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Day 22 – Wednesday, November 7: Sydney / Auckland/ Bay Of Islands
Fly this morning at 7.25am to Auckland, New Zealand. After passing through immigration & customs transfer to your short flight north to Kerikeri, the Bay of Islands. Arrive at Kerikeri at 5pm, pick up your car, and drive the short distance to your B&B for the night. (*B)

Day 23– Thursday, November 8: Bay Of Islands
Drive to Pahia, a few miles south, and board your catamaran Carino to explore some of the 200 islands, and numerous bays, that make up the well-named Bay of Islands. Your motor-sailing yacht has been watching dolphins in the bay for years, and know their habits well – they even have names for certain individuals. In addition to watching the dolphins, you’ll have the chance to snorkel and see the islands and bays, stopping along the way. You'll enjoy a delicious lunch along the way, see some beautiful New Zealand sights, and meet some friendly people. An alternative to this trip, which is on a catamaran, is the Gungha trip, which is a little more focussed on sailing. (B,L)

Day 24 – Friday, November 9: Cape Reinga
This morning head north, exploring the far north of the island, with its beautiful stretches of coastline and natural areas, including Cape Reinga, at the top of Ninety Mile Beach. The Cape is a sacred place for the local Maori, who believe their spirits travel there after death, jump off the Cape, travel to some nearby islands for a last look back, then disappear. Several areas are roped off due to this. The lighthouse at the tip has been an important beacon, whose light could once be seen 30 miles out to sea; it's now just a beacon visible for about half that. Ninety Mile Beach, on the western side, is just that - ninety miles of unbroken beaches in a pristine area. Today is an easy day exploring at your leisure. (B)

Day 25 - Saturday, November 10: Bay of Islands / Rotorua
Fly from Kerikeri to Rotorua Island at 10.20 this morning, arriving 1.40pm in Rotorua, the traditional home of the Maori people, and one of New Zealand's prime geothermal regions. Pick up your rental car, and some tour information, at the airport. A short drive will take you to Te Puia, where you can experience authentic Maori culture. The center has arts and crafts displays and activities - you can usually see Maori artisans at work and take guided walks. In addition to the Maori aspect, the center is located at the Whakarewarewa Valley geothermal area. These geysers, vents and mineral-rich pools have played an important role in Maori culture. By the way, the pipes you'll see steaming behind many of the houses are Rotorua's unique thermal energy system. Early this evening you are picked up from your hotel and travel to Mitai village near the base of Mount Ngongotaha, about five minutes out of town. This will be a wonderful introduction into Maori culture, and their connections with New Zealand’s natural world. In addition to a traditional Waka greeting, you enjoy cultural performances and a Hangi (hung–ee), the traditional pit-cooked Maori meal. You’ll also have more modern New Zealand style food as well, and take a guided bush walk through the forest. The evening ends with seeing glow-worms via a walk in the forest to a small pool. Return to your hotel mid-evening. (D)

Day 26 – Sunday, November 11: Rotorua / Nelson
This morning leave Rotorua and head a few miles north to the Agrodome, and touristy but fun and worthwhile look at all things New Zealand, which means sheep. Sheep dog displays and trials, and a lot more , make this an enjoyable, definitely rural look at this agricultural country. The Waimangu Valley, a pristine area formed after an 1886 volcanic eruption may also be of interest. After the Agrodome return to Rotorua for your 1pm flight to the South Island city of Nelson, arriving at 3pm. Pick up your car at the airport and begin to explore the region, which is the gateway to the beautiful Abel Tasman National Park and the Marlborough Sounds. Between Nelson and Blenheim, about 80 miles to the east, lie some of New Zealand’s most famous, and best, wineries. There are also a number of restaurants featuring both these wines, and the foods for which New Zealand is famous – fresh cold water seafood, venison and lamb.

Day 27 – Monday, November 12: Nelson / Blenheim area
Explore the wineries, restaurants and other features of the Marlborough region. In Nelson itself is the World of Wearable Art, and the Hoglund art glass studio.

Day 28 – Tuesday, November 13: Blenheim / Christchurch
Continue to explore the area, eventually wandering down the east coast to to Christchurch, a little under four hours away, and enjoy the English air, parks and gardens of this pretty city. Christchurch is often described as the most English city outside of England. There is a plethora of architecturally stunning 19th and 20th century buildings on parade as well as the very modern such as the Christchurch Art Gallery, all surrounded by award-winning parks and botanical gardens. You may be interested in visiting the International Antarctic Centre (located out by the International Airport): take a ride in a Haglund (snowcat) and then experience a very real polar blast! Or perhaps you may want to take a trip out to Banks Peninsula and explore the beautiful French village of Akaroa.

