Paradise Found
Discovering New Zealand
March 18 - 29, 2010

WITH YOUTH COMES BEAUTY

New Zealand was the last land mass on the planet to be discovered by the European seafarers in the mid-17th century, making it the planet’s youngest country. The islands were forged from the cauldron of the Earth’s molten core, as volcanoes rose from the sea, creating a spectacular landscape of mountains, coastlines, fjords and lakes.
     It comes as little surprise that film director Peter Jackson found this country to be the ideal dramatic setting for his The Lord of the Ring trilogy. Throughout these islands, land and life has been shaped and woven together by volcanic activity. Although the South Island no longer has any active volcanoes, both main islands are dotted with volcanic vents and hot springs.
     Similarly, the culture of New Zealand is very much like a giant pot of stew, simmering diverse ingredients together to create delicious flavors. With a thousand years of human settlement, New Zealand has a colorful history, dominated by the relationship between Maori and Pakeha (Europeans), with Pacific and Asian influences as well. This “melting pot” culture celebrates many different lifestyles and the stories New Zealanders (who call themselves Kiwis) have to tell.
     Rudyard Kipling found what he called the “eighth wonder of the world” in New Zealand. Few countries in the world encompass such contrasts in geography and culture as New Zealand. It is a land of majestic snow-capped peaks, unexplored rainforests, pristine lakes, turquoise ocean bays, wooded isles, glaciers, fjords, geysers and volcanoes. James Michener described these islands as “probably the most beautiful place on earth,” and most first-time visitors often agree.
     This coming March (during New Zealand’s autumn), Toto Tours will show you the best that New Zealand has to offer. We take you from its “veddy” British towns, to its wild and remote recesses, to the peaceful and majestic beauty of fjordland, to the capital of adventure activities, to the awe inspiring Mt. Cook, and even a visit to a native Maori home. Join Toto in paradise, as we discover incomparable New Zealand.

ITINERARY

Thursday, March 18, 2010
Departure from the U.S.

Your adventure begins today as you set out from your home and board a series of flights bound for Christchurch, New Zealand.

Friday, March 19, 2010
Phantom Day

Crossing the International Date Line, you lose an entire day in the air, which you’ll recover again on the return trip home.

Saturday, March 20, 2010
Arrival in Christchurch

Haere Mai! Welcome to Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud. Upon arriving you are met and transfered to our hotel. Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and boasts beautiful gardens, broad avenues, majestic trees, and a vibrant arts scene. Enjoy some time at your leisure. Within easy walking distance from the hotel you can visit the Botanical Gardens, punt down the Avon River, meander around the Arts Centre, enjoy the current art display in the modern Art Gallery, explore the city by tram, replenish yourself with food and beverages or simply relax in the hotel adjusting to your new time zone. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner, at which time we share introductions and discuss the adventures to come.     (Welcome Dinner)

Sunday, March 21, 2010
High Country

After breakfast, commence an all day excursion to experience some of the most spectacular New Zealand scenery by road, rail, off road 4WD and river. We start at the Christchurch Railway Station, boarding the world-famous TranzAlpine™ Train. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic train journey to Arthur’s Pass Village, in the heart of New Zealand’s snow-capped Southern Alps. Then it’s a four wheel drive journey to Flock Hill Lodge for a hearty lunch. Next we set off across the vast Flock Hill high country sheep station, an area inaccessible to the general public. Upon reaching the Waimakariri River, board a jet boat for a scenic river journey to Woodstock Sheep Station for afternoon tea in our secluded riverside lodge. For the final leg of the journey, board a Tussock Buggy to journey back to the hotel.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Monday, March 22, 2010
Mountains, Glacier Lakes and Icebergs

