22 Day Escorted Tour of

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA

February 28th to March 21st, 2009   

The Vacation Station presents their exclusive itinerary “Downunder”, visiting the highlights of these extraordinary countries, with a special emphasis on the cultural and natural experiences for which these destinations are world famous.

Package price = CAD $7990 per person

Includes all of the above highlights, plus:

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18 day

Escorted Tour of New Zealand

Weekly departures

Superb value escorted coach tour of New Zealand, visiting all the highlights of this beautiful country. All the important sights visited enroute are included in the price, as well as breakfast and dinner every day!    Day by Day Itinerary     Tour Meal Plan: Dinner (D),     Breakfast (B),    Room Only (R),      Specialty Dinner (S)   DAY 1 & 2           Board your flight from North America to Auckland, New Zealand. Cross the International Dateline enroute, arriving the morning of 6th March, 2007

DAY 3                     - ARRIVE AUCKLAND                                        (D)

Welcome to New Zealand!  After clearing Customs and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) at Auckland International Airport please go straight into the main hall. Our Kirra Tours Representative will arrange transportation to your hotel.  Enjoy a Welcome Dinner at the Fortuna Restaurant at Skycity. Overnight accommodation is at Rydges Auckland Hotel.

 Auckland Skyline

DAY 4                 - AUCKLAND / ROTORUA                                      (B,D)

This morning is at leisure, familiarise yourself with New Zealand's largest and most cosmopolitan city.  The downtown area is a comfortable walk away or the nearby museum is well worth visiting.  Your tour commences at 1130 (Please be ready in the foyer at 11.15 ) with a city tour visiting the summit of Skytower, at 328metres the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, for panoramic views across the city and its two harbours, the Domain, the city area, the Waterfront Drive with its numerous yacht marinas and nearby residential suburbs.  Follow the motorway across the Bombay Hills to the lush farmlands of the Waikato Region noted particularly for its dairy farming and internationally recognised horse studs.  Cross the bush clad Mamaku Ranges to Rotorua, centre of Maori culture for the region and a thermal wonderland.  Accommodation is at Lake Plaza Hotel (2 nights).      

  Pohutu Geyser                               Lake Plaza Hotel

DAY 5                 – ROTORUA                                                            (B,S)

A sightseeing tour encompasses the cultural and scenic highlights of the area.  Visit the Agrodome to see a display featuring New Zealand’s various sheep breeds and a sheep shearing demonstration.  Whilst at the Agrodome, be sure to visit the Bliss Confectionery factory & shop for a complimentary treat and tempting sweet delights.  Stroll through Rainbow Springs Park and see pools of rainbow and brown trout and native birds including the Kiwi.  Take the spectacular Skyline Skyride for superb views over city, lake and mountains and for those wanting just a little excitement try a Luge ride with our compliments - enjoy the thrill.  At the completion of the tour (mid afternoon) there will be time for optional activities:-shopping, trout fishing or a dip in a thermal pool.  This evening you will enjoy a Maori hangi (meal) which will include a selection of traditionally prepared meats and vegetables plus more conventional dishes, followed by a concert featuring Maori songs, chants and the stirring haka.   Maori Haka

DAY 6     - ROTORUA  /TAUPO / NAPIER / HASTINGS                      (B,D)

This morning visit Te Puia for the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, the Maori Arts and Crafts Centre and Thermal Reserve with its boiling mud, silica terraces and famous Pohutu Geyser. After departure from Rotorua we skirt some of the worlds largest man made pine forest to Wairakei where natural steam is harnessed to generate electricity and on to view the mighty Huka Falls where the full force of the Waikato River pours through a narrow chasm.   Pause at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand and world famous for its trout fishing.  Continue across the Central Plateau noted for its intensive forestry development to the Hawkes Bay region and the city of Napier claimed to be the art deco capital of the world.   First stop is at the Hawkes Bay Museum (included), learn about the devastating 1931 earthquake that destroyed so much of the city and led to the distinctive Art-Deco building style for which Napier is now so famous.  Learn of the regions history, early settlers, arts and heritage before exploring the city on your own.  Follow our abbreviated Art Deco Tour around the inner city area to see close up many of its unique buildings and don’t forget a walk along the foreshore to enjoy the spectacular ocean views – highly recommended.  Later, a few minutes drive has us at our overnight accommodation in Hastings.  Overnight accommodation is at Angus Hotel.