Day 29 – Wednesday, November 14: Christchurch / Greymouth / Fox Village
Today take the famous Tranzalpine train at 8.25am across the island to Greymouth, arriving about 12.30pm. The trip takes you across the backbone of the South Island, amongst sheep-studded grassy plains, through forests, and over the Southern Alps – home to New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt Cook/Aoraki, all the time surrounded by glorious snowcapped mountains glistening in the morning sun. The train climbs through the Alps via Arthur's Pass, with your journey taking you from one side of the South Island to the other, all within a morning – and ending on the opposite side of the island: the wild West Coast. At the top of the range Keas, a mountain parrot, are often seen, sometimes attacking cars and other human sources of amusement. Don't leave your bag unattended. Pick up your rental car here and drive about half an hour north to Paparoa National Park on the coast, where limestone rocks appear stacked like pancakes, and blowholes create impressive sprays of sea water. There are numerous inland and beachside walks in and around this small national park. Retrace your steps to Greymouth and continue south, stopping at the small town of Hokitika, an old mining town offering unique Maori greenstone/jade (pounamu) jewelry other crafts produced by local artisans. Continue on to Fox Glacier village, about 2 hours away.

Day 30– Thursday, November 15: Fox Village / Queenstown
First thing this morning, if there is no breeze, drive a few kilometers out of town to Lake Matheson. A delightful walk takes you to the lake itself, which on still mornings is perfectly reflects the snow-capped mountains and Mt Cook behind it. Return to Fox and continue south to Franz Josef and through the Haast Pass to the alpine town of Queenstown.

Day 31 – Friday, November 16: Queenstown
There’s lots to do in Queenstown, from hiking, horseriding literally through Lord of the Rings country, river jet-boating (extremely fast stink boats), the Kiwi House, and you can even try bungee jumping….. Overnight overlooking the lake.

Day 32 – Saturday, November 17: Queenstown / Te Anau
Continue south about 3 hours to Te Anau, at the base of Fiordland National Park. It’s a very scenic route, with the mountains on your right, passing both rugged and rolling country and running down the side of Lake Wakatipu. A early start will give you time for a walk in the nearby Fiordland National Park, or detour to historic Arrowtown, just outside Queenstown. Stay tonight at a small farm here with an ex hunting guide, National Parks Ranger and general naturalist. He’s a very interesting chap, and can give you good suggestions for your southern explorations.

Day 33 – Sunday, November 18: Milford Sound
Return into Te Anau for your tour to Milford Sound, one of the highlights of any New Zealand visit. The Sound, with Mitre Peak looming over the often still waters, is scenically stunning. Your boat takes you along the sound, pausing at waterfalls and other beautiful sights. A stop is made at the Underwater Observatory, where you can go below the surface to view the marine life that makes the Sound home. Return to your farmstay tonight. (B)

Day 34 – Monday, November 19: Te Anau / Dunedin
Make a leisurely drive across the south of the island today, arriving this evening in Dunedin, a university city on the Otago Peninsula. Along the way you’ll see the scenic Caitlins, where you may want to stop for a picnic. Tonight enjoy another B&B stay, with its views of the harbor. (B)

Day 35 – Tuesday, November 20: Dunedin
Today see some of New Zealand’s wildlife, including the huge – wingspan 8 ft albatrosses on a boat trip, and then visit Yellow-eyed Penguins at their breeding ground. There’s also free time to wander around the city. (B)\

Day 36 – Wednesday, November 21: Dunedin / Auckland / Fiji
Fly north to Auckland mid-morning, then fly to Fiji at 2pm, arriving at 4.05pm local time. You are met and transferred to Denarau Harbour to take your short boat ride across to Malololailai Island. (*L)

Days 37 & 38 – Thursday & Friday, November 22 & 23: Fiji
Relax on your tropical island over these two days, doing as much or as little as you wish. For a change of pace you could take a tour across on the mainland, perhaps visiting the inner part of the island and seeing village life (added expense).

Day 39 – Saturday, November 24: Nadi/ Seattle
You return across to the mainland late this afternoon, and head back to Nadi for your 10pm flight to Los Angeles, where you arrive at 1.40pm this same day. After immigration and customs you fly home to Seattle, with many memories of the places and people of the three Pacific nations you have visited on your travels. (*D,*B)

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