New Zealand: two islands for everyone

Departure from Italy.

Arrival in Wellington and transfer to the accommodation.

WELLINGTON
Capital of New Zealand since 1865, the city has been surrounded by a magnificent natural harbor and Victorian-style wooden villas on the sides of steep hills. Wellington is the center of culture and the arts, offers excellent restaurants, cafes, nightlife and recreational activities and is home to the government and embassies. It is so famous for the strong wind that blows from the strait of Cook Strait, to be called "Windy Wellington".

Copthorne Hotel Oriental Bay, Superior Harbourview Room:
Wi-Fi available in the hotel entrance hall or at the Bar with 20 minutes free per day.
Services available: Disabled bathroom/wheelchair for showers.

Crown Chauffeur Car Service - Tour of the main tourist sites in Wellington (8 h)

Meeting at the hotel to meet an operator of the Crown Chauffeur service for a sightseeing tour of the city of Wellington. Some of the tourist spots include the Beehive (the backbone of the structures that make up Parliament), the botanical gardens, the eastern bay, the Westpac Stadium (appropriately renamed the "Cake Tin") and the Te Papa Museum to name a few. A ride on the Wellington cable car is included. At the end of the tour, return to the hotel.

Meeting at the hotel and transfer to the Wellington ferry terminal: Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton, (duration approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes).
Services present in Interislander: two lifts operating between the vehicle bridge (3 and 5) and the passenger bridge (7 and 8). The elevators are easy to access for all types of passengers.
Upon arrival in Picton, go to the train station.
Coastal Pacific train From Picton to Kaikoura (13.15 - 15.50): with comfortable and spacious seats, carriages with central heating and easy access also for wheelchairs. Whether the assistance of an operator is required, please notify it in advance.
The Costal Pacific train travels between the characteristic port of Picton and the city of Christchurch and vice versa. Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island. During the trip, you will have the opportunity to admire the fantastic New Zealand panorama, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side and the rugged Pacific Ocean coast on the other. Along the way, you will pass through the village of Kaikoura and travel through some of New Zealand's most beautiful horticultural areas and farmlands. If you are lucky you will be able to see from your coach some examples of the amazing fauna, such as dolphins, seals and penguins. Considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, the TranzCoastal crosses 22 tunnels and 175 bridges, one of which is New Zealand's only road-rail bridge. On the TranzCoastal you will find an outdoor observation coach where your senses will be awakened with the fresh and clean sea air.
3:50 pm Arrival at Kaikoura railway station.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.

KAIKOURA
The town of Kaikoura stands on the spectacular north-east coast, at the foot of the homonymous, snow-capped mountains. In the south of Kaikoura, an underwater depression unusually close to the coast has favored the abundance of plankton and has thus attracted an extraordinary variety of marine species. The word Kaikoura means "to eat the lobster". The name comes from the Maori words "Kai" (food) and Koura (lobster). There are many attractions in Kaikoura: apart from the lobster tasting, it is possible to go hiking to watch the whales and dolphins, walk the Peninsula Walkway with its magnificent panorama and browse the galleries and local craft shops.

Accommodation: The White Morph - Heritage Boutique Collection:
Complimentary 1GB of Wi-Fi per person.
Available services: disabled chair for showers and grab rail for the bathroom.

You will meet at your accommodation this morning and be transferred to Whaleway Station.
Whale-watching tour (departure 7.15, 10.00, 12.45, duration 2.5 h)
Please go to the Whale Watch Kaikoura office located at Whaleway Station, in Whaleway Station street, Kaikoura.
On this day you will make an unforgettable boat excursion for whale watching (2.50-hour boat trip) during which you can also meet typical New Zealand seals, dolphins and albatrosses. Depending on the season, you can also see the migration of humpback whales, pilot whales, blue whales and southern whales. Kaikoura often hosts Hector dolphins, the smallest dolphins in the world, and attracts thousands of visitors also for the largest concentration and variety of seabirds including 13 species of albatross, 14 varieties of Procellaria and seven types of Shearwater.

NOTE: No space on board for wheelchairs. Customers will be accompanied to seats near the window. They will have to be able to sit alone. During rough sea conditions, it may be difficult.