 HukaFall                       AngusHotel

DAY 7                     - HASTINGS / WELLINGTON                       (B,D)

Orchards and vineyards give way to lush farmlands as you pass through Hastings and across the northern Wairarapa Region to Dannevirke and Woodville for an early afternoon arrival in New Zealand's Capital City, Wellington.  An extensive city tour will include the summit of Mount Victoria for spectacular views over the city and its magnificent Harbour.  See the Houses of Parliament dominated by the distinctive "Beehive", Wellington Cathedral, the central city and business area and Oriental Bay.  There is ample opportunity to also explore the city yourselves and if you wish take a ride on the famous Cable Car, but be sure not to miss Te Papa, the “Museum of New Zealand”.  Overnight accommodation is at Bay Plaza Hotel.

 Te Mata Estate, Hastings

DAY 8            - WELLINGTON / PICTON / BLENHEIM                    (B,D)

Join the Interislander Ferry for a scenic cruise to the South Island with views of the City and its hillside suburbs.  Cross Cook Strait into the sheltered waters of Queen Charlotte Sound, bush clad hillsides remote bays and isolated holiday homes.  In Picton, you are welcomed by your South Island Coach Captain.  Explore Picton then drive to Blenheim for an afternoon’s sightseeing.  A visit to the Montana Winery for a complimentary tasting and afternoon tea.  Your overnight accommodation will be at the Blenheim Country Lodge Hotel.

 Wellington Tram                  Cook Straight Ferry

DAY 9   - BLENHEIM / KAIKOURA / CHRISTCHURCH                    (B,D)

Past Lake Grassmere then follow the coastline to Kaikoura, an area noted for whale watching. Over the Hundalee Ranges and onto the Canterbury Plains to the Garden City of Christchurch. Visit the International Antarctic Centre before a city tour highlighting a strong English influence. See the parklands and River Avon before boarding the Tourist Tram for a circuit of the city centre which showcases all the main points of interest.  Your overnight accommodation will be at the Pavilions Hotel.

  Punting on the Avon                                            Cathedral Square

DAY 10    - CHRISTCHURCH / MT COOK / OMARAMA                   (B,D)

Depart Christchurch across the broad expanse of the Canterbury Plains with the snow capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the west.  Enter the foothills near Geraldine, ascend Burkes Pass into the barren Mackenzie Country.  View the Church of the Good Shepherd dedicated to the early pioneers of the region and the Collie Dog memorial overlooking the milky blue waters of Lake Tekapo.  Time also for a spectacular flight over the Southern Alps, lakes and glaciers with Air Safaris (optional) before continuing your journey into the Mt Cook National Park.  A stop at the Mt Cook Alpine Village allows time to enjoy the scenic majesty of New Zealand’s highest snow capped peaks before travelling on around the shores of Lake Pukaki to the town of Twizel and onto Omarama.  Overnight accommodation is at Heritage Gateway Hotel.

 The road to Mt. Cook

DAY 11           - OMARAMA / DUNEDIN                                           (B,D)

Pass large hydro lakes as you travel down the Waitaki Valley to Oamaru and Dunedin - the “Scottish” city.  An early arrival allows the choice of excellent optional activities.  Combine a Monarch harbour cruise or Newton’s Citibus tour to see the albatross, penguins and seals.  Enjoy the historic and scenic Taieri Gorge train excursion or just explore the city only a few minutes walk away.  This evening prior to dinner, you will be treated to a traditional Scottish Haggis Ceremony, complete with piper, address to the Haggis and gift.  Your overnight accommodation will be at the Cargills Hotel.

 Albatross Sanctuary                           Yellow Eyed Penguins

DAY 12            - DUNEDIN/LAKE MANAPOURI/TE ANAU          (B,D)

Visit historic Olveston House, then cross rich, rolling farmlands to the agricultural towns of Gore and Lumsden, to reach picturesque Lake Manapouri with its backdrop of rugged bushclad mountains before arriving at the shores of Lake Te Anau.  Accommodation is at Fiordland National Park Hotel for

 2 nights.          

DAY 13          - MILFORD SOUND DAY TRIP                                  (B,D)

A highlight of any tour.  Follow the Eglinton and Hollyford Valleys where the beech forests reach right to the roads edge and mighty snow capped peaks tower above, pass the Homer Tunnel and descend into the Cleddau Canyon to reach majestic Milford Sound dominated by Mitre Peak.  A launch cruise takes you right to the open sea and shows such highlights as the Bowen and Stirling Falls.  Ample time this afternoon to relax and really appreciate your surroundings, take a short walk into the rainforest to visit The Chasm, a spectacular waterfall then pause at the entrance to the Homer Tunnel.  If time and conditions permit your Coach Captain may make a short drive into the Hollyford Valley before returning to Te Anau later in the afternoon. 

