty of good walks in the area.

During one of your evenings in Queenstown, you enjoy an included cruise on the TSS Earnslaw, a twin-screw steam boat dating from 1912. The Earnslaw takes you across the lake to Walter Peak Sheep Station, where you enjoy a buffet

dinner in the Colonel's Homestead Restaurant.

During your stay in Queenstown, Saga has arranged a number of optional excursions. including a jet-boat trip on the Shotover River, and an excursion by four-wheel-drive vehicle through Skippers Canyon. 

Please refer to the Optional Excursions section of this itinerary and ask your tour manager for further details

Saturday 25th January 2003

Queenstown to Te Anau (170 km)

A short drive from Queenstown this morning takes you to the old gold-mining settlement of Arrowtown.

This delightful old gold-rush town has been faithfully restored, with old timber houses and shops, and a picturesque weatherboarded post office with an octagonal Victorian pillar box. In the small museum you can see genuine gold nuggets, and prospectors still pan for gold in the nearby river.

From Arrowtown you travel south along the east shore of Lake Wakatipu to Kingston. On your left, you pass the mountain range called The Remarkables. The road follows the track of the Kingston Flyer, a historic steam train which once connected with the Earnslaw to provide a passenger service between Queenstown and Lumsden. The train now operates summer tourist services over a short stretch of preserved line.

Your coach continues past the Eyre Mountains, via Mossburn to Te Anau. This small township is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, and it lies at the southern end of Lake Te Anau, the largest lake in the South Island (The area around Te Anau was used to represent the Dead Marshes in the 'Lord of the Rings' movie).

You spend two nights here at the 3Q Luxmore Resort, in the town centre and close to the lake. Each of the hotel's 148 rooms is equipped with direct-dial telephone, colour television, radio, hairdryer, refrigerator and tea and coffee-making facilities. The restaurant, which overlooks Lake Te Anau features an extensive carvery buffet, while the International Café and Bar offers bistro style dining.

Sunday 26th January 2003

Te Anau

Enjoy a full-day tour of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound today.

Fiordland covers three million acres of wilderness, and is one of the biggest national parks in the world. Everything here is on a grand scale, with waterfalls tumbling thousands of metres into virgin, forested valleys, and lonely fords indenting the coast. 

The road to Milford Sound cuts through Fiordland and is considered to be one of the best alpine drives in the world. It follows Lake Te Anau, passing through dense forests, along small lakes and river flats, and through the Homer Tunnel, nearly one mile long, which took 12 years to construct.

Finally you reach Milford Sound via the awe-inspiring Cleddau Canyon. Milford Sound was described by Rudyard Kipling as 'the eighth wonder of the world' and it is easy to see why, as you cruise the dark waters of the fjord under the gaze of the mile-high Mitre Peak. 

This is one of New Zealand's most distinctive mountains, and was named because of its resemblance to a bishop's mitre. (Milford Sound was used to represent Nen Hithoel, Amon Hen and Fangorn Forest in the 'Lord of the Rings' movie).

You can enjoy an included lunch during your cruise.

Monday 27th January 2003

Te Anau to Dunedin (378 km)

Today's journey takes you across the farmlands of Southland and Otago to the Scottish- influenced city of Dunedin (the Gaelic name for Edinburgh).

Mark Twain captured the beauty and history of the area when he said ‘the people here are Scots. They stopped here on their way to heaven, thinking they had arrived'.

Standing at the head of a harbour, the city consists of Victorian and Edwardian buildings, slate and tin-roofed houses and churches. Dunedin was founded as a result of religious turmoil in Scotland when, in 1843, Dr Chalmers left the 

Established Kirk of Scotland and formed his own Free Church. Its development relied on environment free from bitterness and argument, so New Zealand seemed perfect. 

The city centre is hilly, with some very steep streets, and, at the very heart is the Octagon. Dunedin is a university city, and has a very active cultural life.

This afternoon, you discover more of the history of Dunedin on a city tour. The old town centre is dominated by towers, spires, gables, turrets and elegant stone buildings from the Victorian era. It is here that you can see the statue in honour of the famous Scottish bard, Robert Burns.

You spend two nights in Dunedin, at either the Skyline Leisure Lodge or the Quality Hotel Dunedin (both 3Q).

