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September 24–October 2, 2016
Auckland, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef, Glenorchy, Christchurch, and more
Discover New Zealand's South Island on an extraordinary gay group journey that includes monumental glaciers, magical rainforests, and a slice of Middle Earth.
Located in the South Pacific 900 miles east of Australia, New Zealand is comprised of two main islands, the volcanic North Island and the glacial South Island, plus numerous smaller far-flung islands. Most New Zealanders live on the North Island, originally inhabited by the Maori. The South Island is less traveled and less populated, offering unspoiled landscapes and small but charming towns.
Surrounded by mountains, Queenstown is on the edge of Lake Wakatipu in the southern part of the South Island. It is a four-season panoply of outdoor sports, from canyon swinging and bungee jumping, to more sedate interests like horseback riding. It also has a great restaurant scene and a massive sweet tooth, with Hokey Pokey ice cream being the local favorite. Near here, you'll find hundreds of wineries, many producing exceptional Pinot Noirs. You'll also recognize film locations from the Lord of the Rings trilogy and Narnia.
Travel up the West Coast, where glaciers, fiords and rainforests are filled with breathtaking sights. Huge, puzzles of ice dominate the valley, where the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers continue to advance. Encircled by a rainforest, Te Waonui Forest Retreat is an eco-friendly, five-star hotel that will pamper you during your stay on the Coast. Then, board the TranzAlpine Railway for breathtaking trip to Christchurch. You'll travel along the powerful Waimakariri River and cross the mighty Southern Alps before arriving in New Zealand's second-largest city, which was No. 2 on The New York Times' "52 Places to Go" in 2014.
New Zealand Adventure Gay Tour Itinerary
Day 1 - September 24, 2016, Saturday
For guests on the Tahiti Gay Cruise depart from Papeete to Auckland on Saturday, September 24th and fly over the date line to arrive in New Zealand on Sunday, September 25th.
For guests departing from other destinations, please contact us for detailed information on departures.
Day 2 - September 25, 2016, Sunday
Arrive in Auckland and overnight at the Hotel Sofitel Viaduct Harbour. Auckland is a city of volcanoes, with the ridges of lava flows forming its main thoroughfares and its many cones providing islands of green within the sea of suburbs. A sizable Asian community rubs shoulders with the biggest Polynesian population of any city in the world.
Overnight: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel, Auckland.
Day 3 - September 26, 2016, Monday
 After Breakfast and checking out of the hotel, you'll enjoy a morning Auckland city tour and before heading to the airport for the flight to Queenstown.
Queenstown New Zealand's 'Adventure Capital' made famous because many of its residents are hooked on adrenaline. The list of adventure activities is impressive, even unbeatable, but there is much more
Born as 1860s gold mining camp, 150 years later Queenstown's compact downtown area is energized by a permanent buzz emanating from a lively cafι/bar scene and excellent shopping precincts. All this awaits exploration once you have settled into your 5-star hotel located within the heart of the township. Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa captures the views and essence of this alpine village. Opulent and stylish rooms provide sophistication, intimacy and warmth with exquisite attention to detail.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure, from the mild side to the wild side, capitalize on the choices available to you. Take a breathtaking ascent to the top of Bob's Peak on the Skyline Gondola (2,592 feet above sea level) and ride the Luge. Or head out to Kawarau Gorge to watch people jump off a perfectly good bridge try bungy jumping if you dare!
Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a restaurant in the heart of Queenstown.
Overnight: Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, Queenstown.
Day 4 - September 27, 2016, Tuesday
 Queenstown Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa Breakfast included. This morning fly by light aircraft from Queenstown, experiencing panoramic views of the alpine scenery, lush rainforest and finally Milford Sound. Board a luxury vessel and cruise the full length of the Milford Sound to the Tasman Sea (Weather permitted). A comprehensive commentary is provided throughout the cruise and there is plenty of time available to view the waterfalls, rainforest, mountains and wildlife. Your return flight lands you back in Queenstown in time for a late lunch. Make sure you have your camera handy, as these are sights you will want to show all your friends!
Overnight: Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, Queenstown.
Day 5 - September 28, 2016, Wednesday
 After breakfast, enjoy a full day authentic New Zealand experience into an untouched world, including a 45-minute drive along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, one of the world's most scenic routes and the gateway to paradise, Glenorchy. Amidst the towering ice capped mountains and the ancient beech forests you will embark upon a spectacular jet boat ride powering across Lake Wakatipu, up the rushing river shallows of the Dart River Valley Delta deep into the wilderness and up to the outer borders of Mount Aspiring National Park, the heart of Westland World Heritage Park. View the mystical landscape of 'Middle Earth' as filmed in 'Lord of the Rings', visit Rockburn Chasm and the Beansburn and enjoy a 30 minute guided bush walk to learn about the area's history, the Greenstone Trail and Maori legends. Walk amongst ancient beech forest unchanged for 80 million years before returning to Queenstown late afternoon.
