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The Icons of New Zealand Aircruise is a beautiful discovery of all the diverse landscapes and timeless natural beauty New Zealand has to offer. New Zealand is home to a vastly different variety of landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Cook and the Alps, to the towering geysers of Rotorua and the pristine wilderness of Fiordland National Park.
Staying at luxurious and perfectly located accommodation throughout, the Icons of New Zealand Aircruise is a unique opportunity not to be missed.
When you travel on an Aircruise everything is included and arranged before you even leave home. This means not only does your holiday include accommodation, dining, and all excursions but every single one of these elements is the finest in its class. Throughout the journey, you will have a Journey Director on hand to look after you every step of the way.
Highlights
- Cruise through the Marlborough Sounds to view the natural beauty of this environment
- Enjoy aerial sightseeing of the majestic Southern Alps by private aircraft, landing at Mount Cook
- View at close range the enormous ice face of New Zealand’s largest glacier
- Jet boat on the Dart River in ‘Lord of the Rings country’
- Cruise the magnificent Doubtful Sound
- This quintessential New Zealand journey covers all the highlights including Auckland, Bay of Islands,
- Napier, Rotorua, Marlborough, Mount Cook, Doubtful Sound, Queenstown, Christchurch and Wellington – all by private aircraft
Itinerary
Day 1 – Auckland
Today your journey begins in Auckland. Meet your Journey Director and fellow travellers at a welcome dinner this evening. Dine on local seafood overlooking the harbour.
Overnight: Sofitel Auckland Hotel or similar
Day 2 – Waiheke Island
Travel by ferry to Waiheke Island, and sample its world class wines. Returning to Auckland by private yacht, try your hand at sailing.
Overnight: Sofitel Auckland Hotel or similar
Day 3 – Auckland to Bay of Islands
Fly to the tip of the North Island, Cape Reinga, before landing at the Bay of Islands. Tour the historic township of Russell and cruise the Bay of Islands.
Overnight: Pahair Beach Resort or similar
Day 4 – Bay of Islands to Rotorua
This morning enjoy a spectacular flight over the islands of the Hauraki Gulf. Then visit the famous Rotorua thermal region renowned for its towering geysers and significance to the Maori culture.
Overnight: The Regent, Rotorua
Day 5 – Rotorua to Napier to Wellington
Enjoy breathtaking views of New Zealand’s North Island en route to Napier, a beautifully preserved art deco town. At Cape Kidnappers view New Zealand’s only mainland Gannet colony. Take a short flight to the capital of New Zealand – Wellington.
Overnight: Sofitel Wellington or similar
Day 6 – Wellington
Visit Wellington’s Botanical Gardens and ride on the famous cable car. Visit the acclaimed Te Papa Museum depicting the arts, culture and heritage of New Zealand. Take a spectacular flight across the
Overnight: Sofitel Wellington or similar
Day 7 – Wellington to Marlborough Sounds
Re-board the aircraft today and enjoy spectacular flightseeing over Marlborough Sounds landing in the heart of the Marlborough wine country. On arrival transfer to the acclaimed Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre which houses a display like no other and you don’t have to be an aviation buff to enjoy it. This afternoon cruise the Marlborough Sounds on a luxury vessel. Visit Putanui Point, this point borders three Sounds, Pelorus Sound, Kenepuru Sound and Mahau Sound.
Overnight: Marlborough Vintners Hotel or similar
Day 8 – Marlborough to Mount Cook
Today we fly from Blenheim to Mount Cook with spectacular flightseeing en-route of the Westlands National Park. On arrival in Mount Cook enjoy a walk up to the moraine wall to a viewing point with a spectacular outlook over the surface of the glacier with sink holes, ice cliffs and the terminal ice of the Tasman Glacier melting before you.
Overnight: Hermitage Hotel or similar
Day 9 – Mount Cook to Te Anau
After a morning of leisure take a glacier cruise, exploring the huge dripping ice face of New Zealand’s largest glacier. Watch and listen to the ice melting before your eyes in this tranquil glacial lake nestled in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. This afternoon continue flightseeing of the Westlands National Park which stretches from the coast to the top of Mount Cook and the spectacular Southern Alps before arriving in Te Anau.
Overnight: The Distinction Hotel Te Anau or similar
Day 10 – Doubtful Sound to Queenstown
Cruise Doubtful Sound which reveals dramatic scenery where the high vertical walls of the Sound protect the pristine wilderness. See dolphins, seals and bird life along the way. Travel through Fiordland National Park. Late this afternoon onward flight to Queenstown.
Overnight: Sofitel Queenstown or similar
Day 11 – Queenstown
Enjoy a scenic drive to Glenorchy, then experience the thrill of a jetboat on the Dart River through “Lord of the Rings” country. Travel the back-road by four wheel drive back to Glenorchy before returning to Queenstown.
Overnight: Sofitel Queenstown or similar
Day 12 – Queenstown to Christchurch
A short flight over alpine scenery and the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. You will be amazed at how this resilient city has been rebuilt after the devastating earthquakes it experienced. Stroll along the banks of the Avon River, browse the many shops that have popped up. Tonight there will be a farewell dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: The George Hotel
Day 13 – Homeward Bound
Your 13 day New Zealand odyssey concludes today with connecting flights from Christchurch to your home port.
Departures & Rates
| Tour Code | Dates | Departs | Returns | Price |
| NZ601 | 4Nov16 – 16Nov16 | Auckland | Christchurch | AU$13,495 |
*Rates are subject to availability and seasonality and may change without notice. Rates are based on two adults sharing. For solo travellers or single person occupancy rates or further information on terms and conditions, please contact our Travel Specialists at time of booking.
