"Kia Ora!" New Zealand - Windstar Cruises
Mustcruise
shore excursions, & watersports Seattle
Sail this winter into summer down-under with Windstar and discover the isles of
New Zealand on a fascinating shore excursion or land tour.
Over 30 shore excursions will be offered during the New Zealand 2002 inaugural
season aboard the 148-passenger msy Wind Song.
Windstar's broad assortment of unique tours promises to satisfy all desires
with outings ranging from thrill-seeking adventures to leisurely cultural
tours.
The land tour and shore excursions showcase New Zealand specialties such as the
sheep industry and ancient Maori culture, Marlborough wine country, and Art
Deco capital of Napier.
Interactive adventures include black water rafting, swimming with the world's
smallest dolphins, an incredible flight-seeing tour of Milford Sound, and a jet
boat ride over raging rapids.
Windstar's free watersports program will be a prominent attraction on the New
Zealand itineraries.
Guests will have the opportunity to Snorkel with the Seals at Abel Tasman
National Park in addition to sail, windsurf, kayak, water-ski, banana boat and
snorkel at most ports of call.
Excellent scuba diving excursions will be available to both certified and
novice divers for a fee.
QUEENSTOWN LAND TOUR
Nestled in the Southern Alps on the shores of the breathtaking Lake Wakatipu
lies Queenstown, the most popular holiday destination in New Zealand.
Windstar's three-day all-inclusive tour offers accommodations at the luxurious
Queenstown Park Royal Hotel, the hub for this expedition.
Tour itinerary varies based upon cruise departure date.
Day 1: After settling in at the hotel, experience New Zealand's pristine
natural surroundings up close on a riveting jet boat ride down the untamed
rapids of the Lower Shotover River.
Unwind from the adventurous day at a welcome dinner in the comforts of the
hotel.
Day 2: A flightseeing tour over Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound will
astound all with its majestic mountain peaks, glaciated cliffs rising several
thousand feet, and tumbling waterfalls.
Then relax a bit aboard a 1912 vintage steamship ride on Lake Wakatipu to
Walter Peak for a decadent dinner at the Colonel's House on magnificent Beach
Bay.
Day 3: Start the morning with a stroll down the picturesque tree-lined streets
of nearby Arrowtown, with its quaint miner's cottages from its gold mining
heydays.
Watch as dare-devils tempt their fate on the Bungee Jumping Bridge at the
Kawarau River on the way to the Gibbston Valley Winery, home of the largest
underground wine cellar in New Zealand.
Guests will fly to Christchurch to round off their trip with a walking tour of
historic homes, Cathedral Square, the Avon River, Hagley Park and the
International Antarctic Center.
SHEEP SHEARING & WINE TASTING
Get a literal hands-on cultural experience during the Fascinating Rotorua shore
excursion in the port of Tauranga.
Visit the Agrodome for an entertaining educational show on the native wool
industry replete with sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dogs working the
stock, and the chance to milk a lamb.
A scenic drive reveals signature New Zealand treasures such as a real nocturnal
Kiwi bird, some of the world's largest trout, and the kiwi fruit capital, Te
Puke.
The day finishes with a picturesque gondola ride to a hilltop summit discovery
of the ancient Maori culture at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, with a
traditional tribal meal and concert at the Skyline Restaurant.
The Picton port of call offers a tour of the senses in the burgeoning
Marlborough Wine Country.
On the Taste of Marlborough tour guests visit two beautiful wine estates and
the picturesque grounds of the Brooksdale Gardens.
Enjoy an inside look at the New Zealand wine tradition at the Cellier Le Brun
winery exploring hidden underground cellars while sampling their specialty-Le
Brun Brut sparkling wines.
At the Ponder Estate, featuring 90 acres of vineyards and olive groves, guests
will sample the savory Marlborough Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Classic Riesling,
not to mention its internationally acclaimed Ponder Estate Extra Virgin Olive
Oil.
Amidst the rugged landscape of the north island lies Napier, the Art Deco
capital of the world.
The Art Deco Walk excursion takes guests on a tour of town with historical
accounts of the 1931 earthquake that left Napier in ruins, and the modern
architecture that emerged from this tragedy.
View the stylish geometric motifs of famous buildings such as the Rothman's
Building, designed by famed architect Louis Hay.
A cultural exchange rounds out the day with social hour and refreshments in the
private homes of native New Zealanders, world renowned for their hospitality.
SPELUNKING & DIMINUTIVE DOLPHINS
Just a short drive from the natural paradise and resorts of the Tauranga/Mt.
Maunganui port of call, the thrill of a lifetime awaits on the Black Water
Rafting excursion through the internationally acclaimed Waitomo Museum of
Caves.
Equipped with a caving wetsuit, helmet, headlamp, tube and some safety tips,
guests begin their journey down into the naturally formed limestone caves.
The cave exploration, walking, wading, and swimming adventure tops off with
tubing over a waterfall into the incandescent grotto of the Waitomo Glowworm
Cave.
Experience the heart of New Zealand marine life in the refreshing waters of the
quaint seaside town of Akaroa.
Join the catamaran crew on the Swim with the Dolphins shore excursion, and view
native New Zealand wildlife including the world's smallest dolphins, the rare
Hector's Dolphins-only one to two feet long.
Slip into snorkeling gear and relish a personal encounter with these native
creatures swimming alongside them in their natural habitat.
DATES - The 3 day Queenstown Tour is offered on December 31, 2001, January 2,
20, 22, February 9, 11, March 1, 3, 21, 23, and December 27, and 29, 2002.
Full descriptions of New Zealand offerings are listed in shore excursion
booklets provided with guests' cruise documents prior to sailing. All
excursions can be booked once onboard.
Windstar's New Zealand inaugural season begins December 23, 2001 with a total
of fourteen 7- and 10-day cruises embarking out of either Auckland, or
Christchurch, New Zealand.
Ten-day voyages on December 23, 2001 and January 2, 12, 22, February 1, 11, 21,
March 3, 13, 23, and December 19, and 29, 2002 will visit the ports of
Tauranga, White Island (cruising by the volcano), Napier, Wellington, Abel
Tasman National Park, Picton, scenic cruising of the Marlborough Sounds, Ship's
Cove, Kaikoura and Akaroa, New Zealand.
On April 2, and 16, 2001, two 7-day cruises are offered running roundtrip from
Auckland, New Zealand and visiting White Island, Tauranga, Mercury Bay, Waiheke
Island, Kawau Island and Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
All 10-day voyages (Source:http://www.windstarcruises.com)
Erkan ISIK
Anchors Away Cruises & Tours
Burlingame - CA
1 888 516 6306
http://www.anchorsawaycruisecenter.com
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