ITINERARY

Day 1   USA – New Zealand:  Depart US on board the services of Air New Zealand in economy class. After crossing the International Date Line you will arrive in Auckland 2 days later.

Day 3     Arrive Auckland:  New Zealand, 'Land of the Long White Cloud', is a small, sparsely populated country consisting of two major islands, North and South Island, and a scattering of smaller ones. Despite its small size it is crammed with magnificent natural beauty and has an incredible amount of adventure to offer.  You will be met by our local representatives and transfer to the hotel by private coach.  Freshen up.  Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 4   Auckland – Paihia:  After a full hearty breakfast at the hotel we will board our private coach with all luggage to an area named the Bay of Islands.  The Bay of Islands is famous for its beautiful coastal scenery and it is one of North Island's major attractions. The bay is interspersed with numerous little coves and inlets and sandy beaches, and the historical townships of Paihia, Waitangi and Russell are the central hubs of the area.  Go for a Guided Tour of Waitangi Treaty House (considered to be the birthplace of New Zealand). In the afternoon we will cruise Cape Brett and see the beauty of the surrounding area.  (B)

Day 5   Paihia:   
DIVERS:  2 tank dive or a 1 tank dive and a Perfect Cruise from Tutukaka the jumping point for the Poor Knights Island.  The 2^nd Dive - The Rainbow Warrior wreck lies is an advanced wreck.  Any Open Water divers who wish to dive the Rainbow Warrior must do so in conjunction with the PADI Deep Adventure Dive through the dive operator (will count towards advanced dive) or head out for the Perfect Cruise with the Adventurers.

ADVENTURERS:  Travel to Tutukaka to join the Perfect Cruise and wander around the local surfing/diving town or remain in Paihia for one of the local tours.

Day 6   Paihia – Auckland:  Experience life in the Antarctic at Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World.  Journey back in time to the days of the first Antarctic explorers and the ill-fated expedition to the South Pole.  Board the specially heated snow cats and plunge through a whiteout storm to emerge in the tranquil beauty of the Antarctic landscape complete with sub-zero temperatures, live penguins, ice and snow. Travel to the future as the snow cat rides through Scott Base 2000 - a look at Antarctica in the next century.  Next stop is the audiovisual displays before moving through to the famous Underwater World.  It is one of the largest complexes of its type in the world. This amazing attraction, where visitors experience the fascination of marine life through the world's largest underwater acrylic tunnel, will take you through sparkling clear water and brightly lit sandy floors into rocky reefs filled with a kaleidoscope of more than 1500 multicolored fish.  (B)

Then go experience the Sky Tower & Deck (optional - $144) which is 328meters tall or 1267 steps to the observations deck making it the tallest building in the southern hemisphere. Be one of the brave individuals to 'Sky Jump' similar to a bungee jump without the spring back as you are safely controlled down by steel cables. This will get you down the 192m (630') to the landing deck in a mere 16 seconds.  Or, cheer on your new friends as they take the plunge!  (B)

Day 7   Auckland - Waitomo – Whakatane:  Waitomo Caves.  It’s a little village set among picturesque green hills & farmlands, but underground lies a labyrinth of limestone cave systems – many explored, others yet to be discovered - a mecca for caving and adventure enthusiasts! Gear up in wetsuit, 'goofy boots', 'eel pants' and 'hard hat' with custom-built electric light for your cave tubing adventure this afternoon.  The essential piece of equipment is the tire inner tube which you fit firmly over your backside in order to float through the hidden recesses of Mother Nature!   This cave-tubing trip captures the raw primitive feeling, the awe & exhilaration experienced by the early explorers when they poled their way cautiously by candlelight into the regions cave systems.  Ruakuri Cave is geologically, culturally & spiritually special - and you'll be in the company of glowworms: small larvae that emit pin-pricks of light giving the impression you're drifting under a star-studded night sky.  Finish up with hot showers plus soup and snack.  Entry to the Waitomo Museum of Caves is included then go for the Black Water Rafting Labyrinth Trip.  (B)           

Day 8   Whakatane: 

DIVERS:   Two-tank dive on the White Island.

