Spring in New Zealand November 24 to December 16, 2006 Land of magnificent scenery, sweeping beaches, sheep farms, snow capped mountains and remote fijords $3895 CDN

This trip is a holiday sampler of unparalelled scenery; coastal white sand beaches, spectacular seacoast vistas, blue lagoons & bays, volcanoes, waterfalls, land of the traditional Maori people and their villages, snow capped mountains, glaciers, fijords, glacial blue lakes, sheep farms, vinyards and classical British influenced villages all blended with the music, beverage, food and lifestyles of the New Zealand peoples. The trip starts with our entry point of Auckland, the city of Sails prolific with parks, natural history museums, worldclass shopping, harbourfront markets and cafes, regattas and dramatic volcanic islands dotting the shoreline (Night #1, 2). We then travel north to the Bay of Islands area to enjoy spectacular seacoast vistas, take in a harbour cruise and visit the historic villages such as Russell, Paihia and Kawakawa(Nights #3,4).

We next travel down the northlands penninsula via the Pacific Coast Highway to the rural and rugged Coromandel Penninsula, known for its cliffs, rugged rocky shores, beaches and forest glens.We ride the Driving Creek railway out to the old clay mines during our visit to the village of Coromandel.(Night #5,6) We next proceed south to the Heartland of the Maori, arriving in Rotorua, known for its sulfur hot springs, bubbly mud pots, geysers and more(Nights #7,8). Following our stay in this fascinating Maori world we travel westward returning to Auckland Airport to board a jet to the south island. Arriving mid afternoon in Christ Church, we explore the British influenced friendly city.(Nights #9,10 & 11).Christ Church is our base for 3 days while we enjoy the arts and crafts in the city centre, visit the seacoast village of Akaroa, punt on the Avon River and relax in the scenic parks.

Next we head southward into sheep country, to experience the workings of a traditional New Zealand Farm; sheep herding and sheering and of course the sheep dogs. (Night #12).In the morning we view the splendours of Lake Tekapo in the valley below Mount Cook then proceed to Queenstown(Nights #13,14 & 15). Queenstown is our base for exploring such sites as the Remarkables(mountain range), Lake Wakatipu, the Gibbston Winery, and the Shotover River.We also have a day trip excursion to Milford sound for a cruise down the fijord to the Tasman Sea.Leaving Queenstown we venture north westward to see the Western Alps, the Haast area and the Frans Josef Glacier.(Nights #16 & 17)Our final night is spent on the western coast of the South Island,(Night #18) before we travel the next day via Arthurs Pass to the Christ Church airport for flights to Auckland then home.

Pictorial Itinerary

	Auckland Guide Bruce Gurnham greets you at Auckland International Airport eager to share on of his favorite countries with you. Auckland, the city of sails, is situated so as to encompass two harbours, a multitude of bays, and features both manmade and natural "highs" from the Domain to the Sky Tower. International dining, shopping and sightseeing are the buzz of the day and night!
Bay of Islands Named by Captain James Cook in 1769, the region is aptly named, as just over 140 miniature "Emerald Isles" dot the blue seas. Steeped in Maori and 19th century trading history, the region boasts sun, white sandy beaches and crystal waters.
	Coromandel Penninsula From the beaches to the bush lands, the Coromandel Penninsula is home to rugged, mountainous terrain, rich subtropical forests and a full spectrum of scenic coastline from cliff side harbours in the west to white sand crescent beaches and bays on the east coast.
Rotorua South from the Bay of Plenty is the country's geothemal region, marked by steaming craters, geysers and bubbling mud pools. The natural beauty offerings are coplemented by the diverse attractions of the Maori people whose cultural center resides here. The traditional Maori hangi will be the highlight of this part of our adventure.
	Maori Peoples We will experience an impressive cultural performance at one of the local historically significant maraes, an learn a sampling of the magic of the Maori. This glimpse of the richness, power and beauty of the Maoris will be an evening of welcome, cultural enlightenment and as well as good food: A time that will be remembered.
Christ Church The "Garden City" has numerous reminders of its English roots, from street names to the pubs and upward to the tower of the city center cathedrals. The Avon River winds leisurely through the city's parks and gardens creating a beaucolic setting for Gothic churches and classic buildings. The city abounds with artisans, craftsmen and entertainers who seem to draw their energies and inspirations from the lively city of gardens.
	Akaroa Seacoast Village A magical little fishing harbour surrounded by now extinct volcanoes and penninsulas of dramatic hillsides, Akaroa is a jewel of crystal waters, seabird colonies, little French maisons and cafes and home to the cheese factory, winery and the unusual Hector's dolphins.
Sheep Farming Country A farm stay in New Zealands magnificent countryside is a must for a complete "Sampler Style" holiday in this mystical "Down Under" world of diverse geography and cultural heritage. We will have a chance here to watch the dogs work the sheep, be sheered and to share in the sheep farmers daily lifestyle.
	Lake Tekapo/Mount Cook At the southern end of the lake is the Church of the Good Sheppard, our stopping place for views of the sweeping turquoise lake and the often snow covered Mt. Cook in the distance. Your guides favorite photo spot on the South Island
Queenstown Queenstown is a quaint friendly resort town shadowed by the famous mountain range(The Remarkables)and nestled around one end of the beautiful Wakatipu Lake. Glorious mountain scenery, exhilarating jet-boating on the Shotover River, a leisure steamboat cruise on the placid blue waters of Wakatipu and perhaps a ride on the mountain top Gondola are all possible attractions on our visit. We will also roam around town shopping the many village stone, craft and clothing stores.
	Milford Sound New Zealands most famous fijord, Milford Sound is 22 km long and is reknown for its waterfalls, dramatic vistas and the famous mile high Mitre Peak. From the wharf we cruise leisurely out the fijord to the Tasman Sea, watching for seabirds and seals along the way.
Te Anau Te Anau marks the beginning of our excursion into the land of the Fiords, and perhaps one of the most scenic drives around. Rolling farmlands dotted with gorgeous glacial lakes are a fitting approach to Fiordland National Park.
	Western Alps and Franz Josef Glacier First explored in 1860s, the glacier will be our choice for a few hours of exploring the mystycial world of glacial ebb and flow. The views of the snow covered Southern Alps can provide an awesome backdrop for our visit.

Quality Lodging: Lodging on all of our tours is selected from a range of high quality, comfortable B & Bs, country manors, small family run hotels, farm homes, hunting lodges and when necessary for convenience, a western style hotel. We stay most of the tour, either two or three nights in the same place for comfort and relaxation. Travel time and mileage occasionally will require a one night stay.

• 18 nights lodging;small country hotels, B & Bs, and farm stays
• Full Breakfasts daily
• Ten picnic style or pub lunches
• Two evening dinners at select restaurants
• Mini van transportation throughout the trip
• All Ferry and miscellaneous transportation including North to South Island flights
• Services of an experienced guide
• Admissions to 4 natural or historic/scenic attractions
• 3 guided walks in villages or countryside
• Participation in 4 select events or traditional New Zealand activities

Not included in the tour package price are airfare, evening meals (except 2), optional events as presented by your guide, airport arrival or departure taxes, pre and post tour extra night lodgings and gratuities

Deposit and Refund Schedule:

Within 14 days of your trip reservation being made . . . . . $895.

On or before August 1st. . . . . $1500.

On or before September 1st, balance of. . . . . $1500.

Full refunds (less $100 administration fee)are given up to 60 days prior to commencement of the tour

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