The Flora and Fauna of New Zealand
October 28th-November 12th, 2008

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - October 28th depart Canada

Day 2 - October 29th - En route to Auckland, we lose a day as we cross the international date line

Day 3 - October 30th Auckland LD
Welcome to Auckland, one of the world’s most exciting waterside cities and New Zealand’s largest and most vibrant. Dubbed the “City of Sails,” Auckland features spectacular harbor views, with more yachts and sailboats per capita than any other city in the world. Clear customs and transfer to your hotel for a chance to clean up and rest for a few hours before beginning our exploration of Auckland. After lunch board your coach and transfer to the summit of nearby Mt Eden. Auckland is built upon 48 dormant or extinct volcanoes and at 196 m; this is the highest volcanic cone in the area. The views of the city and bay are stunning – from here you can survey the entire Auckland region, the bays and some of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf – and look 50 m down into the volcano’s crater! You then transfer to the Auckland Botanic Garden. Auckland Botanic Gardens is home to over 10,000 plants from around the world spread over 64 hectares in Manurewa, South Auckland. Return to your hotel for dinner and an early night. Overnight Auckland

Day 4- October 31st Auckland BD
A further day in this region to enjoy some magnificent private gardens including a harbour cruise across to Devonport. Disembark and meet your coach driver and head to Totara Waters which is a 2 acre subtropical garden set on the upper Waitemata Harbor. Development began in 1999 by Peter and Jocelyn Coyle, whereby extensive planting of rare and unusual plants have been included in the garden. There are many species of palms, beaucarneas, succulents, cycads, yuccas, cacti, aloes, dracaenas, agaves and bromeliads. Later visit Twin Lakes which is a peaceful, all-seasons private garden formed around a five-acre lake with water lilies and exotic waterfowl. The garden features unusual and ornamental borders around the house with areas of mixed plantings, rock gardens and a bog garden. Overnight Auckland

Day 5 - November 1st Auckland/Rotorua BLD
After breakfast, we visit Ayrlies–a 12-acre private country garden begun in 1964. Despite the size of this mature garden, repeated plantings of certain species and the use of the same materials throughout, it achieves a harmonious feel. Lunch will be provided at Haunui Horse Stud that boasts a beautiful private garden old growth totaras, rimus, puriris. Nikau provide a lush native bush background to the garden and to the working areas of the thoroughbred stud at Haunui Farm. There are extensive collections of camellias, maples, magnolias and a wide variety of shrubs, roses, perennials and annuals. Mark will also parade some horses for you on the lawn! Later head south to Rotorua – the Maori cultural and thermal area of New Zealand. Overnight Rotorua

Day 6 - November 2nd Rotorua BD
Today is all about sightseeing in this iconic NZ tourist area. Visit Rainbow Springs to view an internationally renowned trout hatchery and the kiwi bird conservation house – see the life cycle of this endangered species as it happens – you may see an egg hatching, chicks being raised and you will see a number of birds scurrying around in their nocturnal house. Enjoy the Agro dome show – an entertaining and informative show about New Zealand’s sheep industry. Later visit the Maori Arts and Craft Institute. Here you will view wood carvers, flax weavers and see the bubbling mud pools, boiling springs and geysers and the silica terraces. Tonight experience an authentic Maori village and enjoy a colorful Maori concert and hangi (feast).
Overnight As above

Day 7 - November 3rd Rotorua/Dunedin BD
This morning head to the airport for your flight to Dunedin (via Christchurch) arriving at lunch time. Meet your coach driver and head out to the Otago Peninsula to visit Penguin Place – a yellow eyed penguin conservation reserve. These penguins are one of the world’s most endangered species and you will see a working conservation program and undisturbed penguin activity at close range through a unique system of hides and tunnels. Later venture to the Dunedin Botanic Gardens where you will have free time to relax and explore as you wish. Following dinner, there will also be free time to explore the city.
Overnight Dunedin

Day 8 - November 4th- Dunedin/Queenstown BLD
Today you will visit Larnach Castle and its beautiful gardens with an exclusive guided tour by the owner of the castle. Later head to Queenstown with a visit to Avenel Station Gardens en route – a working sheep and deer stud with a beautiful private country garden. The garden is planted with bulbs and rhododendrons followed by perennials and roses in summer. Rock plants and alpines are favorites; a bog garden, conifers, maples and other autumn coloring trees add interest. Enjoy a tour of their 6000 acre high country station that farms 6000 sheep, 1000 deer and some beef cattle. Lunch will be provided on farm. After lunch continue your journey north and arrive into Queenstown which is on the shores of stunning Lake Wakatipu, and is surely one of the most scenic spots in the world. The aptly named Remarkables and Eyre Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop. Early this evening, take the Skyline Gondola to the Skyline Restaurant for dinner and an incredible view of the city and region. Overnight Queenstown

Day 9 - November 5th- Queenstown B
Since you have done so much driving over the past few days, we believe you will enjoy having the day free to relax or explore in the incredible surroundings of Queenstown. Stroll along the waterfront through town and beautiful parkland. Explore the many shops. Anyone feeling really energetic could climb up Queenstown Hill (900m)–a comfortable 2-3 hours up and back. There is no shortage of opportunities including lake cruising, a scenic flight to Milford Sound, golfing, wine tours and so on! Overnight as above

