Midwest Diving Specialists Opt 2 [CD1157B]

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 your 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 Day 2 to 7 - (Sun - Sat) 5 Nights Accommodation in Tutukaka

Travel to your accommodation in Tutukaka, New Zealand where you will be staying for 5 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 Mar Days 3 - 6 (Mon to Thur) - 4 Days of 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) - Shuttle 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.

9th - 10th Mar (Day 7 - 8) (Fri - Sat) - 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.

10th Mar Day 8 (Sat) - Day Tour: Deluxe Coach Tour from Auckland to Rotorua

On your vacation travel by deluxe luxury coach to the Waitomo Glow-Worm Caves and the spectacular geothermal regions of Rotorua, New Zealand.

DEPART AUCKLAND: Travel the main Southern Highway through small rural townships steeped in early pioneer history. Your host serves morning tea during this sector.

WAIKATO: Travel through New Zealand's largest dairy and sheep farming province. Travel the outskirts of Hamilton City via the small farming settlements towards the King Country, birthplace of the Maori Monarchy.

WAITOMO GLOW WORM CAVES: Join a guided tour through this world-famous cave formation, climaxed by drifting silently in a boat through a glow worm cavern lit up with thousands of tiny glow worm lights.

LIGHT LUNCH: Served on-board as we make our way to Rotorua through magnificent rural farmland with its vast numbers of grazing animals.

ROTORUA: New Zealand's highest city, 305 meters (1000 feet) above sea level, located inside the rim of a volcanic crater. An area of great geothermal activity. We visit the following attractions:

AGRODOME FARM TOUR: An introduction to New Zealand farming, with a 45-minute tour of an authentic working farm in all-weather, all-terrain vehicles. Watch a sheep being shorn and hand-feed the animals.
Optional Upgrades:
1. Choose to go Zorb globe riding inside a giant inflatable ball instead of the Agrodome Farm Tour.
OR
2. Replace the Agrodome Farm Tour with a soak in an award-winning Polynesian spa.

LAKE ROTORUA: Drive through the foreshore park past the hundreds of ducks and swans. Then through the beautiful historic Government Gardens.

TE PUIA INSTITUTE (MAORI ARTS & CRAFTS AND WHAKAREWAREWA THERMAL RESERVE): One of Rotorua's most famous attractions. See woodcarving, weaving displays, Maori village and the thermal valley with the famous Pohutu Geyser, fumaroles, colourful silica deposits and boiling mud pools.

This tour ends in Rotorua.

10th - 11th Mar Day 8 - 9 (Sat to Sun) - 1 Night Accommodation in Auckland

Travel to your accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.

Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua your accommodation is only a short walk to the city centre, convention centre, cafes and restaurants. Here in the heartland of New Zealand's Maori culture you'll experience an enveloping warmth, proud spirit, deep sense of history and a quick humour. Picturesque cobbled and lantern lined streetways and striking Tudor architecture celebrates New Zealand's significant colonial history. Travel the region by mountain bike or participate in local bush walks.

Upgrade Available (extra cost):
Lake View Room

11th Mar Day 9 (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer from Rotorua Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Rotorua, New Zealand, to Napier.

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.

11th Mar Day 9 cont (Sun) - Domestic Flight from Rotorua to Christchurch

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Rotorua to Christchurch (South Island).

11th Mar Day 9 cont (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer from Christchurch Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand.

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 - 13th Mar Days 9 - 11 (Sun to Tues) - 2 Nights Accommodtion in Christchurch

Travel to your accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 3 Star vacation accommodation in Christchurch, is located on New Zealand's South Island. Superbly situated in the very heart of this historic garden city, your accommodation in Christchurch is located just off Cathedral Square. Close to cafes, restaurants, museums and many of Christchurch's most popular attractions. It is the newest hotel in the city and offers 155 spacious guest rooms, a modern bar and restaurant as well and an intimate meeting room. All rooms feature views overlooking the city as well as broadband internet access.

13th Mar Day 11 (Tues) - Shuttle Transfer from Christchurch Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Christchurch, 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.

13th Mar Day 11cont (Tues) - Domestic Flight from Christchurch to Queenstown

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Christchurch to Queenstown (South Island).

13th Mar Day 11 cont (Tues) - Shuttle Transfer from Queenstown Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand.

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.

13th - 16th Mar Days 11 - 14 (Tues to Fri) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Queenstown

Travel to your accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Your vacation accommodation is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and only 3 minutes drive from the centre of town. The hotel features rooms most of which have spectacular views over the lake and the remarkable mountain range. Facilities include a range of hotel amenities that invite those who want to relax from their travel. These include an outdoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium, restaurant, bar, conference rooms and a ski and boot drying room. A convenient shuttle service to the town centre is also available at own expense. Travel and explore the surroundings by visiting New Zealand's Milford Sound, Central Otago Wineries. For the nature lover, maybe enjoy a nice stroll on walking trails that meander along the lakes shores. In the evening perhaps dine whilst enjoying a Maori Concert and see powerful performances of The Haka and other songs of New Zealand custom.

Upgrade Available (extra cost)

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord; three times longer than Milford Sound and a surface area ten times larger with twisting arms. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.

