Day excursions in and around Auckland are organised for Tuesday 20 April and Sunday 25 April. They can be booked on the Summit Registration Form.

Pre and Post Summit Holidays
Getting To and Travelling around New Zealand

Who is Down Under Answers?
Getting to New Zealand – International Flights
Touring Around New Zealand
Escorted Touring
WIFTI Touring Option One - The Capital and The South
WIFTI Touring Option Two– A Taste of New Zealand
WIFTI Touring Option Three– New Zealand Top Half

Industry Tours

City Sights and Facilities Tour
West Coast and Studios Tour

Who is Down Under Answers?

Down Under Answers is a U.S.A based travel agency specializing exclusively in travel to New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific Islands. With more than 10 years of experience in this part of the world, Down Under Answers can provide you with a fabulous range of touring options either before or after the WIFTI Summit, as well as competitive airfares to get to New Zealand.

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Getting to New Zealand – International Flights

Whether you are going to Auckland, New Zealand for just the WIFTI Summit, or intending to explore more of New Zealand and the South Pacific, let Down Under Answers quote you an international airfare from your home country. We can assist with add-ons from your home city to the gateway cities and stopovers in other countries if required.

Air New Zealand is the national air carrier of New Zealand and the WIFTI Summit's preferred airline. Air New Zealand provides flights, either directly or through partners, from most major cities throughout the world.

For an airfare quote, please fill out the Airfare Quote form and email it to Down Under Answers.

International Airfare from the U.S.A
All international flights from the United States and Canada connect through Los Angeles. Air New Zealand is a Star Alliance partner and mileage partners with United Airlines

For an airfare quote, please fill out the Airfare Quote form and send it off to Down Under Answers.

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Touring Around New Zealand

Ask Down Under Answers about a range of travel options around New Zealand. Down Under Answers has put together three itineraries for independent touring, to help you explore New Zealand. These three options are for people who would like to experience New Zealand independently, but with a preset itinerary, so that all flights, airport transfers, accommodation and some tours are pre-booked. Additional day tours may be added before you travel, or time can be left free to decide on arrival in to each area.

All itineraries may be booked for travel before or after the conference. Dates have been given for each option at the end of the itinerary.

For more information on independent touring options select one of the following options.

WIFTI Touring OPTION ONE - THE CAPITAL AND THE SOUTH

Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Milford Sound – 7 nights / 8 days

(more..)

WIFTI Touring OPTION TWO – A TASTE OF NEW ZEALAND

Queenstown, Milford Sound and Christchurch – 5 nights / 6 days

(more..)

WIFTI Touring OPTION THREE – NEW ZEALAND’S TOP HALF

Bay of Islands and Rotorua – 5 nights / 6 days

(more..)

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Escorted Touring

If you would prefer to travel with a private guide or on a group escorted tour please ask Down Under Answers about the following options:

*Privately Guided Tours – If you would like to have a local guide show you the best of New Zealand, in comfort and with flexibility a privately guided tour is a great option. Ask us for more details on various options.

*Group Escorted Touring – From large coaches to small group departures. From general site-seeing to specialized itineraries such as Food & Wine tours, active walking holidays or something for the adventure seeker, there is a wide range to choose from in New Zealand. Let us know what your interests and preferences are and we will help match you with a great get away before or after the Summit.

Exploring Auckland
Ask your Summit organizers about options to explore Auckland while you are there.

Partner Options
If you are traveling with a partner who would like some travel options to keep busy while you are attending the Summit, Down Under Answers can help organize fun activities such as golfing, fishing, wine tours or general sightseeing. Please use the Partner Touring Options Form to get more information on different options.

Is It Important To Book Before You Go?
If you’ve always been what we call a “parachute traveler”—one who just buys an air ticket and drops in to a country without having made reservations—you might want to consider the following:

• Airlines offer domestic airpasses that can only be purchased outside of New Zealand. These passes can save you hundreds of dollars.
• At busy times of the year, all flights to and from popular destinations such as Rotorua, Christchurch and Queenstown completely sell out several weeks in advance.
• What if you only discover that a festival, convention or major sporting event is being held in town after you arrive late at night with nowhere to stay? You might not know when the school holidays occur, and this can really affect accommodation and travel.
• Booking and paying in advance for your trip allows you to manage your travel budget better—you won’t come home to a credit card statement full of unexpected charges.

Finally, the most valuable part of your vacation is your own time—don’t waste it trying to plan something travel experts can plan for you. Use our expertise to make this a fun and relaxing time.

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WIFTI Touring OPTION ONE - THE CAPITAL AND THE SOUTH

Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Milford Sound – 7 nights / 8 days

Day One/Option One Auckland/Wellington
If you are arriving in to Auckland on an international flight today, you will transfer to the Auckland Domestic Airport for a brief flight on to Wellington.

If you are leaving from Auckland at the end of the Summit, you will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to the Auckland Domestic Airport for your flight to Wellington.

