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ITINERARY

Duration: 10 days

PRICE & DEPARTURES

From £2,805
Includes international flights with Air New Zealand.

ACCOMMODATION
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VEHICLES

For 1-3 persons: a group CDAR (Mitsubishi Lancer 1.8 litre 5 door automatic with air conditioning, or similar).
For 4 persons: a group FDAR (Mitsubishi 380 3.0-3.8 litres, 4 door automatic with air conditioning, or similar).

Other car types are available. Please call for further details.

OTHER TOURING OPTIONS

NATURAL WONDERS >>

Footsteps of Ben Fogle >>

Natural Wonders with Abel Tasman Track >>

Beach & Rainforest >>

Mountains to Coast >>

CLASSIC SELF DRIVES >>

Natural wonders of New Zealand

Ben Fogle

Natural Wonders
Ben Fogle's Footsteps

Following in the footsteps of Ben Fogle (10 days/9 nights)
Outline Itinerary [2/2] <<
Day 7:	Queenstown-Invercargill-Stewart Island (by road & air) make your way to Invercargill. The renaissance of Invercargill has seen the growth of a modern and vibrant centre, which is the heart of Murihiku, Southland. Heritage buildings, lovingly restored, are found throughout the city centre and Invercargill is also known for the Southland Museum and Art Gallery with its tuatara. Visit the Southland Museum and Art Gallery where you can see the results of the Tuatara Breeding Programme. The reptilian enclave is one of the few places to marvel up close at tuatara, “living fossils” whose ancestors walked in the footprints of giant dinosaurs 220 million years ago. Following your visit to the Museum drop off your rental car at the airport and fly to Stewart Island. Stewart Island Flights operates scheduled daily and chartered between Invercargill Airport and Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island. The flight is quick – only 20 minutes, comfortable and very scenic with panoramic views of Oreti Beach, the Port of Bluff and Stewart Island’s many bays, clear waters and offshore islands. Courtesy transport is provided from the airfield to Halfmoon Bay. Later this afternoon discover the beauty of Stewart Island and its surrounds by sea kayak. Paterson Inlet has always played a big part in Island life, with a history in whaling, milling and fishing. The Inlet in now recognised for its natural features and is spending its retirement as an adventure playground. Meet at the main wharf and experience kiwi spotting with Bravo Adventure Cruises. A twilight boat cruise to a remote area and a walk through native bush where kiwi can be seen. Spot the kiwi’s on a sandy beach as they feed amongst the kelp. Please wear sturdy footwear and warm clothes. The Department of Conservation does not allow the use of flash photography.
Day 8:	Stewart Island-Auckland (by air) Enjoy breakfast and check out of your accommodation. Bay Motels will deliver your luggage to the Stewart Island Flight office, later that morning. Make your way over to Golden Bay for a guided walk on Ulva Island. This island bird sanctuary is a stunning example of a predator free ancient primeval forest; a safe haven for rare and endangered bird and plant species. Ulva Goodwille, a sixth generation Islander, provides regular specialty nature tours with opportunities to view birdlife at close quarters - a birdlover's paradise. Return to Golden Bay and make your way back to Oban for lunch. You have free time until your check in at the Stewart Island Flights office at 1445. Depart with Stewart Island Flights for your scenic flight over Stewart Island, finishing at Invercargill airport. Connect with your domestic flight to Auckland. On arrival in Auckland you will be transferred to your hotel.
Day 9:	Auckland Today enjoy an exploration of the Matakana region’s vineyards and landscapes, with a Maori perspective. Along the way you will be entertained with Maori stories including how the world was created, how Maui Potiki (our namesake), brought fire to mankind, slowed the sun and fished up the North Island. You will stop at a number of wineries in the region, and experience New Zealand wines. Following on from this, you will be driven to Goat Island Marine Reserve, which has been in place for over 30 years. You will have the opportunity to explore this pristine environment, which has abundant fish and other sea creatures, they can choose to do this by either kayak or snorkeling. Next you will head out to Pakiri Beach and have time to walk on the clean white sands of the East Coast surf beach and teach our group about the realm of Tangaroa, Maori God of the Sea.
Day 10:	depart Auckland Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.