 Milford Sound

DAY 14       - TE ANAU / QUEENSTOWN                                           (B,S)

Cruise across Lake Te Anau to explore the underground world of rushing water and drift beneath the luminous shimmer of thousands of glow worms, an unforgettable sight.  This afternoon drive north to Kingston and around the shores of Lake Wakatipu to picturesque Queenstown.  This evening, cruise across the lake aboard the steamship Earnslaw for dinner in the Colonel's Homestead at Walter Peak Sheep Station.  Accommodation is at Rydges Hotel

( 2nights).

Earnslaw, Lake Wakitipu                         Walter Peak Station   

DAY 15               – QUEENSTOWN                                                      (B,D)

A day to explore the many delights of this alpine resort at your leisure.  Your Coach Captain will happily advise on the many optional sightseeing and recreational activities available to you. We recommend the world famous Shotover Jet Boat ride, take a Gondola ride to the Skyline high above, a tour to the gold mining area of Skippers Canyon, or for the adventurous - white water rafting.  Alternatively browse in the many shops and galleries - the choice is yours. 

 Shotover River                                            

DAY 16       -   QUEENSTOWN / HAAST PASS / FOX GLACIER       (B,D)
Pass picturesque Lake Hayes on to an area steeped in fascinating history relating to early settlement and the goldmining era, to Lake Wanaka, a picture postcard resort on the lake's edge with a spectacular mountain backdrop. Pass Lake Hawea and the upper reaches of Lake Wanaka to Makarora and into Mt Aspiring and Westland National Parks. Drive north along the coast to the glacier region. Explore the township or take the optional guided walk to the glacier's terminal face (daylight hours permitting). Your overnight accommodation is at the Fox Glacier Hotel.
Fox Glacier Optional helicopter tour .

 Fox Glacier                                                                  Optional helicopter tour

DAY 17        -       FOX GLACIER / CHRISTCHURCH                (B,D)
Time this morning for an optional helicopter flight over the glaciers, then travel north passing tiny lakes and farming settlements. Stop at Greymouth for a visit to a Greenstone (Jade) factory to see craftsmen cutting and polishing giant boulders to create fine jewellery. An interpretive tour will cover the history, mining and crafting of jade. We board the world famous Tranz Alpine Railway and cross the Otira Gorge and Arthurs Pass, which traverses the Southern Alps, to the Canterbury Plains and into Christchurch. Overnight accommodation is at the Pavilions Hotel.

Tranz-Alpine Express

DAY 18   -    CHRISTCHURCH / HOME          (B)
Today it is goodbye to your new-found friends. You will be transferred to Christchurch Airport in ample time to join your flight home.
  

CAD $5400   per person, double occupancy or single share

CAD $800   single room supplement

Price valid for departures from October through April.

Deduct $200 for May through September departures.

We invite you to compare the cost of this comprehensive tour to others on the market and you will see that we have the BEST VALUE !

Our price includes the following highlights:

• Local Escort throughout who acts as your Coach Captain.
• Accommodation on a twin/double basis in First Class hotel properties with private facilities for 15 nights.
• Three or four course Table d’hote/buffet dinners each evening (13 dinners)
• Cooked breakfast each morning (15 breakfasts)
• Specialty Dinners: Authentic Maori Hangi and concert – Rotorua, TSS Earnslaw Cruise and Dinner in the Colonel’s Homestead at Walter Peak Sheep Station – Queenstown.
• Flights from Vancouver / Los Angeles to Auckland, returning from Christchurch.

Prepaid Admission to:

• Skytower
• Agrodome
• Rainbow Springs
• Te Puia for the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve
• Skyline Gondola and Luge Ride
• Montana Winery – Tour and Tasting
• International Antarctic Centre
• Christchurch Tram
• Traditional Haggis Ceremony, including gift
• Olveston House
• Milford Sound Launch Cruise
• Te Anau Glow Worm Caves
• Inter-islander Ferry from Wellington to Picton

• Coach transportation throughout in luxurious, air-conditioned touring coaches.
• Meet and greet on arrival and farewell departure.
• One arrival and one departure transfer.
• Tour bag and wallet.
• Services of a professional Coach Captain.

Not Included

• Meals except those specified above.
• Flight taxes and fuel surcharges, currently approx. Cad $350.00
• New Zealand airport departure tax ($25), travel insurance
• Items of a personal nature

Deposit
A non-refundable TOUR deposit of $100.00 per person is required to confirm your seat on this tour. Air tickets require FULL payment at time of issuing.

