Winery tour in New Zealand
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+64 7 866 2250

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+64 27 453 2821

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Whitianga
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New Zealand Encounters Introduction

New Zealand Encounters can assist you in the planning of your visit to New Zealand "Aotearoa". Our New Zealand Travel Planners believe that while the stunning landscapes of New Zealand can make for a great holiday, it is the people of this country that make for life-long memories of your time in our land of the Long White Cloud.

Instead of our New Zealand travel guide only promoting destinations or specific activities, we pride ourselves in also promoting our country's greatest asset; its people. Whether it is our Meet and Greet Representatives at your arrival airport, or the host at your accommodation, they will have one thing in common, a passion for looking after you and a commitment to giving the best of themselves.

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"Exclusive to New Zealand Encounters"

Our Locals and Landscapes Guides offer a unique perspective, have a contagious personality and are at one with their region.

Retracing the Journey to the Pink and White Terraces with Karen

Karen a gracious Maori Lady with a heart of gold and passion to keep alive today the culture of her tribe that once lived in the ancient Village of 'Te Ariki' the closest Village to where the Pink and White Terraces once stood and which were sadly lost to the Mount Tarawera eruption of 1886.

You will learn of the significance of Lake Tarawera and Maori traditions as you find yourself at Punaromia – The Tarawera Landing where you will board a boat and follow in the footsteps of our dear Kuia, Guide Sophia as you cross the lake to where the Pink and White Terraces once stood majestically on the waters edge.

On your return you will visit Pounamu Lodge with stunning views of Mt Tarawera and Lake, where you will partake in a gourmet lunch infused with Kai Maori – Maori herbs and foods that give you an experience in cultural cuisine.

After lunch you follow as Karen's forefathers did past Rotokakahi – The Green Lake and Tikitapu – The Blue Lake to the Whakarewarewa Forest where the Giant Redwood Trees reach for the skies. You then arrive at Whakarewarewa where Karen's family went to live after the eruption of Mount Tarawera and where her family still reside today.

Here you will witness first hand the geothermal pools and mud at work and how it sustains her family's way of life. You will see her Marae – Te Pakira – the wonderful carved Meeting House of the Village. You will be invited to join the master weaver and learn how to shape harakeke – flax into something useful that you can take away with you. Before you leave Karen's family will entertain you with the songs and dances of her tribe.

The Southern Alps by 4WD with Mark

“The honour of sharing the Southern Alps with its vast valleys, rivers and ever changing moods? Well, you can hardly call it a job”, Mark's response when asked to described his work. Mark was born and raised on a sheep, deer and crop farm in the Canterbury region outside Christchurch.

Mark began experiencing the Southern Alps and Canterbury high country as a child on family Sunday drives. These turned into more manly adventures as a teenager when he and his father went on hiking and four-wheel-drive trips, sometimes staying overnight in old musterer's huts in the middle of nowhere. “But the stars kept you company at night”.

Wildlife Wonders with Brian

Where passion and knowledge collide; that's Brian. He is passionate about sharing and protecting New Zealand's wildlife and he is knowledgeable on a broad expanse of subjects. On an experience with Brian you get the rare opportunity to visit a private farm where there is a yellow-eyed penguin colony, see the New Zealand fur seals, sea lions and endless birds including the royal albatross.

Visit the remote and wild Catlins then visit Stewart Island. There you have the ultimate opportunity to see our native bird, the kiwi in the wild. With Brian you just don't see wildlife, you will get to feel and understand them.

Tour of Auckland with Rene

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Your tour will commence with a visit to Mt Eden followed by visiting the Domain Museum. Onwards your day will also include the Auckland City highlights, especially Devonport and onto Mount Victoria to where you can see far-reaching views over the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Volcanic Island.

At Mt Victoria, you will see the battlement guns which once protected Auckland from invasion by the Russians before continuing onto some beautiful Memorial Gardens before stopping for some picnic lunch at Mission Bay.Next, you will visit Cornwall Park and One Tree Hill and some of the outlining areas of beauty before being returned to your accommodation late afternoon.

Secrets of Fiordland with Steve

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What can we say about Steve? He is the epitome of a genuine Kiwi guy. He is casual funny knowledgeable and always with a story to tell and a smile. Steve will arrange to meet you after breakfast for your Private Tour of Fiordland and to Milford Sound will begin.

The sheer beauty of the Sounds will take you back to a Prehistoric time that carved this magnificent region. The road to Milford takes you through rural farmland to beech forests, alpine valleys, past waterfalls and Alps that stretch as far as the eye can see!

You will board a cruise boat for a two-hour boat trip through the glacier created, dramatic landscape. It is as if a journey to prehistoric times. Steve will accompany you with a commentary on the magnificent scenery and wildlife - keep a lookout for dolphins, seals and penguins.

Cruise to Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve Half Day Tour with Chris

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Chris Riley is a passionate guide and will enjoy sharing with you the delights of this area as you explore Lake Wanaka as you cruise to Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve, which lies close to the centre of the Lake.

Accessible from Wanaka via a 35-minute boat cruise, where you will land on the eastern side of the island, here the remnants of the early settlement remain; a stone wharf and a hut. From the top, we have a sweeping 360-degree view of Lake Wanaka, its surrounding mountains and valleys, and below Arethusa Pool, you will plant a tree to help put back what our visit takes, you will also be able to see up the West Coast, seeing how the Glaciers formed what you see today.

Foot Prints in the Sands from Kupe to Cook with Dmitri

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Dmitri is a professional photographer and therefore knows the best kept secrets of the Peninsula. He will share these with you and take photos of you to present in a Photoview Disc DVD for you to take home as a keepsake and enjoy with family and friends of your time in our beautiful part of New Zealand.

You will with Dmitri retrace in the footsteps of Kupe the Maori Voyager who came here in 950 AD to Captain Cook in 1769. Other spots on the itinerary include: Kauri Grove and Punga Forest, Egan Park, Waiau Falls, Hot Water Beach and Hahei, and Shakespeare Reserve.

The Spectacular West Coast with Richard

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As a Kiwi Host, with 20 years Tour Guiding experience, Richard has a widespread knowledge of conservation, flora and fauna from the Alps to the sea.

On your guided tour you will experience Maori and local history. You'll take short walks viewing scenic landscapes and natural attractions. A passionate advocate for the protection of the region's flora and fauna, he loves to share its unique qualities with visitors who have ventured to this remote and spectacular region.

Wildlife Wonders of the Otago Peninsula with Shaun

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Where passion and knowledge collide; that's Shaun. Passionate about sharing and protecting New Zealand's wildlife and he is knowledgeable on a broad expanse of subjects. On this experience with Shaun you get the rare opportunity to visit a private farm where there is a Yellow-Eyed penguin colony, see the New Zealand fur seals, sea lions and endless birds including the Royal Albatross.

Also on longer Tours, you can visit the remote and wild Catlins then a visit Stewart Island. There you have the ultimate opportunity to see our native bird, the Kiwi in the wild. With Brian or Shawn, you don't just see wildlife, you will get to feel and understand and embrace them.

Let Us Fly You To New Zealand

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As New Zealand travel planners we are able to assist you with your flights to New Zealand.

Please complete Email us at agentsdesk@nzencounters.com with details of where you are travelling from, how many passengers and the class of travel, we reply giving you the widest choice of airlines and flights to choose from.

New Zealand Encounters proudly recommends our preferred airline: Air New Zealand.

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