Nature Tour Self Drive 11D/10N - New Zealand

Inclusions -

• Accommodation in hotels as specified, share twin subject to availability.
• Travel documentation including Travel Wallet, detailed itinerary, Welcome letter and regional brochures
• Shared Airport transfer with English speaking driver
• Admissions to attractions as mentioned above
• CDAR Rental vehicle with standard insurance and unlimited kms.
• Daily breakfast

Exclusions -

• Airfares National or International
• Personal expenses & tips
• Drinks during meals (except water/tea/coffee)
• Any items of personal nature
• Optional activities

Subject to -

• Subject to surcharges beyond our control
• Accommodation subject to availability
• Subject to public holiday surcharges on transportation
• Subject to any increase in Goods & Services Tax (GST) currently 15%

Budget Rent A Car CDAR (C) - Ford Focus or Similar
Auckland Airport : On arrival to Auckland Airport please make your way to the Budget Rental Car counter located within the arrivals hall to collect your Budget CDAR (C) - Ford Focus or Similar car / Budget IDAR (D) - Toyota Camry or Similar car and make your way to your accommodation.

Effective ImmediatelyRegarding Driver's Licences- It is mandatory that a customer produce their driver licence in English when renting from Budget New Zealand. If their driver licence is in any language other than English, it must be accompanied by an approved translation, such as with an International Driver Permit. 

•         Where the customer does not have an approved translation on vehicle pickup Budget staff will need to send a scan copy of the front and back of your licence to TransNational for translation. 
•         A Fee of NZD 69.00 per translation will apply and is payble direct by the client to TransNational (can be paid over the phone or via PayPal) 
•         If translation cannot be obtained or the licence is invalid or incorrect Budget New Zealand have been instructed by NZ Police - "If without an English translation you must not rent."

Remember: All drivers must be registered on the Rental Agreement prior to driving the vehicle. In order to register, they must visit a branch of Budget NZ with their full and valid driver's licence, and must be aged 21 years or above. By 'Full and Valid' this means that the licence must not be a provisional licence with any restrictions, it must be appropriate for the vehicle class rented and it must be a valid driverslicence. 

TravelsafeNZ app : Offer your clients the TravelsafeNZ app so they keep up to date with the latest weather, civil defence, marine, road closure and airport information while in New Zealand. TravelsafeNZ is a FREE, nationwide smartphone application specifically developed to help international self-drive travellers enjoy safer and less disruptive NZ road trips with a focus on the State Highway network outside of the City Centres. Currently available on Android devices with development underway for Apple.  Available to download on Googleplay.

All drivers must be 21 years old or over and hold a current non-probationary driver's license (with an English translation shown on the license) from their home country.  If the customer presents an international driver's permit, this must be accompanied with their home country licence.  There is no maximum age for hiring a car in New Zealand. Note that cars cannot be taken across on the Interislander Ferry between Wellington and Picton or vice versa.

AUCKLAND - an exciting, sporting and cultural city, sprawled on a narrow isthmus, between two harbours. The Waitemata and ManukauHarbours, are a main feature of the city, along with numerous volcanic cones such as Mount Eden and Rangitoto Island. The city's many beaches, marinas and parks, make it ideal for outdoor pursuits such as yachting, rugby, cricket or a day at the beach. The Auckland metropolitan area is New Zealand's biggest city, and the population mix of European, Maori, and Pacific Islander, make Auckland the largest Polynesian city in the World.

Free day at leisure

Sky Tower Admission : Total Tower Experience - Sky Tower/Sky Deck at Sky City Hotel is included admission is included. Admission is included to both sky deck and the main observation deck of Sky Tower.

Self drive to Rotorua via Waitomo.

