Presented by Janet Blair, President, Successfully Single Inc. & World TravelerA place that never leaves you!A place that never leaves you!Presented by Janet Blair, President, Successfully Single Inc. & World Traveler

A New Zealand vacation is like no other. Its spectacular beauty is as unique as the huge range of fun and varied activities it has to offer. It is my distinct pleasure to share with you the magnificence of this land down under known as Aotearoa or the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Day 1 & 2Depart the USA for your flight to Los Angeles where you will embark on your international non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Auckland and then onto Queenstown on Air New Zealand, ranked one of the top airlines in the world. Cross the international dateline and lose one day. This overnight non-stop flight from LA to Auckland is approximately 12 hours and 2 hours to Queenstown.

Day 3 - QueenstownQueenstown is one of New Zealands top visitor destinations and if you come to the region youll understand why. The town sits on the shore of crystal clear Lake Wakatipu among the dramatic Remarkable Mountain ranges. Head out of Queenstown and the drama of theCentral Otago landscape unfolds around you. If youre a Lord of the Rings fan youll recognize many of the locations of Middle-earth here.

Day 3 QueenstownThe lake and mountain landscape make Queenstown suited to all kinds ofadventure. Theresskiing in the winter and activities such as bungy jumping, jet boating, horse trekking and river rafting all year round. AJ Hackett International is the most recognized and respected of all adventure brands. It has been at the forefront of adventure tourism since its creation in the late 1980s. Started by AJ and Henry van Asch in the mountain setting of Queenstown, Bungy Jumping was a vehicle for the perfect lifestyle, a never-ending adventure by two mates to push each other and their friends to the limit.

Day 4 QueenstownJoin an optional scenic cruise to Walter Peak on board the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw. During the cruise, the ship's pianist entertains with a variety of old favorites and you are encouraged to join in sing-a-long around the piano. Upon arrival at the Colonel's Homestead you can wander through the beautiful lakeside gardens, take a farmyard walking tour, viewing the livestock including sheep, highland cattle, deer and goats. Your hosts will work the sheep dogs and explain high country mustering practices, plus a demonstration on the art of wool spinning. A barbecue lunch is available for an additional charge. After your farm tour, return to Queenstown across the lake aboard the TSS Earnslaw.

Day 4 - QueenstownBy night you can enjoy dinner at Queenstown's most spectacular location. Reputed to be the steepest lift in the Southern Hemisphere, the gondola carries visitors high above Queenstown to the Skyline complex located on Bob's Peak, an easy five minute walk from central Queenstown. The Skyline Restaurant serves up a mouthwatering Taste of New Zealand buffet of legendary proportions every night of the year. Feast on South Island salmon, seafoods, salads, roast meats and delicious desserts - and feast your eyes on the most spectacular scenery in the country. Tiered seating guarantees stunning views from every table.

Milford Sound is a fjord in the south west of New Zealand's South Island, within Fiordland National Park, a World Heritage site. The beauty of this landscape draws thousands of visitors each day. It has been judged the world's top travel destination in an international survey by TripAdvisor and is New Zealand's most famous tourist destination, even with its remote location and the long journey from the nearest population centers. Kipling had previously called it the eighth Wonder of the World. With a mean annual rainfall of 6,813mm on 182 days a year, a high level even for the West Coast, Milford Sound is known as the wettest inhabited place in New Zealand and one of the wettest in the world. Rainfall can reach 250mm during a span of 24 hours. The rainfall creates dozens of temporary waterfalls cascading down the cliff faces, some reaching a thousand meters in length. Whatever the fiords mood brooding and wet, or tranquil in the sunshine it will inspire you.Day 5 Milford Sound

In the morning we travel to Milford Sound checking out the most amazing scenery in New Zealand along the way. The day includes a two hour boat cruise, a free hot buffet lunch and free entry to the underwater observatory. See the Homer Tunnel, gigantic waterfalls and amazing fiords. One of the highlights of the cruise is the stunning Mitre Peak, an iconic mountain and one of the most photographed peaks in the country. The distinctive shape of the peak gives the mountain its name, after the miter headwear of Christian bishops. Part of the reason for its iconic status is its height it rises to just over a mile from the water of the sound. Day 5 Milford Sound

Day 6 - Franz Joseph Lake MathesonWe arrive in Franz Joseph in time to take a shuttle to the awe-inspiring Lake Matheson. Famous for its reflected views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, Lake Matheson is nestled in ancient forest just 3 miles from Fox Glacier. The excellent mirror-like reflecting properties are due to the dark brown color of the waters, the result of organic matter leached from the humus of the forest floor. Dawn and dusk are generally the best viewing times as the lake is generally calm.

