45Stay on a Maori Marae, RotoruaA Topdeck exclusive and a long time cultural favourite amongst Topdeck clients. Our stay on a traditional Maori Marae gives us a rare insight into the history and culture of the Maori people as we stay as their honoured guests.Tongariro National ParkA hike in Tongariro National Park is a highlight of any trip. The awe-inspiring views of volcanic mountains are made even more exciting by the fact that some of them, such as Mt. Ruapehu, are still very active! Whale Spotting KaikouraTake an optional cruise to spot the mighty sperm whales of Kaikoura, or maybe you'll prefer to swim with the local dolphins! Both are equally unforgettable. Queenstown, an Adventure PlaygroundCombine a buzzing town with enough adventure pursuits to satisfy the most extreme thrill-seekers, with one of the most naturally beautiful locations anywhere in the world, and you get Queenstown - it's easy to see why this place is such a Topdeck favourite! Overnight Cruise on MilfordSoundEnjoy our exclusive luxury cruise on Milford Sound, a truly beautiful fiord where waterfalls cascade from imposing cliffs to the pristine waters below. Bay of Islands "Rock the Boat" CruiseThe optional "Rock the Boat" overnight cruise is the perfect way to view the Bay of Islands' amazing scenery and wildlife. The Rock's spacious downstairs living area includes a bar, lounge, pool table, and even an open fire. Fox GlacierIt's not every day that you can stay at the foot of a moving river of ice, but that's exactly what our stay in magical Fox Glacier involves! An optional hike or "Heli-hike" on the glacier with a local guide is a memorable experience.

QueenstownMilfordSoundFox GlacierChristchurchLake OhauNelsonGreymouth1SOUTHISLANDNORTHISLAND2WellingtonRotoruaTaupoTongariro National ParkAucklandCoromandelBay of Islands222111Hanmer Springs1Kaikoura1112NO. OF NIGHTS STAYDAY STOPNEW ZEALAND »46Fox Glacier hikeFjordland National ParkWhakarewarewa Thermal ReserveMaori Marae stayDAY 1 Auckland to Paihia (Bay of Islands). We start our trip in Auckland, the City of Sails. Travelling around the scenic harbour, we head north for Paihia, a seaside town amongst over 140 spectacular islands and secluded bays. Once settled in, feel free to go for a swim in the hotel's pool. Note: you can upgrade to the optional "Rock the Boat" houseboat accommodation for a party atmosphere. DAY 2 Paihia, Bay of Islands. A free day to explore the area at your own pace! Heaps of optional activities on offer: drive to Cape Reinga and board down the Te Paki sand dunes. Sail the inner bay on a catamaran and spot dolphins. Or maybe even hike through bushland to the Haruru falls. (B,D)DAY 3 Bay of Islands to Coromandel. Heading back southwards, we'll visit the soaring Whangarei Falls if the weather permits. Then we drive down to Auckland for lunch, before meeting some extra travellers and heading to the Coromandel. It's a major tourist destination, home to sweeping beaches and lush rainforests. (B)DAY 4 Coromandel to Rotorua. We start the day with brunch fit for a king (or queen). Then you'll have time to explore the region: Long Bay Beach is often popular, with plenty of room for catching the sun's rays. If possible we'll visit Hot Water Beach, where the bubbling waters naturally warm the sands. Then on to Rotorua to check out the thermally heated pools. (B)DAY 5 Rotorua to Marae Stay. You have the day to explore Rotorua, with plenty of options available - perhaps travel to Waitomo, or maybe visit Hobbiton to see part of the original Lord of the Rings movie set? Of course you can always visit the local mud baths or get a massage right here in town. Then tonight is one of the highlights of a Topdeck trip through NZ - a chance to stay in a traditional Maori Marae, learning a little of their culture as honoured guests. (B,D)DAY 6-7 Rotorua to Tongariro National Park. After breakfast we head to Whakarewarewa Village and Thermal Reserve, to learn more about Maori culture and to experience a moving traditional concert. Travelling past the roaring Huka Falls, we'll reach Lake Taupo for an optional bungy jump, before reaching Tongariro National Park, our home for the next two nights. (B,D) (B)DAY 8 Tongariro National Park to Wellington. Today we head back to civilisation in the form of Wellington. New Zealand's capital, we'll get a bird's eye view of the city from Mt Victoria, before giving you a chance to discover it all at your own pace. Maybe catch the cable car up to the botanic gardens, or visit Te Papa, Wellington's National Museum. (B)DAY 9 Wellington to Hanmer Springs. Jump on the ferry across Cook Strait to the South Island, and embrace the natural beauty of Marlborough Sound as we cruise into the modest town of Picton. Expect immense mountain ranges, glacial lakes and magnificent scenery for the next few days. (B)DAY 10 Hanmer Springs to Christchurch. Get a feel for the South Island, as we explore Hanmer Springs! There's a variety of optional activities from relaxing in the thermal pools to jet-boating down the Waiau Gorge. Later we'll make tracks for Christchurch, arriving with enough time for a voluntary dinner in town. (B)DAY 11 Christchurch to Lake Ohau. Today we cross the Canterbury plains to as we What's Included»»18 Breakfasts (B), 1 Morning Tea (MT), 9 Dinners (D)»»6 nights hotel/motel upgrade, 8 nights in lodges/cabins, 2 nights in hostels, 1 night in a traditional Maori Marae, 1 night overnight cruise on Milford Sound»»Modern air-conditioned coach»»Bay of Islands»»Explore the Coromandel Coast and enjoy a gourmet picnic»»Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve»»Explore Tongariro National Park»»Ferry crossing through Marlborough Sound»»Hanmer Springs»»Visit Fox Glacier»»Monteith's Brewery Tour & Dinner»»Explore the famous "Pancake Rocks"»»Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown city tours»»Escorted services of a fully trained Topdeck Trip Leader & Driver