Final Payment
Due 50 days prior to departure.

Cancellation
Cancellations within 45 days of departure are subject to the following charges:

50 - 31 days prior to departure - 50% of total cost
30 - 0 days prior to departure - 100% of total cost
Cancelled air tickets will incur additional costs depending on ticket type, ie. Seat Sale.

Cancellation Insurance
A comprehensive Medical, Cancellation and Interruption policy to cover this tour is available as follows.
0 to 60 years of age - $293.00
61 to 65 years of age - $341.00
66 to 70 years of age - $381.00
71 to 76 years of age - $530.00
This includes coverage of the tour amount prior to departure; coverage for personal property up to $1000.00; flight accident insurance of $90,000; travel accident insurance of $40,000; and unlimited interruption coverage for an emergency return flight. Unlimited emergency medical costs are also covered. Contact The Vacation Station for details and exclusions.

Cancellation insurance must be purchased at time of deposit.
  

Flights
The Vacation Station has access to excellent airfares from all departure points in North America. Contact us for a quote. :

Stopovers may be arranged enroute to one of the following destinations:
Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

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17 DAY LUXURY CRUISE TO

NEW ZEALAND & AUSTRALIA

NOVEMBER 5th to 21st,  2008

Travel aboard Holland America's 5 star liner, the MS Volendam as she travels from Sydney, down the coast of Australia to Melbourne, then to Tasmania before crossing the Tasman Sea to New Zealand.

ITINERARY Day 1 & 2         Depart North America for Sydney, crossing the International Dateline enroute.

Day 3        Arrive at Sydney Airport where you clear customs and are greeted by your Holland America representative. You are transferred to the MS Volendam, moored right in the heart of downtown Sydney.

                Your ship departs at 5pm.

Day 4      At Sea      

Day 5      Melbourne   7am to 6pm

Day 6      Burnie, Tasmania    8am to 6pm

Day 7      At sea crossing the Tasman Sea

Day 8      At sea crossing the Tasman Sea

Day 9      Fiordland National Park scenic cruising

Day 10    Dunedin   (Port Chalmers)     7am to 6pm

Day 11    Christchurch  (Lyttleton)     7am to 6pm

Day 12     At sea.

Day 13     Picton      7am to 6pm.

Day 14     Wellington  7.30am to 6pm

Day 15     Napier    7.30am to 2pm

Day 16    Tauranga     8am to 8pm

Day 17    Auckland      We berth this morning at 7am, then disembark for the airport and our flight home.

Prices start at Cad$4200.00 per person, double occupancy

Included in our price:

*  Flights from Vancouver or Los Angeles to Sydney; returning from Auckland.

*  Transfers to and from ship.

*  Port charges and government fees.

*  Inside stateroom, category MM    (upgrades to oceanview, balcony and suites are still available).

*  Travel agency host with you the entire cruise.

*  Exclusive to our group, a private shore excursion in Christchurch

Not Included:

*  Flight taxes and fuel surcharges (approx. Cad$380.00)

*  Items of a personal nature.

*  Optional tours while in port

Deposit
A fully refundable CRUISE deposit of $750.00 per person is required to confirm your cabin. Air tickets require FULL payment at time of issuing.

Final Payment
Due 90 days prior to departure.

Cancellation
Cancellations within 90 days of departure are subject to the following charges:
90 - 45 days prior to departure - 30% of total cost
45 - 31 days prior to departure - 50% of total cost
30 - 0 days prior to departure - 100% of total cost
Cancelled air tickets will incur additional costs depending on ticket type, ie. Seat Sale.

Travel Insurance
A comprehensive Medical, Cancellation and Interruption policy to cover this tour is available as follows.
0 to 60 years of age - $238
61 to 65 years of age - $282
66 to 70 years of age - $316
71 to 76 years of age - $465

77 + years of age - $592
This includes coverage of the tour amount prior to departure; coverage for personal property up to $1000.00; flight accident insurance of $90,000; travel accident insurance of $40,000; and $25,000 interruption coverage for an emergency return flight. Up to $2 million emergency medical costs are also covered. Contact The Vacation Station for further details and exclusions.

Cancellation insurance must be purchased at time of deposit.

Flights
The Vacation Station has access to excellent airfares from all departure points in North America. Contact us for a quote.

Stopovers may be arranged enroute to one of the following destinations:
Tahiti, Fiji, Cook Islands, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

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