ADVENTURERS:  Whakatane is a beautiful coastal town of approximately 13000 people located in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty on the east coast of the North Island. It is reputed to have one of the countries warmest climates with relatively mild winters and long hot summers. Whakatane is the jumping point to the water playground of White Island.  White Island, 48 kms off the shores of Whakatane provides a very unique dive experience as New Zealand’s only active marine volcano. The crystal clear deep blue waters that surround the island are legendary for huge numbers of fish.  Tour the active volcano of White Island estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000 years old.  Walking on White Island is like walking on the moon.  Virtually no vegetation survives the harsh acidic environment inside the crater walls.  Instead, lush beds of yellow and white sulphur crystals grow amongst hissing, steaming, bubbling fumaroles. (B)

Day 9   Whakatane – Rotorua: Sightseeing and visits at Te Puia, Rainbow Springs & Agrodome Stage Show.  Visit Te Puia, where on arrival you will be greeted by your Maori guide for a guided walk through the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. There will be stops on the way where points of interest such as bubbling mud pools, mineral springs, silica formations and shooting geysers will be shown to you. You will have the opportunity to visit the Kiwi House where you may see the nocturnal Kiwi, New Zealand's national bird. On returning to the model village its various features will be explained to you before taking a look through the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute which gives an insight into Maori carving, customs and history.  (B)

 Optional:

                Mtn Biking Trips through Redwood / Whakarewarewa Forests (4-hr)      $72 per person

                Kituna White River rafting            $65 per person

Day 10   Rotorua – Nelson:   Fly to 'Sunny' Nelson lives up to its name with one of the highest sunshine hours in the country.  The province has interesting topographical contrasts - from rugged mountains to extensive alluvial flats, from rough grazing land to intensive close backed farming, from desolation to virgin forest.  Enroute sights tour.  (B)

 
Day 11   Nelson:  Protected from most weather, the Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for clear azure waters, golden-sand beaches fringed by native forest, hidden coves and spectacularly carved granite headlands. The coast is home to many sea birds, including the Little Blue Penguin. New Zealand Fur Seals breed on the islands close to shore.  Today is a fun filled day exploring the beautiful beaches of Kaiteriteri and the Abel Tasman coast with a full day guided Kayak trip incl. lunch.  Final Departure Dinner.  (B, L, D)

Day 12 Depart Nelson – Auckland – USA.  Transfers will be provided to the airport for your flight home.

 
EXCLUSIONS:

·         Departure Taxes (Currently estimated at USD $267)

·         Personal Items

·         Meals (Unless listed in itinerary)

·         Tips & Gratuities

·         Travel Insurance (Required)

·         Visa/Passport Handling Fees

INSURANCE:

Baggage/Trip Cancellation/Trip Delay/Medical insurance is required. 

· Should any member of the group wish to purchase this coverage, we recommend you collect the premium at time of deposit. Proof of this payment will be required if a pre-existing medical condition is involved in the claim. 

·Any and all insurance payments accepted between time of initial deposit and final payment will not qualify for the coverage of pre-existing medical conditions. 

· Any and all additional passengers' insurance payment must accompany the final invoice payment due 45 days prior to travel. 

· Within 45 days of departure, insurance payments may only be applied to new participants to in the group.

CANCELLATIONS:

Initial deposit is non-refundable.  (Goes to secure your airprice.)

Sorry.  No Refunds within 60 days of departure.  Any cancellations within 90 days of departure will incure a minimum of a $350 fee.   (not including paypal or eventbrite fees.)  Absolutely no refunds on airfare within 90 days of departure.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

No substitutions within 45 days of departure.  Any substitutions within 90-60 days of departure may be subject to additional fees.

FINAL PAYMENT:  Final payment is due 65 days prior to departure. 

Flight taxes and fuel surcharges are subject to change till documents are ticketed and will be recalculated at final invoicing.

For more information on other activities check out our website at www.meetup.com/DCAdventurwww.meetup.com/DCAdventures.com

Friday, May 21, 2010 at 1:00 PM - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 4:00 PM (ET)

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