Day 10 - November 6th- Queenstown/Doubtful Sound BLD
Today you will journey to Doubtful Sound which begins with a cruise across Lake Manapouri. Meet your coach and travel over Wilmot Pass through dense rainforest. At Deep Cover board the overnight cruise vessel for a leisurely exploration of Doubtful Sound. The vessel anchors overnight in one of the Sound’s hidden arms. Overnight Aboard the Fiordland Navigator

Day 11 - November 7th- Doubtful Sound/Te Anau BD
This morning after a hearty breakfast, we continue to explore the area before returning to Deep Cove and heading to Te Anau for the evening. After dinner take a trip across Lake Te Anau to view the glow worm caves. Overnight Te Anau

Day 12 - November 8th- Te Anau/Lake Wanaka BL
We head north today and visit the Rosedale Chapel and Water Garden– here historic ruins of a gold mining hotel form the entrance and covering more than three acres, the garden features streams, ponds and waterfalls. We’ll drive through Arrowtown before heading over the Crown Range. Lunch will be at a winery whose vineyard sweeps down to the shores of Lake Wanaka. Your evening is free to stroll around this lakeside town. Overnight Lake Wanaka

Day 13 - November 9th - Lake Wanaka/Mt Somers BD
We begin our return trek northward today, passing over the dramatic Lindis Pass that links the Mackenzie Basin with Central Otago on up through Twizel to Lake Tekapo. Prepare to be wowed by the sweeping views across the opalescent turquoise lake with hills and the snowcapped Southern Alps as a backdrop. In the distance, we see Mt Cook National Park. Of the 27 NZ Mountains over 3050 m, 22 are in this park. Stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd built of stone and wood in 1935 on the shore of Lake Tekapo. Continue through to Mt Somers – the foothills of the Southern Alps and spend the evening with local farming families enjoying dinner and breakfast with your hosts. (Groups of 4-6 per host – very popular) Overnight Farm stay

Day 14 - November 10th- Canterbury region BL
After breakfast reassemble and head to Longbeach - an historic South Canterbury property since 1864. Besides the garden there is much to see by way of the original farm buildings (most of which survive today) and the restored original cobb cottage. The fine old wooden church at the far end of the garden dates back to 1873 and is still used by the family. The lawns are extensive, setting off the fine house (1938, designed by Heathcote Helmore) and there are some creditable borders planted to add colour and interest. Successive generations have continued planting and today there are 16 acres of sweeping lawns. While this is a work in progress the present family is rolling back the undergrowth that had encroached as the years took their toll. A hand dug lake lies to one side. After an early lunch in the restored schoolhouse at Longbeach, visit Benlea Farm to view a private one acre garden that surrounds the family home- many established trees, rhododendrons and NZ native plants. Continue your journey into Christchurch, the Garden City of New Zealand. Free evening tonight.
Overnight Christchurch

Day 15 - November 11th- Christchurch BD
Today you will visit Mona Vale – an historic garden on the banks of the River Avon where morning tea will be provided. Later, we have a guided tour of Christchurch Botanic Gardens with the River Avon meandering through this beautiful area. Free time for lunch (own arrangements) before reassembling to visit Ohinetahi at Governors Bay – an historic stone house with topiaried hedges, formal parterre, rose garden, stone walls and a water garden. Your farewell dinner will be at an award winning restaurant that is housed in a converted band rotunda on the banks of the River Avon.
Overnight Christchurch

Day 16 - November12th - Christchurch B
Today is free: explore the many shops, visit the Arts and Crafts Center, or wander through the Christchurch Botanical Gardens along the banks of the Avon River. We enjoy an early dinner before transferring to the Christchurch Airport for your return flight home.

Inclusions:

• escorted by Marjorie Mason noted Toronto horticulturalist and experienced guide
• 13 nights’ accommodation share twin in 3-4 star hotels
• cooked breakfast daily
• 6 lunches and 10 dinners
• air conditioned touring coach
• Doubtful sound overnight cruise
• all garden visits as listed per itinerary
• all sightseeing as listed per itinerary
• goods and services tax at 12.5%
• inter New Zealand flight

Cost:
*$3775- double occupancy/ $895- single supplement
International airfare and Govt Taxes available January - contact Lorna
*Please note this price is based on a minimum of 25 participants.

Payment schedule and cancellation policy:
A $500 per person deposit is due at time of reservation. Your deposit is refundable up until February 1st, 2008 less a $100 handling fee.
Final payment is due July 7th, 2008. After final payment is made, the trip is nonrefundable.
A check is the required method of payment for the deposit. For final payment, a 2% surcharge will be added for credit card use on the land portion.

Please make checks payable to Carlson Wagonlit Travel and mail to Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Attn: Lorna Bates,1800 Dundas Street East,
Whitby,On  L1N2L4

Insurance:
RBC Insurance is highly recommended. Must be purchased with deposit in order to be covered. Please contact Lorna for insurance options.

Documentation:
You will need a valid Canadian or US Passport to enter New Zealand.

General information:
Please note that the price quoted is based on today’s rate of exchange. Although unexpected, if there is a significant fluctuation (either way) an adjustment in the price may be made.
Extension trips to Australia and other South Pacific destinations are available.
We are limiting the number of participants to 3o so reserve your space as quickly as possible. Please click here to complete the reservation form and send your deposit to secure your reservation.

For more information, contact:
Lorna Bates at Carlson Wagonlit Travel
905—432-8411
e-mail:lorna@cwtajax.com