Toll Free:

1 888 359 2877

Hours:

M-F 9am-5pm CT

Email:

Send Inquiry

Dive New Zealand Lermontov 2 [NZD10]

16 Days/ 14 Nights - Tutukaka, Wellington, Lermontov Lodge, Christchurch, Queenstown

First, Enjoy a coach transfer from Auckland traveling along the coast to the quaint town of Tutukaka. The heads of this beautiful natural harbour open to the Pacific Ocean and the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve, a world-renowned diving location. There are some picturesque beaches within the harbour and the road north leads to several spectacular white-sand ocean beaches between forest-covered headlands.

Travel to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city, also known as the arts and culture capital. A special blend of heritage buildings, museums and galleries, fine food and live entertainment. The central city is nestled between a beautiful harbour and forested hills. Wildlife sanctuaries, islands, seaside villages, ocean beaches and regional parks provide huge scope for outdoor fun.

Based at the very cosy and secluded Lermontov Lodge in Port Gore, only 5 minutes by boat to the Mikhail Lermontov, you will have unlimited access to this world class wreck dive, as well as the other historical wrecks and reefs in the Port Gore, Cape Jackson area.

Christchurch is next, known as the "Garden City", located on the east coast of the South Island. Christchurch - just like the rest of New Zealand - is a city of contrasts. It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness. Everywhere there is an understated elegance that speaks of times gone by and promises a future where anything is possible.

Last stop is Queenstown, which is known as the Adventure Capital of the World. A reputation earned through the actions of a number of locally residing thrill seekers who have developed several unbelievable, adrenaline stirring, sanity-reducing adventures in a wildly exciting environment. You can also visit one of the local wineries, play a round of golf with breathtaking backdrops, or take a cruise on Queenstown's iconic vintage steamship believed to be the only coal-fired passenger-carrying vessel still operating in the southern hemisphere.

Travel Package Features

• Accommodation - Tutukaka (4 Nights), Wellington (1 Night), Lermontov Lodge (4 Nights), Christchurch (2 Nights), Queenstown (3 Nights)
• International Flights - Los Angeles to Auckland (Return)
• US Domestic Flights not included (as per your own arrangements) -
• New Zealand Domestic Flights - Auckland to Wellington, Christchurch to Queenstown, Queenstown to Auckland
• Day Tours - Tutukaka: 3 Days of Diving; Wellington: Ferry to Picton; Lermontov Lodge: 3 Days of Diving; Picton: TranzCoastal Train to Christchurch
• Shuttle Transfers - Auckland Airport to Tutukaka Accommodation (Return), Wellington Airport to Accommodation, Wellington Accommodation to Ferry Terminal, Picton Ferry Terminal to Lermontov Lodge (Return), Christchurch Train Depot to Accommodation, Christchurch Accommodation to Airport, Queenstown Airport to Accommodation (Return)
• All Other Day Tours are Optional and not included
• Visa Issuance for entry into Australia (US$15.00 per person)
• F.I.T. (Free & Independent Travel, i.e. this is not an Organized Group Tour)
• All Taxes and Fuel Levies (Except where noted)
• Itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to suit your needs.

Travel Package Detailed Itinerary

(Day 1) (Fri) International Flight - Los Angeles to Auckland

Shortly after departing Los Angeles you will be served dinner and you will be given breakfast before landing in Auckland.

Relax, watch some movies, and try to get some sleep!

Please confirm with the airline at check-in that they have all your Frequent Flyer information on record (if applicable).

(Day 2) (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer, Auckland Airport to Tutukaka Accommodation

Travel from Auckland Airport to your vacation accommodation in Tutukaka, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

(Days 2 to 6) (Sun to Thurs) - 4 Nights Accommodation in Tutukaka

Travel to your accommodation in Tutukaka, New Zealand where you will be staying for 4 nights.

The resort overlooks the whole of the Tutukaka Harbour with a breathtaking ocean panorama across the deep sea fishing grounds from the historic Poor Knights Islands to the Hen and Chicken Islands. A coastal area where man and nature combine to provide a whole host of things to do, swimming, boating, fishing, surfing, scuba diving, sight-seeing, line fishing trips, deep sea fishing, exciting beaches to discover and explore.

