A Sample New Zealand Safari
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This trip is of course just one option - as taken by our clients Stuart and Jackie Campbell - Morris from Dubai U.A E. - But anything is possible.
Day 1 - 2: Queenstown - South Island
 Arrive into Queenstown direct from Sydney at 4:15 PM. Collect your Luxury 4WD vehicle from the Budget Office at the Airport. Drive 15 minutes into Queenstown to Mountvista Boutique Hotel, on Sydney Street, a four-minute walk from waterfront, park and center of town activities.
 You have three full days and nights here to enjoy the beauty, adventure, wines and excellent restaurants of Queenstown. Your comfortable, modern ten-room boutique hotel is personally hosted by the owners, and features suite-style accommodation.
This afternoon you can familiarize yourself with Queenstown. I suggest you take the gondola to the top of Bob's Peak to take in the phenomenal views. At the top there is a restaurant, walking track, bungee jump and a not-to-be-missed luge run.
In Queenstown's bustling center there are many mid-range restaurants with great character and good food, including The Bath House Brewery and Roaring Megs. For fine dining try Copper Club, Gantley's or Nineteenth. There is also a wide variety of Asian restaurants, as well as the normal American fast-food chains…sad but true!
Your hosts can assist you with directions to The Remarkables, spectacular mountains, and Cadronna so you can purchase ski packages, if in season. One ski package allows you to ski both fields!
Day 3: Queenstown
This morning you will see this spectacular area by air! You will be picked up at 9:15 AM, remembering sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and a jacket and of course your camera!
Your flight will take you over virgin forests, glaciers and mountain peaks before touching down at Milford Sound where you have time for a stroll and photo opportunities. Then you will fly down the Sound and out to the Tasman Sea, and the wild and rugged West Coast. You will then enjoy the thrill of landing on a glacier, and take a walk on million-year-old ice before returning to Queenstown. It will be an experience of a lifetime!
In the afternoon, you may choose to further explore the Queenstown area, perhaps visiting the Deer Heights Park, home to not only deer, but miniature ponies, llamas, goats, yaks and more. These habituated animals are available to pet and feed as they roam throughout the park, amidst its spectacular views. There is a fascinating old movie set on the property too.
Day 4: Queenstown
 On your final day in Queenstown, you will take a trip to Walter Peak, a historic homestead on a large sheep station. Your cruise on the TSS Ernslaw Steamship will ferry you across the lake in classic style. You can then enjoy freshly barbecued food on the lakeside terrace.
 After your BBQ lunch you'll experience some "Kiwi" farming. You can help feed the sheep; get close-ups of deer and Scottish Highland cattle; and watch a display of the sheep dogs at work -- they are so quick to follow a command. To round off the experience, finish up with a little sheep shearing and wool spinning, and a walk around the lush lakeside gardens.
You can also enjoy a horse trek, which provides spectacular views of Lake Wakitipu and the surrounding mountains.
Day 5: Queenstown - Christchurch - Kaikoura
 This morning sees you driving north to the mammal centre of the southern hemisphere - Kaikoura. Drop off your car and check in for your 8:55 AM, one-hour flight to Christchurch. Pick up another car, and set out North on Highway 1.
Your farmstay is just south of Kaikoura Township, 6 km down Dairy Farm Road, a dirt/gravel road that winds over small bridges, and through picturesque farmland to arrive at Kahutara, the Smith's family homestead. Tour Kaikoura before settling in for the night.
Day 6: Kahutara Homestead
 You have time this morning to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving into town to Kaikoura Helicopters, for a 9:15 AM check-in.
Today you will experience an unforgettable day with your trip to see the giants of the ocean. Humpback, sperm whales and sometimes even a blue whale frequent these waters. Orcas too are a regular sight.
 The helicopter trip allows fabulous views of the dramatic Kaikoura ranges and gives you the opportunity to get a real perception of the size of these giants of the sea; as from the air you see the entire whale (not just the fin!).
You return at about 10:30 AM, for an early lunch before driving on to South Bay to board your trawler and head out to sea on a two-hour lobster fishing tour.
 You never know what you will encounter out on the sea today. Not only will you fish, but you will try your hand at pulling up some deliciously fresh lobster. All of your catch will be prepared and bagged for you onboard for a safe delivery back to your accommodation, and a night of feasting on your catch.
Day 7: Kaikoura - Blenheim - Rotorua
 You have time for a leisurely breakfast and a farm activity before driving north again to Blenheim Airport on Highway 1.
Two hours north of Kaikoura is the premier wine-producing region of New Zealand; Blenheim in the Marlborough Region, and you should visit some of the premium wineries for a tasting and vineyard tour Although Marlborough is best known for its Sauvignon Blancs, many wonderful reds can be found here too. Olives are this region's other export. These small, but illustrious, olive groves have made a mark on the world market, offering supreme olive oil.
