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Australian Natural Adventures A
specialist travel agency for Australia travel, Australia tours, and
all things Australian.
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Australian Natural Adventures A
specialist travel agency for Australia travel, Australia tours, and
all things Australian.
|
Tourism Australia accredited Premier Aussie Specialist.
our
South Pacific journey by flying from Birmingham or Boston to Los Angeles.
Exit your terminal and either walk or shuttle to the 
friendly.
Qantas is known for its excellent food and in flight service, so sit
back and enjoy the hospitality, meal and a movie. I would, however,
recommend having dinner at the airport – there are a wide range
of options upstairs, at the end of the ticket counters – then
just relaxing on the plane. (*D)
Day
2 -Sunday, March 4: Lost In Space
Arrive in Auckland early this morning, pass through Customs and Immigration,
and walk across to the domestic terminal. Take your short flight north
to Kerikeri, and (finally!) check into your hotel. There is still
time to look around your fist stop in New Zealand.
Today explore some of the 200 islands, and numerous bays, that make
up th
e
well-named Bay of Islands. You may decide to go the more exciting
route, on a 70ft max-yacht for true sailing experience (but you'll
also stop along the way to enjoy the islands and snorkel), or enjoy
a more laid back cruise aimed at seeing the islands and bays, with
many stops along the way. Either way you'll enjoy a delicious lunch
along the way, see some beautiful New Zealand sights, and meet some
friendly people. You'll probably also meet some New Zealand wildlife,
the bay's resident dolphins.
tretches
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 jsut that - ninety miles of unbroken beaches in a
pristine area. Today is an easy day exploring at your leisure.
Fly south today to Rotorua, traditional home of the Maori people,a
nd one of New Zealand's prime geothermal regions. Pick up the 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 g
eysers,
vents and mineral-rich pools have played an important role in Maori
culture. There is much to do here and you may find yourself returning
tomorrow morning. By the way, the pipes you'll see steaming behind
many of the houses are Rotorua's unique thermal energy system. Late
this afternoon you drive or transfer to the 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, 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 some local glow-worms, a small introduction
to your Waitomo experience tomorrow. Return to your hotel mid-evening.
ive
yo
u
advice about Rotorua, and across to the Agrodome and Waitomo as well.)
Sheep dog displays and trials, and a lot more, make this an enjoyable,
definitely rural look at this agricultural country. Continue another
50 km or so north, then turn left (west) on a rural road, heading
through the countryside to Kihikihi, about 50km (New Zealand's tongue-twisting
names will became at least a little familiar to you once there). Turn
south here for about 30km to Waitomo, home to the famous glowworm
caves. Depending on your arrival time you may have time for one of
tomorrw's options. Overnight in Waitomo.
Day
8 - Saturday, March 10: Waitomo
aulted
limestone galleries up above. Your journey concludes when you emerge
into the sunlight of the Waitomo forest.
Waitomo
for a well-earned dinner (all included). 
,
the historical heart of Sydney. As well as a good range of interestings
shops, some of Sydney's oldest and most colorful pubs, and best restaurants,
are found within a ten minute stroll. Australia has developed its
own cuisine, a far cry from the stodgy English-based fare of earlier
years. Restaurants featuring a fusion of Asian, European and even
native Australian food abound, often featuring the superbly fresh
fish abundantly available from Australia's long coastline.