(Days 3 - 5) (Mon to Wed) - 3 Days of Diving in Tutukaka

Go diving with Dive Tutukaka New Zealand's premier full-service dive charter operator.

Dive Tutukaka is New Zealand's premier full-service dive charter operator. The Poor Knights Islands are on Jacques Cousteau's list of top 10 dive sites in the world! The turbulent sunlit waters and kelp forests on the upper reaches of the tumbling 'giant staircase', to the waters of the islands' many caves, offer an extraordinary variety of underwater experiences. There are sponge gardens and gorgonian fields inhabited by a myriad of fish, shellfish, urchins and anemones. The islands' famous arches are fascinating to explore. In the warmer months, stingrays can be seen cruising the waters of the archways.

(Day 6) (Thur) - Shuttle Transfer, Tutukaka Accommodation to Auckland Airport

Travel from your vacation accommodation in Tutukaka, New Zealand, to Auckland Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

(Day 6 cont) (Thurs) - New Zealand Domestic Flight, Auckland to Wellington

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Auckland to the nation's captital, Wellington.

(Day 6 cont) (Thur) - Shuttle Transfer, Wellington Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

(Days 6 to 7) - 1 Night Accommodation in Wellington

Travel to your accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 1 night.


Your 4 Star vacation accommodation is located conveniently in the heart of Wellington, New Zealand. It is a short walk from Westpac Stadium, Te Papa Museum and the waterfront. Your vacation hotel has a direct elevator to Lambton Quay via a shopping arcade. Travel to New Zealand's top wine regions, Wairarapa and Marlborough, which are only a short drive away. Or participate in adventure activities such as mountain biking, sailing, bushwalking and much more.

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

(Day 7) (Fri) - Shuttle Transfer, Wellington Accommodation to Ferry Terminal

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Wellington to the Ferry Terminal.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

(Day 7) (Fri) - Day Tour, Ferry Ride from Wellington to Picton

The 92 km journey across Cook Strait between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island) takes only 3 hours and has been described as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world".

Make your way from Wellington to Picton aboard one of 3 amazing ferries and take in the spectacular views along the way. See the South Island's Kaikoura ranges and have the opportunity to spot dolphins and sea birds.

<b>Operates</b>
Daily
Departs multiple times beginning at 2:00am.

<b>Includes</b>
- Tranport from the North Island to the South Island
- Beautiful views
- Complimentary internet, newspapers, magazines, beer, wine, tea, coffee, & snacks

<b>Need to Know</b>
Food court, bar, Movie Theatre, and shops are at your own expense.

(Day 7) (Fri) - Shuttle Transfer from Picton Ferry Terminal to Lermontov Lodge

Travel by shuttle from Picton Ferry Terminal to your vacation accommodation at Lermontov Lodge.

(Days 7 - 11) (Fri to Tues)- 4 Nights Accommodation at Lermontov Lodge

Travel to your accommodation at Lermontov Lodge on New Zealand's South Island, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 4 nights.

Based at the very cosy and secluded Lermontov Lodge in Port Gore, only 5 minutes by boat to the Mikhail Lermontov, you will have unlimited access to this world class wreck dive, as well as the other historical wrecks and reefs in the Port Gore, Cape Jackson area. The Lodge is nearly 3 hours scenic drive from Picton, with the closest shop being in Picton. The Lermontov Lodge is a remote eco friendly facility. There is no cell phone coverage and only VHF contact. Your accommodation will provide home cooked meals for breakfast, lunch, & dinner

Additional Info:
Dietary requirements can be accommodated for at extra charge
You will need to purchase all your personal requirements prior to departure from Picton
Go Dive supplies, bath towel, pillow and slip, bottom sheet, top sheet and summer weight duvet. Throw rugs available for cooler nights

(Days 8 to 10) (Sat to Mon) - 3 Days of Shipwreck & Reef Diving

Spend 4 Days in Port Gore for wreck diving. The ultimate way to dive one of the biggest and best wrecks in the world.