On arrival in Wellington, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Wellington, the Capital city of New Zealand since 1865, is situated around Wellington Harbour, its houses clinging to the steep hillsides. Wellington is renowned for its wind, which is channeled through Cook Strait. The city has a vibrant feel and a mix of arts and culture.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is at:

Quality Hotel Oriental Bay
73 Roxburgh St, Wellington

Day Two/Option One Wellington
Today enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Wellington by coach including Mt Victoria, and the main areas of interest in our Capital city.

A visit to New Zealand’s Te Papa Museum is a must this afternoon.

Day Three/Option One Wellington/Picton/Christchurch
This morning you will be transferred to the Interislander Ferry Terminal. The sailing time is 3 hours across the Cook Strait and through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton.

Upon arrival in Picton, connect with the Coastal Pacific Train, for your picturesque journey to Christchurch, following the coast through Kaikoura and on down to Canterbury.

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions.

In the centre of the city is the Christchurch Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture. You can climb up to the spire for a bird's-eye view of the city. Other grey-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks give the city an elegant, rather English atmosphere.

Other central city attractions include the beautiful Neo-Gothic Arts Centre, the historic tram which loops the city centre, the Christchurch Gondola and the International Antarctic Centre.

While in Christchurch explore Akaroa and Banks Peninsula – a one and a half hour drive south-east of Christchurch, Banks Peninsula is the result of violent eruptions from three ancient volcanoes. The spectacular coastline of Akaroa Harbour and the surroundings bays are the remaining legacy of earth’s fury. Akaroa is the site of the only attempted settlement by the French in New Zealand. Their influence is still evident in this vibrant tourist town - look for French street names, quaint historical buildings and inspired cuisine.

Your accommodation for the next 2 nights is at:

Copthorne Central Hotel
776 Colombo Street
Christchurch

Day Four/Option One In Christchurch
Pick up from the hotel by Great Sights and depart for the viewing of city highlights and historic Christchurch, which includes the Canterbury Museum, the Mona Vale Homestead and Gardens. Travel to Port Hills to enjoy the view of the Sign of the Takahe. Visit the Antartic Centre and return at leisure.

Day Five/Option One Christchurch/Queenstown
You will be transferred to Christchurch Domestic Airport in time to check in for your flight to Queenstown.

Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere's premiere four season alpine and lake resort. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the majestic Remarkables Range, Queenstown is the perfect destination all year round. The town follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu - a deep blue pool of pure mountain water. Framing the picture is The Remarkables range with its purple-brown peaks topped with snow. Queenstown was named because ‘...it was fit for Queen Victoria.’ Certainly it’s lived up to that expectation. Today it’s an exhilarating alpine resort, perfect for both adventurers and leisure seekers.

On your arrival in to Queenstown you will be transferred to your hotel.

Your accommodation for the next 3 nights will be at:

Copthorne Lakefront Hotel
Cnr Adelaide St & Frankton Rd
Queenstown

Day Six/Option One Queenstown/Milford Sound/Queenstown

Depart the hotel by coach and commence your day trip.

The journey to Milford from Te Anau and Queenstown is magnificent. The Milford Road (between Te Anau and Milford) is New Zealand’s remotest highway providing access to spectacular mountain valleys. The alpine views are breathtaking and a highlight of any visit to Milford Sound.

Cruise the full length of Milford Sound on board a spacious, modern vessel (Milford Monarch or Milford Haven) offering excellent viewing opportunities. Friendly staff provide informative commentaries and point out highlights. Buffet lunch is included on your cruise.

Following your cruise, you will return to Queenstown by coach. The possibility exists for you to fly back to Queenstown (weather permitting) at your own expense. This flight offers spectacular views and is very popular. Pre-booking the flight is essential.

Day Seven/Option One Queenstown

Today is at your leisure in Queenstown.

There are many activities that are available, from adventure jet boating to wine tasting, and nature walks.

*Join Nomad Safaris on a Lord of the Rings guided tour
*Take a trip into Skippers Canyon to enjoy a mix of history and high adventure including bungy jumping, rafting,
flying fox and jet boating
*Go jet boating on the Shotover, Kawarau and Dart Rivers
*Experience white-water rafting on the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers
*Drift over Queenstown at dawn in a hot air balloon
*Bungy Jump the Southern Hemisphere's highest land based bungy jump - The Nevis Highwire Bungy
*Ride the gondola 450 metre above Queenstown to Bob's Peak to enjoy views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Get down the fast way - take the luge (a short raised toboggan for one person seated)
*Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard TSS Earnslaw, a 100 year old steamboat
*Visit Gibbston Valley and Chard Farm vineyards or follow the Wakatipu Arts trail

Day Eight/Option One Queenstown/Return Home.
Transfer to the Queenstown Airport for your flight to Auckland and on to you your home country and town today.

