Decidedly Different Islands 14 day New Zealand Tour

World famous and a magnet for both local and overseas visitors, the Waitomo Glow-worm Caves are a must-see for any traveller. Take in the majestic and ornate limestone cave and marvel at the thousands of glow-worms that light up the caves in spectacular fashion. Your tour guide will deliver an informative and entertaining commentary, sharing stories, cultural legends and the natural wonders of this living masterpiece.

This evening enjoy a premier cultural experience. The Rotorua region and its Te Arawa peoples are known as the tribe of hospitality and the performing arts is their speciality. Guests are treated to a polished performance of song and dance. Afterwards, a banquet is provided - both the traditional Hangi, where food is steam cooked by hot rocks in the earth, and contemporary cuisine.

Discover the essence of Rotorua at the museum: its people, culture and volcanic landscape. Learn of the great stories and legends that have shaped the past and present of this fascinating region. The theatre experience is not to be missed.

Enjoy lunch in a private lodge hosted by Karen Walmsley in a beautiful setting above Lake Tarawera. Karen’s links with the region go back to her great great grandmother, Sophia, the most famous guide on the renowned Pink and White Terraces which were destroyed by the Mt Tarawera eruption in 1886

A scenic flight is the best way to showcase the many crater lakes, volcanic and geothermal landscape of the Rotorua region. Imagine landing on and staring down the crater of New Zealand’s most active volcano – White Island, or viewing the destruction caused by the dramatic 1886 eruption of Mt Tarawera.

In a picturesque, tranquil setting overlooking Lake Rotorua, visitors can enjoy a wonderful fusion of relaxing hot spring pool bathing, and picturesque lake views. Experience this World Top Ten Spa (thermal/natural/medical spas), as voted by readers of the prestigious Conde Nast Traveller magazine 2004-2007, 2009

Tandem Skydive from 15,000ft above the geothermal area and Embrace the Spirit of Ranginui the Maori Sky God. Over 14 lakes are viewed during the dive.

Cross the beautiful Waikato River and discover Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park.
Also known as the Hidden Valley, Orakei Korako is a unique geothermal wonderland. Explore a world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the most amazing silica terraces in the world, noted as being the largest mass since the Pink and White Terraces on the edge of Lake Rotomahana were destroyed by the Mt Tarawera eruption.

The restaurant at Elephant Hill features stunning wall to wall glass panels capturing panoramic views sweeping over vines and ocean, and a terrace encircled by a shimmering pool of water. Executive Chef Ashley Jones and his team are passionate about using only the freshest seasonal produce in the dishes they create. The restaurant is a finalist in Hawke's Bay Hospitality Awards 2010: Outstanding Restaurant, Best Ambience/Style and Emerging Chef.

Get out of town and take a dekko at Napier’s outer Art Deco attractions. Our tour takes you along the Marine Parade and around the Napier Hill to historic Ahuriri, the oldest part of Napier and its original port, to the renowned National Tobacco Company building. Then on to the Deco houses and gardens of Marewa, Napier’s 1930s Art Deco suburb. You’ll return to the Art Deco Shop via Georges Drive, through suburbs reclaimed from swamps by engineers on the one hand and by the 1931 earthquake on the other, and then along Marine Parade.

See many of New Zealand's endangered birdlife and wildlife up close, including the primeval tuatara a "living fossil" reptile whose ancestors were on earth with the dinosaurs. Look out for the rare Takahe, nocturnal kiwis and the crazy Kaka - forest parrots that will entertain you with their antics. Operated by the Department of Conservation, the breeding programme is year round.

Experience the history, culture, heritage, geography and much more in New Zealand's contemporary premier museum.

Enjoy the magnificent lookout over the City and harbour - Te Whanganui-a-Tara (The Great Harbour of Tara). There are also easy downhill walks through the Botanic Gardens to Thorndon or back to Lambton Quay via the historic Bolton Street Cemetery and the Beehive.

The 92km journey between Wellington and Picton takes just three hours. The ferries are well equipped with café and bar service and a movie theatre. Cruise out of Wellington Harbour and across Cook Strait and cruise up Queen Charlotte Sound. It's been described as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world".

Hotel d’Urville’s signature restaurant with executive chef Maree Connolly at the helm has been awarded the Hallmark of Excellence Award for culinary achievement in Beef & Lamb for the last four years. Her total immersion in New Zealand food have fuelled her inspiration. Maree's passion and her mantra of food to “feed the soul” is evident in very dish she cooks.

Your opportunity to experience encounters of the marine kind. Every Whale Watch tour is a unique experience and the sightings vary. Giant Sperm Whales are the stars of the show and year-round local residents. There's every chance you will also see New Zealand fur seals, pods of Dusky dolphins and the endangered Wandering Albatross. Alternatively a flight over the whales can be arranged.

Snorkelling with wild New Zealand Fur Seals, in the shallow waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, truly is an amazing experience. It's one of those simple nature experiences that opens your mind to the sheer magnificence of our natural environment and its amazing inhabitants. A truly breath taking nature activity. You won’t believe how curious, friendly and playful New Zealand Fur Seals can be in the water. October through May only.

