Magnificent New Zealand Christmas & New Year - Distant ...
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Magnificent New Zealand
Christmas & New Year
24 days departing 17th December 2020 only £5,595pp
New Zealand is like no other place on earth – packed Distant Journeys’ leisurely touring holiday visits all the must-see
attractions during our Christmas & New Year 24 day tour. We explore
full of amazing and diverse landscapes. New Zealand’s the country’s breathtaking scenery, vibrant cities and rich Maori
North Island is dominated by ancient volcanoes, culture – and experience an unforgettable cruise along spectacular
stunning coastal scenery and pristine beaches. Milford Sound.
You'll experience all of the must-see sights, enjoy Christmas Dinner in
South Island possesses high mountain peaks, deep the stunning Bay of Islands and celebrate New Year's Eve with dinner
fiords, lush rainforests and magnificent glaciers. and drinks in New Zealand's adventure capital, Queenstown.
1 Visit distantjourneys.co.uk
Your holiday includes
Flights with leading scheduled airlines
• Return economy class flights
• Fly with Singapore Airlines from London Heathrow or Manchester
• Alternatively, fly with Qantas/Emirates from London Heathrow,
Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow. A supplement of
£395 per person will apply
• Domestic flight within New Zealand
• All airport charges, security charges and any applicable fuel surcharges
• UK Air Passenger Duty
Choice of outbound stopover
• Two-night outbound stopover; choose from Singapore,
Bangkok or Dubai (dependent on choice of airline)
Carefully selected hotels
• Superior hotels in great locations
• All hotel porterage
• Applicable hotel taxes
Many meals
• Daily breakfast, worth £324 per person
• Dinner in Rotorua
Christmas & New Year
Maori Carving Christmas Dinner in the Bay of Islands
New Year’s Eve Dinner in Queenstown
Unforgettable experiences
3 Bay of Islands • Sightseeing tours in Singapore (or Bangkok or Dubai),
Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Dunedin and Christchurch
2 Auckland • ‘Hole in the Rock’ cruise in the Bay of Islands
• Te Puia, Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
• Traditional Maori concert
2 Rotorua • Scenic rail journey on board the TranzAlpine Express
• Morning cruise on Milford Sound
On the ground
• Services of experienced Coach Captains
• All overseas transfers
• Modern, air-conditioned coaches throughout
Franz Josef 2 Christchurch 100% confidence
1/1
• Your holiday is covered by our Price Promise*
Milford Sound • Your holiday is fully ATOL protected
3 Queenstown
Te Anau 2 * For more information on our Price Promise, please see our booking conditions on pages
2 Dunedin 204-207.
3 = Number of nights
To book call 01695 577 961 2
Magnificent New Zealand
17 Dec to 23 Dec: UK - Singapore - Auckland - Bay of Islands
17 Dec: Depart UK 19 Dec: Singapore 22 Dec: Auckland
Depart from London Heathrow or Known as ‘the crossroads of Asia’, Singapore This morning, we take an orientation tour of
Manchester with award-winning Singapore is a city where east meets west; a the city. Known as the ‘City of Sails’,
Airlines. Alternatively, you may choose to fly cosmopolitan melting pot with an Auckland is New Zealand’s most populous
via Amsterdam with KLM/Singapore Airlines inspirational identity. This morning, enjoy a city, with a beautiful waterside setting and a
from Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle, tour of this wonderful city. Included is a stop landscape dotted with volcanic hills. We
Edinburgh or Glasgow at no additional cost. at Merlion Park with impressive views of drive along the stunning coastline of the
In-flight meals and drinks included Marina Bay. See the historic Civic District, famous Waitemata Harbour. In the distance
Thian Hock Keng Temple and the fabulous see Rangitoto Island, an extinct volcano,
18 Dec: Singapore, 2 nights orchid gardens set within Singapore’s dominating the horizon. We continue to the
Arrive into the wonderful city of Singapore botanical gardens. Return to the hotel where stylish Viaduct Harbour, host to many
and transfer to the four star Copthorne Kings the rest of our day is free to spend as we America’s Cup celebrations. Your afternoon is
Hotel, situated in an enviable position close please. Perhaps explore the impressive free for you to enjoy as you please. Perhaps
to the banks of the Singapore River. Gardens by the Bay or enjoy high tea at take a trip to the top of Sky Tower; the
In-flight meals and drinks included Raffles. Breakfast included panoramic views from the tallest building in
the southern hemisphere are truly
20 Dec: Depart Singapore breathtaking. Breakfast included
Alternative airline and stopovers A day at leisure in Singapore until it’s time to
