New Zealand 2008 - Optional Day Tours

Take a 35 minute ferry ride to beautiful Waiheke Island and on arrival meet your driver/guide for your tour of Waiheke Island. Since the late 1970's Waiheke's benign Mediterranean climate has seen the growth of a flourishing wine industry. A "small is beautiful" philosophy yields low quantities of extremely high quality fruit, which is made into international award-winning wines. The big Bordeaux-style reds of Stony Ridge, Goldwater Estate and Peninsula Estate are now appreciated by wine lovers all over the world, and more than 30 vineyards have followed in the footsteps of the original three. Visit three vineyards for wine tastings and enjoy commentated scenic tour of the island by a local knowledgeable driver/guide. (lunch at own cost & arrangement). After your tour cruise back to Auckland City.

Escape the city and cruise the sparkling waters of Auckland's beautiful harbour. Sit back, relax and let our crew look after you with a full commentary during the one and a half hour harbour cruise. Visit the viaduct basin, home for many of the America's Cup syndicates and scene of frenzied excitement after New Zealand's historic win in 2000. See harbour highlights which include historic Devonport, the harbour bridge and the New Zealand naval base.

Here is your chance to be Spiderman. Spanning a harbour so beautiful it brings tears to the eyes of even the most hardened, this full clamber will have you clamouring for more. Only AJ Hackett Bungy can offer you this level of access to the Auckland Harbour Bridge; and this is the one and only Bridge Climb in New Zealand, coming complete with your very own tour guide. Lasting for 1 1/2 half hours, this climb will have you wondering whether to look at your feet or focus on the spectacular views.

Cruise America's Cup yacht NZL40 & NZL41 " Experience the Thrill" NZL40 offers a unique opportunity to experience sailing an America's Cup grand prix racer. Passengers are encouraged to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the action as you sail down the Auckland Harbour. NZL40 is suitable for everyone, from experienced racers to the most apprehensive first time sailor. The skipper and crew are keen yachties and will ensure you get the most from your two hour sail.

Enjoy a tour of attractions that are unique to Auckland and deliver maximum satisfaction if you have a short amount of time. Start your tour at Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World where you can view King and Gentoo penguins then travel though the Underwater World & come face to face with giant sting-rays and ferocious sharks! From here you will then view a showcase of New Zealand's unique wildlife at the Auckland Zoo. Venture out on the water with a Pride of Auckland Sailing Cruise before finishing your day overlooking Auckland at the top the Sky Tower, the Southern Hemispheres tallest building.

Travel south from Auckland through the rich farmland of the Waikato on to Waitomo. Enjoy a guided tour through the long galleries and lofty chambers of the World Famous Glowworm Caves. Your tour continues with a boat ride through the Glowworm Grotto, illuminated by thousands of tiny lights from the glow worms suspended from the cave ceiling. Following your tour there is time for lunch (included). Return to Auckland by coach.

Enjoy the 50 minute approximately flight to Cape Reinga via Northlands spectacular harbours. Pass across some beautiful beaches including the famous Ninety Mile Beach. From Ninety Mile Beach fly inland to the airfield which is only 20kms from the Cape Reinga Lighthouse. Once on the ground join the minivan for the 2 ½ - 3 hour tour around the top of New Zealand including the Cape Reinga Lighthouse and the Te Paki stream with its giant sand dunes. After your tour rejoin the aeroplane for your return flight over some of the most remote and beautiful spots in New Zealand.

A Cape Reinga tour for those who wish to spend time enjoying the magnificent natural wonders of the North. You will 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, starting 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 and dig for shellfish. See the picturesque village of Mangonui. Lunch is included today.

A day tour departs from the Bay of Islands to discover the naturally historic Hokianga, home to early Maori and European settlers. Be mesmerized by Tane Mahuta, the largest Kauri tree in the world. Board a modern boat to cruise the glistening spiritual waters of the Hokianga Harbour. Bask in the local knowledge, secrets and stories that reveal a young yet eventful past. Lunch is included.

Four nights* a week the Marae is transformed into a magical setting where performers from the Culture North night show visitors to the Northland the real story of New Zealand. A contemporary production combining drama, music and dance, the show relates the traditional story of how two cultures; Maori and European, settled in New Zealand. After the show, guests are invited to meet and mingle with the cast to ask them each their own story of how they arrived in God’s own country.

Day sails on board Northland's iconic tall ship the R.Tucker Thomson allow visitors to step back in time and explore the Bay of Islands as Captain Cook and others did. An interactive experience where you can help sail the ship, by setting the sails and taking the helm, or simply relax and enjoy this beautiful part of New Zealand.