The Skyline Leisure Lodge is located on the original site of McGavin's Brewery and the original stonework and theme is reflected throughout, especially in the restored Oast House and McGavin's Restaurant and Bar. The hotel is set in landscaped gardens and is within walking distance of central shopping areas. Each of the 76 well appointed rooms is equipped with ironing facilities, hairdryer, direct-dial telephone, tea and coffee-making facilities and mini bar. 

The Quality Hotel Dunedin is located within the central business district. Each of the 45 rooms is equipped with direct-dial telephone, minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities, iron and ironing board, hairdryer and satellite television. The hotel's facilities include a restaurant, bar and laundry and dry-cleaning service.

Monday 27th January 2003

Dunedin

Spend a day at leisure exploring the city, or take advantage of the optional excursions on offer.

You may like to join a scenic train ride along the Taieri Gorge Railway, or perhaps a coach tour of the Otago Peninsula.

Tuesday 28th January 2003

Dunedin to Lake Oahu (257 km)

This morning you head north along the coast to Oamaru. The main town of the Waitaki area, Oamaru has grand, stone Victorian buildings which reflect the wealth of the 19t-century gold rushes. 

You head inland here and pass a string of pure, snow-fed lakes through the Waitaki valley before arriving at Lake Ohau, in the heart of the vast Mackenzie Country. Named after an outlaw from pioneering times, Mackenzie Country is a land of lakes, tussock-covered hills and vast open spaces. 

Drink in the breathtaking alpine scenery that surrounds you before continuing to your overnight accommodation at the 3Q Hermitage Hotel Mount Cook, enjoying fine views of the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

Each of the 195 rooms is equipped with telephone, colour television with pay-per-view movies and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel has restaurants and a bar, coffee shop, spa and sauna, tennis courts, souvenir shop and art gallery.

Alternatively, you may be staying at the 2Q Lake Ohau Lodge, set on the western shore of the lake. Please note that the Lake Ohau Lodge is a uniquely New Zealand experience. The bedrooms do not have hotel facilities such as telephones or televisions.

However, the tranquil location and beautiful views are ample compensation. Due to the location of the lodge your evening meal will be a set menu with a choice of meat or fish.

Tuesday 28th January 2003

Lake Oahu to Christchurch (338 km)

You travel north from Lake Ohau this morning, along the west shore of the long Lake Pukaki, to the Mount Cook National Park. At 12,349 feet, Mount Cook is the highest peak in New Zealand.

Sir Edmund Hillary took advantage of this, and used the mountain as practice for his historic 1953 ascent of Everest.

The National Park contains 140 peaks over 7,000 feet high, as well as five of New Zealand's glaciers.

The Tasman glacier is a 20-mile giant that borders Mount Cook. Depending on the weather, you may be able to participate in an optional flight over the summit. 

From Mount Cook, you drive back south alongside of Lake Pukaki, and then head northeast past Lake Tekapo to the Canterbury Plains.

You return this evening to Christchurch, where you spend the final night at the 3Q Rydges Christchurch Hotel.

Wednesday 29th January 2003

Christchurch to Home

Depending on the time of your flight, you may have some free time in Christchurch this morning. You should vacate your rooms by noon. If necessary, the hotel can arrange for your luggage to be kept in secure storage.

You may like to do some last-minute shopping, or perhaps go sightseeing. Perhaps, visit the Canterbury Museum, with its replica of a 19th-century city street, or climb the 134 steps of the cathedral tower for a fine view over the city. You could visit the Botanical Gardens in Hagley Park, with their fine collection of indigenous and exotic plants. An optional excursion may be available - please ask your tour manager.

One of the sights of central Christchurch is the Wizard. Dressed in long black robes winter, and white robes in the summer, this latter-day Merlin can often be seen in the Cathedral Square, giving eccentric but eloquent discourses on a wide range of topics.

Later today, you travel by coach to Christchurch airport, for your flight to Auckland. Customers taking the Rarotonga extension spend an extra night in Christchurch before flying to the island.

For customers flying home, there is a change of aircraft in Auckland. You go from the Domestic to the International Terminal for your onward flight. The terminals are within easy walking distance of each other, and you can take luggage trolleys between the two.