North Island Luxury Programme

New Zealand

8 nights/ 9 days

Valid 01 October 2010 – 31 March 2011

Beautiful Lakes of the Rotorua Region

OVERVIEW SUGGESTED LOCATIONS

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke‘s Bay 2 nights Solitaire Lodge, Rotorua 2 nights Takatu Lodge, Matakana (North of Auckland) 2 nights Mollies, Auckland City 2 nights

Day 1 Arrive Auckland – Hawke’s Bay

Haere Mai & Welcome to New Zealand!

Arrive Auckland from Australia.

Meet the Exclusively New Zealand Representative and transfer by private vehicle to the Domestic Terminal.

Fly Auckland/ Napier – flight cost not included in ENZ quotation.

Arrive Napier and make your way to the rental vehicle counter.

Complete the necessary paperwork relating to your rental hire. Rental Vehicle Details – Toyota Highlander 2.4L 5 Door 4WD or similar; includes airport collection fee, full insurance cover and insurance excess reduction (reduces excess to nil)

Hawke's Bay Province was founded in 1858 as a Province of New Zealand, after being separated from the Wellington Province following a meeting in Napier in February 1858. The Province was abolished in 1876 along with all other provinces in New Zealand. It was replaced with a Provincial District. On February 3, 1931, Napier and Hastings were devastated following New Zealand's worst natural disaster. An earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter Scale killed 256 people. Napier began re-building and now the city is world famous for its Art Deco buildings and celebrates its heritage each February with the Art Deco Weekend. An exhibition on the earthquake, its causes and impact, at the Hawke's Bay Museum and Art Gallery is a popular destination for visitors. Hawke's Bay Wine Country is a holiday destination where the sun seems to forever shine. Famed for being one of the three major winemaking regions in New Zealand, Hawke's Bay is home to internationally acclaimed wines and is the premier New Zealand destination for food, wine and lifestyle. Supported by a Mediterranean climate and a varied landscape from dramatic sea cliffs, to fertile plains and crystal clear rivers that meander down to the Pacific Ocean, the region has a diverse range of things to see and do and hosts a number of icon events throughout the year. For families enjoying the sun, there are golden sand beaches, water theme parks, public swimming pools and crystal clear rivers. Swim with dolphins, visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand or see the largest mainland gannet colony in the world. For the thrill seeker there's plenty to fuel your adrenaline from jet-boating, hot air ballooning, surfing, caving and paragliding to sailing and windsurfing. Day walks, hunting or fishing and golf are popular past times too. A bit of trivia: the region has a hill with the longest place name in New Zealand, and the longest in the world according to the 2009 Guinness Book of records:

“Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu” Meaning: ―An unremarkable hill in southern Hawke's Bay, not far from Waipukurau‖

Day 1 Arrive Auckland – Hawke’s Bay ... (Cont.)

The Farm, located on the North Island in Hawke‟s Bay - one of New Zealand‟s most significant wine districts, opened in November 2007 and is living up to all expectations in delivering a true five star experience. The Cape Kidnappers estate is set on a 5,000-acre sheep and cattle farm which rolls along cliffs that plunge dramatically to the sea and includes the internationally acclaimed and challenging par 72 golf course. On the exterior, the lodge resembles a cluster of farm buildings, designed to blend with the rustic feel of the area. Spacious cottages, each with a breathtaking view, high ceilings, fireplaces and large luxury bathrooms, will fan out from the main building. Graceful French doors lead to large outdoor porches looking out at a stunning 180 degree Pacific panorama.

Accommodation Room Type Inclusions Notes

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawke Bay www.capekidnappers.com 2 nights

King Hilltop Suite Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks & canapés, 3 course dinner, access to gymnasium and pool.

Gentlemen are required to wear a jacket during dinner.

Day 2 Leisure Time

Leisure Day

Today is at leisure to explore The Farm at Cape Kidnappers and the Hawke‘s Bay region in your own time. Perhaps take a mountain bike and explore the farm trails or go beyond to see the vineyard and art deco landscape that lies beyond the Cape.

Please note that additional costs may apply for some of the activities available at The Farm.