After breakfast we are collected by our coach to travel through the Canterbury Plains to McKenzie Country, a vast golden tundra lying beneath the towering southern alps. We make a quick stop to visit beautiful Lake Tekapo, a brilliant turquoise lake set in the oft snow-capped hills. On its shores lies the historic Church of the Good Shepherd, its windows framing a spectacular alpine landscape.
Continue to Mount Cook, or Aoraki, New Zealand’s highest mountain at 3754m, or over 12,300 feet. The mountain gives its name to a national park of alpine ice, snow, rock, sub-alpine scrub, tussock and riverbed. There are five major glaciers within the park and large permanent snowfields. The white mountain buttercup or Mount Cook Lily grows in profusion in the region, and native birds include the kea, a mischievous green parrot. Our hotel in Mount Cook Village is a major gateway to the area and home to the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre, a fascinating interactive display and fitting tribute to a much admired and respected national hero.
     After lunch in the hotel, take a Glacier Explorer tour to see astounding views of New Zealand’s largest glacier. A boat journey brings us close to towering ice cliffs and huge floating icebergs. The ability to view, touch and taste 500 year old ice is a new experience for most people! We return to the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner. With luck the night sky will be clear, as the star gazing here is fantastic! During our stay we can enter the Sir Edmund Hilary Alpine Centre at our leisure to learn more about this humble “bloke” who New Zealanders revere.     (All Meals)

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Queenstown – Adventure Capital of NZ!

After breakfast we drive south through the center of the South Island and over Lindis Pass to the pretty gold mining center called Arrowtown. Here we stop for a delicious lunch at one of the region’s well known wineries. (The restaurant is favoured by actor Anthony Hopkins but still very “low key,” with the emphasis on good food and service rather than celebrity status!) We arrive in picturesque Queenstown with time to check in and perhaps enjoy a stroll along the lakefront shops or gardens before boarding the classic steamship Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Station for dinner.     (All Meals)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Adventure or Relaxation in Queenstown

Today is a full free day in the Queenstown area. In addition to sightseeing, relaxing, or souvenir shopping around town, the area offers many incredible adventure options. We’ll help you organize just the right optional adventure for you, whether your tastes run from the easy to the extreme.

• Easy: Routeburn Hike - a day walk on the famous Routeburn Track in the wilderness sanctuary of Mount Aspiring National Park. (full day, $150)
  
• Moderate: The Shotover River Rafting (half day, $110), or Triple Challenge, by Jetboat, Helicopter, and Raft (full day, $225).
  Dart River Wilderness Safari - The Dart River Valley was a location for many scenes in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Coach to Glenorchy, take a jetboat up Dart River, enjoy a short walk through beech forest then coach return to Queenstown (half day, $140).
  
• Extreme: Nevis Triple Challenge, the full monty! River rafting, jetboat, heli flight and bungy jump! (full day, $350)

Enjoy telling your fellow travellers about your experiences over drinks and dinner in one of the many excellent cafes or restaurants in town this evening!     (Breakfast)

Thursday, March 25, 2010
Doubtful Sound Cruise

After breakfast this morning we depart Queenstown and take a scenic drive along Lake Wakatipu’s southern arm. Lake views give way to rolling pastures as we pass through some of the region’s best farming area. Soon we arrive at the tiny lakeside town of Manapouri and start our journey deep into Fiordland. After a short boat cruise across Manapouri Lake, we drive through the impressive Wilmot Pass and arrive at Deep Arm to board our ship for an overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. There will be opportunity to kayak and, if sea conditions are favorable, we visit a seal colony. While cruising there is always a good chance that dolphins will join us. We spend the night at anchor in a sheltered bay.     (All Meals)

Friday, March 26, 2010
Doubtful Sound - Wanaka

Breakfast is onboard this morning while we cruise back to Manapouri where our coach awaits. A short drive takes us to Te Anau, a lakeside town that is known as the gateway to many of the wonderful hikes available in the area. After enjoying a café lunch, view the short film “Ata Whenua” (Shadowlands), which is shown in a chic cinema specially built for this purpose. Filmed over several years, it is a stunning view of areas of the Fiordlands not otherwise accessible, and it gives a good overview of the region we’ve just enjoyed cruising. We then journey back through Queenstown and over the Crown Range to Wanaka. The autumn colours should be in full show and an evening stroll around the lake is highly recommended!      (Breakfast / Lunch)