Overnight: Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa, Queenstown.
Day 6 - September 29, 2016, Thursday
 This morning board your luxury coach and begin your drive up the "Wild West Coast" of the South Island through Wanaka and past the stunning Lakes Hawea and Wanaka before heading over the Haast Pass.
Continue your drive up through the jewel in the crown of New Zealand's scenic wonders the magnificent Lake Matheson, famous for its reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, continuing on to take in two major attractions in a country full of natural wonders the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. While many glaciers worldwide have been retreating, these glaciers still flow almost to the sea, making them unique relics of the last Ice Age. There are several good glacier viewpoints that can be accessed via easy short walks.
Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Day 7 - September 30, 2016, Friday
 The early Maori knew Franz Josef as Ka Roimata o Hine Hukatere (Tears of the Avalanche Girl). Legend tells of a girl losing her lover who fell from the local peaks, and her flood of tears freezing into the glacier. In Franz Josef there will be optional tours (weather permitting), such as the Franz Josef heli-hike, which takes you into superb scenery, deep in the heart of the glacier. After an exciting scenic helicopter flight, you land high up on the glacier and undertake a two hour guided hike amongst some of the most pristine and awe-inspiring glacier scenery available. Another afternoon option is to depart on an ATV quad bike adventure. Head across stony braided riverbeds, see glacial fed rivers, drive though dense rain forest and soak up the atmosphere as you pass by ferns, mosses and mature podocarp trees in this lush watery world. There is also the option of a Franz Josef Glacier Walk, or enjoying the hot spring pools adjacent to your accommodations at the Te Waouni Forest Retreat.
Overnight: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, Franz Josef.
Day 8 - October 1, 2016, Saturday
 Say farewell to Franz Josef and continue your drive up the West Coast stopping along the way to visit the artistic town of Hokitika. After lunch at leisure continue on to Greymouth and take a scenic train journey aboard the TranzAlpine, rated as one of the top six train journeys in the world. Travel by rail from the West Coast across the Southern Alps arriving in the garden city Christchurch, which is often described as 'the most English city outside of England'. In the heart sits your accommodation, The George. Located alongside beautiful, expansive Hagley Park and the tranquil Avon River, The George embodies Christchurch's elegant and distinctive heritage. Enjoy a farewell dinner at The George Hotel.
Overnight: The George Hotel, Christchurch.
Day 9 - October 2, 2016, Sunday
After breakfast and checking out, you will enjoy a morning city tour of Christchurch, before going to the airport where you board a domestic flight to Auckland to connect with your international flight.
Auckland - Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel (1 night)
 Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour is located in the heart of Auckland, a unique maritime experience between vibrant Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter. Inspired by New Zealand's landscape and boasting panoramic views of Waitemata Harbour, this beautifully designed hotel is a true landmark destination. All luxury appointed bedrooms and suites have private Juliet balconies, floor to ceiling windows and feature oversized bathrooms with separate rain showers and deep soaking bathtubs.
Queenstown - Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa,
(3 nights)
 Discover an award-winning Queenstown luxury hotel that year after year gathers accolades from the Best New Zealand Hotel -Hotel Management Awards 2010 and 2011- to the Worlds Best Hotel Spa Travel and Leisure 2011. Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa offers a refined 5-star experience in the heart of the city just steps from the beauty of Lake Wakatipu and the dining district. From its luxurious accommodation to phenomenal dining to fabulous spa rituals Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa embodies the purity and dramatic beauty of New Zealand along with Sofitel's signature art de recevoir.
Franz Josef - Te Waonui Forest Retreat, (2 nights)
 An exclusive luxury Eco designed hotel experience on New Zealand's West Coast, the Te Waonui Forest Retreat is truly a place to relax and refresh. Every aspect of this 5-star retreat has been crafted to an impeccable standard. This truly innovative retreat raises the bar in unique luxury hotel accommodation in New Zealand.
Christchurch - The George Hotel, (1 night)
 The George, a luxury boutique hotel, is the essence of supreme comfort and is renowned for offering personalized stay and attentive staff. Located in the heart of Christchurch overlooking the picturesque Hagley Park and river Avon you will find peaceful Christchurch accommodation just steps from the cultural precinct and key attractions.
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South Island New Zealand
