Thursday, 6 December
Departure Day

Depart Columbus for a grand adventure in Aotearoa!

Friday, 7 December 2007
Travel Day

”Lose” this day crossing the International Date Line.

Saturday, 8 December 2007
NZ Arrival - Auckland - Christchurch

Arrive in Auckland early in the morning and catch a domestic flight to Christchurch. Spend the remainder of the day and a night in Christchurch, The Garden City.

Sunday, 9 December 2007
Christchurch to Kaikoura

Driving along the east coast from Christchurch to Kaikoura with a full day of exploring and a night in Kaikoura.

Monday, 10 December 2007
Kaikoura to Wellington

Drive to Picton, take the InterIslander Ferry across Cook Strait to Wellington then spend an afternoon, evening and night in the capital city.

Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Wellington to Tongariro National Park

Driving into the beating heart of the North Island's volcanic plateau. Mounts Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngaruhoe are full of hiking trails and plenty of scenic photo ops. Spending the night in National Park Village.

Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Tongariro Crossing and Taupo

The Tongariro Crossing is said to be one of the best one-day hikes in the world. It's an all-day hike over the Central Volcanoes through the Ketatahi Springs and past the Emerald Lakes. After a day in the scrub, a scenic drive away from the volcanoes and up to Lake Taupo. Perhaps a massage and a night in Taupo.

Thursday, 13 December 2007
Taupo to Rotorua

A leisurely morning in Taupo... perhaps some sightseeing... then a quick drive to Rotorua. An afternoon exploring and a night in Rotorua.

Friday, 14 December 2007
Rotorua/Whakatane/White Island Tour

A day trip from Rotorua to Whakatane. Take a boat ride to the off-shore, active volcano, White Island, and enjoy an afternoon exploring the vents, boiling pools and lava. Evening and overnight in Rotorua.

Saturday, 15 December 2007
Rotorua to Waitomo Caves to Auckland

From Rotorua, cross westward over the North Island to Otorohanga and the Waitomo Caves. Be mesmerized by the caves' outcroppings and glow worms then head north to the City of Sails, Auckland. Spend two nights in Auckland.

Sunday, 16 December 2007
Auckland

A full day and night exploring and enjoying the beauty and excitement of New Zealand's largest city.

Monday, 17 December 2007
Auckland

Another fun-filled day in the City of Sails.

Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Auckland to Warkworth and Whangarei

The drive from Auckland to Warkworth winds along the coast and through the hilly terrain of Northland. It’s a relatively short, very beautiful drive. An afternoon re-exploring the Kowhai Coast and dinner catching up with some old friends. Then a night in Whangarei.

Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Whangarei to Bay of Islands

A winding drive through lush, old-growth Kauri forest to the Bay of Islands where you’ll find some of the world's most beautiful waters. Board an evening/overnight cruise on “The Rock.” On a clear night, the stargazing is spectacular!

Thursday, 20 December 2007
Bay of Islands

Spend most of the day exploring the Bay of Islands aboard "The Rock," enjoying the white-sand beaches, snorkeling, hiking and soaking up the southern-hemisphere sunshine. The evening is time to relax, take a walk along the beach, and enjoy the stars.

Friday, 21 December 2007
Auckland and NZ Departure

A leisurely drive back to Auckland with brief stops available in Whangarei, Wellston, etc., then catch an evening flight home.