Day 7 - Franz JosephFranz Joseph offers the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public anywhere in the world, offering a range of glacier hiking tours to suit all levels of fitness and ability. The glacier area is one of the main tourist attractions of the West Coast, with around 250,000 visitors a year, and up to 2,700 per day. A number of guided walks up to and onto the glacier are available.Franz Josef is a small town with a population of 330 in the West Coast region of the South Island. The Waiho River runs from the Franz Josef Glacier to the south, through the town, and into the Tasman Sea to the north-west. The town with a population of just 330 is named after the Glacier - itself named by Julius von Haast in honour of the Emperor of Austria, Franz Josef I. The glacier's terminal face is 3 miles from the town and its accessibility makes it a major tourist attraction and the reason many people visit Franz Josef.

Day 7 - Franz JosephAs the walking part of any tour up to the glacier takes a long time, numerous tourists book helicopter tours from one of the several local airlines, which usually drop their guests off on the glacier for a guided 1-2 hour walk through the broken ground atop the glacier. Though the glacial landscape changes almost daily with the glaciers unusually fast flow, and some walks include passages through ice tunnels, they are still considered quite safe and only somewhat strenuous.

Day 8 Franz Joseph Punakaki - NelsonPunakaiki is a small community on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, between Westport and Greymouth,on the edge of the Paparoa National Park.The Pancake Rocks are a very popular tourist goal at Dolomite Point south of the main village. The Pancake Rocks are a heavily eroded limestone area where the sea bursts though a number of vertical blowholes during high tides. Together with the 'pancake'-layering of the limestone (created by immense pressure on alternating hard and soft layers of marine creatures and plant sediments), these form the main attraction of the area.The Pancake Rocks are presently explorable by a number of walkways winding through the rock formations.

Day 9 Nelson - Abel Tasman National ParkNamed for Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who first visited the region in 1642, this national park is New Zealand's smallest - but it's perfectly formed for relaxation and adventure. Visitors love the way the Abel Tasman National Park mixes physical exertion with beach life. Bursts of hiking or kayaking are punctuated by sun bathing, swimming and sedate snorkelling around the characteristic granite outcrops.

Day 9 Tuesday, February 28 Abel Tasman National ParkHiking - Considered one of New Zealand's 'Great Walks', the Abel Tasman's Coastal Track takes between 3 and 5 days to complete in its entirety. It climbs around headlands and through native forest to a series of beautiful beaches. The track is walkable at any time of the year and you can spend as little as 2 hours hiking portions of the track through lush native bush bordered by pristine golden beaches. Sea kayaking - A number of kayaking companies run guided tours from Marahau and Kaiteriteri. Advanced reservations are recommended. Water taxis - Water taxis run the length of the coastline on a regular basis daily and can take you from the starting point to the major points of interest along the way.

Day 10 Nelson - WellingtonInterislander travels between the North and South Islands of New Zealand and has been described as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world. With 57 miles of breathtaking views, the three-hour journey between Wellington and Picton really is one of New Zealand's most iconic tourism activities. Once you're on your Interislander journey, you can take a stroll on the decks, enjoy a meal, a drink or even catch the latest movie releases. Or you could just choose to relax and take in the breathtaking view.

The Wellington Cable Car is one of Wellingtons oldest & most popular tourist attractions. The cars run from Lambton Quay in the heart of the central business district and within 5 minutes whisk you from under the corporate towers of The Terrace past Kelburn Park and Victoria University to the top entrance of the Wellington Botanic Gardens.Day 11 - Wellington

Te Papa is New Zealand's bold and innovative national museum and a recognized world leader in interactive and visitor-focused museum experiences.Entry is free, though charges apply to some short-term exhibitions and activities.New Zealand's geology and natural environment and the stories of New Zealand's indigenous people, the Mori, are celebrated in Te Papa's permanent exhibitions, while Te Papa's Marae is a vibrant contemporary meeting house and a living communal centre, unique in a museum. An exciting range of exhibitions display New Zealand's diverse art and visual culture and top-rating international exhibitions tour regularly. Te Papa also features entertainment, performances, floor talks, lectures, and more.Day 11 - Wellington

With a population of 4 million people and over 50 million sheep, New Zealand is all about sheep! The Agrodome is one of New Zealands most loved tourist attractions. Located just north of Rotorua, the Agrodome is home to the multi- award winning Sheep Show featuring live sheep shearing, 19 breeds of champion rams, cow milking, lamb feeding, sheep dog demonstrations as well as a full New Zealand dog trial. There are three exciting shows a day, each an hour in duration. Visit the Woollen Mill and Shearing Shed to see the full process of wool from the Sheeps back to yours. The Farmyard Nursery is also a must see with baby animals available for cuddles and photos year round.Day 12 Wellington - Rotorua

Te Puia is the premier Mori cultural centre in New Zealand - a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools and spectacular geysers. Mori tradition lives on at Te Whakarewarewa, with guided tours and attractions, Mori culture, and the National Carving and Weaving Schools of New Zealand.Day 13 - Rotorua

Voted one of the top 10 spas in the world, the Polynesian Spa with its thermal pools, hot spring pools and massage therapies are a perfect way to relax in Rotorua.