3:50 pm Departure from Kaikoura on the Coastal Pacific train.
6:33 pm Arrival expected at Christchurch railway station and transfer to the hotel.

CHRISTCHURCH
Called the Garden City, Christchurch extends along extensive plains that initially attracted the first English colonists belonging to the religious group called "Church of England". The city represents the largest settlement on the South Island and is often described as the most English city in New Zealand for its characteristic weeping willows and centuries-old oak trees along the picturesque Avon River. The city, partially destroyed by the earthquake in February 2011, is in an active phase of reconstruction. Unfortunately, some historic stone buildings in medieval style, such as the cathedral, have been destroyed or partially destroyed.

Accommodation: Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch, Deluxe Room:

All guests will have free Internet access.
Available services: larger bathroom with shower and grab rail.

A half-day sightseeing tour of Christchurch is scheduled for today. The visit will include Hagley Park, the rebuilt part of the city, the Restart Mall and the Avon River.
At the end of the tour you will be transferred to the Bus Terminal.
Bus departure for Dunedin with Intercity Coachlines.
Upon arrival in the city you will be transferred to your hotel accommodation.

DUNEDIN
Also called "Southern Edinburgh" (Dunedin is the Celtic translation of the name Edinburgh), Dunedin was founded by Scottish colonists who landed there in 1848. A city with a strong Victorian architectural influence, Dunedin is characterized by numerous towers, gable roofs, spiers and stone buildings. Dunedin also has a rich native fauna: colonies of albatrosses and yellow-eyed penguins, blue penguins and sea otters.

Accommodation: Scenic Hotel Dunedin City, Superior Room:
The Hotel offers WiFi service.

Classic Jaguar Limousines - Half day private tour
The half-day tour of the historic city center is included today. Visiting major tourist sites includes Octagon, Otago University, botanical gardens and Baldwin Street.
At the end of the visit, you will be taken back to the Bus Terminal.
Departure by bus to Te Anau with Intercity Coachlines. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.

TE ANAU
The focal point of Fiordland National Park, the most rugged and remote in the country. Te Anau Lake extends to the foot of the mountains and its South, Central and North fjords surround the chains. The lake, the second-largest in New Zealand, drops to a depth of 417 meters.

Accommodation: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Deluxe Room
Complimentary 2 h of free Wi-Fi at the Cozy Bailiez Café & Bar.
Available services: 2 bathrooms, one with tub, one with handrail in shower. A second room for the companion is available if requested.

Departure for Milfors Sound, passing the scenic Milford Road. Departure of your ship for a relaxing cruise from Milford Sound. The cruise offers stations to observe the landscape and you can also enjoy the waterfalls, the rainforest, the mountains and nature.
Milford Sound Panoramic Cruise ex Te Anau and end in Queenstown: departure at 09.50 return expected at 19.55.

MILFORD SOUND
Beautiful landscape in the heart of Te Wahipounamu, a place declared a world heritage. According to Maori legends, the fjords were created not by the melting of the glaciers but by Tu Te Raki Whanoa, a divine figure who exercised his magical ax by casting spells. Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) is undoubtedly his greatest work. The lush forests cling to the sheer cliffs bathed by the waterfalls. In the undergrowth lies the Miter Peak, which dominates the horizon. Whatever the conditions of the fjords are, with heavy rain or dazzling sun, you will be inspired by the landscape.
Free access to the ship via the ramp but only up to the first level.

QUEENSTOWN
The most popular holiday resort on the south island, Queenstown stretches along the shores of Lake Wakatipu and is located at the foot of the Remarkables mountain range. Its extraordinary landscape is mainly characterized by magnificent peaks, steep hills and rich mountain vegetation. The town is also renowned for its many practicable activities including jet boating (jet-powered boats), bungee-jumping, skiing and many extreme sports. Following the discovery of the Shotover River in the 19th century, the city was visited by many researchers from all over the world, and was called Queenstown as an ideal location for "any queen".

Accommodation: Peppers Beacon, Studio Room (breakfast included):
Wifi internet connection available
Available services: shower with grab rail. Well located, with a short flat walk towards the center.

A full day visit of Queenstown and surrounding areas such as Arrowtown and Gibbston Valley is scheduled for today. You will have included tickets for the Skyline Gondola, a cable car that will take you to the top of Bob's Peak, from where you can admire a splendid panorama of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.

