New Zealand Contrasts - Highlights
Hotel, Motel & Lodge, Guest House, Cabin, B&B
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26 Days North and South Island
Guaranteed Departure
from 6 participants |
Max. 10 people |
26.10.11-20.11.11
14.03.12-08.04.12
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On this tour you experience first-hand the diversity and contrasts New Zealand has to offer. You travel from the beaches of the subtropical North to the amazing alpine world of the South, from lush mangroves to mighty Kauri trees, from bubbling mud to steaming volcanoes, from massive whales to rare birds. You have genuine encounters with the Maori culture and people, and will learn about their early history and their life today. This tour is a great combination of activities and tranquility, adventure and comfort.
Some of the Highlights:
The Largest Living Kauri Trees
When the sun starts to set we meet up with a local guide at Waipoua Forest in the Far North, who will take us on an almost spiritual journey. The forest provides a natural stage for an unforgettable encounter with some of the largest Kauri trees remaining in the world. Our guide will explain the evolutionary steps and the mythological background and thus offers an interactive interpretation of the importance of these trees to both the natural environment and the Maori people. It’s a special moment when we meet the mighty Tane Mahuta ('The Lord of the Forest') who stands an impressive 51 metres (150ft) tall and is about 2000 years old.
Meeting Local Maori in Northland
The subtropical North has a special significance for New Zealanders of both Maori and European descent. In Waitangi we have the opportunity to meet local Maori and learn a lot about the bicultural past and present. First we paddle in a traditional Waka (canoe) to a private Marae (meeting house) and will be introduced by a local Maori family to their traditions and customs. Then we visit the historically important Waitangi Treaty House.
Cruising through the Bay of Islands
In Whangaroa we board a 15m yacht and sail through the stunning Bay of Islands. We see beautiful scenery drift past while we enjoy our hot drinks, snacks and then a scrumptious lunch. With a bit of luck we also encounter dolphins, Blue Penguins, Gannets and much more wildlife. In the afternoon we can go for a swim or snorkel, or just sit back and enjoy a cold glass of beer or wine.
Walking in Volcanic Tongariro National Park
Tongariro was the first national park in New Zealand and the fourth in the world. It is also a dual World Heritage Area, a status which recognizes the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. Three partly still active volcanoes form the heart of this stunning landscape that we want to explore. Depending on weather and fitness we choose one of the many first-class walks of the park. If you are fit and motivated you can also take the opportunity to go on ‘New Zealand’s best day walk’, the Tongariro Crossing (6-8h).
Exploring The Coast
The wild West Coast of the South Island is a wonderland of natural features just waiting to be explored. Coastal forests, diverse wetlands, wild beaches and accessible glaciers are just some of the features of this very special region often referred to simply as ‘The Coast’. Among many other walks we also visit the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, formations that have been formed in thousands of years as the limestone coast has been chiseled away at by wind and water.
Like all our tours this tour offers a comprehensive range of included activities: read more...
And here is the detailed New Zealand Contrasts Itinerary.
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Over 50’s Tours