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New Zealand’s |
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THERMAL
WONDERLAND |
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5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS |
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[
Australia Eclipse 2002
ADD-On Table of Contents ] [ Prices
and Terms ] [
Reservation
Form ]
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It's Easy to
Add 5 Days and 4 Nights
to explore New Zealand's Thermal Wonderland before or after
Australian Eclipse 2002! |
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New Zealand's Wai-o-tapu
Thermal Wonderland is a unique geothermal area with
internationally significant features. The area is located in
the centre of the Taupo volcanic zone which extends from the
central plateau, where there are three volcanoes - Ruapehu,
Ngharahoe and Tongariro - through to White Island 30km
northeast of Whakatane in the Bay of Plenty.
Within this area are 130 volcanic domes including at least 7
major explosion craters. A large fault line is formed by the
Australian-Indian plate. This plate and the Pacific plate
are forced together by immense pressure.
This
is where super heated steam and water are present
underground under immense pressure. The heat source (magma)
under Wai-o-tapu lays some 4km below the ground surface and
covers some 17sq km. The hydrothermal field lies 400m below
the surface at its shallowest point and extends downwards
from there. Ground temperatures within the field average 275
- 320°C. Water and steam convectionally traveling to the
surface pick up a vast range of elements and minerals.
The
area has been active for some 100,000 years and research
indicates the area is an ancient caldera or collapsed
volcano. As recently as 900 years ago, 3 volcanic eruptions
took place forming the largest hot spring in the area and 2
volcanic lakes. |
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Itinerary: |
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Day 1
Breakfast
ARRIVE IN AUCKLAND |
Arrive Auckland International airport on
New Zealand’s famous North Island. After completing Customs and
Immigration formalities you will be met by our representative, given
your documents and transferred to the Hyatt Regency, a sophisticated,
classical and stylish hotel. Guests are greeted with friendly enthusiasm
and unsurpassed efficiency. No request is too large, no detail too
small. The perfect place to discover a cosmopolitan yet unspoiled city,
vibrant with opportunity and ideal for business and pleasure.
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Overnight: Hyatt Regency Hotel (two nights) |
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Day 2
Breakfast
AUCKLAND SIGHTSEEING
Scenic Tours
will collect you from your accommodation for a half day tour of the
City, including a drive over the Harbour Bridge, 360 degree views from
Mount Eden Volcanic cone over the City and surrounding areas; a drive
along the Waterfront past some of Auckland‚s finest homes; Parnell Rose
Gardens; Auckland University and Albert Park. A stop will also be made
at the seaside suburb of St Heliers Bay to view local shops and beach
area.
Optional afternoon
activity: +$94
per person
Lunch
Instead of sightseeing in Auckland, take a full day tour to Bay of
Islands including a Cape Brett Cruise. Located some 260 km north of
Auckland, the Bay of Islands is a deeply indented bay containing some
150 islands on the east coast of the Northland Peninsula. Your journey
north is via the Harbour Bridge to the North Shore, a large residential
area with many beautiful bays and inlets. Further north you will travel
through Whangarei, Northlands’ only city and largest port and on to the
Bay of Islands where you will visit the Waitangi Treaty House, site of
the historic treaty between the Maori and European pioneers. View a
magnificent Maori meeting house and large war canoe.
Boarding a ferry you will travel across the 'Bay' to the township of
Russell, the very beginning of European colonization in New Zealand.
Enjoy a tour around this fascinating area with its early whaling and
political history. There will be time to explore shops along the
waterfront before taking the ferry back to Paihia for a high-speed
catamaran cruise through this spectacular group of islands as you head
out to Cape Brett. Cruise through the Hole in the Rock, the highlight of
your tour (subject to sea conditions) - a boxed lunch is included with
the cruise. The Bay of Islands is world famous for its deep-sea fishing
and beautiful turquoise waters. Return to Paihia and rejoin your coach
for the journey back to Auckland. A truly memorable day.
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Day 3
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
AUCKLAND • WAITOMO • ROTORUA |
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Leaving Auckland, you will travel south by coach to the surreal
landscape of limestone formations and caves of Waitomo for a guided tour
of the Waitomo Caves. You’ll have lunch on board the Coach en route to
Rotorua, where you will enjoy visit to Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve to
see
boiling mud pools and Geysers, Rainbow and Fairy Springs, a Nature
and Birdlife park, and Rainbow Farm |
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to see an entertaining Farm Show and learn about the ways of New Zealand
farming.
Overlooking the famous Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Historic
Village, Centra Rotorua Hotel is the ideal holiday base in New Zealand's
world famous thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Tonight you will enjoy a
Maori Hangi, a traditional feast that features specially prepared food
that is placed in baskets and then slowly steam-cooked underground over
pre heated rocks. The Hangi is followed by a magnificent concert
featuring not only the world famous Haka, but also a selection of other
Maori action songs and dances.
Overnight: Centra Rotorua |
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Day 4
Breakfast
ROTORUA
AUCKLAND
Morning at leisure. (Option:
Guided Fishing or
further touring) This afternoon you will board
your coach back to Auckland traveling through the farming country of the
Waikato.
Overnight: Hyatt Regency Hotel
Day 5
Breakfast
DEPART AUCKLAND
After breakfast transfer to the Auckland International Airport. Prior to
checking in please ensure you have filled in your departure cards and
have your Passports and tickets ready for inspection.
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Tour
cost:
$668 per person, double occupancy. Add $228 for single supplement.
Tour
includes:
All transfers, lodging, meals, sightseeing and admissions
as stated in itinerary.
Not
included:
Air
travel (call TravelQuest for details), optional activities,
unspecified meals, tips to guides and drivers, departure tax, and
personal expenses.
Payments
& Terms:
$100 per person deposit, balance due August 28, 2002. Full refund, less
$50 per person handling fee, through August 28. No refunds after that
date.
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| Back to Top |
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TRAVELQUEST INTERNATIONAL
Tel. +1 928-445-7754 / USA & Canada: 800-830-1998
Fax +1 928-445-8771
For additional information,
please contact TravelQuest International
at:
800-830-1998
or press here to request a brochure be sent
to your postal box.
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