Available services: upon request, it will be possible to slow down or stop in order to allow freedom of movement for all guests. An assistance service is also available if requested at the beginning before boarding the Gondola. There is also room for standard-sized wheelchairs for the disabled who will travel in a separate cabin from other guests. Otherwise two wheelchairs are already available on board.

Kiwi Birdlife Park
Take a moment of freedom to embark on a moment of exploration being accompanied by an audio guide from the Kiwi Birdlife Park. Let yourself be entertained by the Live Bird Show and feed the Kiwis while they will explain their Conservation in Action. During the visit to the park you can feed the New Zealand birds in danger of extinction. Appropriately stop below the Gondola, at the beginning of Brecon Street, you will be in a favorable position to reach the city center of Queenstown.

Live Conservation Show is held twice a day
Kiwi Feedings: 10.00, 12.00, 13.30 and 16.30

Information available: there are no steps in the public areas of the park. On the other hand, a large part of the park is located within a forest reserve and accessible only by various nature trails. We suggest you check a map to determine the level of access mobility allowed to you.

Transfer from the hotel to the airport and flight to Auckland, on arrival transfer to the hotel by private vehicle.

AUCKLAND
An exciting, cosmopolitan, sporting and cultural city, which stretches along a narrow isthmus between the two natural harbors of Waitemata and Manukau which represent, together with the numerous volcanic hills such as Mount Eden and the island of Rangitoto, its distinctive feature. The beautiful beaches, marinas and numerous city parks make Auckland the ideal place for outdoor activities, such as rugby, cricket or beach sports. The large metropolitan area makes Auckland the largest city in New Zealand and its heterogeneous population is mainly composed of Europeans, Maori and especially Polynesians, whose concentration is the highest in the world.

Accommodation: Rendezvous Hotel Auckland, Guest Room
All guests are allowed to access the internet connection.
Services available: standard grab rail/chair for the disabled in the shower. Other services are standard as regular rooms.

Hotel meeting and private day tour in Auckland (8 hours). The visit to the main places includes the Sky Tower, Queen Street, Viaduct, Auckland Domain and Muriwai Beach.

Sky Tower
328 meters high, the Sky Tower is the tallest building in the southern hemisphere and offers a breathtaking view that stretches over 80 kilometers in every direction. Higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the AMP Tower in Sydney, the Sky Tower is renowned for its breathtaking views, excellent restaurants and adrenaline-filled entertainment such as Sky Jump and Vertigo Climb. The tower attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, making it Auckland's most visited paid attraction.
The entrance to the Sky Tower is through an underground gallery located at the base of the tower. The access to the observation deck and the level where the restaurants are located is via three elevators with a glass front wall and one with a glass floor. The elevators are capable to carry 225 people every 15 minutes. The Sky Tower is open from 08:30 until late, completely accessible to wheelchairs.

Muriwai Beach
The paths are not always asphalted, therefore access to the observation points at Gannets could be difficult.

Departure from your hotel with a Great Sightseeing bus for the splendid excursion to Rotorua.
Leaving Auckland we will head towards the fertile Waikato region, with a short stop at Rangiriri, an important Maori historical site. We will continue to Waitomo, to visit the homonymous famous caves. After the visit to Waitomo we will have lunch (we recommend you to report any dietary needs) and then continue to Rotorua, where you will visit the Agrodome. In the city of Rotorua, 30% of the population is of Maori ethnicity and ceremonies and cultural activities are frequent. Among these, one of the most suggestive is the one held at the Te Puia center, where you will indeed attend a concert of traditional Maori dances and songs. At the end of the performance, you will participate in a guided tour of the Te Whakarewarewa thermal valley which includes the famous Pohutu geyser. Before returning to Auckland, you will visit the wood inlay school, a typical practice of the Maori population. Return to your coach and return to Auckland. During the return trip, there will be a snack.

NB: We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes and bring a heavy and waterproof jacket with you to visit the Waitomo Caves.
Waitomo Caves: the part of the visit that will take place by boat will not be accessible to wheelchairs.

Transfer to the airport for return flight.

Arrival in Italy.