We have based days 2-4 of this itinerary leave for our evening flight to Auckland. 23 Dec: Bay of Islands, 3 nights
on flights with Singapore Airlines and a Breakfast, in-flight meals and drinks Our travels today commence with a drive
stopover in Singapore. If you prefer, you included over the impressive Waitemata Harbour
may fly with Qantas / Emirates from Bridge. Journey past dairy farms and rolling
London Heathrow, Manchester, 21 Dec: Auckland, 2 nights hills as we make our way north. We continue
Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow, for a On arrival into Auckland we meet our local to the Waipoua Kauri Forest Reserve, where
supplement of £395 per person. If you are Coach Captain, who will be our driver and we stop to view the gigantic kauri tree Tane
flying with Qantas / Emirates, you have guide during our time in New Zealand. Mahuta, ‘Lord of the Forest.’ We then travel
the added stopover options of Bangkok Transfer to the centrally located Grand across country to the beautiful Bay of Islands
or Dubai. Flight timings and routes will Millennium Auckland, where we spend our and our home for the next three nights, the
vary. Please speak with one of our first two nights in New Zealand. Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands, located in the
personal travel experts for more details. In-flight meals and drinks included picturesque seaside town of Paihia.
Breakfast included
3 Visit distantjourneys.co.uk
Magnificent New Zealand
24 Dec to 29 Dec: Bay of Islands - Rotorua - Christchurch - Franz Josef
24 Dec: Bay of Islands Freedom Day 26 Dec: Rotorua, 2 nights 29 Dec: Franz Josef, 2 nights
Although our day has been left at leisure, we We travel south this morning via Auckland as Tour Highlight
have the opportunity to join a fantastic we make our way to the world-famous After breakfast we transfer to Christchurch
optional trip to Cape Reinga. This full day thermal region of Rotorua. The next two railway station in plenty of time to catch the
excursion visits the northern tip of New nights are spent at the four star Distinction TranzAlpine Express, arguably one of the
Zealand, where the Tasman Sea meets the Hotel. Rotorua is the heart of New Zealand’s most scenic rail journeys in the world. Cross
Pacific Ocean. The area holds special spiritual rich Maori culture and this evening, at our the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury
significance in Maori tradition, as the place hotel, we attend a concert featuring Plains, and enjoy thrilling vistas over deep
where Maori spirits return to their traditional traditional song and dance, including the gorges as we travel alongside the ice-fed
homeland, Hawaiiki-A-Nui, via the roots of a world famous war dance – The Haka. Also Waimakariri River. We climb the mighty
lone (and still standing) 800 year old included is a buffet dinner. Southern Alps, where at every turn,
pohutukawa tree. Highlights of today’s tour Breakfast and dinner included spectacular views of the chiselled alpine
include magnificent coastal landscapes, the landscape will take our breath away. At
Te Paki sand dunes and a drive along Ninety 27 Dec: Rotorua Arthur’s Pass we join our waiting coach to
Mile Beach. Breakfast included Our sightseeing this morning takes us via make the spectacular descent down the
Rotorua’s famous Bath House, a Tudor-style western side of the Southern Alps through
25th Dec: Christmas Day Bay of Islands building within the Government Gardens. We thick native beech forest. Our travels
Tour Highlight continue to Te Puia, home to the continue southbound taking us alongside
Merry Christmas! We've saved today for a Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, with its striking wild scree-scarred terrain with forests
cruise around the Bay of Islands, no doubt spurting geysers and boiling mud pools. Your of Crimson Rata and Kahikatea. Just a few
one of your tour highlights. Cruise via Red afternoon is at leisure to relax. For those that miles further south we pass Lakes Ianthe and
Head Passage to Cape Brett and Piercy Island so wish, optional activities include a float Mapourika before reaching Franz Josef and
and on to the famous ‘Hole in the Rock’. In plane flight over Mount Tarawera, or perhaps entering the Westland National Park. Our
these world-famous deep-sea fishing an afternoon visiting the Hobbiton Movie next two nights are at the Scenic Hotel Franz
grounds dolphins and schools of fish are Set from The Lord of the Rings may be more Josef Glacier. Breakfast included
frequently seen. Our return trip visits historic appealing? Breakfast included
Russell, once known as the ‘Hell Hole of the
Pacific’, but now a peaceful and picturesque 28 Dec: Christchurch, Overnight
township. Enjoy Christmas dinner and drinks This morning we make our way to Auckland
at the our hotel with fellow travellers. Airport for our Jetstar flight to Christchurch.
