For those who are interested - 13 Day Kiwi Discovery ex Christchurch Quad

Sunday, June 03
Your tour will depart from the Cathedral Camelot Square Hotel, 66 Cathedral Square, Christchurch at 8.00am. Please ensure you are at the hotel at least 15 minutes prior to departure. If you cannot locate
the crew within 15 minutes of the designated departure time, please call APT Auckland - 0064 (0)9 2796077. Our journey commences in Christchurch where you'll find grand architecture, historic homesteads and immaculate parks intermingle with the technology and style of modern life. We make tracks across the Canterbury Plains to the town of Geraldine. Today we follow the southern lakes hydroelectricity scheme around impressive blue water lakes with the ever-present Southern Alps as a backdrop. Stop for a photo opportunity at the "Church of the Good Shepard" on Lake Tekapo. There is an opportunity to take a breathtaking 40 minute fixed wing flight* over the lakes, southern alps and glaciers. After lunch its onwards to Lake Pukaki and a chance for some amazing photos as we gaze across the clear blue waters to Mt Cook - known to the Maori people as Aoraki or "cloud piercer" - hopefully no clouds in sight to obscure our view! Our afternoon drive takes us over the Lindis Pass and through the Cromwell district where we have a chance to stop and stretch and sample the famous fresh and dried fruits grown in the
region. Our journey continues along the Kawarau River, with its familiar Lord of the Rings scenery, and home to AJ Hackett's original Bridge Bungy site - the first commercial bungy in the world. Onwards to our destination, the adrenalin mecca of the southern hemisphere!! [D]

Monday, June 04
Today we journey to the magnificent Milford Sound. Wake up with a caffeine break at the township of Te Anau on the shores of one of New Zealand's many large glacial carved lakes. We'll stop and admire the reflection in Mirror Lake, the views down the Hollyford valley before we literally drive through the mountain as we enter the Homer Tunnel and emerge back into a landscape of spectacular mountains and waterfalls. We'll enjoy a cruise on the waters of Milford Sound, really a Fiord carved by glaciers many moons ago. If the weather is favourable you can opt to take the short way "home" on a scenic flight to Queenstown.* A short walk at the Chasm before we make our return journey through Te Anau to Queenstown. A well-earned meal before we head out and perhaps check out the nightlife - there's always a party in this adrenalin charged town! [BD]

Tuesday, June 05
Today its time to play! And adventure awaits us everywhere. Perhaps take a giant swing as you leap over the waters high above the Shotover Canyon*. Want something more sedate? Take a walk along Lake Wakatipu through the botanic gardens or sample the culinary delights of the many cafes in this remarkable town. Try your hand on the snowy slopes at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables or Cadrona Ski resorts*. First timer? No worries, there are great beginner packages to help you get started on the gentler slopes! You name it - its all here and awaiting you in Queenstown!! We'll regroup at dinner and share our day's experiences. [BD]

Wednesday, June 06
Today its time to play and an adventure awaits us at every turn! Try a bungy jump* (or three!) at the home of commercial bungy jumping, raft on the Shotover River* or surf the waters of the Kawarau whilst river boarding*. A shot of adrenalin in the Shotover Jet* as you skim past the canyon walls, or the breathtaking scenery of the Dart River on a jetboat safari* or by horseback*. Enjoy the mountains and views from a bike* or hike to Ben Lomond for 360 degree views. Take a hang glide down*, or drop out of the skies during a tandem skydive*. Or perhaps you'd prefer a Lord of the Rings Tour*, a giant leap and swing out over Shotover Canyon* or admire the view from the skyline gondola*. You name it - its all here and awaiting you in Queenstown!! We'll regroup at dinner and share our day's experiences. [BD]

Thursday, June 07
An early start today as we journey past Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea and break at Makarora for morning tea. We negotiate Haast Pass and stop at Thunder Creek Falls, which flows into the Haast River amidst rainforest, highlighting the beauty of this World Heritage area. Westland National Park abounds with high mountain peaks and glaciers and this afternoon we'll have a chance to walk on a flowing river of ice! A half day guided hike* is an excellent way to take a closer look at Fox Glacier as your guides take you alongside the glacier through rejuvenating temperate rainforest and onto the lower icefall. Don't forget to look up and admire the forested peaks that rise dramatically to create the glacial valley. If you prefer to search higher on the glacier for stunning ice caves and formations take a heli-hike* onto the upper icefall and enjoy a more sedate walking pace as you explore with your guides and await the return of your helicopter. [BD]

Friday, June 08
Let's hope Lake Matheson's waters are still and the skies clear so we can get that famous reflection of New Zealand's two tallest mountain peaks in it's waters, as we start our day with a morning walk before heading off into the mountains. We stop briefly at the visitor's centre in Franz Josef, then on to the wild West Coast as we head into the town of Hokitika for our lunch break. We'll stop at the Jade factory and see the carvers skilfully creating works of art from the greenstone, known as jade, and grab the chance to purchase a souvenir pendant. The scenery will continue to amaze you today as we head once again across the Alps. Our path is only one of three that cut across these impressive mountains that form the backbone of the South Island. Through the Otira Gorge with waterfalls cascading overhead, a quick break at Arthur's Pass, then back down onto the Canterbury Plains. Our home tonight is back in Christchurch and time, if you wish, for a meal out at a local hotspot as we unwind. [B]