The only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is to cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road.
Pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.
Once you arrive, you will board the Patea Explorer for a 3-hour cruise on Doubtful Sound - a spectacular pristine fiord. During the cruise, your knowledgeable and friendly skipper or nature guide will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
Following the cruise, return to your Queenstown hotel by luxury coach.

Operates:
Daily
Departs 6:55am, Returns 7:30pm (approx.)

Includes:
- Transport by coach to/from Queenstown accommodation
- Lake cruise
- Fjord cruise
- Wildlife viewing
- Insightful commentary by nature guide

Need to Know:
Wear waterproof/warm clothing and non-slip shoes. Please bring sunglasses, sunscreen and camera. Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility. Because of the length of the tour, please bring a packed lunch. Food and drink available for purchase onboard.

Photo Credit: Tourism Media

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Canyon Swing

And now for something completely different... Remember the swing you had in your back yard? Well, The Ledge Sky Swing takes that to a whole new level.

Once harnessed your lowered to the release 'station'. Let the thrill take over! As you swing away the biggest surprise is not knowing when you'll change from fall to swing. Just as your brain convinces you the fall will never stop, you begin arching out 400 metres over Queenstown.

The nightlife in Queenstown is famous for being fast and furious, so we decided to do the same with the Sky Swing. The Ledge Sky Swing is the only swing operating at night. It might pay to leave dinner to afterwards if you know what we mean.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Hackett Nevis Bungy

The Bungy that got the whole thing started in Queenstown; and then, set Queenstown up as the adventure-tourism capital of the world.

With the Nevis Highwire Bungy, getting there is half the fun! The experience kicks off with a rugged 35 minute back-blocks 4x4 drive before you get harnessed up and board a shuttle which ferries you to the the Bungy Pod. For many, this would have to be the ultimate challenge. Make no mistake, the Nevis Highwire Bungy is not for the nervous - with a wild 134 metres (440 feet) drop, the river seems to rush towards you faster than you're rushing towards it!


Once off the edge it's simply a matter of basking in the glory of what you have achieved, as well as coming to grips with the 8 ½ seconds of freefall! Tour is 4 hours in duration.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Gondola Ride

One of the first sights to captivate visitors to Queenstown is the distinctive outline of the Skyline complex high above town.

Located an easy 5 minute walk from central Queenstown and exclusively accessed by scenic gondola, Skyline Gondola, Restaurant & Luge is a must-see attraction during your visit to Queenstown. The best views in the region are found here, spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkable mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. It's truly magnificent and awe-inspiring!

Of course there's more to do than just admire the view! For an additional cost you can:

• Enjoy a dinner or relax in the bar in the Skyline Stratosfare Restaurant. Casual dining is also available during the day in the Cafe.


• Thrill seekers can hurtle down the winding downhill Skyline Luge. Purpose built Luge carts put you in complete control as you take on a half-mile of banked corners, tunnels and dippers. Once you’ve conquered the course, hop on the chairlift and do it all again, and again, and again! Gentle and leisurely or steep and adventurous, you'll be hooked.


• Explore the southern night sky of Queenstown with a guided tour of the galaxy and learn about the stars, nebulae and planets that make up our solar system and beyond.

Ask your Destination Specialist about available combo packages to make your day at Skyline more enjoyable.

Various walking tracks can also be accessed from Skyline, from an easy 30 minute walk to a full day hike.

Operates
Daily. Stratosfare Restaurant closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Gondola rides operate from 9:30am to 8:30pm Monday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday. Gondola rides operate from 9:30am to 6:30pm Tuesday & Wednesday. Saturday operation hours are 8:50am to 8:30pm.

Includes
- Gondola ride

Need to Know
Gondola ride is approximately 7-10 minutes one way.

Upgrades
- Add a thrilling luge ride to your Gondola experience.
- Add the Taste of New Zealand buffet at Stratosfare Restaurant
- Stargazing evening event

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Winery Tour

Enjoy an afternoon exploring some of the award winning wineries in the Queenstown region.

Take this afternoon tour and experience the true flavor of our local pinot noir and other wine varietals at three premium vineyards. Enjoy a guided tour through the vines and into New Zealand’s largest underground wine cave. This relaxing tour travels just a short distance from Queenstown where you will be given in-depth wine tastings and presentation at each vineyard.

You have plenty of time to unwind and get yourself a winery lunch (own expense) or sample a selection of local cheeses, craft beer, coffee (there is an opportunity to substitute wine tasting for beer at time of booking).

Operates
Daily (except Christmas, Boxing Day, Good Friday, & Easter)
Departs 12:00pm and Returns 4:30pm (approx.)

Includes
- Return transfers from hotel
- Hosted tasting at 3 wineries
- Underground wine cave tour
- 12+ wine tastings

Need to Know
Please bring money for Winery lunch. This experience can be catered to your dietary needs. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when completing your Traveler Information Form.

Upgrades
Private Wine & Food

Photo Credit: Southern Public Relations

16th Mar Day 14 (Fri) - Shuttle Transfer from Queenstown Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, 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.

16th Mar Day 14 cont (Fri) - Domestic Flight Queenstown to Auckland

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Queenstown to Auckland (North Island).

16th Mar Day 14 cont (Fri) - International Flight from 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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