Breakfast and dinner included Enjoy a brief sightseeing tour, prior to our
arrival at the centrally located Distinction
Hotel, Christchurch. Breakfast included
To book call 01695 577 961 4
Magnificent New Zealand
30 Dec to 4 Jan: Franz Josef - Queenstown - Te Anau - Milford Sound
30 Dec: Franz Josef Freedom Day three nights, the four star Millennium Hotel, 3 Jan: Te Anau, 2 nights
Today is left completely free to absorb the situated only a short walk from the centre of This morning we take a tour to visit the
beauty of Franz Josef. For those that so wish, town. We'll join in Queenstown's New Year's nearby historic mining town of Arrowtown.
we shall drive to the Franz Josef Glacier Eve celebrations with a celebratory dinner The heart of its history is Buckingham Street,
terminal where we will have the opportunity and drinks at our hotel. Breakfast included a procession of small town heritage buildings
to walk to view the glacier. Weather that stretch into a tree-lined avenue of tiny
permitting we may also take an optional 1 Jan: Queenstown Freedom Day miners’ cottages. Be sure to try a cream tea in
scenic flight (at an additional cost) over the Welcome to 2021. Queenstown smiles south one of the quaint tea rooms. Afterwards,
glacier and the awe-inspiring Alpine region. across Lake Wakatipu into an incomparable depart through high country landscapes and
Breakfast included alpine scene. Poplars and willows surround trout fishing rivers and travel onwards to the
the lake front and the lake seems to glisten shores of Lake Te Anau, the biggest of South
We recommend every shade of blue. Today has been left free Island’s many lakes. We stay the next two
Scenic flight over Franz Josef Glacier to take advantage of the incredible variety of nights at the Distinction Hotel and Villas, Te
Enjoy an optional helicopter flight over awe- activities available in and around New Anau. Breakfast included
inspiring Franz Josef Glacier. Zealand’s most glamorous alpine resort. For a
relaxing experience, follow Queenstown’s 4 Jan: Milford Sound Cruise
wine trail, an enjoyable day excursion of wine Tour Highlight
tasting and sightseeing. There is also an An early start this morning as we embark on
opportunity to take an optional leisurely a stunning scenic drive into the heart of
cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the Fiordland National Park to join our morning
vintage steamboat TSS Earnslaw. The cruise cruise on spectacular Milford Sound. By
includes a visit to Walter Peak Homestead choosing to cruise early in the morning, we
and a sheep shearing show, before returning will experience a quieter environment in
to Queenstown aboard Earnslaw. which to enjoy all the wonders this beautiful
Breakfast included fiord has to offer. See towering cliffs and
peaks, including the iconic and much
New Year's Eve Queenstown, 3 nights 2 Jan: Queenstown Freedom Day photographed Mitre Peak, rising more than a
Incredible scenery today as we travel across A further Freedom Day to enjoy in this kilometre straight out of the sea. Waterfalls
the Haast River Bridge and via Clark Bluff wonderful alpine setting. The thrill seekers cascade into the fiord and luxuriant rain
along one of the most exciting scenic roads amongst us may wish to try the Shotover Jet forest clings to sheer rock faces. Later we
ever built. Travel along the shores of Lakes – an exhilarating boat ride amongst the crags return to Te Anau where there is time to
Wanaka and Hawea as we enter New and boulders of the Shotover River canyon. enjoy the delights of this quaint township.