The Mikhail Lermontov sunk in Marlborough Sound on the Northern Tip of the South island of New Zealand in 1978. Named after a Russian poet this Russian cruise ship is one of the largest ships to sink since the Titanic & it occurred under mysterious circumstances. It is alleged that is may have been operating as a spy ship & to add support to this government reports as to how she sank have never been released so nobody really knows.
She lays in approx 108ft of water on the starboard side with an average dive depth of 75ft & represents an excellent penetration dive mostly due to the fact she is still fully intact and has not been salvaged.

Diving the Lermontov offers the following:

Accommodation is in bunk style rooms, all linen and bath towels supplied.
All meals are included with fresh seafood entrée's, cooked breakfasts.
Beer, wine and snacks with evening meals.
Cylinders, twin 12 litre steels, or 12 litre steel singles, twins with 300bar valves singles with 200bar DIN/A-clamp valves
Sling cylinders and regs are available for those who want to penetrate parts of the wreck that require specialised kit (specific skills required).
Up to three guided dives per day
Nitrox 32% is available at NZ$10.00 per single or $18.00 per twin.
Closest shop is 2 hours away, Lodge is remote & in a beautiful part of NZ
No cell or internet connection
Lodge is powered by generator/invertor, but does have ample charging facilities
Visibility in November ranges from 20 to 60 ft on the outside of the wreck
Water temp is approx 60F during November

(Day 11) (Tues) - Shuttle Transfer from Lermontov Lodge to Picton TranzCoastal Rail Depot

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation at Lermontov Lodge to Picton.

(Day 11 cont) ( Tues) - Day Tour, TranzCoastal train from Picton to Christchurch

The Coastal Pacific train journey travels between the delightful port of Picton and Christchurch.

<a href="//youtu.be/M43DqaMH2J0" target="_blank"><img src="//abt-aus-images.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Coastal-Pacific-Picton-Christchurch-New-Zealand.jpg" width="350" height="197" class="alignleft"></a>

This 5.5 hour scenic feast is one of the world's most scenic train journeys. The Coastal Pacific travels through 22 tunnels and crosses 175 bridges, one of them being New Zealand's only road-rail bridge.

This journey is a scenic feast of New Zealand, with the Kaikoura mountain ranges on one side of your train and the rugged Pacific Ocean coastline on the other. Travel through some of New Zealand's finest horticultural and farmland areas, and see amazing wildlife such as dolphins, seals and penguins from the comfort of your train carriage.

<b>Operates</b>
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Does not operate May 1st though September 20th
Connects with the Interislander 9:00am from Wellington
Connects with the 2:15pm Interislander from Picton

<b>Includes</b>
- Train from Picton to Christchurch
- Spectacular views

<b>Need to Know</b>
If a seat is required for an infant, a separate seat at the child rate must be purchased. Cafe is at own expense.

Photo Credit: KiwiRail Limited

(Day 11) (Tues) - Shuttle Transfer, Christchurch Train Depot to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the train station to your vacation accommodation.

Please note: For transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

(Days 11 - 13) (Tues to Thur) - 2 Nights Accommodation in Christchurch

Travel to your accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 2 nights.

Your 4 Star vacation accommodation in Christchurch, located on New Zealand's South Island, offers a stylish boutique hotel, just metres from Cathedral Square, major business houses, convention facilities and prime attractions. The city, also known as the "Garden City" offers many opportunities to either rest from your travel or explore the city. Consider traveling to Arthur's Pass National Park, which has an incredible diversity of flora and landscape. Experience a breathtaking journey aboard the TranzAlpine Train winding its way through New Zealand's magnificent Waimakariri Gorge.

(Day 12) (Wed) - Free Day to Explore Christchurch

Free time to rest, relax or explore.

(Day 13) (Thur) - Shuttle Transfer, Christchurch Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Christchurch, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

(Day 13 cont) (Thur) - New Zealand Domestic Flight, Christchurch to Queenstown

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Christchurch to Queenstown (South Island).