Polynesian Spa has been receiving visitors to New Zealand for over 150 years. There are 26 hot mineral spring pools in four areas, but we recommend you choose the deluxe Lake Spa, an inviting haven surrounded by native flora and views across the lake. Entry to this area is complimentary with your Lake Spa Retreat treatment. Signature treatment here is the Rotorua thermal mud body polish, and it is one you are unlikely to find outside of Rotorua.Day 13 - Rotorua

Day 13 RotoruaComplete your adventure through Rotorua with a traditional Maori "hangi" feast. You'll travel by coach to Tamaki Maori Village where your local guide will escort you on a cultural journey to the "marae" (Maori village), the life force of New Zealand's indigenous people. In this authentic Maori village nestled in the Rotorua forest, youll discover Maori art forms, ancient rituals and traditions, experience thrilling song and dance, and then share in a 3 course meal with your Maori hosts.

World renowned Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must see for any traveler. The glow worm, Arachnocampa luminosa, is unique to New Zealand. Thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light as expert guides provide informative commentary on the caves' historical and geological significance.Day 14 Rotorua - Waitamo - Auckland During the world famous boat ride you will journey underground on a subterranean adventure in complete darkness with just the glowworms shining like a starry night. The hardy little glowworms are oblivious to the huge number of admirers they have been receiving over the past 100 years and they keep glowing to attract their food in the caves.

Enjoy the entire day in the "City of Sails". Visit the Sky Tower, New Zealand's highest man-made structure, Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, take a sail in the harbor or visit any of the other major attractions in this great city. You may also want to consider the Hop-On Hop-off bus that takes you to 14 of Auckland's major points of interest.Day 15 - Auckland

A truly captivating experience awaits visitors at Auckland's Sky Tower. At 1076 feet, it is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and offers breathtaking views for up to 50 miles in every direction.Travel up in the glass-fronted elevators to one of the three spectacular viewing platforms, or for more thrills and excitement, SkyWalk round the pergola at 630 feet up or SkyJump off the Tower!Relax with a coffee and light refreshments at Sky Lounge, enjoy a seafood feast at The Observatory Restaurant or dine at Orbit - Auckland's only 360-degree revolving restaurant.Sky Tower is one of New Zealand's most exhilarating and spectacular tourist attractions. You will be amazed at what you can see and do under one roof!Day 15 - Auckland

Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World was the brainchild of the late Kelly Tarlton, a wreck diver, treasure hunter & visionary. Highlights includes the Antarctic Encounter, where youll be taken back in time to the life-sized replica hut of intrepid South Pole explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott; Antarctic snowcat a ride where you can observe sub-Antarctic Penguins and view the birds as they swim underwater; Amazon tank to view the deadly Piranha; Stingray Bay Stingrays some 6 long; Underwater World - while travelling in a clear tunnel, surrounded by ocean water and the awesome sea creatures within it, including sharks. Free shuttle picks up from the Sky City Hotel on the hour every hour, 7 days a week Day 15 - Auckland

Day 16 Auckland - USADepart Auckland where you will embark on your international flight from Auckland to LA on Air New Zealand, ranked one of the top airlines in the world. Cross the international dateline and gain one day. This overnight non-stop flight is approximately 12 hours.

ACCOMMODATIONSYHA Auckland InternationalCentrally located. Qualmark Rated Literature of attractions and travel desk, where staff can help you out with your travel plans and book activities.Full laundry facilities Internet access. All accommodations include fully furnished self-catering kitchens.Lounge and TV room.High speed internet access.Personal safes available.YHA Rotorua YHA Taupo YHA WellingtonYHA NelsomYHA PunakakiYHA Franz JosephYHA Queenstown Lakefront

PASSPORT GUIDELINESYOU MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT TO LEAVE THE U.S.!

This passport MUST meet these 4 requirements:

# 1-- Passport must be VALID... expired passports aren't good for anything!

# 2-- Passport must be good for at least SIX MONTHS AFTER your return date home from your trip... if it expires before then, you won't be going! (Passports "unofficially" expire 6 months before their actual expiration, so don't let that catch you by surprise!)

# 3-- Passport must be in YOUR LEGAL NAME & passport must match the name you put on your ticket/travel documents... no matching names, no leaving the country!

# 4-- Passport must have at least ONE BLANK PAGE left in the passport... this is for when they stamp your passport upon arrival in the foreign country. Your passport is invalid if it doesn't have at least 1 blank page for use!

WHAT TO PACKNew Zealand is well known for having 4 seasons in one day In other words, you should expect almost any type of weather at any time of day.

