Maori Culture New Zealand
Maori Culture
from $1848 per person twin share
Day 1
Arrive Auckland
(Flights additional)
Auckland airport transfer to accommodation
Option: Auckland War Memorial Museum/The Domain The location of this museum is only enhanced by the sounds of the Maori people “Manaia”.
You may have time to visit the museum before your sail or hike this afternoon.
Included: choose between either
NZL 40 America's Cup Sailing
Take the helm, trim on the grinders or just sit back and enjoy the action as you sail down the Auckland
Harbor. First time sailors or regular racers, two hour sail.
or
Small group Guided Hike of the Western Auckland beach area and surrounds. Learn of the fascinating local history, flora and fauna. Visit giant Tree Ferns and Kauri trees, walk on a black sand beach. Native birds and waterfalls give a true insight for the unspoilt native bush and so close to the city.
Accom: First Class
Auckland 1 nt
Day 2 Pick up your Rental Car
Drive north to the Bay of Islands.
Guided visit "birth of the nation" ending at the
Waitangi Treaty House.
Located within the Waitangi Reserve, surrounded by bush walks, an international golf course, the historic National Treaty House and the Bay of Islands
harbor.
Accom:
First Class, Waitangi
2 nts
Day 3
Included: choose between either
“Cape Reinga” a tour to the very top of the North Island.
Enjoying the magnificent natural wonders of the North. Be over-awed by the grandeur of the mighty Kauri trees, the expanse of Ninety Mile Beach and the mystique of Cape Reinga.
There are numerous stops for you to take in the scenic highlights and activities. They start with the easy twenty minute boardwalk through the Puketi Kauri Forest.
Thunder along Ninety Mile Beach to the top of New Zealand and wander out to the lighthouse. Ride our sand sledges if you dare! Take a swim, dig for shellfish and taste the local fruits of Kerikeri. Visit the picturesque village of Mangonui.
Your Coach driver's local knowledge and informative commentary will make this trip one to remember. It is a day full of activity and yours to enjoy.
or
“Swim with Dolphins”
cruise.
Get up close to the dolphins. Conditions permitting swim with them. The Bay has the warmest waters in New Zealand for swimming with dolphins.
Get you to the dolphins fast in our water-jet powered catamaran, the best vessel in the Bay for dolphin viewing with large deck areas and plenty of room to move around. At times you may also see orcas, whales, seals, penguins and other wildlife.
You'll have the added bonus of stopping off on beautiful Urupukapuka Island. If you wish, stay for the day at no extra cost. Enjoy the coastal walks and magnificent beaches. Browse through the Maori Arts and Crafts centre or relax in the cafe.
Day 4 Drive south past Auckland to your farmstay. (D)
Accom:
Farmstay
1 nt
Tonight a chance to stay on a real working farm
and to share dinner with friendly New Zealanders.
Included: Dinner, bed and breakfast.
Day 5
Blackwater
Rafting
(B)
Take a serene, surreal and beautiful trip lit by the soft blue luminescence of glow worms as you “cave tube” through an underground environment! Enjoy the ups and downs, unders and overs, and sounds of rushing water or absolute silence! Bring a towel, your swimsuit, a camera and a smile!
Drive to Rotorua.
Accom:
First Class
Rotorua
2 nts
Day 6 Morning
tour Rotorua
Included: Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Enjoy a guided tour and see Maori carving and weaving demonstrations. Walk through the thermal reserve to see boiling mud pools and shooting geysers. Rainbow Springs a unique showcase ofNew Zealand's flora and fauna, featuring some of New Zealand's endangered species. The Rainbow farm - a hands on experience gives an animated insight into New Zealand's farming history.
Afternoon : Free (maybe pamper yourself at the Polynesian Spa)
Evening:
Maori Hangi and Concert
(D)
Experience the spirit of the ancestral Maori. Begin your journey by coach to a traditional Marae, a sacred meeting place for the Maori of this area. A "Wero" or challenge awaits you before you are welcomed to the Marae and allowed into the meeting house. Now you are treated to the performers of the Tangata Whenua. They dance the fierce "haka" or war-dance, twirl poi’s and sing traditional songs. Then it’s time to enjoy a "Hangi" or traditional feast, where the food has been cooked in the ground.
Day 7 Drive south to Wellington.
Accom:
First Class Wellington
2 nts
Day 08 Maori Treasures
Experience the art and
cultural customs of Maori people that form part of a rich heritage, making
Aotearoa (New Zealand) unique in the world.
Discover a treasured Maori art tradition that spans
three centuries. Today will include demonstrations of Maori art and craft, an
opportunity to create something special for yourself, and to view work from
leading Maori artists.
Walk along Wellington's beautiful waterfront and hear legends of sea monsters,
Maori warriors and fearsome storms. Take an extraordinary insight into New
Zealand at Te Papa, which highlights our rich arts, culture, and natural
history.
Includes interaction with Maori artists, and an opportunity to discover
treasured traditional and contemporary Maori art. Myths and legends of
Whanganui-a-tara (Wellington Harbour) will be told throughout the tour.
Day 09 Take the
Inter-Island Ferry from Wellington
then connect with
the TranzCoastal Rail
to Christchurch
Accom:
Boutique, Christchurch 1
nt
A special boutique property to complete your New Zealand journey through time.
Day10
Included:
Air: Additional
New Zealand: Auckland airport transfer to accommodation, choice of activities Auckland, Auckland 1 nt, Car Rental includes unlimited kilometers, GST (12.5%), intermediate auto pick up Auckland drop off Wellington, entrance to Waitangi treaty house, Bay of Islands 2 nts, choice of activities Bay of Islands, Farmstay includes dinner and breakfast 1 nt, Blackwater Rafting I, Rotorua 2 nts, Rotorua morning tour, Maori Hangi and Concert includes dinner and transfers, Wellington 2 nts, Maori Treasures tour, Inter Island Ferry Wellington/Picton, Coastal Pacific Picton/Christchurch, transfer to accommodation, Christchurch includes breakfast 1 nt, taxes
________________________
Valid: Now through Mar 31 '11
** It may be necessary on certain dates to substitute similar type activities and accommodations
Additional: Flights
.
.