Zealand’s Central Otago region. We continue For a more serene experience maybe stroll by Breakfast included
via Lake Dunstan, created by the mighty the lakeside or take a gondola ride to the top
Clyde hydro dam in 1994. Later in the of Bob’s Peak for a magnificent panoramic
afternoon we reach beautiful, cosmopolitan view of Queenstown. Breakfast included
Queenstown, and our home for the next
5 Visit distantjourneys.co.uk
Magnificent New Zealand
5 Jan to 9 Jan: Dunedin - Christchurch - UK
5 Jan: Dunedin, 2 nights 7 Jan: Christchurch, Overnight 9 Jan: Arrive UK
This morning after a hearty breakfast we say This morning, our travels take us north once Breakfast is served shortly before our arrival,
goodbye to Fiordland. A morning drive takes more. We stop at Hampden Beach to witness bringing an end to our Magnificent New
us via Mossburn and Lumsden to Gore. Fresh, the geological curiosities known as the Zealand tour. In-flight drinks and
green farm scenery will accompany us to Moeraki Boulders, huge spherical boulders breakfast included
Balclutha, which has a distinctive arched which are scattered along the beach, whilst
concrete bridge. Known as the ‘Edinburgh of others can be seen emerging from the
the South’, Dunedin is South Island’s second sandstone cliffs. Each boulder weighs several
largest city and is considered New Zealand’s tonnes and is up to two metres in diameter.
architectural heritage capital, with its lovingly According to Maori legend, the boulders are
restored Victorian and Edwardian buildings. gourds washed ashore from the great voyaging
On arrival, we enjoy a sightseeing tour taking canoe Araiteuru when it was wrecked upon
in the city’s neo-Gothic churches, town hall, landfall in New Zealand hundreds of years
opulent theatres, and other 19th century ago. Scientists explain the boulders as calcite
buildings. We have time to admire the concretions formed about 65 million years
beautifully landscaped trees and plants of ago. The soft mudstone containing the
Dunedin Botanical Gardens and the boulders was raised from the seabed around
spectacular views of the Otago Peninsula and 15 million years ago and waves, wind and rain
Harbour before we return to our hotel. Our are uncovering them one by one. Later in the
next two nights are spent at the Distinction day we arrive at the Distinction Hotel in
Hotel Dunedin. Breakfast included Christchurch for our final night in New
Zealand. Breakfast included
6 Jan: Dunedin Freedom Day
A day at leisure to spend as we please. 8 Jan: Depart Christchurch
Perhaps join the Otago Peninsula Wildlife All good things must come to an end, and
Tour - a perfect optional excursion for nature this morning we transfer to Christchurch
lovers. The tour includes an Otago Harbour Airport. Our flights to London Heathrow or
cruise to Taiaroa Head, home of the world’s Manchester travel via Singapore. If flying to
only mainland nesting place of albatross, and Birmingham, Leeds Bradford, Newcastle,
a visit to Penguin Place, a private Edinburgh or Glasgow, flights will also travel
conservation reserve for the endangered via Amsterdam. Breakfast and in-flight meals
Yellow Eyed Penguin. Alternatively, you may and drinks included
wish to travel on the Taieri Gorge Train as it
travels through ten tunnels and over
countless bridges and viaducts, stopping or
slowing down at various scenic points along
the way for photos. Breakfast included
To book call 01695 577 961 6
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