With a playground of over 5,000 acres on your doorstep, there’s plenty to do at The Farm with a choice of on-site activities:

Hiking Trails Whether your pleasure is a short stroll, an early morning jog, or a long walk, you will find them all here at Cape Kidnappers. Walk to the 200 year old Kahikatea tree or jog or walk along Trigg Road which overlooks truly amazing views. For a longer walk head out to the Kanuka Block and enjoy beautiful native bush and inspirational views of the Pacific Ocean. Please contact Reception to order a snack pack of light refreshments and a trail map. Guided walks of the property can also be arranged. Mountain Biking Explore and enjoy our 6,000 acres of The Farm at Cape Kidnappers by bike. We have Adult and children‘s mountain bikes are available for guest use. Kiwi Discovery Walk As a guest of The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, we are delighted to offer an exclusive experience to view our treasured native bird – the kiwi. Because the kiwi is a semi-nocturnal secretive bird, few New Zealanders have seen their national bird in the wild. The kiwi is the sole survivor of an ancient order of birds including the now extinct Moa. There are five recognised species - all of which are endangered. It is a flightless bird, about the size of a domestic fowl and has coarse, bristly, hair-like feathers. Tours are arranged with experienced guides from Environmental Services who carry out essential monitoring of the kiwi. Guests are transferred from the lodge and taken to a particular site. They then walk for up to 30 minutes to locate the kiwi habitat. Guests can observe the guide checking the kiwi transmitters and watch them being weighed and measured. Photographs are permitted. Kiwi do not like to be disturbed excessively and therefore we can only offer the Kiwi Discovery Walk on certain days. Gannet Colony Cape Kidnappers is the home of the largest, most accessible mainland colony of gannets in the world. The 20,000 gannets at the Cape are members of the Booby family, with distinctive black eye markings and a pale gold crown. Gannets are sized midway between a sea gull and an albatross. Visitors to the colony will see adults and young nesting in rows carrying out their daily routine. The birds can be seen from September until early May when they leave New Zealand for Australia. In September they return and build their nests to ready for the hatching of chicks during December and January.

Day 2 Leisure Time... (Cont.)

Bird Tours Cape Kidnappers and Ocean Beach Wildlife Preserve offer a fantastic opportunity for guests to enjoy a three hour tour visiting coastal and native forest areas and the gannet colony. Also see New Zealand pigeons, tui, bellbirds, fantails and grey warblers, as well as gulls, oystercatchers and of course the famous Australasian gannets at Black Reef. With a keen eye for New Zealand wildlife you may also get the opportunity to see North Island robins and tomtits that have recently been released into the wildlife preserve at Cape Kidnappers. Guided by one of the leaders in New Zealand bird guiding, this tour will be best suited to early mornings, however, we can arrange them at anytime to suit your needs. Spa We invite you to relax, rejuvenate and revive your body and spirit at our Spa. Located on the hillside above the Lodge, the treatment rooms feature amazing views across the valley towards the sea or over the pine forest to snow crowned Mount Ruapehu. Choose from a variety of treatments including massage, foot reflexology, body wraps, facials, pedicures, manicures and hair care. Relax and enjoy a memorable experience. 4WD Tours Our local farmer and a 4-wheel-drive specialist can guide guests on adventure tours and provide individual 4-wheel-drive instruction. Our specialists can accompany guests to unique locations, ranging from private beaches to the top of the 3rd Hill - a spectacular place to see the sunrise.

Quad Biking Take control of the throttle and ride with your guide over the stunning 6,000 acre sheep and cattle farm. These vehicles are an excellent way to explore off the beaten path with the aid of an experienced guide. Drivers must be a minimum of 16 years of age to operate a Quad Bike. Art Classes This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Under the guidance of renowned local artist, Jo Speedy, you can spend a morning or afternoon painting the panorama. The sessions may be from the privacy of your balcony, the front lawn of the lodge, or any area on the property you would consider the most suitable to create your work of art. Acrylics will be used and your painting can be packed to take home with you. It is not often you can show your family your own masterpiece rather than just photographs.

Day 2 Leisure Time ... (Cont.)