Dolphins are one of earth's most fascinating creatures and few other areas are blessed with their presence all year round, as is the Bay of Islands. On this the ultimate marine adventure you'll get right up close to the dolphins. Watch their antics and get fantastic photos. Conditions permitting, go swimming with them in the warmest waters in New Zealand. Join us 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'll also see orcas, whales, seals, penguins and other wildlife. After your Dolphin Encounter 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.

Depart Paihia on a leisurely afternoon half day tour of Kerikeri, the 'Cradle of the Nation'. Visit the beautiful Kerikeri Basin where you will see New Zealand's oldest European buildings, the Stone Store and Kemp House, plus the Kororipo Pa (a Maori fortress) and Rewa's Village (a reconstructed pre-European Maori fishing village). There is also the opportunity to visit the best of the many workshops in the area that specialize in pottery, woolen goods, paintings and kauri products.

On arriving at Akaroa join the Canterbury Cat Too for a cruise on the Akaroa Harbour sighting dolphins, penguins and seals. Prior to your departure you will be equipped with wet suit, mask, snorkel and flippers. On locating a pod of Hectors Dolphins you will enter the water to swim with these rare and endangered mammals. Following your return to Akaroa village time will be available for lunch and to explore the many fine craft shops and old French colonial buildings prior to your return to Christchurch.

Visit the naturally picturesque and tranquil setting of Hanmer Springs nestled in a valley surrounded by a superb expanse of mountains and forest-clad hills. Enjoy the excitement of river rafting, jetboating and bungy jumping at Thrillseekers Canyon. Visit a working sheep farm. Once in Hanmer Springs lunch at the Garden House Cafe and in the afternoon drive up Jacks Pass into the mountains overlooking the Hanmer Plateau or should you wish, explore the village of Hanmer Springs. Spend part of the day relaxing in the hot thermal pools found in the centre of the village. As an alternative in the afternoon a therapeutic massage is available for relaxation.

Spend your day getting close to nature. Travel by road or train through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury, enjoying the beauty of its rural pastoral scenes, to Kaikoura where mountains meet sea. Kaikoura is world renowned for the variety of marine mammals which can be seen, not least of all the giant sperm whales and the acrobatic Dusky Dolphins.

On your arrival in Kaikoura you will be transferred to a whale watch tour. In the afternoon you will visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters. On your return to Christchurch a stop will be made at a North Canterbury vineyard where a wine tasting has been arranged for your pleasure. Lunch is included.

Join us on a tour of discovery, featuring spectacular scenery. From Christchurch travel by road to Springfield at the foothills of the Southern Alps. At Springfield, board the world famous TranzAlpine train to travel through the Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass viewing the alpine scenery through panoramic windows. The TranzAlpine is renowned as one of the top ten train journeys in the world. From Arthurs Pass we tour by road over the snow-capped Southern Alps in the Arthurs Pass National Park and on to the Otira Gorge making a photo stop. Visit the old village of Otira before returning to Arthurs Pass for lunch. After lunch explore the village and some of the many walks. The return journey to Christchurch is by road stopping for an exhilarating jet boat ride through the spectacular gorges of the Waimakariri River. Following the jet boating, a visit will be made to a farm for late afternoon tea, followed by a sheep shearing and sheep mustering demonstration.

This tour explores four of North Canterbury's boutique vineyards, Canterbury House, Mark Rattray, Pegasus Bay and Waipara Springs all producing a fine selection of both white and red wines. Glenmark, Pegasus Bay Canterbury Houose and Waipara Springs are all located in the Waipara area, well known for its warm dry climate and limestone rich soils, both ideal for quality wine production. Should any of the above named wineries be unavailable on the day of the tour, an alternative winery in the Waipara area will be included.

Travel by road to Mount Cook, Australasia's highest mountain, through the spectacular scenery of the Canterbury Plains, the foothills of the Southern Alps from Geraldine to Fairlie and through the MacKenzie Basin, with its brown snowgrass-covered landscape which has an almost desert like aspect, to Lake Tekapo. Obtain an idyllic photograph of the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo with its backdrop of magnificent alpine scenery. Next to Lake Pukaki where the Tasman Valley opens into the MacKenzie Basin with Mount Cook and the surrounding snow covered peaks in the background.

Lunch is at the Hermitage in the Mount Cook National Park. After lunch climb the terminal moraine of the Tasman Glacier to observe the retreating glacier and the newly formed Lake Tasman. You also have the choice of an optional ski plane flight that will give breathtaking views of the area and then land on top of the Tasman Glacier for a photo opportunity.

Experience the extensive local marine life of picturesque Lyttelton Harbour on a memorable two-hour wildlife cruise aboard a new catamaran. Watch the rare Hector's Dolphins found only in New Zealand. As well as dolphin watching you'll engage in a spot of sightseeing and hear about the history of the area.