Check-in at 2:05 PM for your flight via Wellington to Rotorua in the North Island. (Ask for seats on the left-hand side of the plane if you want to see the Farewell Spit, or on the right hand side if you want to see the Marlborough Sound).
 Landing at Rotorua at 4:40 PM, collect a new rental car and drive fifteen minutes into town to The Swiss Lodge.
Your hosts Christina and Heiko will welcome you to their lovely lakeside property. Enjoy soaking up the views from the jetty or spa pool or just relax in this peaceful setting. Continental breakfasts are included in your stay.
Dinner can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant or your hosts will assist you with your dining requirements during your stay in Rotorua.
Day 8: Rotorua
After breakfast, you will be picked up by your Maori driver/guide around 8:30 AM, Remember to take swimwear, a towel, good walking shoes, camera - with lots of film - and a sense of adventure. Refreshments and lunch will be supplied. Time to explore this geothermal wonderland.
 After stopping at a Maori village to learn about their history and culture, you move on to Wai O Tapu Thermal Gardens to see the amazing bubbling mud, geysers, sulphuric vents and formations. Change here into your swimsuit before a short drive to a thermal stream for a surreal swim and soak.
Your informative and knowledgeable guide will share Maori history, stories and legends throughout the day. From here you embark on your four-wheel drive mountain tour, visiting Tarawera Falls, and stopping for a bush camp lunch to prepare you for the rest of the day.
This tour takes in Rotorua's most beautiful scenery - a day to always remember - getting back at 5:30 PM, for dinner at the superb on-site restaurant.
Day 9: Rotorua - Taupo - Rotorua
After an early breakfast you head out on picturesque Highway 5 to Lake Taupo by 8:00 AM.
 Your boat will be at Jetty Number 4 in the marina. Tea and coffee are available on board (plus a bar to celebrate the catching of your first trout!). Then,you motor gently out onto the glorious Lake Taupo for fishing, kayaking, or simply just enjoying the splendid views. You will return to Taupo Marina at about 1:00 PM.
You have time to further explore Taupo, and a visit to Huka Falls is really a must, before heading back to Rotorua.
Day 10: Rotorua - Auckland - Kerikeri (Bay of Islands)
 Drop your rental car at the airport in time for check in at 8:35 AM for your flight to Kerikeri via Auckland, landing at Kerikeri at 12:30 PM.
Collect your final rental car. It is a fifteen-minute drive from the Kerikeri airport to the Bay of Islands. Instead of staying on the "touristy side" of the bay, we always suggest enjoying the historic, peaceful town of Russell.
Your accommodation is Pukematu B&B on top of Flagstaff Hill, with 360-degree views of the bays, islands and open water of the Bay of Islands. Simply a stunning setting! Your hosts Kay and Colwyn will treat you as their new best friends!
Day 11: Bay of Islands
You will need to be down at the wharf by 9:15 AM to board your 'fast boat' tour around the bay of islands. See the many white sandy beaches that are such a popular summer spot. Hold on while you travel through "the hole in the rock." Enjoy an island stop-over, before heading back to civilization.
The rest of the day is free to wander the wharf, shop at Pahia, and visit the Waitangi Reserve to learn of New Zealand past or simply relax on a beach.
Day 12: Ninety-Mile Beach and Cape Reinga
 Start at 7:30 AM for a final special trip. You will have a full, fun day with enlightening commentary on both historic and cultural points of interest while you travel up 90-Mile Beach (actually a state highway!) and to Cape Reinga, the northern most point in New Zealand. Plenty of stops are made for photos and to break the journey.
Visit giant Kauri trees at Puketi Forest, four-wheel drive along 90-Mile Beach, Dig for Tuatuas (shellfish). Drive along Te Paki quicksand stream. Boogie board down huge sand dunes. Visit Cape Reinga Lighthouse, swim, collect shells or just relax on a beautiful sandy beach. Visit Awanui Ancient Kauri Kingdom and stop at the famous Mangonui Fish & Chip Shop.
Throughout the day your trip takes you through diverse scenery ranging from orchards and farmland to exotic, native forests with beautiful coastal beaches stretching along both the west and east coasts of New Zealand.
Day 13: Bay of Islands - Auckland
 You will take Highway 1 south back down the island to Auckland. Enroute, after driving through the curvy Brynderwyn Hills about 55 km south of Whangarei, it is worth stopping at the Matakohe Kauri Museum. This fascinating small town museum will teach you the significance of the Kauri to New Zealand's history.
As you near Auckland City, travel over the Harbour Bridge and continue on the motorway, you arrive at the Sebel Suites. There are many fabulous restaurants all around Auckland. If you are looking for city dining, then on the waterfront, near the America's Cup village, are selections of outdoor cafes that offer a variety of ethnic and local foods with a great atmosphere. The Kermidec next to the America's Cup village offers superior New Zealand seafood meals.
Day 14
This will be your last morning in this glorious country, as you head out to the International Airport for your flight home, or on to Australia for a further unique adventure.
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