(Day 13 cont) (Thur) - Shuttle Transfer, Queenstown Airport to Accommodation

Travel by shuttle from the Airport to your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

(Days 13 - 16) (Thur to Sun) - 3 Nights Accommodation in Queenstown

Travel to your accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, where you will be staying whilst on vacation for 3 nights.

Your vacation accommodation is located near the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and only 3 minutes drive from the centre of town. The hotel features rooms most of which have spectacular views over the lake and the remarkable mountain range. Facilities include a range of hotel amenities that invite those who want to relax from their travel. These include an outdoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, gymnasium, restaurant, bar, conference rooms and a ski and boot drying room. A convenient shuttle service to the town centre is also available at own expense. Travel and explore the surroundings by visiting New Zealand's Milford Sound, Central Otago Wineries. For the nature lover, maybe enjoy a nice stroll on walking trails that meander along the lakes shores. In the evening perhaps dine whilst enjoying a Maori Concert and see powerful performances of The Haka and other songs of New Zealand custom.

Upgrade Available (extra cost)

(Days 13 to 16) (Thur to Sun) - Free Days to Explore Queenstown

Free time to rest, relax or explore.

Optional Day Tour (Not Included) - Doubtful Sound

Doubtful Sound is a beautiful fiord; three times longer than Milford Sound and a surface area ten times larger with twisting arms. With its rugged peaks, verdant rainforest and twisting, hidden inlets, Doubtful Sound will take your breath away.

<a href="//youtu.be/QTgJ0qbDd-0" target="_blank"><img src="//abt-aus-images.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Doubtful-Sound-New-Zealand.jpg" width="350" height="197" class="alignleft"></a>

The only way you can to get to Doubtful Sound is to cruise across the picturesque Lake Manapouri, followed by a bus trip over Wilmot Pass - New Zealand's most expensive (and majestic) road.
Pause along the way to experience the dense Fiordland rainforest and view Doubtful Sound glistening below. This isolation makes this fiord a very special place, only those in the know get to see.
Once you arrive, you will board the Patea Explorer for a 3-hour cruise on Doubtful Sound - a spectacular pristine fiord. During the cruise, your knowledgeable and friendly skipper or nature guide will share with you their passion for the region. They’re always ready to answer questions, point out landmarks and provide all the information about the varied wildlife you may see, including dolphins, fur seals, and the rare Fiordland crested penguin.
Following the cruise, return to your Queenstown hotel by luxury coach.

<b>Operates:</b>
Daily
Departs 6:55am, Returns 7:30pm (approx.)

<b>Includes:</b>
- Transport by coach to/from Queenstown accommodation
- Lake cruise
- Fjord cruise
- Wildlife viewing
- Insightful commentary by nature guide

<b>Need to Know:</b>
Wear waterproof/warm clothing and non-slip shoes. Please bring sunglasses, sunscreen and camera. Due to the multi-leg journey and floating wharf access, guests will need to have a reasonable level of mobility. Because of the length of the tour, please bring a packed lunch. Food and drink available for purchase onboard.

Photo Credit: Tourism Media

(Day 16 cont) (Sun) - Shuttle Transfer, Queenstown Accommodation to Airport

Travel by shuttle from your vacation accommodation in Queenstown, New Zealand, to the Airport.

Please note: For airport transfers - 2 suitcases per person, extra pieces may be charged at $5.00 per piece. Surfboards, Bicycles etc - $5.00 each.

(Day 16 cont) (Sun) - New Zealand Domestic Flight, Queenstown to Auckland

Travel within New Zealand by domestic air from Queenstown to Auckland (North Island).

(Day 16 cont) (Sun) - International Flight, Auckland to Los Angeles

Today depart Auckland and fly to the USA. Enjoy an in-flight dinner and movie with arrival in the USA. Note: you will be traveling back across the International Date Line. Gain that day back you lost on the way over, you actually arrive in the USA on the same day you leave Auckland.

Note: Flight may include a stop over in Australia.