Saturday, March 27, 2010
Wanaka – Glacier Country

Today we drive west between Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka to the Haast Pass – another of this country’s beautiful alpine passes. The scenery is fantastic, and if time allows we will stop to enjoy some of the beautiful short walks en route.
     Upon reaching “Roaring Billy Falls,” we leave the coach and board a boat to enjoy our journey from a different perspective. The trip through the mighty Haast River Valley goes into the heart of Te Wahipounamu, the South West World Heritage Area, and provides a close-up encounter with this untouched landscape and its remarkable natural features.
     We rejoin the coach and drive along the west coast, well known for its dense rainforests and “clouds that touch the road,” to Franz Josef. It’s most impressive attraction is the nearby Franz Josef Glacier, which (along with its twin, Fox Glacier) is the most low-lying glacier of its type in the world.
     After a lunch stop we are outfitted with boots and warm jackets before boarding a helicopter to take us high onto the glacier. We disembark, and for several hours our guide will share the beauty of this ice flow with us, exploring caves, crevasses and ice formations. Our brand new hotel is set in a lush rainforest, and we enjoy a meal together in the hotel this evening.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Sunday, March 28, 2010
Franz Josef - Christchurch

After breakfast, our tour continues north. First we stop at the quirky private “Bushmans Center,” where we gain insight into how the local people used the forests. We then stop near Hokitika where we are welcomed into the home of hosts Pauline and Hemi to share a hearty home-style lunch together. After lunch we gather to listen to Hemi tell us some of his Maori myths and legends that have been passed down through many generations. Our journey continues north, over another stunning alpine pass before we return to Christchurch. We share cocktails and a fabulous meal together this evening as we recap our adventures and say farewell to new friends.     (All Meals)

Monday, March 29, 2010
Depart the South Island

After breakfast your South Island tour ends. Join the tour extension to the North Island to experience what lies beyond the Cook Straight, or transfer to the airport at your leisure for your homebound flights.     (Breakfast)

Haere ra, ka kite ano. Farewell until we see you again.

TOUR EXTENSION TO THE NORTH ISLAND

You have come a very long way to discover the wonders of New Zealand, and it would be a shame to return home now without experiencing what the North Island has to offer—specifically the focus on Maori culture and thermal activity in Rotorua, and the glittering harbor city of Auckland. Auckland is the country’s largest city, with excellent entertainment options for the gay community. Please click on the link above for complete details.

ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)

Christchurch:  Camelot Cathedral Square Hotel

Mt. Cook:  The Hermitage Aoraki Mt. Cook Hotel

Queenstown:  Novotel Queenstown Lakeside (lake view rooms)

Doubtful Sound Cruise Ship:  Fiordland Navigator

Wanaka:  Mt. Aspiring Hotel

Franz Josef:  Te Waonui Forest Retreat (new 5* hotel, opening October 2009 - link is to PDF brochure of the new property with artist renderings of what the buildings will look like)

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements—For citizens of the U.S and Canada, all you need is a valid passport for travel to New Zealand for stays less than 90 days.

Immunizations—None are required, but it is wise to have your inoculations up to date. Is your tetanus booster current?

Exit Requirements—Departure taxes are included in the price of your airline ticket..