Saturday, June 09
Our morning's drive takes us to the small town of Kaikoura, nestled at the foothills of the Kaikoura ranges with the pale blue waters of the Pacific lapping its grey pebbly shore. Marine life abounds in the rich waters and the resident sperm whales are there for the viewing* 12 months of the year. Very popular is the opportunity to swim with the many Dusky Dolphins or seals* that abound in the area, or go out on the boat* for some great dolphin viewing opportunities. Don't worry, those amongst us who prefer terra-firma can go on a coastal hike and enjoy the waters from a distance, hire a bike* for a ride out to the peninsula, or kick-back in a café and enjoy the local delicacies. Continuing north we stop at Ohau Point to spy out some NZ fur seals before entering the vineyards of the Marlborough region, famous for its wines. Onward across the ranges to Nelson, and a late arrival into our "home-away-from-home" for the next two nights by Tahunanui Beach. [BD]

Sunday, June 10
Awake to Nelson with the highest recorded days of sunshine in New Zealand, and the day is yours to explore this amazing area. The nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers a journey into a world of native bush greeting golden sands, hidden bays and blue-green clear waters. Explore the park by water taxi*, the ever-popular walking tracks or from the water as you paddle in your ocean kayaks along the incredible shoreline*. For a different look at the park try jumping out of a perfectly good plane and take in the incredible views as you skydive back to base on a tandem skydive*. There's always horse riding* and quad biking* with ocean views for those who prefer to remain grounded! Tonight we'll gather for a scrumptious meal and reflect on the day. [BD]

Monday, June 11
Our journey today takes us to the little town of Picton situated on the north coast of the South Island, as we make our way to the Interisland ferry for our trip across Cook Strait. Enjoy the beauty of the serene blue waters of the Marlborough Sounds from the outer viewing decks as we cruise through and on towards the North Island. We take a drive along the harbour and up Mt Victoria this afternoon for a 360-degree view of Wellington and surrounds. A definite Kodak moment! After some free time in the city we hang up our travellin' shoes. You'll also have the chance to check-out Te Papa, the National Museum of NZ. This is not your ordinary museum but very "hands-on" and full of interesting displays. Maybe you'd prefer to look in the nearby city centre, take a stroll along the harbour, catch up on your e-mails or perhaps take the scenic cable car* up into the Botanic Gardens and check out the view from there. The choice is yours. [B]

Tuesday, June 12
On the road again this afternoon, we depart Wellington and head north through farming country. We head past the very active Mt Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe - the classical conical volcano most commonly recognised as Mt Doom from the epic "Lord of the Rings" trilogy - and around New Zealand's largest lake to Lake Taupo. You'll have some leisure time to enjoy this area. Take a plunge toward the clear waters of the Waikato River at the Taupo bungy site*, jetboat to the Huka Falls*, or try a tandem skydive* - the choice is yours! [BD]

Wednesday, June 13
This morning we head toward the smelting pot of Rotorua. It's here that geothermal steam, volcanic mountains and huge crater lakes remind you that this region rests immediately above the Pacific Ring of Fire. We'll make a stop at the raging waters of Huka Falls, and past Wairakei Geo-thermal area. You'll see that Rotorua is truly alive with our afternoon visit to Whakarewarewa Maori Village and Thermal Reserve. Following our traditional Maori "hangi" meal we learn of the Maori lifestyle, history and customs on our tour in this unique village. See displays about traditional weapons, instruments and learn the intricate details of woodcarving. You'll have time also to enjoy a Maori concert before we depart for a tour of the town and our nearby motel. Tonight we'll enjoy a "kiwi-style" barbeque dinner and some recreational time out at the Blue & Green Lakes (weather permitting - summer only). [BLD]

Thursday, June 14
The day is yours to explore the region. Time for an optional day trip* to the small township of Waitomo. Here, hidden below the rolling hills and grazing sheep, a labyrinth of caves awaits exploration. Wonder at the beauty of St Benedict's Cave*, try "Tumu Tumu Toobing"*, or take in the action of "Haggis Honking Holes"* as you abseil, climb and grovel through this underground system. Want to turn up the heat? How about a day trip to nearby White Island and walk on an active marine Volcano?* Perhaps take a raft or kayak on the local Kaituna River*, home of the world's highest commercially rafted waterfall!, check out the local area in a 4wd tour or relax with a soothing massage or mud bath*! After dinner there's time to relax under the stars as you soak in the natural thermally heated waters of the motel spas and pool. [BD]

Friday, June 15
This morning we travel north along the Waikato River to Auckland, otherwise known as the "city of sails" and New Zealand's largest city. We make our way to the heart of the city centre to take a look from the impressive icon that is the Sky City viewing tower. At 328 metres Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere, offering breath-taking views for more than 80 kilometres in every direction before we farewell our travelling companions. [B]