Midwest Diving Specialists Opt 1 [CD1157A]

Summary

9 Days / 7 Nights

Auckland, Tutukaka, New Zealand

Auckland's blend of landscape, Polynesian culture, glistening harbours and modern city environment creates an unbelievable lifestyle ranked amongst the best in the world. Not only is Auckland close to the beaches but it is also close to over twelve different Islands. It is the largest city in New Zealand claiming one third of the population of the country.

Enjoy the escorted ride from Auckland along the coast to the quaint town of Tutukaka. The heads of this beautiful natural harbour open to the Pacific Ocean and the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve, a world-renowned diving location. There are some picturesque beaches within the harbour and the road north leads to several spectacular white-sand ocean beaches between forest-covered headlands. Tutukaka and Ngunguru, are only a few kilometers south.

Features

Accommodation - Tutukaka (6 Nights), Auckland (1 Night)
International Flights - Los Angeles to Auckland, Auckland to Los Angeles
Shuttle Transfers - Auckland Airport to Tutukaka Accommodation, Tutukaka Accommodation to Auckland Hotel, Auckland Hotel to Airport, Daily transfers between Accommodation & Dive Center
Day Tours - 4 Days of Diving with Dive Tututkaka
Diving Inclusions - Lunches, Hot Drinks, Tanks, Weights & Instructor/Guide Services.
Diving Exclusions (not included) - Wetsuits, BCD's, Regulators, Masks, Fins, Snorkels, & Thermal Gear.
All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
This is an Organized Group Tour
All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

Detailed Itinerary

2nd March 2012 Day 1 - (Fri) International Flight - Los Angeles to Auckland: Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Auckland.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!; Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).
4th Mar Day 2 (Sun) - Transfer by Coach from the Auckland Airport to Accommodation in Tutukaka: Travel from Auckland Airport to your vacation accommodation in Tutukaka, New Zealand.; Need to Know
For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $10.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $10.00 each.
4th - 9th Mar Days 2 to 8 (Sun to Sat) - 6 Nights Accommodation in Tutukaka: Travel to your accommodation in Tutukaka, New Zealand where you will be staying for 6 nights.; The resort overlooks the whole of the Tutukaka Harbour with a breathtaking ocean panorama across the deep sea fishing grounds from the historic Poor Knights Islands to the Hen and Chicken Islands. A coastal area where man and nature combine to provide a whole host of things to do, swimming, boating, fishing, surfing, scuba diving, sight-seeing, line fishing trips, deep sea fishing, exciting beaches to discover and explore.
5th - 8th th Mar Days 3 - 6 (Mon to Thur) Go diving with Dive Tutukaka.: Go diving with Dive Tutukaka New Zealand's premier full-service dive charter operator.; Dive Tutukaka is New Zealand's premier full-service dive charter operator. The Poor Knights Islands are on Jacques Cousteau's list of top 10 dive sites in the world! The turbulent sunlit waters and kelp forests on the upper reaches of the tumbling 'giant staircase', to the waters of the islands' many caves, offer an extraordinary variety of underwater experiences. There are sponge gardens and gorgonian fields inhabited by a myriad of fish, shellfish, urchins and anemones. The islands' famous arches are fascinating to explore. In the warmer months, stingrays can be seen cruising the waters of the archways.
9th Mar Day 7 - (Fri) Free Day to Explore Tutukaka: Free time to rest, relax or explore.
Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Go diving with Dive Tutukaka: Today you will go diving with Dive Tutukaka New Zealand's premier full-service dive charter operator.; Dive Tutukaka is New Zealand's premier full-service dive charter operator. The Poor Knights Islands are on Jacques Cousteau's list of top 10 dive sites in the world! The turbulent sunlit waters and kelp forests on the upper reaches of the tumbling 'giant staircase', to the waters of the islands' many caves, offer an extraordinary variety of underwater experiences. There are sponge gardens and gorgonian fields inhabited by a myriad of fish, shellfish, urchins and anemones. The islands' famous arches are fascinating to explore. In the warmer months, stingrays can be seen cruising the waters of the archways.
10th Mar Day 8 (Sat) Coach Transfer to Auckland Accommodation: Travel from your vacation accommodation in Tutukaka, New Zealand, to Auckland Airport.; Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.
10th - 11th Mar Day 8 to 9 (Sat to Sun) - 1 Night Accommodation in Auckland: Travel to your accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.; Auckland is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, regularly voted one of the best lifestyle cities in the world– renowned as that 'City Of Sails.' Dramatic landscapes and seascapes provide a diverse playground in which a compelling range of attractions are available. Visitors come to enjoy an array of exciting entertainment, leisure, culture and dining possibilities in New Zealand's largest city.
Optional Day Tour (Not Included)- Auckland Harbour Cruise: Visit a true thing of beauty and cruise the sparkling waters of Waitemata Harbour!; Head out on this one and a half hour tour to see the Devonport Naval Base, travel past the township and North Head, then cruise towards the iconic Rangitoto Island as you pass the historic Bean Rock lighthouse. You'll pass under the Harbour Bridge twice and then off to Westhaven Marina to catch a glance at the viaduct harbour bustling with super yachts!