The Kingston Flyer is New Zealand's own real vintage steam train. Kingston is located on the southern shores of Lake Wakatipu, a 40 minute scenic drive south from Queenstown. Indulge in the luxury of a bygone era. Experience the 14km stretch of track come alive with 125 years of history. Let yourself be carried back to a time of Gold, Earth, Steam and Dreams!

Follow one of the world’s most scenic highways on the 45 minute lakeside drive to the frontier town of Glenorchy. Your driver will point out Lord of the Rings film locations on the way. From Glenorchy, your journey into the heart of Middle Earth begins. On Safari you will experience 1.5 hours of New Zealand’s most scenic jetboating, take a gentle walk in the ancient forest of this unique world heritage area and on the backroad journey through Paradise, see more of the film locations for Lord of the Rings. Light lunch included.

Travel by coach along the shores of lake Wakatipu through the rolling countryside to Pearl Harbour, Manapouri. Board the launch and cruise across picturesque Lake Manapouri to West Arm where you are transported by coach into the Underground Power Station (there will be times when you will be unable to visit the Power for reasons associated with contruction etc. In this situation Real Journeys reserves the right to alter the timetable). Reboard your coach and travel over the Wilmont Pass to Doubtful Sound. On arrival board the new catamaran “Patea Explorer” for a three hour cruise of Doubtful Sound along the full length of the Fiord to the Tasman Sea. On the return journey the vessel cruises into Hall Arm. Here the engines are turned off and visitors are treated to the “Sounds of Silence”. Return to Queenstown by coach. A picnic lunch is included today.

Get ready for the World's most exciting Jet Boat ride! Acknowledged as the World’s most famous Jet Boat operation, Shotover Jet is the only company permitted to operate in the spectacular Shotover River Canyons. It's a thrilling ride - skimming past rocky outcrops at close range in your Shotover Jet 'Big Red', as you twist and turn through the narrow canyons at breath taking speeds. And a major highlight - hold tight for the world famous Shotover Jet full 360º spins! Since 1970 over 2 million passengers have been thrilled by the unique Shotover Jet experience.

Your adventure begins with a spectacular drive through Skippers Canyon along historic gold miner trails. The rafting begins from Deep Creek and after comprehensive safety and paddling technique briefings, it’s on to the peaceful waters of the upper canyon before reaching the rapids of the lower canyon. Tackle ten rapids which include Toilet, Pinball, Jaws, Sequel, Miners, Revenge and then raft through the darkness of the Oxenbridge Tunnel and shoot the Cascade Rapid to compete the challenge. Enjoy a hot shower, sauna and complimentary snack before returning to Queenstown.

The Kawarau Bridge Bungy - home to the original 43-metre Bungy Jump. If you've heard of Bungy, you've heard of Kawarau. The world's first and most infamous of leaps is still going strong, with tens of thousands Bungying each year. At the world's best-loved Bungy site, you can choose from a number of options; topple over backwards, forwards, with another person, spin or somersault. Kawarau Bridge Bungy is also the only Bungy in Queenstown where you can choose to bob above the water, touch it, or be fully immersed.

An afternoon among the boutique vineyards and great scenery of Central Otago. Central Otago wine country spreads from the outskirts of Queenstown’s Wakatipu Basin through picturesque valleys and dramatic gorges to the rolling vine-clad foothills of Bannockburn and beyond.

Our journey includes unforgettable views and fascinating pioneer history, along with the smooth sophistication of award-winning gourmet food and wines among the region’s soothing backdrop of tussock and thyme. Taste wines at four of the best vineyards in the Gibbston, Bannockburn and Cromwell regions. Vineyards are selected from the following: Peregrine, Chard Farm, Carrick, Mt Difficulty, Felton Road, Akarua and Olssens vineyards. A delightful gourmet platter lunch at the award winning Carrick Winery Restaurant.

One of the first sights to captivate visitors to Queenstown is the distinctive outline of the Skyline complex high above town. Located an easy 5 minute walk from central Queenstown and exclusively accessed by scenic gondola, Skyline Gondola, Restaurant & Luge is a 'must-see' attraction during your visit to Queenstown, New Zealand. The best views in the region are found here spread out in a spectacular 220 degree panorama, with breathtaking views of Coronet Peak, The Remarkables mountain range and across Lake Wakatipu to Cecil and Walter Peaks. Thrillseekers will find plenty to keep them busy too. Hurtle down the winding downhill Skyline Luge - it's the fastest fun on wheels!

Two half-day Safari of the Scenes sight-seeing tours, exploring Queenstown's scenic highlights, as well as locations used for Lord of the Rings filming. There are no sets left, just the gorgeous scenery featured in the films. These tours can be combined into a great full-day experience.