Suggested Reading:

• The Bone People, by Keri Hulme
• The Little Country, by John Guthrie
• The Quiet Earth, by Craig Harrison

Suggested Viewing:

• Once Were Warriors (1994) with Cliff Curtis (Auckland)
• Heavenly Creatures (1994) with Kate Winslet (Christchurch)
• The Piano (1993) with Holly Hunter (North Island)
• Whale Rider (2003) with Keisha Castle Hughes (North Island)
• Black Sheep (2006) (South Island)
• The Lord of the Rings 1, 2, 3 (2001, 2002, 2003) (North and South Islands)

WHAT TO BRING

March is the beginning of New Zealand’s autumn months. While temperatures are a little cooler than summer, the weather can be excellent, and it is possible to swim in some places until April. The average temperature for the South Island of New Zealand in March is 45 to 65 degrees F in most areas we visit. It will be a few degrees warmer on the North Island. In order to avoid having to lug around several huge pieces of heavy luggage, try to pack clothing which can be layered, worn repeatedly and put together in mix-’n’-match fashion. Be sure to bring a warm jacket, sweater, hat and gloves. Important: If you continue to the North Island, there is a 25 kg weight limit for checked luggage on the domestic flight! Laundry services are readily available throughout the trip, so pack less and wash more!

Suggested Packing List:

____ Proof of citizenship: Passport

____ Comfy walking shoes (hiking boots not necessary)

____ Long-sleeved Shirts (5 or 6)

____ T-Shirts (3 or 4)

____ Shorts (at least one pair)

____ Long pants (3 or 4 pairs) combination of blue jeans and casual slacks

____ Polar fleece top (for layering)

____ Rain jacket (cold weather gear is provided during glacier hike)

____ Sweater, gloves, hat, scarf

____ Sunscreen / lip balm

____ Sunglasses / sun hat with tie-on

____ Personal toiletries

____ Swimsuit

____ Camera, extra batteries and digital memory.

____ Ziploc Bags—small for papers, large for wet clothes

____ A good book for the long flights

MONEY MATTERS

The currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). As of May 12, 2009, the interbank exchange rate was NZD $1.65 to the U.S. $1.00. ATMs are widely available and credit cards generally accepted.

Tipping Guidelines—Tipping is becoming more widespread in New Zealand, principally in the major centres where there’s been more foreign influence. You can tip 5-10% of the bill in a restaurant (not in a simple café) if you feel you have received exceptional service. We will give collective tips to guides and drivers throughout the tour.

RESERVATIONS

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $600 deposit check. You also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or MasterCard. The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure (by December 24, 2009). Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the form and your deposit check.
     Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($600 maximum can be charged per tour). An installment plan is possible. Our mailing address is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours, Ltd.

LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS

Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All tour participants are required to sign a standard liability form.
     The tour operators reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 participants. Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure.
     We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in New Zealand! We will provide the necessary forms upon receipt of your deposit, or you can apply online by following the link at the bottom of this page.

THE TOTO SPIRIT

Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be identified by certain traits. They are:

•  fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
•  good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
•  undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
•  willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
•  eager to try new things & test limits;
•  punctual;
•  not whiners!

People often ask us “What is your favorite tour destination?” In answer we always unhesitatingly reply: New Zealand!  Join us on this exciting journey of discovery in a place that qualifies as “Heaven on Earth.” We know you will agree that you have found Paradise at last! If you have any questions, please call toll-free: 800-565-1241.

THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price:  $ 4,695 (double occupancy)

Private Room:  $1,200 extra, if available
(Not required. Toto Tours will try to match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room.)

Deposit:  $600 (due at the time of registration for this tour)

Remaining Balance:  $4,095 double / $5,295 single
(Assumes $600 deposit has already been made)

Remaining Balance Due:  December 24, 2009
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)

Included:  9 nights hotel accommodations; all ground transfers within New Zealand; fully guided and escorted tour; all excursions except those listed as “optional”; meals and accommodations as listed in the itinerary.

Not Included:  Round-trip air transportation from your home city to Christchurch, NZ; departure taxes; meals and other items not listed in the itinerary; insurance; alcohol; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to our drivers / guides are not included.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance with Travel Guard to cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow the link below or call us for more information.