New Zealand sampler

new zealand sampler
The New Zealand Sampler is a wonderful taste of both the North and South Island. Still packed with many of the scenic and activity highlights of the full New Zealand Experience tour, the New Zealand Sampler accentuates the diversity of the two islands in a compact, two-week vacation. 

Day 1: Auckland to Bay of Islands Welcome to New Zealand! This morning, you’re met by your guide for the start of your New Zealand adventure. It’s a scenic drive to the Bay of Islands in the remote and peaceful Northland region. Our accommodation for the next three nights is in the quaint, historic seaside village of Russell, perched on the bay. An afternoon hike, offering stunning views allows you to rejuvenate after your overseas journey . This evening, we enjoy a relaxed dinner overlooking the bay. (L/D)

Day 2: Sailing on the Bay This morning, board a sailing vessel for a cruise around the multitude of picturesque islands. Take an active part setting the sails and taking the helm if you wish, or just sit back and enjoy the sea breeze and the views, watching for dolphins and shy little blue penguins along the way. For lunch, anchor in a secluded island bay where you can step ashore and take a walk, relax on the beach, or swim in the emerald waters before returning to Russell for dinner and a restful evening. (B/L/D)

Day 3: Walking through History Giant, ancient kauri trees once dominated the land here; however, early milling has left only a precious handful of protected stands. We spend the morning walking amongst these lords of the forest. This afternoon, a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and cultural performance provide deeper insight into New Zealand’s Maori and colonial past. (B/D)

Day 4: Bay of Islands to Auckland This morning, we bid the Bay farewell and return to Auckland. Along the way, we stop at one of New Zealand’s largest gannet colonies. Perched on cliffs high above a wild surf beach, the colony provides a close-up view of these wonderful birds as they court, breed, and nest. In Auckland, our hotel is in the heart of downtown. Dinner this evening is on your own, so you’re free to explore this vibrant waterfront city. (B/L)

Day 5: Auckland to Rotorua We head south through rich farmland to Rotorua, a cultural center for Maoridom and an active volcanic region. We visit the Rotorua Museum in the historic Bath House where visitors used to come to “take the cures” a century ago, then head to a modern spa facility for a soak in soothing thermal pools. This evening, enjoy your choice of restaurants in Rotorua’s dining district featuring our Pacific Rim cuisine. (B)

Day 6: Geothermal Activity Depending on conditions, there are two options for experiencing the region’s volcanic features today. The first is to travel by boat to White Island, an active volcano 30 miles off the eastern coast. We explore the volcano on foot, hosted by professional geothermal guides. If conditions preclude a trip to White Island, we take a scenic flight over the giant crater resulting from the 1886 eruption of Mt. Tarawera, then view some of the active geothermal features of the area by land – boiling lakes, turquoise pools, and hot streams which continue to change and develop. We take a hike in the nearby forest and explore other interesting features of this thermal wonderland. (B/L)

Day 7: Rotorua to Christchurch This morning, we depart Rotorua and fly to Christchurch, the South Island’s garden city. Freshen up at your hotel, then head out and explore: stroll amongst the Botanical Gardens, visit the Canterbury museum, or enjoy a coffee in the square as you marvel at the post-quake ingenuity and artwork that has bloomed up in the central city. At dinner, socialize with your fellow travelers, including any joining us in Christchurch. (B/D)

Day 8: Marine Encounters This morning, we head north to Kaikoura, New Zealand’s marine-life Mecca for a choice of wildlife experiences. The adventurous can don wetsuits and snorkel gear for an up-close encounter with Kaikoura’s playful fur seals or dolphins . Alternatively, a fascinating boat trip to the feeding grounds of Kaikoura’s sea birds offers a unique opportunity to view albtross, shearwaters, and other pelagic wildlife on the wing and in the waters around us. Kaikoura’s renowned for its resident sperm whales, so you may choose instead to view these tremendous creatures by sea or air. During our stay, you can take a self-guided hike amongst intriguing limestone formations, nesting seabirds, and snoozing fur seals  –  on Kaikoura’s fascinating peninsula. Kaikoura means ‘to eat crayfish (lobster)’ and you may choose to do just that at one of the restaurants that features this local delicacy. (B/D)

Day 9: Kaikoura to Nelson The early morning allows a back-up opportunity should sea conditions hamper yesterday’s activities. From Kaikoura, we travel northwest through the Marlborough wine region, the origin of some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blancs and Chardonnays. We enjoy wine-tasting and a vineyard lunch before continuing on to sun-drenched Nelson where we settle into our accommodation for the next two nights. (B/L)

Day 10: The Abel Tasman National Park The nearby Abel Tasman, with its temperate forest, aquamarine waters, and golden sand beaches, is arguably one of the most beautiful parks in the country. Travel there this morning for a very special sea kayaking and hiking experience along its coast, ducking in and out of secluded bays, strolling along its beaches, and walking along the forested track, with stunning views overlooking the sea . While we recommend this special way of seeing the park, there is a hike-only or scenic cruise alternative. Return to Nelson for a relaxing evening, revelling in your day. (B/L)

Day 11: The West Coast This morning, we resume our journey, stopping for a hike in the spectacular Nelson Lakes region before emerging onto the wild and woolly West Coast. Here, we explore the limestone cave systems that honeycomb this region. View delicate, unspoiled formations on a Scenic Caving trip , or take a Cave Rafting adventure, featuring glow-worm constellations, an underground river, a whole lot of rubber, and plenty of laughs . Following our adventures, we travel along spectacular coastline to our accommodation in Punakaiki, at the edge of the Paparoa National Park. Take a stroll to the intriguing Pancake Rocks to view  its limestone stacks and blowholes. (B/L/D)

Day 12: Punakaiki to the Glaciers This morning, it’s a spectacular drive down to New Zealand’s glacier region. Stopping in the picturesque village of Franz Josef, we take a scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers, landing on the neve. During our stay, we hike along the glacial riverbed for a view of the imposing glacier face. From Franz Josef, we travel to its sister village of Fox where we settle into our comfortable alpine lodging. Nearby is perhaps one of the prettiest little walking and cycling trails in New Zealand where you can hire a bike and ride or stroll beneath a thick canopy of old-growth rainforest before dinner. (B/D)

Day 13: The Glaciers to Queenstown This morning, we walk around a nearby kettle lake, created by retreating glaciers long ago, and now ringed by lush forest. From here, it’s a stunning drive through the Haast Pass on our way to Queenstown. Dense rainforests give way to the stark mountains of the Mt. Aspiring National Park as we enter the Otago region, New Zealand’s outback and home to its high country sheep stations. After pausing in the serene, lakeside town of Wanaka, we cross the spectacular Crown Range and descend into the adventure capital of Queenstown for our final two nights. (B/L)

Day 14: Queenstown Embrace the energy of this lively town with your choice of optional activities such as hiking, rafting, wine tasting, horse trekking, golf, bungy jumping, shopping, or whatever you choose based on your mood and interests. We re-gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the friendships we’ve made and the memories shared. (B/D)

Day 15: Homeward Bound On our final morning, depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have time to relax, make final purchases, and even reconsider that bungy jump before travelling home or to your next destination. If you have a bit more time, consider adding a trip to Fiordland or a multi-day hike on one of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks, such as the Milford or Routeburn Track. Our Travel Shepherds can assist with add-on’s. We’re confident you’ll leave New Zealand with memories and friendships that will enrich your life for years to come. (B) n