Waitomo Glow Worm Caves (summer 9am-5.30pm, winter 9am-5pm) : Stop at the sensational Waitomo Caves, the glow worm adorned environment will provide some very intriguing sightseeing.  Over your 45 minute guided tour, you'll take in the spectacular Glowworm Cave with its majestic and ornate cave decorations, the deep limestone shaft known as the Tomo and the equally magnificent Cathedral. Your tour guide will deliver an informative and entertaining commentary, sharing stories, cultural legends and the natural wonders of this living masterpiece. Your visit concludes with a brief, yet remarkably moving, boat trip through the Glowworm Grotto.

ROTORUA - located on a volcanic plateau, and formerly a spa town, Rotorua is most famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place in New Zealand where aspects of Maori traditions can be seen, from wood carvings, and meeting houses, to a Hangi Dinner and Maori dances. Native and introduced tree species abound locally and combined with several picturesque lakes, Rotorua is a fascinating mix of culture and nature.
 

Rotorua sightseeing today (self drive)

Visit TePuia (open summer 8am-6pm, winter 8am-5pm Guided tours hourly from 9am) : Tour TePuia and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute where History is carved and woven into meeting houses, canoes, weapons and jewellery. You will also experience the wonders of the thermal area by stepping into an ancient valley where geysers, mud pools and boiling waters still play after 40,000 years.

Agrodome Sheep Show presented three times daily – 9:30am, 11:00am and 2:30pm. An exciting and informative insight into agriculture in New Zealand, including an introduction to our 19 breeds of sheep, sheep shearing demonstration, lively Auction, noisy Huntaway dogs and the quiet Strong-eye dog demonstrations, cow milking and lamb feeding opportunities. 

Rainbow Springs Kiwi Wildlife Park : Park entry includes unlimited Bird Show and Water Rides (24 hr access pass provides day & night entry at no extra cost). Here you will see a live Kiwi, a living dinosaur (the Tuatara), feed the rainbow trout and enjoy a stroll through the beautiful New Zealand native bush. Option to add on Kiwi Encounter (cost applies).
 

Self drive to Rotorua domestic airport. Return your vehicle. Flight Depart to Queenstown (own flight arrangements). Collect your vehicle on arrival. Self drive to your accommodation.

QUEENSTOWN - is the South Island's most popular resort, set alongside the shores of Lake Wakatipu, under the gaze of the Remarkables Ranges. See the contrast of smooth glacier rounded hills, and jagged mountain summits that reach high above the ancient ice floor. The town is renowned for its jet boating, bungy-jumping, skiing and awe-inspiring scenery. Local story has it, that the gold prospectors of the 19th century pronounced the town as "fit for any Queen", and so she was called Queenstown.

Gondola ride at Skyline Queenstown is included

Shotover Jet Boat Ride (departs every 15 minutes 9am-5pm)
*** Minimum height:  1 metre (subject to weather condition) : Please check in for you Shotover Jet excursion at the Shotover Jet office located within The Station Building, Cnr Camp &ShotoverSts, Queenstown. Depart on the Shotover Jet courtesy coach to Shotover River.  From the moment the accelerator hits the floor your adrenaline hits the roof as you speed in mere centimetres of water along the famous Shotover River and deep into the spectacular Shotover River Canyons.  It's an amazing ride, as the Shotover Canyon walls tower over you, your expert driver puts your ‘Big Red’ through its paces and skilfully whips the Jet Boat past rocky outcrops, skims around crags and boulders, and speeds through the narrow canyons. Rock faces blur in your peripheral vision, the opaque water sprays into myriads of white crystals with every turn, and you grip the hand rail for comfort and reassurance and then let out a whoop of excitement as your driver spins the boat around in its own boat length — wow, you've just experienced the World famous Shotover Jet full 360 degree spin.   Hold on tight and enjoy the thrill as you spin and without losing momentum keep speeding along the river. Following your jet boat ride you will be returned to Queenstown by the Shotover courtesy coach.

Minimum child height to travel is 1 mtrs in height. On some days where river level's require it, child height requirement may be 1.2mtrs to travel. This is purely a safety requirement and will be strictly adhered to.