Art Deco Experience Napier is also unique for its Art Deco. Nowhere else can you see such a variety of buildings in the styles of the 1930s - Stripped Classical, Spanish Mission, and above all Art Deco, the style of the 20th Century - in such a concentrated area. And Napier's Art Deco is unique, with Maori motifs and the buildings of Louis Hay, admirer of the great Frank Lloyd Wright. Enhanced by palms and the angular Norfolk Island pines which are its trademark, and bounded by fertile fruit and grape growing plains, dramatic hills and the shores of the South Pacific, beautiful Napier is the centre of the Hawke's Bay region. In Napier, you can enjoy the legacy of its brave rebuilding and savour the spirit of the optimistic Art Deco era.

Hawke’s Bay Wine & Food Hawke‘s Bay Wine Country is a lifestyle second to none and sets the scene for visitors to explore the region‘s award winning wines and fresh produce, from gourmet meats to a vast array of epicurean delights. The warm climate is conducive to all things living and has earned Hawke‘s Bay the reputation as a leader in food and wine production. Rich soils and warm growing conditions attract innovative epicurean food producers – and at the local culinary outlets and cellar doors, you‘ll have the chance to taste touch and smell their myriad of tantalizing products.

Day 3 Hawke’s Bay – Rotorua

Today’s Outline

Farewell your hosts as make your way to Rotorua today; a journey of approximately 4 hours.

With its unique volcanic landscape, living Maori culture, natural hot springs and plenty of options for adventure, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most famous destinations. When explaining the appeal of their region, the people of Rotorua like to talk of five spirits. You can feel the spirit of the earth, as it rumbles beneath your feet and escapes, hissing, through fumaroles and geysers. You can witness the spirit of Maori culture, with authentic village and performance experiences. With a soak in a natural hot spring or a relaxing massage, you can rejuvenate your spirit. Or free your spirit with outdoor adventures - trout fishing, kayaking, waterskiing, swimming, hiking and mountain-biking. And if it's excitement you crave, you can challenge your spirit with adrenalin-charged extreme activities such as sky-diving, jet boating and zorbing.

Apart from its surprising crater, mountain and lake landscape, Rotorua is memorable for striking Tudor-style architecture and beautiful public parks. The farmland around city is some of the most fertile in New Zealand. Watching a sheep show or staying on a working farm is a great way to get a different view of the region.

Solitaire Lodge is a paradise of tranquillity and relaxation amidst a wonderland of bush and lakes. It has been described as “the most beautiful lakeside position anywhere in the world”. Perched in solitary splendour on the tip of a bush-clad peninsular overlooking magnificent Lake Tarawera, Solitaire is the perfect place to base yourself for trout fishing, waterfall walks, kayaking or to relax and do absolutely nothing.

Accommodation Room Type Inclusions Notes

Solitaire Lodge Lake Tarawera www.solitairelodge.co.nz 2 nights

King Executive Suite Full Breakfast, pre-dinner drinks & canapés, gourmet dinner and full use of lodge facilities.

Day 4 Lake Tarawera

Leisure Day

With a beautiful lake beckoning your call; there‘s a myriad of experiences to be had.

Following is just some of the experiences available from the lodge – additionally you might like to take a helicopter to the summit of Mt Tarawera to experience a crater rim walk and perhaps the chance to mountain bike down this majestic mountain (extra costs may apply)

A day out on the Beautiful Lake Tarawera A must do from Solitaire Lodge is to experience the beauty of this most magnificent of lakes. The majestic backdrop of the dormant Tarawera volcano, naturally heated thermal waters and unspoiled flora and fauna provide a beautiful playground to experience a delightful cruise on this beautiful lake. As well as simply relaxing and enjoying the serenity of this natural playground, you may wish to engage in the following activities:

Te Rata Bay Join your hosts and depart Hot water Beach (Te Rata Bay) is located in a secluded bay and only accessible by boat. Thermal springs gently rise through the lake bed, warming the water and creating a mystical steam around the cliffs. Here you can enjoy a relaxing swim or a lovely intimate soak in a natural thermal rock pool. Tarawera Falls The spectacular Tarawera Falls — where water surges out of fissures in a large rock cliff-face surrounded by native bush – is located on the south eastern side of Tarawera. The cliff is the end of an ancient rhyolitic lava flow that is believed to have poured from an erupting Mt Tarawera about 11,000 years ago. An abrupt stop to the flow produced these high cliffs. The quickest access to the Falls is by boat across the lake, and your hosts can provide return transfers for this experience. Be sure to take a picnic, your bathing suit and a towel as there are secluded pools along the track that are just perfect for a dip after a hike on a hot day! Fishing Lake Tarawera is renowned for its trophy sized Rainbow Trout of up to 7 kg. You will love the excitement of catching these huge fish yourself and with local fishing guru John Hamill you can enjoy it in the best possible way. Catch & Cook Once landed, your own trout can be enjoyed Sashimi style (similar to Sushi) accompanied by Wasabi and soy sauce, or barbequed with Clearwater‘s delicious but secret recipe. For special occasions, your very own fish can be baked in the thermal sands at Hot Water Beach while you soak in the natural hot pool. But of course, your fish doesn‘t have to be eaten. If it makes you feel better, you can release your trout back into the wild after taking a photo as proof of your expertise. Kayaking Follow the path from the lodge to the boat house and lake edge, where you‘ll find kayaks available for guest use. Paddle in the lagoon and explore the shoreline and sheltered bays.

Day 5

Rotorua – Matakana

Today’s Outline

Self drive to Matakana; a scenic journey of approximately four hours, passing through the city of Auckland to Warkworth then heading eastwards towards the Matakana and Omaha coast.

Matakana is a small country town situated 10km east of Warkworth and less than one hour's drive north of Auckland. Premium wines have been produced in the area for some time and there are several new vineyards being developed. Almost all the vineyards are on slopes, which help to drain the clay soils. Traditionally a red wine growing region, there are now some outstanding white wines - especially Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. However the classic red varieties of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Pinotage, Pinot Noir and Sangiovese have shown consistent excellence. The winemakers of this region are very passionate about their industry and welcome the public to sample the different varietals of Matakana. The Matakana Coast is also home to Tawharanui Regional Park - an Open Sanctuary, where native plants and animals including kiwi can live and breed successfully without the threat of predators; as well as a number of nationally & internationally recognised artists. They create a diverse range of fine art & crafts, many of which are available from the artist‘s home studio, gallery or workshop.

Takatu Lodge is architectural and contemporary in style using natural wood, stone and marble to compliment its surroundings. Whole walls of glass allow all day sun and capture the stunning views of the surrounding vineyard, mountain ranges and sea beyond - inside and outside fusing seamlessly as one. Attention to detail and individual needs are anticipated for guests to unwind in a peaceful setting among the vines. As an international airline pilot John's profession offers many opportunities to visit the best vineyards of the world. This firsthand knowledge has greatly influenced him in setting up Takatu vineyard, and has helped to fulfil his long time passion and enthusiasm to create his own wine. An equal amount of energy and attention to detail is given to Heather and John‟s new venture Takatu Lodge where their focus is on providing the finest service and a memorable experience for their guests. The vision of Heather and John Forsman, Takatu Lodge is a unique experience and opportunity to stay on a working vineyard where guests may enjoy the highest standards of elegance and comfort. High vaulted macrocarpa ceilings, open log fires inside and out, a cosy library and outside landscaped rooms are a few of the many architectural features.

Accommodation Room Type Inclusions Notes

Takatu Lodge Matakana www.takatulodge.co.nz 2 nights

King Suite Full breakfast As an Executive Edge and Exclusively New Zealand guest to Takatu Lodge, you will receive value added services during your stay in the form of a bottle of award winning Takatu Estate wine „Kawau Bay‟ 06, two tickets to the local Brick Bay Sculpture Trail – explore and view renowned New Zealand sculptors works, exhibited in a natural setting.

Day 6 Matakana

Leisure Days

Today is at leisure to explore the region on your own.

Following are some suggested activities available in the region; alternatively your hosts can give you some recommendations to explore during your stay.

Bush, beach and hill-range walking treks

Surfing or walking at the fabulous Pakiri, Omaha and Tawharanui beaches

Visit Artists in Residence

Fishing, including deep sea fishing

Vineyard and wine tours, including the Matakana Coast Wine Trail

Goat Island Marine Reserve, which also offer kayaking, diving and/or a day on the glass bottom boats

Visits and tours of local and organic farms

Farm and Kauri Parks and Museums

Excellent choice of quality cafes, restaurants and bars

Famous Mail Boat cruises to Kawau Island and Mansion House

Kayaking and canoeing at Puhoi

Morris and James Pottery

Horse riding at beautiful Pakiri Beach

Day 7 Matakana – Auckland

Today’s Outline

Farewell your hosts as return to Auckland City – a journey of just under an hour, south of Matakana.