Daily at 10:45am & 1:45pm. Tours do not operate on Christmas day.
Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Americas Cup Sailing Expedition - 1/2 Day: The America's Cup Sailing Experience offers the unique opportunity to sail on these grand prix racing machines!; Enjoy two hours as passengers become the crew and are encouraged to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the action as we sail down the Auckland Harbour. The trip suits people of all experiences and abilities and is the perfect activity in Auckland, 'City of Sails'.

Operates
Summer: Daily departs at 1:00pm
Winter: Saturday and Sunday departs at 2:00pm

Includes
- Opportunity to participate in sailing as part of the crew
- Scenic views
- Informative commentary from knowledgeable crew

Need to Know
Fully licensed bar on board at own expense. Please wear weather weather appropriate clothing and flat soled shoes. Children must be 10 years or older for this cruise. Participation is not compulsory and a safety briefing will be provided prior to departure. In wet weather rain jackets will be provided.
Optional Day Tour (Not Included)- Auckland City Highlights Tour - 1/2 Day - Afternoon: A great chance to experience the city of Auckland from the business districts to the lush surroundings.; Explore 'The City of Sails' and soak up the history of New Zealand's largest city the following way:
Queen Street: The 'Golden Mile' of Auckland's business and shopping district.
University: New Zealand's largest, featuring historic Auckland buildings and an early NZ Government House.
Harbour Bridge: Cross the 8-lane connection to our North Shore, wide views of harbour and yacht marina.
Mt. Eden: Travel to the summit of this dormant volcano, once home to an ancient Maori tribe. Wide views of the city. Domain Parks and Gardens: A picturesque park and lakes laid out in a large extinct volcanic crater.
Auckland Memorial War Museum: Spend time experiencing this unique tribute to New Zealand's natural, Maori and European history. A donation is requested on entry ($5 per person). As an alternative within a short walking distance is 'The Winter Garden' Pavilion. See rare indoor plants and a spectacular fern display.
Paritai Drive: Auckland's most expensive residential street with fantastic views of the Waitemata Harbour and islands.
Tamaki Waterfront: Drive via Mission Bay along the edge of the Waitemata Harbour dominated by large native Pohutakawa trees.

Includes: Accommodation transfers

Half Afternoon Tour:
Departs at 2:00pm, returns at 5:00pm
Insider's Tip: Victoria Park Market: Make your way to Auckland's shopping destination...Victoria Park Market.; Overlooking Victoria Park, the Market is Auckland's shopping destination for arts & crafts, fashion & accessories, novelties, New Zealand souvenirs and international food (cafes, a food court & 3 restaurants are all on the site). You can wander the stalls while learning the history of the shopping site and about the people of New Zealand. Live entertainment is often provided and you can visit the Celebrity Walk of Fame.

Victoria Park Market is within walking distance from the central city, the Sky Tower and the America's Cup Village. If you are seeing Auckland via the Explorer or Link Bus, just exit at Victoria Park. Victoria Park Market is open 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm.
11th Mar Day 9 (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer, Auckland Accommodation to Airport: Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Auckland, New Zealand, to the Airport.; Need to Know
1 suitcase & 1 carry-on per person, extra pieces may be charged at $10.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $10.00 each.
11th Mar Day 9 cont (Sun) - International Flight - Auckland to Los Angeles: Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.

Note: Flight may include a stop over in Australia.
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