After breakfast tour of Real Journeys Coach / Milford Sound Scenic Cruise / Coach ex Queenstown (pickups from 6.45am returns 19.30) : Today, you will be collected fromyour hotelby Real Journeys and travel from Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and through rolling countryside to TeAnau. After a short break at TeAnau, continue via the spectacular Milford Road, to Milford Sound. Board your Real Journeys vessel for a cruise the entire length of Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea. There are excellent viewing opportunities of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Return transport to Queenstown at the conclusion of your cruise is provided. 

MILFORD SOUND:  Stunning surroundings at the heart of TeWahipounamu World Heritage Area. In Maori legend, the fiords were created not by rivers of ice, but by TuTeRakiWhanoa, a godly figure who came wielding a magical adze uttering incantations. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is without doubt his finest sculpture. Luxuriant rainforest clings to sheer rock walls washed with waterfalls. In the foreground stands Mitre Peak, dominating the skyline. Whatever the fiord’s mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you.

Depart Queenstown and self drive to Franz Josef.

FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER - originally named Victoria, after Queen Victoria of England, geologist Julius Von Haast, renamed it, Franz Josef, after the current Emperor of his homeland, Austria. The Glacier is pale blue/green ice that has retreated and advanced many times over the years. A walk from the carpark to the Glacier terminal will give you some impressive views and an idea of the immense size of the Glacier itself. The township of Franz Josef is a small town based around the tourist and supply trade.
 

After breakfast tour of Franz Josef Guides - Ice Explorer Tour - up to 4 hours (Approx 3 hours on Ice - includes Hot Pools) : This is a fantastic introduction to an enthralling world of ice. A short Heli hop from the township of Franz Josef takes you into the remarkable Pinnacles area of the glacier. Here your guide will navigate you through a maze of ice and explain the dramatic environmental changes over the last few years. You will explore the awe-inspiring landscape in this incredible experience through Franz Josef Glacier. The Ice Explorer hike includes entry into the fabulous Glacier Hot Pools!

All visitors and guides are equipped with the best in quality equipment. Breathable Rain Jacket, Waterproof over-trousers (if required), Socks and sturdy boots (or you have the option to wear your own hiking boots), Crampons (with small waist bag) for superior glacier grip, Woollen hats and gloves (if required).
What to Bring: 2-4 warm upper body layers ideally woollen or polypro (not cotton) Quick drying trousers or shorts (no jeans) Food and drink for the day Sunglasses, sunscreen, camera Backpack.
What not to Bring: iPods / MP3 players, Mobile Phones, Passports, Wallets, Car / Room Keys.

The Franz Josef Glacier is a rapidly changing feature. Franz Josef Glacier Guides reserves the right to change trip times, descriptions and prices, in response to changing conditions. Minimum age is at guide's discretion and subject to change.

Depart Franz Josef and self drive to Greymouth. Return your vehicle

Tranz Scenic Greymouth to Christchurch. 13:15 hrsReport to Greymouth Train Station. 13:45 hrsDepart Greymouth Train Station. Today you will board the TranzAlpine scenic train departing from one coast of New Zealand and arriving at the other. Your train journey is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just four and a half hours. There are 16 tunnels, and 5 viaducts, the highest being the Staircase standing at 73 metres. From your carriage you’ll see the fields of the Canterbury Plains, beautiful gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. The spectacular Southern Alps and the lushness of Beech rain forest. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery and provides many opportunities to photograph your favourite spots. There’s a lot to look forward to before arriving at your destination.

Baggage Information 
Checked baggage allowance is two items per person, with a maximum per item weight of 20kg. Hand carry baggage is to consist of one small handbag and/or personal items such as a camera, coat, and umbrella. The size of any one item must be no more than 200 linear cm (height plus length plus width). 