Your luxury, boutique accommodation is located in affluent suburb of St Mary‘s Bay – a short walk to nearby Jervois and Ponsonby Roads where you‘ll find a fantastic selection of restaurants, cafes, bars and designer stores.

Auckland's waterside location has fostered the locals' love affair with the sea, earning this place the nickname "City of Sails". Sprawling over a narrow isthmus between the sparkling waters of the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours a cloak of rainforest covers the surrounding hills, dozens of dormant volcanic cones dot the landscape and enchanting holiday islands are scattered throughout the vast Hauraki Gulf. Two of the best island getaways are Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island Auckland's heart beats to a Polynesian rhythm, its people a melting pot of European, South Pacific and Asian cultures and a strong indigenous Maori heritage. This diversity brings with it an abundance of unique dining and shopping experiences. New Zealand's indigenous people, the Maori, called this land "Tamaki Makau Rau", a maiden with 100 lovers. It was a place desired by many and fought over for its riches, including its forested hills, productive volcanic soils and harbours full of seafood. The first sailors to settle here were the Maori, and in later years migrants from the Pacific Islands have contributed to the Polynesian population. You can take a walk through the city with a guide from the local iwi (tribe), visit the Auckland Museum, or wander through the weekend markets at Otara and Avondale for the flavours, sounds and sights of the South Pacific. In the city centre, Auckland has seen an explosion of ethnic restaurants and shops, especially Asian-style eateries. The region is dotted by 48 volcanic cones, with easy access to the summits of Maungawhau (Mt Eden), Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill), and Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf. In the heart of the central business district, you can't miss the imposing Sky Tower, which at 328 metres is the tallest tower in the Southern Hemisphere. You can also climb to the apex of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the more adventurous can bungy jump from it. Only a short drive from the centre the city is surrounded by rainforested hills, such as the Waitakere and Hunua Ranges; they offer dozens of bush walks for all abilities. The Waitakere Ranges are also the gateway to the wild west coast, where surf pounds black-sand beaches, all just a 40 minute drive from downtown. Auckland's temperate climate, easy access to the coast and variety of activities earn the city consistent top five rankings in international lifestyle surveys.

Day 7 Matakana – Auckland ... (Cont.)

Mollies small luxury boutique hotel is the love child of talented couple Francis Wilson and Stephen Fitzgerald. Their passion for opera, design and fine antiques is evident in every room, resulting in a wonderfully eclectic, yet soothing environment with centuries-old antiques and sleek modern furniture - one of the world's truly unique luxury boutique hotels offering stylish, spacious accommodation.

Against this lavish backdrop Mollies can cater for all manner of activities... from a romantic, intimate honeymoon to getaway vacations.

Accommodation Room Type Inclusions Notes

Mollies Boutique Hotel, Auckland www.mollies.co.nz 2 nights

King Junior Suite Full Breakfast

Day 8 Auckland

Today’s Outline

Take with you today a warm jacket, warm hat and gloves.

Your morning is at leisure and this afternoon, make your way to Auckland‘s Viaduct Basin.

1.45pm: Check in at the Explore NZ Kiosk, opposite Cargo Bar.

2.00pm: Depart on your two hour scheduled sailing experience.

Auckland America’s Cup Sailing Experience – included in costing 2hr duration, scheduled departure (not private) The America‘s Cup is the world‘s oldest and most prestigious sporting trophy and ultimate yachting regatta. Usually the domain of billionaires and elite professional yachters, NZL 40 and NZL 41 offer the unique opportunity for everyone to participate in the sailing on these grand prix racing machines. Passengers become the crew and are encouraged to take the helm, exert energy on the grinders or simply sit back and enjoy the action as we sail down the Auckland Harbour. The trip suits people of all experiences and abilities and is the perfect activity in Auckland, ‗City of Sails‘.

Day 9 Auckland Depart

Departure Day

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before you farewell your hosts for your departure.

Depart by self drive the Auckland International Airport.

Depart Auckland to Australia