Itinerary

Day 1: Capital Kick-off

Upon your arrival in New Zealand, travel to the picturesque capital city of Wellington and enjoy a day exploring on your own. Visit Te Papa, the country's extraordinary national museum; tour the city's government buildings; ride the historic cable car to the botanical gardens; or stroll through the galleries and along the busy waterfront--all within an easy walk of your hotel in the heart of the city.

We gather this evening to farewell any North Island Black Sheep and to welcome new arrivals to our fold.

Day 2: Water and Wine
Ferry across the Cook Strait and along the spectacular coastline of the Marlborough Sounds to the South Island. On land, visit the world-renowned Marlborough wine region, stopping for lunch amongst the vines. Drink in the South Island's relaxed atmosphere (both figuratively and literally) then head to your lodge at the head of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 3: Abel Tasman Adventure
Sea kayak or hike along the stunning shoreline of arguably one of the most beautiful parks in the country. Aquamarine waters, temperate forest, golden sand beaches--no arguments here. At the end of the day, note how the colloquialism 'Good day, mate' rolls off your tongue.

Day 4: Spectacular Seacoast
Travel to the tiny, seaside town of Kaikoura, New Zealand's marine-life center. Hike amongst intriguing limestone formations, nesting seabirds, and snoozing seals. Kaikoura means 'to eat crayfish (lobster)' and at dinner, do just that. Fall asleep to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore.

Day 5: Marine Life Encounters
Spend the day with 'the locals' in their natural habitat. Don a wetsuit for an up-close encounter with playful fur seals or take a boat trip to the feeding grounds of albatross, shearwaters, and other pelagic wildlife. This afternoon, take a scenic flight to view Kaikoura's resident sperm whales. Remember the original, pre- Beevis and Butthead meaning of the word 'awesome'.

Day 6: City Culture, Country Charm
Journey to the charming city of Christchurch, described as the most English of New Zealand's cities. Hire a punt on the Avon, stroll through the botanical gardens, or visit the lively Arts Centre and open-air market. This evening, enjoy true Kiwi hospitality on an overnight farmstay. Remind yourself to get Pam's recipe for pavlova.

Day 7: From the Mountains to the Sea
Board the renowned TranzAlpine train for a trip over the glorious Southern Alps. Cross alpine rivers, pass beneath snow-capped peaks and descend to the wild and woolly West Coast. Wind your way along stunning, bush-laden coast to your lodging at the base of the Paparoa National Park. Note that you are definitely not in Kansas.

Day 8: West Coast Wonderland
In fact, today it's more like MiddleEarth as you explore the limestone cave systems that honeycomb this region. View delicate, unspoiled formations on a Scenic Caving trip, or take a Cave Rafting adventure, featuring glow-worm constellations, an underground river, a whole lot of rubber, and plenty of laughs. Above-ground, rubber-free options also available.

Day 9: Glacial Glory
Head south to New Zealand's spectacular glacier region. Thank yourself for choosing a guided trip, because you can't take your eyes off the scenery--a serious no-no on these roads. In the village of Franz Josef, take a scenic helicopter flight, passing near Aoraki/Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, and landing on the glacier's neve. Back on terra firma, hike to the glacier face and visit a stand of old-growth rainforest. Marvel at how ferns and ice can be within cooee of each other (that's 'really close' in Kiwi).

Day 10: Scenic Journey
Hike around the peaceful, reflective water of a glacial kettle lake, then head south to Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. On the way, explore hidden trails and secluded waterfalls. Make a note to buy an additional memory card for your camera.

Day 11: Mother Nature on Steroids
In the morning, embrace the energy of this lively town with a thrilling jet boat ride through the scenic Shotover Canyon, then spend the day as you wish, hiking, rafting, shopping, horse-trekking, bungy-jumping, reading, or whatever other optional activities you choose. Decide that Queenstown, backed by the aptly-named Remarkables mountain range, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Fill your new memory card with pictures taken from your balcony.

Day 12: Fiordland Escape
Pack an overnight back for a night in the fiords. As you travel through the Fiordland National Park, ask yourself how on earth things could get any more beautiful, then find the answer around each new corner. At the fiord, board your vessel for a unique overnight stay, highlighted by cruising, wildlife-spotting, and kayaking beneath the sheer cliffs of the fiord. Get sore pinching yourself.

Day 13: A Time to Celebrate
Cruise back to shore as a rare witness to a Fiordland dawn. On the way back to Queenstown, stop to explore the native flora and fauna. Note the caffeine-like effect of New Zealand air. Back in Queenstown, enjoy a leisurely afternoon before gathering for a farewell dinner to celebrate the friendships you've made and the memories shared. While making a speech, accidentally call your guide 'Mommy'.

Day 14: Fond Farewells
Depending on your flight schedule, take time to relax, make final purchases, or reconsider that bungy jump before traveling home or to your next destination. Arrive home and book your next Black Sheep adventure.

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