To enable maintenance work in the Otira Tunnel and for other track maintenance to be performed, on the following days the TranzAlpine will only run from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass return and will be coach replaced from Arthurs Pass to Greymouth return. 

Monday 07 November 2016 
Monday 12 December 2016 

To enable maintenance work in the Otira Tunnel and for other track maintenance to be performed, on the following days the TranzAlpine will only run from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass return and Otira to Greymouth return.  Will be coach replaced from Arthur's Pass to Otira return. 

Monday 04 Jul 2016 
Monday 08 August 2016 

CHRISTCHURCH - the Garden City, lies on the level plains that initially attracted the closely knit Church of England settlers that settled the area. The largest of the South Island cities, Christchurch retains something of the English nature of its origins - the willow and oak-lined River Avon and clustered mediaeval stone buildings.

City to Christchurch Airport at Super Shuttle is included Seat In coach Transfer. Transfer from Hotel to Airport. Today, you will be collected from your accommodation by a representative of Super Shuttle and transfer by seat in coach to Christchurch Airport.

NZONE – The Ultimate Jump – Tandem Skydive Altitude 15,000ft 60 second freefall!. Report NZONE Shop Queenstown Office, 35 Shotover Street, Queenstown. Please call us NZONE 20 minutes before check in time for a weather check on 03 442 5867.  

It takes a certain kind of person to jump from an aircraft at 15,000ft into thin air.  It takes courage.  Harnessed by space age materials to an experienced qualified Jumpmaster, you step out that aircraft door and for some 60 seconds you plummet toward the ground at 200kph, Terminal Velocity. Starting at the NZONE Shop you can select your photo and video options, the courtesy bus departs from here to the skydive Dropzone and private airstrip set amid a rural farmland background. At the Dropzone viewing area, you will be able to see other skydivers both in the sky and coming into land.  Your skydive host will assist you to gear up and you will be briefed by a Tandem Master.  Your flight to altitude will take you high above the Wakatipu basin, where you will have a birds eye view of the dramatic mountains and lakes.  Jumping directly above the Dropzone you will experience freefall of up to 60 seconds before your Tandem Master deploys the parachute and together you glide back to earth.  The canopy ride takes approximately 5 minutes. Please note: Skydiving is a weather dependant activity and will not know if they are flying until the day of the jump. The whole experience lasts approximately 3 ½ hours. 

Weight limit of 100kg (220lbs) to participate.
Note that you should allow 3hours for the total trip 
All outer clothing and equipment is supplied.
 

Real Journeys Milford  Sound Scenic Cruise ex Milford. 0900/1040 01 Nov - 30 Apr, 1100/1240 All Year, 1200/1330 01 Nov - 30 Apr, 1300/1440 All Year, 1345/1525 01 Oct/30 Apr, 1500/1640 01 Nov - 31 Mar). On arrival at the Milford Wharf, board your Real Journeys vessel for your cruise of Milford Sound. The cruise takes in the length of Milford Sound, and offers excellent viewing of waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife.
 

Appellation Central Wine Tours Boutique Wine Tour (12pm-5pm) (from 11am 27 Dec 15 - 29 Feb 16 & 24 Dec 16 - 28 Feb 17). Today you will be collected from your hotel by a representative from Appellation Wine Tours and spend an afternoon among the boutique vineyards and spectacular scenery of Central Otago, a perfect introduction to the region. Included in today's tour is Tasting at 4 wineries in the Gibbston, Cromwell and Bannockburn regions, a delightful platter style lunch at Carrick Winery restaurant. A visit to historic Old Cromwell Town (time and weather permitting) and stunning drive through the Kawarau Gorge whilst learning about the early pioneering history of this rugged region.  Before completing you tour and returning to Queenstown, view the historic Kawarau Bridge and the original AJ Hackett Bungy jump. 

Please Note:  Minimum 2 pax required to operate.
Children under 6 are not appropriate for this SIC tour, however are welcome on a private tours.