Authentic local experiences where everyday is different - a Discovery with Connections allows you to uncover the world we live in. These are open age trips thoughout select destinations in Australia and from the North to the South Islands of New Zealand. You'll explore the great outdoors, soak up the local culture and enjoy comfortable budget accommodation as you travel. Group sizes are small to allow you to enjoy an intimate holiday experience.

DAY 1: Auckland to Hokianga Harbour

Visit the Kauri & Pioneer Museum on our journey north to Hokianga Harbour. After dinner enjoy a rainforest 'Twilight Encounter' and be blown away by the experience.
Copthorne Hokianga Harbour
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DAY 2: Hokianga Harbour to Bay of Islands

This morning we travel to Paihia to explore the gorgeous Bay of Islands, a National Maritime Park and home to 144 islands. Perhaps take an optional guided tour by sea kayak exploring the mysterious mangrove forest, experience a dolphin adventure or enjoy an optional cruise to Cape Brett and the ‘Hole' in the rock. If chilling is your thing, then relax, the day is yours!
Beachcomber Resort
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DAY 3: Bay of Islands to Auckland

The morning awaits us as does the chance to swim with the dolphins, or time if you want to visit Russell, the oldest settlement in New Zealand or hike to the Hararu Falls through native bush. We then head on to Auckland for our overnight stay in New Zealand's largest city. Your hotel is situated in the CBD and close to the Viaduct Harbour precinct.
Mercure Auckland
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DAY 4: Auckland to Rotorua

Rotorua never fails to enthral and excite, a geothermal wonderland with bubbling mud-pools, gushing geysers and captivating culture. On arrival in Rotorua time is available to explore this fascinating city or perhaps undertake one of the many diverse activities available. This afternoon we visit Te Puia, at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute learn about weaving and wood carving techniques, then take a guided tour around the ancient geothermal park.
Sudima Hotel Lake Rotorua
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DAY 5: Rotorua to Wellington

Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway to the heart of the North Island travelling through green countryside, beautiful native bush and some of the largest alpine forests in the Southern Hemisphere. See the spectacular Huka Falls, and tranquil Lake Taupo. We travel south and cross the vast volcanic plateau of World Heritage listed Tongariro National Park and onto the nation's capital, Wellington.
Bay Plaza Hotel
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DAY 6: Wellington

First up today we welcome any newcomers before we take a guided tour of the fascinating, Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand. We then have time to enjoy a group dinner together this evening in this cosmopolitan and vibrant city.
Bay Plaza Hotel
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DAYS 7 & 8: Wellington to Nelson

Journey across Cook Strait through the Marlborough Sounds to Picton. Take a leisurely scenic journey to Nelson. Here you have free time to explore one of the most beautiful regions of New Zealand. (Bx2, D)
Trailways Hotel
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DAY 9: Nelson to Punakaiki

Our journey today takes us alongside the Nelson Lakes National Park where we will take the time to explore this spectacular area. We have the opportunity to visit Lake Rotoiti or Lake Rotoroa and enjoy short walks through this region. Tonight, our overnight stay is at Punakaiki, nestled into the foothills of the Paparoa National Park. It's a magnificent ocean-front location, with spectacular views of the wild West Coast beaches.
Punakaiki Rocks Hotel
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DAYS 10 & 11: Punakaiki to Fox Glacier

TAke time to explore Punakaiki further before heading to Fox Glacier village. Take a dawn walk alongside the sparkling Lake Matheson and enjoy sunrise in this tranquil environment. Tackle a hike on Fox Glacier and walk amongst crevasses and ice ridges. (Bx2, D)
Fox Glacier Inn
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DAYS 12 - 14: Fox Glacier to Queenstown

We continue past Lake Wanaka to the adrenalin capital, Queenstown. We have the next two days here to discover this incredible alpine resort - a town for adventurers and leisure-seekers alike. (Bx3, D)
A-Line Hotel
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DAY 15: Queenstown & Milford Sound to Te Anau

Travel through Fiordland National Park to magnificent Milford Sound for an unforgettable cruise. You may even see dolphins, seals and penguins in their natural habitat. We then make our way to Te Anau
Kingsgate Hotel
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DAY 16: Te Anau to Lake Ohau

This morninig we travel to magnificent Lake Ohau. This tranquil lakeside settlement lies on the outskirts of Mt Cook National Park. Our picturesque home for the night boasts awesome views!
Lake Ohau Lodge
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DAY 17: Lake Ohau to Christchurch

Today we travel on to Lake Punakaki for some great photo opportunities as we gaze across the lake to Mt Cook. We then travel on to Lake Tekapo for a short walk before making our way on to our final destination, Christchurch.

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NOTE: AGE RESTRICTIONS

This is an Open Aged Tour for passengers over the age of 6 years, however travellers over the age of 55 must provide a medical certificate from their physician. This is to ensure that senior travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their tour. Children between 6-18 must also be accompanied by an adult. Children under the age of 6 years are not permitted to travel on tour.

NOTE - CHANGE TO ITINERARY

There has been a change to this itinerary since going to print with our 0809 brochure. Instead of spending 2 nights in Hokianga Harbour, due to passenger feedback, we are now spending 2 night in Hokianga Harbour and one night in the popular Bay of Islands.