If you have a team or group interested in including a tour of New Zealand in conjunction with the 2008 World Champs here is a example of a 15 day South and North Island tour that we can arrange either before or after the World Champs in Christchurch. We can also include a game of Bowls with local clubs enroute. This will be a exclusive departure with your own coach and driver.

For further details please contact Southern World New Zealand

15 day South & North Islands

January 2008

Mon 28 Christchurch to Fairlie (D)

Travel across the Canterbury Plains to Ashburton with the snow-capped Southern Alps in the distance. The road turns westward to Geraldine and over undulating sheep country to Fairlie.

This afternoon a game of Bowls is included at a local Bowling Club.

Later today meet your hosts for this evenings overnight farmstay. Dinner included.

Breakfast included with your farmstay hosts.

Continue over Burkes Pass to Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki. Stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd with its picture postcard views of Lake Tekapo. Following the Tasman River to Mount Cook Village, with Mount Cook eight kilometres away in the distance.

A series of flightseeing options (own expense) are available in the Mt Cook region.

Travel through Mackenzie Country, over the Lindis pass and follow the Lindis River through to Cromwell. From here follow the Kawarau River through rugged mountainous country into Queenstown, situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu.

Wed 30 Queenstown (B)

Cooked breakfast at hotel

This morning a game of Bowls is included at a local Bowling Club.

Cooked breakfast at hotel

Today is free to enjoy Queenstown at your own leisure. This evening cruise on the TSS Earnslaw to the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak for a carvery style buffet in the homestead and get a glimpse into farming life before cruising back to Queenstown

Fri 01 Milford Sound Day Trip (BL)

Cooked breakfast at hotel

Skirt Lake Wakatipu in the shadow of the rugged Remarkables. From Te Anau follow the valley of the Eglinton River before descending into the Hollyford Valley. Climb steadily to where sheer rock faces dwarf the Homer Tunnel portal. From the tunnel descend into the Cleddau Canyon and Milford Sound.

Enjoy a extended Nature cruise with picnic lunch before returning to Te Anau

As a option (own expense) scenic flights are available back to Queenstown.

Sat 02 Queenstown to Franz Josef (BD)

Cooked breakfast at hotel

Follow the Kawarau Gorge through to Cromwell and the picturesque township of Wanaka, continue along the shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka, crossing the divide at the Haast Pass then north along the west coast pass Fox Glacier and on to Franz Josef.

Time will be available for optional (own expense) scenic flights (subject to weather).

Dinner at hotel

Sun 03 Franz Josef to Punakaiki (BD)

Cooked breakfast at hotel

Travel through dense bush and beautiful stretches of road to Hokitika and on through farming districts and areas of alluvial gold by panning, sluicing and dredging to Greymouth. Continue north of Greymouth where you will find an outstanding natural attraction known as the Pancake Rocks. There is a very good view of the coast from the rocks, and with a westerly gale blowing, the sight is spectacular.

Dinner at hotel

Mon 04 Punakaiki to Nelson (B)

Cooked breakfast at hotel

Travel north along the coast and through the Buller Gorge to the Hope Saddle. Enjoy extensive views of mountains and forest and the fertile and intensively cultivated Waimea Plains enroute to Nelson.

This afternoon a game of Bowls is included at a local Bowling Club.

Tue 05 Nelson to Picton to Wellington (B)

Cooked breakfast at hotel

From Nelson follow the coast and pass over the Whangamoa Hill and the Rai Saddle and low hills before turning east to Blenheim. A short drive from Blenheim is Picton, nestled in the hills beside the Queen Charlotte Sound.

Transfer to the Inter-island ferry terminal and board your vessel for the trip across Cook Strait.

You will be met on arrival in Wellington by your North Island driver and transfer to your hotel.

Wed 06 Wellington to Napier (B)

Cooked breakfast at hotel

Journey north through the Rimutaka Gorge and undulating countryside of the Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay to Napier.

After 1931's violent earthquake and subsequent fires the people of Napier rebuilt their city with a 'art deco' flavour to the downtown area.

This evening your guide from the Art Deco Society will take you on a walk through the city's fascinating collection of Art Deco styled architecture.

Thur 07 Napier (B)

Cooked breakfast at hotel

This morning a game of Bowls is included at a local Bowling Club.

Cooked breakfast at hotel

Travel inland through the Ahimanawa Range and Kaingaroa forest before entering Taupo. Stop to view the Huka Falls and pass the geothermal power project at Wairakei enroute to Rotorua.

Depart on a sightseeing tour of Rotorua including -

Whakarewarewa you are guided through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and thermal reserve you will view shooting steam geysers and bubbling mud pools.

Rainbow Springs, a trout and wildlife sanctuary where you will see native birds, New Zealand flora and fauna including the "Kiwi"

Enjoy the Farm show at the Rotorua Agrodome which features 19 rams on stage, sheep shearing, hand-milking a cow, sheep and working dog display, and lamb feeding, with plenty of audience participation.

This afternoon is free to enjoy Rotorua at leisure.

Tonight experience Mai- Ora - Essence of Maori. A traditional Maori Hangi (feast) and concert.

Cooked breakfast at hotel

Depart Rotorua and travel westward to Waitomo Caves, take a tour of the world-famous Glow-Worm Caves, past spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations and myriads of glow-worms. Continue north through the river city of Hamilton towards Auckland. This evening we have a farewell dinner at a local bowling club.

Cooked breakfast at hotel

A transfer will be provided to Auckland airport to connect with your onward flight.

NEW ZEALAND ARRANGEMENTS TERMINATE