A historic whaler’s house that uses whale bone vertebrae for foundations. It was originally built by Robert Fyfe for the town cooper (who made barrels in which whale oil was transported and stored). The house, largely in original condition, is administered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

The cave was first discovered in 1958. Visit this sea formed limestone cave that is over two million years old and see giant stalagmites that date back centuries.

Ian Mackenzie’s grandfather came to Akaunui just after World War 11. Ian and Di Mackenzie now farm 1200 acres, mostly arable farming with 2000 ewes and about 100 head of cattle. The homestead sits in park-like grounds looked after by Di, a passionate gardener. The house is just over 100 years old, built from bricks made at the local kiln and finished with rimu native timber

Meet Chef Sean Brown in his kitchen as he prepares your evening meal. Sean, an award-winning Chef de Cuisine, has extensive experience in the industry with a menu that presents diners with a classic New Zealand cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients including lamb, beef, salmon and venison. All dishes are prepared in the kitchen, including desserts, ensuring freshness and the highest class of presentation.

Catch the Gondola to the Skyline Chalet. You'll be on top of the world surrounded by stunning views of lakes and mountains. Reputed to be the steepest lift in the Southern Hemisphere, the gondola carries visitors high above Queenstown to the Skyline complex on Bob's Peak.

Enjoy a scenic flight to the stunning and dramatic scenery of Milford Sound. Whatever the fiord's mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you. Luxuriant rain forest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls. Iconic Mitre Peak dominates the skyline.

Catch the coal fired, vintage steamship tss Earnslaw to cruise down the lake. On the 10am, 12pm, 2pm cruise there is the option to stop off at Walter Peak Station for a farm tour. Operating since 1912, the tss Earnslaw is the best way to take in the magnificent scenery. Every cruise allows you plenty of time to explore the ship’s decks and bridge, view the engine room and historic displays and even join a sing-along with the ship's pianist!

Drive the beautiful Wakatipu lakeside road to the small settlement of Glenorchy to join the Dart River safari. Jet boat in the spectacular scenery of the Dart River valley and walk in the beech forests with your guide in the heart of The Lord of the Rings country.

Glacier Southern Lakes Helicopters offer a range of scenic flights from 10 minutes to several hours in duration. The flights encompass the Queenstown region, Milford Sound and the Fiordland World Heritage Park. Glacier landings are a speciality.

Enjoy a drink on MoaTrek. Nestled in the rolling hills of the Cardrona Valley, the Cardrona Hotel opened in 1863 and is one of New Zealand's oldest hotels. This tranquil rural setting boasts a hotel steeped in history from the gold rush era. While dry tussock gently ripples in the breeze, enjoy a drink and browse the hotel's impressive collection of local memorabilia from years gone by.

The Franz Josef Glacier is a unique relic of the last Ice Age. Spectacular views of this dramatic landscape are gained from a short valley walk to the Franz Josef Glacier terminal face

Fox and Franz Josef glaciers Mount Cook Ski Planes offer spectacular alpine scenic flights. Their aircraft take you directly into the heart of the Southern Alps including Mount Cook, New Zealand's highest peak at over 3750m and the Tasman Glacier, one of the longest glaciers in the world. After an awe inspiring flight through breathtaking scenery your ski equipped aircraft lands on one of the glaciers in the Mount Cook or Westland National Park, where you are able to experience the "natural quiet" of the mountains. It really is an ever-lasting experience. Scenic flights on the West Coast vary in price depending on the length of flight and whether you land on the glaciers. Fixed wing flights from with glacier landing and for a scenic flight without landing.

Okarito Lagoon covers more than 3240 hectares of shallow open water is well known for its birdlife. The lagoon is a common feeding ground for kotuku (white heron) and royal spoonbill, both breed in the nearby Waitangiroto Nature reserve.
Exploring the open water and rive channels that lead you deep into heart of the rainforests is like stepping back in time to pre-European conditions. A clear day offers magnificent views of Mount Cook and the Southern Alps.

The jet boat ride is a gentle 20 minutes each way. From the jetty it is just a short boardwalk (500 metres) to where you can stay for 30 to 40 minutes to watch the birds. All tours are accompanied by a nature guide.

The carvers at the Jade Factory in Hokitika work exclusively with Pounamu. The carvers and staff Pounamu is a non-renewable, limited and therefore precious resource. The Government of New Zealand has declared Pounamu to be a resource managed and distributed exclusively by Maori.

Get a close up view of the glass blower’s art at the designer glass studio created by owners Barry and Judy Wilson and their two sons.

At Punakaiki take the short board walk through native bush out to the limestone “pancake” rocks and blowholes. If the tide is right blowholes will be spreading clouds of spray.

The award winning Waterline Restaurant provides the perfect setting to relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the restaurant for true beach-front dining above this rugged West Coast beach. Alternatively, you can dine al fresco on the balcony, only metres from the crashing waves.