Tour A - WAKATIPU BASIN
This scenic tour offers goldpanning, 4WD river crossings in the Arrow Gorge and a great overview of the diverse scenery of the Queenstown/ Arrowtown area - from towns, to rolling farmland, rugged Skippers Canyon, and mountains, to the famous Kawarau Gorge bungy bridge. The tour offers you a view of the film locations of Minas Tirith, Misty Mountains, the Pillars of the Kings (Argonath), the site of Isildur's fall, and the Ford of Bruinen. You'll also overlook Deer Park Heights, where the Rohan refugees and the battle with the Wargs were filmed.

Tour B – GLENORCHY
This scenic tour offers breathtaking mountain and forest views along the shores of Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy and on into Paradise. The tour includes the film locations of Isengard and Ithilien Camp, plus beech forests near those used for Lothlorien. You can also visit the area used to film the Seat of Seeing/ the battle of Amon Hen.

Land on the summit of sacred Mt Tarawera, then try to comprehend the earth forces which created this awe inspiring volcanic icon. Standing on the summit offers unobstructed views of the volcano’s magnificent craters, domes and our Lakes district which is beautiful beyond belief. Complimented with informative commentary, this is much more than a flight. It is an experience to remember. Come up close and see the devastation caused by the eruption of Mt Tarawera over 100 years ago. It is perfectly safe. Scientists measure volcanic activity, keeping an eye on the restless earth for signs of the next eruption. Luckily, these can be easily and accurately predicted nowadays.

Words cannot express the experience that is walking on the active crater floor of White Island. This unique lunar landscape is an integral part of our Pacific ring of fire. This steaming beauty is located 52km off the Bay of Plenty Coastline. White Island (or Whakaari as it was named by the Maori before Europeans arrived) is one of New Zealand’s most active volcanoes. But don’t worry. The constant rumblings and large plume of steam do not mean that the island is about to explode. White Island’s active volcanic vents, steaming Crater Lake, bubbling hot streams and desolate mining ruins combined create a surreal experience. When present the sighting of Dolphins in the Pacific Ocean over which we fly contrast to create an inspiring excursion.

Depart from the Rotorua base at 8.00am and 1.00pm daily. Drive 40kms through picturesque rural farmland and past the largest man-made forest in New Zealand, Kaingaroa Forest, to the base of Mt Tarawera Volcano. Travel by 4 Wheel Drive vehicle 10kms up to the edge of the massive craters. Enjoy a short crater walk or for the more adventurous experience the famous scree slide into the crater, or hike to the summit at 1111 meters Your experienced local guide will give a commentary on Maori Legend, History and Volcanology. You may even catch a glimpse of some of our rare and unique wildlife in their natural habitat. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing essential.

Depart from the Rotorua base at 8.00am and 1.00pm daily. Drive 40kms through picturesque rural farmland and past the largest man-made forest in New Zealand, Kaingaroa Forest, to the base of Mt Tarawera Volcano. Travel by 4 Wheel Drive vehicle 10kms up to the edge of the massive craters. Enjoy a short crater walk or for the more adventurous experience the famous scree slide into the crater, or hike to the summit at 1111 meters Your experienced local guide will give a commentary on Maori Legend, History and Volcanology. You may even catch a glimpse of some of our rare and unique wildlife in their natural habitat. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing essential.

Seal Coast Safari is an adventure of discovery. We drive for 20 rugged kilometres along the beach, over rocks, around the bays and headlands, with the ocean lapping the 4WD trucks. We visit a colony of New Zealand fur seals and you will be delighted just to walk amongst them, or just observing, enjoy their native habitat; the crashing waves and the famous Leaning Lighthouse of Wellington. On the return journey we climb up and over a fault-line, and through a farm where we come face to face with cattle, deer and maybe wild goats. We sample spectacular views of the City, the South Island, both the Pacific and Tasman oceans and distant mountain ranges. Finally the tour also visits the Brooklyn Wind Turbine, with more stunning views of the City, harbour and surrounding hills. Almost all of the nearly 3-hour safari is on restricted or unmarked private roads or tracks.

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. This unique tour 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. This tour 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. Lunch is included.

This tour is popular with visitors to Wellington who have a time limit, and for that reason are unable to enjoy the full day journey through Wellington's filming locations. The tour runs for half a day and takes you to the filming locations for Rivendell where Frodo recovered from his knife attack; the Anduin River where Aragorn was washed ashore after the attack of the Wargs; the Gardens of Isengard, the site of the Orcs Felling the Trees and where Gandalf rode to see Saruman; go to the Mount Victoria lookout and Hobbiton Woods where you can race to the Ferry and get off the Road; Buckland Forest where the Hobbits hid from the Nazgul/Black Riders and where they found the mushrooms on the Road; Dunharrow Rohirrim encampment; visit the quarry for the filming of Helms Deep, the fortified ravine in Rohan and Minas Tirith.