The following is a guide as to what you should pack for you to enjoy your New Zealand trip.

1 thick sweater1 Warm jacket 1 Rainproof jacketUmbrella1 or 2 pairs of Jeans 1 or 2 Shorts2 or 3 Casual shirts or tops1 or 2 T-shirts 1 or 2 eveningwear outfits 1 or 2 Warm-up suitSocks Underwear 1 or 2 Nightwear Swimwear and towel Thongs/flip flops/sandals Going out shoes Comfortable walking shoes (for outdoor activities) Toiletry bag and contents Sun tan lotion Insect repellent Aspirin/Medicines, etc. Travel DocumentsPassport (carried on, not in checked baggage) Baggage Allowance for Economy Class Air New Zealand International Flights Checked luggage: 1 piece weighing no more than 50 lbs. Additional bag charge of $50. One piece of cabin baggage with a maximum weight of 15lbs and maximum total dimensions 46.5". New Zealand's agricultural industries are free of many insect pests, and plant and animal diseases common elsewhere in the world. They put a lot of effort into minimizing the risk of these being introduced at ports and airports.Heavy fines may be imposed on people caught carrying prohibited materials. On arrival visitors should place any questionable items, particularly fruit, in the bins provided.

New Zealand does not have a large temperature range, lacking the extremes found in most continental climates. However, the weather can change unexpectedly, as cold fronts or tropical cyclones quickly blow in. Because of this, you should be prepared for sudden changes in weather and temperature if you're going hiking or doing other outdoor activities.Spring - September, October, November Summer - December, January, February Autumn - March, April, May Winter - June, July, August

New Zealand has a largely temperate climate. While the far north has subtropical weather during summer, and inland alpine areas of the South Island can be as cold as -50 degrees in winter, most of the country lies close to the coast, which means mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and abundant sunshine. Because New Zealand lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the average temperature decreases as you travel south. The north of New Zealand is subtropical and the south temperate. The warmest months are December, January and February, and the coldest June, July and August. In summer, the average temperature ranges between 65-80F and in winter between 50-60F.NEW ZEALAND CLIMATE

Occupying an island nation with a primarily agricultural economy, New Zealanders enjoy quality local produce from land and sea. Typical New Zealand favorites are lamb, pork, venison, seafood, sweet potato, kiwi fruit, tamarillo, and pavlova, the national dessert - a meringue cake with a light, delicate, crisp crust and a soft sweet marshmallow center. Similar to the cuisine of Australia, the cuisine of New Zealand is a diverse British-based cuisine with Mediterranean, Pacific Rim and Indian influences.

Like other Polynesian people, Mori cooked their food in earth ovens known as hngi. Stones are heated by fire and food parcels, packed in leaves, are placed on top. The packs are further covered with foliage and cloth, or, nowadays wet sacks, then earth. Other cooking methods included roasting and, in geothermal areas, boiling or steaming using natural hot springs and pools. Mori were one of the few people to have no form of alcoholic beverage.NEW ZEALAND CUISINE

NEW ZEALAND SHOPPINGSheepskin Coats Sheepskin Slippers Lanolin Skin CareThermal Mud Skin CareNew Zealand SoapsAll Blacks Rugby Gifts Paua Shell GiftsGreenstone JadeBone CarvingsMaori Wood CarvingsWool productsPossum KnitwearMerino Knitwear Hokitika Glass Maneuka Honey Wine Tea Biscuits

The Utimate Kiwi Experience - 17 days for just $1799* plus airfare. $899 Non-refundable deposit due before November 23, 2011.Inclusions: Budget accommodations (based on double occupancy) Airport transfers Sightseeing per itineraryFree roommate matching serviceFree airport carpooling service Waitamo Caves, Waitomo Agrodome, Rotorua Huka Falls, Taupo Te Papa Museum, Wellington Wellington Cable Car, Wellington Interislander Ferry across Cooks Strait Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, West Coast Lake Matheson, West Coast Milford Sound Cruise (includes lunch)Airport departure tax*Rates subject to change based on availability.

PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENTWhile travel insurance is not required, it is strongly encouraged! MHRoss Travel Protection Benefits (Benefits and Limits vary by plan) 24-Hour Worldwide Assistance Trip Interruption or Cancellation Travel Delay Medical Expenses / Emergency Assistance Baggage Delay or Disappearance Pre-Existing Condition Waiver Emergency Medical Evacuation Non-Medical Emergency EvacuationCancel for any reason option: Pays up to 100% of non-refundable trip cost if you cancel your trip two (2) days or more before your scheduled departure date. This option must be purchased within fifteen (15) days of the initial deposit/payment for your trip. www.mhross.com or 800-423-3632

OTHER POPULAR DESTINATIONSChristchurchBay of IslandsDunedinKaikouraMilford Track Guided Walk