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Day 1: Welcome to New Zealand!
In Auckland, you're greeted by your Black Sheep guide who whisks you off to the stunning
Bay of Islands for the start of your adventure.
Day 2: Coastal Splendour
Spend the day walking beneath giant, ancient kauri trees and along magnificent
coastline. Congratulate yourself on taking this vacation.
Day 3: Set Sail on the Bay
Sail amongst the picturesque islands of the bay. Take the helm, climb the rigging, or
just sit back and enjoy the sea breeze and a bit of penguin-spotting. Wash away the
last remains of jetlag in the emerald waters of a secluded island bay.
Day 4: Birdlife to Nightlife
Return to Auckland, taking a detour to New Zealand's largest gannet colony, perched
above black volcanic sands. Study these birds in their natural habitat before
settling into your own nest in the heart of Auckland's vibrant waterfront
district.
Day 5: Rainforest Retreat
Walk with an award-winning naturalist through the lush, subtropical rainforest of
the Coromandel Peninsula. Take an evening stroll from your lodge to one of New
Zealand's prettiest beaches. At dinner, wonder how your guide knew that it was
your birthday and that your favorite flavor is chocolate.
Day 6: Sea and Sand
Hike to a remote and beautiful cove guarded by towering sandstone formations.
Nearby, dig your own natural hot pool in the sand and soak as you listen to the
waves crash against the shore. Contemplate the wonders of nature.
Day 7: Maori Immersion
Arrive in Rotorua and visit the historic Bath House, Rotorua's Museum of Art
and History. Test the healing theories of the water in a nearby spa and
decide the theories are true. Emerge from the pools and immerse yourself in
ancient and contemporary Maori culture as a guest on a marae, or Maori
meeting house.
Day 8: Volcanic Wonders
Boat to White Island and peer into the belly of an active volcano. So this
is what Dante was on about. If conditions preclude a White Island visit,
take a scenic flight over the giant volcanic crater of Mt Tarawera and
visit boiling lakes, turquoise pools, hot streams and other active
geothermal features on land.
Day 9: Capital Culture
Fly to New Zealand's picturesque capital city, Wellington, and enjoy a
day exploring on your own. Visit Te Papa, the country's extraordinary
national museum; tour the city's government buildings; ride the historic
cable car to the botanical gardens; or stroll through the galleries and
along the busy waterfront--all within an easy walk of your hotel in the
heart of the city.
This is the departure point for those touring the
North Island only, and the kick-off for those doing the South Island
portion of this tour. We gather this evening to swap stories, farewell
departing friends, and welcome any new arrivals to our fold.
Day 10: Water and Wine
Ferry across the Cook Strait and along the spectacular coastline of
the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. On land, visit the
world-renowned Marlborough wine region, stopping for lunch amongst
the vines. Drink in the South Island's relaxed atmosphere (both
figuratively and literally) then head to your lodge at the head of
the Abel Tasman National Park.
Day 11: Abel Tasman
Adventure
Sea kayak or hike along the stunning shoreline of arguably one of
the most beautiful parks in the country. Aquamarine waters,
temperate forest, golden sand beaches--no arguments here. At the
end of the day, note how the colloquialism 'Good day, mate' rolls
off your tongue.
Day 12: Spectacular
Seacoast
Travel to the tiny, seaside town of Kaikoura, New Zealand's
marine-life center. Hike amongst intriguing limestone formations,
nesting seabirds, and snoozing seals. Kaikoura means 'to eat
crayfish (lobster)' and at dinner, do just that. Fall asleep to
the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.
Day 13: Marine Life
Encounters
Spend the day with 'the locals' in their natural habitat. Don a
wetsuit for an up-close encounter with playful fur seals or
take a boat trip to the feeding grounds of albatross,
shearwaters, and other pelagic wildlife. This afternoon, take a
scenic flight to view Kaikoura's resident sperm whales.
Remember the original, pre- Beevis and Butthead meaning of the
word 'awesome'.
Day 14: City Culture, Country
Charm
Journey to the charming city of Christchurch, described as
the most English of New Zealand's cities. Hire a punt on the
Avon, stroll through the botanical gardens, or visit the
lively Arts Centre and open-air market. This evening, enjoy
true Kiwi hospitality on an overnight farmstay. Remind
yourself to get Pam's recipe for pavlova.
Day 15: From the Mountains to
the Sea
Board the renowned TranzAlpine train for a trip over the
glorious Southern Alps. Cross alpine rivers, pass beneath
snow-capped peaks and descend to the wild and woolly West
Coast. Wind your way along stunning, bush-laden coast to
your lodging at the base of the Paparoa National Park. Note
that you are definitely not in Kansas.
Day 16: West Coast
Wonderland
In fact, today it's more like MiddleEarth as you explore
the limestone cave systems that honeycomb this region.
View delicate, unspoiled formations on a Scenic Caving
trip, or take a Cave Rafting adventure, featuring
glow-worm constellations, an underground river, a whole
lot of rubber, and plenty of laughs. Above-ground,
rubber-free options also available.
Day 17: Glacial
Glory
Head south to New Zealand's spectacular glacier region.
Thank yourself for choosing a guided trip, because you
can't take your eyes off the scenery--a serious no-no
on these roads. In the village of Franz Josef, take a
scenic helicopter flight, passing near Aoraki/Mt Cook,
New Zealand's highest peak, and landing on the
glacier's neve. Back on terra firma, hike to the
glacier face and visit a stand of old-growth
rainforest. Marvel at how ferns and ice can be within
cooee of each other (that's 'really close' in
Kiwi).
Day 18: Scenic
Journey
Hike around the peaceful, reflective water of a
glacial kettle lake, then head south to Queenstown,
New Zealand's adventure capital. On the way, explore
hidden trails and secluded waterfalls. Make a note to
buy an additional memory card for your camera.
Day 19: Mother Nature on
Steroids
In the morning, embrace the energy of this lively
town with a thrilling jet boat ride through the
scenic Shotover Canyon, then spend the day as you
wish, hiking, rafting, shopping, horse-trekking,
bungy-jumping, reading, or whatever other optional
activities you choose. Decide that Queenstown,
backed by the aptly-named Remarkables mountain
range, is one of the most beautiful places on
earth. Fill your new memory card with pictures
taken from your balcony.
Day 20: Fiordland
Escape
Pack an overnight back for a night in the fiords.
As you travel through the Fiordland National
Park, ask yourself how on earth things could get
any more beautiful, then find the answer around
each new corner. At the fiord, board your vessel
for a unique overnight stay, highlighted by
cruising, wildlife-spotting, and kayaking beneath
the sheer cliffs of the fiord. Get sore pinching
yourself.
Day 21: A Time to
Celebrate
Cruise back to shore as a rare witness to a
Fiordland dawn. On the way back to Queenstown,
stop to explore the native flora and fauna.
Note the caffeine-like effect of New Zealand
air. Back in Queenstown, enjoy a leisurely
afternoon before gathering for a farewell
dinner to celebrate the friendships you've made
and the memories shared. While making a speech,
accidentally call your guide 'Mommy'.
Day 22: Fond
Farewells
Depending on your flight schedule, take
time to relax, make final purchases, or
reconsider that bungy jump before traveling
home or to your next destination. Arrive
home and book your next Black Sheep
adventure.
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