PRICING - TOURING OPTION ONE - The Capital and The South. – 7 nights / 8 days

Cost per person:
2 persons sharing twin or double room USD$1449.00 per person.
Single Supplement if traveling on own USD$ 599.00

Costs Include:
*Domestic flights within New Zealand as noted.
*Accommodation in 3.5 to 4 star properties on room only basis
*Touring and admissions as detailed
*Transfers as detailed

Costs exclude:
*International Airfare (Link to Airfare Quote Form)
*Tips and Gratuities
*Items of a personal nature
*Any meals not mentioned
*NZD$25.00 departure tax

To book:
Touring Options Booking Form

Travel Dates for Option One / The Capital and The South.
Prior to Summit Start in Auckland on Tuesday 13 April.
Finish in Auckland on Tuesday 20 April – WIFTI Summit begins Wednesday 21 April.

After Summit Start in Auckland on Sunday 25 April – WIFTI Summit ends Saturday 24 April.
Finish in Auckland to return to hometown on Sunday 01 May.

These dates do not include traveling from or back to your home-town.

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WIFTI Touring OPTION TWO – A TASTE OF NEW ZEALAND

Queenstown, Milford Sound and Christchurch – 5 nights / 6 days

Day One/Option Two Auckland/Queenstown

You will be transferred to Auckland Domestic Airport in time to check in for your flight to Queenstown.

Queenstown is the Southern Hemisphere's premiere four season alpine and lake resort. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and overlooked by the majestic Remarkables Range, Queenstown is the perfect destination all year round. The town follows the shores of Lake Wakatipu - a deep blue pool of pure mountain water. Framing the picture is The Remarkables range with its purple-brown peaks topped with snow. Queenstown was named because ‘...it was fit for Queen Victoria.’ Certainly it’s lived up to that expectation. Today it’s an exhilarating alpine resort, perfect for both adventurers and leisure seekers.

On your arrival in to Queenstown you will be transferred to your hotel. Your accommodation for the next 3 nights will be at:

Copthorne Lakefront Hotel
Cnr Adelaide St & Frankton Rd
Queenstown

Day Two/Option Two Queenstown/Milford Sound/Queenstown
Depart the hotel by coach and commence your day trip.

The journey to Milford from Te Anau and Queenstown is magnificent. The Milford Road (between Te Anau and Milford) is New Zealand’s remotest highway providing access to spectacular mountain valleys. The alpine views are breathtaking and a highlight of any visit to Milford Sound.

Cruise the full length of Milford Sound on board a spacious, modern vessel (Milford Monarch or Milford Haven) offering excellent viewing opportunities. Friendly staff provide informative commentaries and point out highlights. Buffet lunch is included on your cruise.

Following your cruise, you will return to Queenstown by coach. The possibility exists for you to fly back to Queenstown (weather permitting) at your own expense. This flight offers spectacular views and is very popular. Pre-booking the flight is essential.

Day Three/Option Two In Queenstown
Today is at your leisure in Queenstown.

There are many activities that are available, from adventure jet boating to wine tasting, and nature walks. These may be pre-booked when booking your trip, or decided on when you arrive.

*Join Nomad Safaris on a Lord of the Rings guided tour
*Take a trip into Skippers Canyon to enjoy a mix of history and high adventure including bungy jumping, rafting,
flying fox and jet boating
*Go jet boating on the Shotover, Kawarau and Dart Rivers
*Experience white-water rafting on the Shotover or Kawarau Rivers
*Drift over Queenstown at dawn in a hot air balloon
*Bungy Jump the Southern Hemisphere's highest land based bungy jump - The Nevis Highwire Bungy
*Ride the gondola 450 metre above Queenstown to Bob's Peak to enjoy views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Get down the fast way - take the luge (a short raised toboggan for one person seated)
*Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard TSS Earnslaw, a 100 year old steamboat
*Visit Gibbston Valley and Chard Farm vineyards or follow the Wakatipu Arts trail

Day Four/Option Two Queenstown/Mount Cook/Christchurch
This morning you will be collected by coach for your full day trip to Christchurch via the beautiful Mackenzie country area, and Mount Cook. Lunch is included during today’s journey.

Christchurch is the South Island's largest city. It’s a vibrant, cosmopolitan place with exciting festivals, theatre, modern art galleries, great shopping and award-winning attractions.

In the centre of the city is the Christchurch Cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic Revival architecture. You can climb up to the spire for a bird's-eye view of the city. Other grey-stone nineteenth century buildings, tree-lined avenues and extensive leafy parks give the city an elegant, rather English atmosphere.

Other central city attractions include the beautiful Neo-Gothic Arts Centre, the historic tram, which loops the city centre, the Christchurch Gondola and the International Antarctic Centre.

While in Christchurch explore Akaroa and Banks Peninsula – a one and a half hour drive south-east of Christchurch, Banks Peninsula is the result of violent eruptions from three ancient volcanoes. The spectacular coastline of Akaroa Harbour and the surroundings bays are the remaining legacy of earth’s fury. Akaroa is the site of the only attempted settlement by the French in New Zealand. Their influence is still evident in this vibrant tourist town - look for French street names, quaint historical buildings and inspired cuisine.

Your accommodation for 2 nights is at:
Copthorne Central Hotel
776 Colombo Street
Christchurch

Day Five/Option Two Christchurch
Pick up from the hotel by Great Sights and depart for the viewing of city highlights and historic Christchurch, which includes the Canterbury Museum, the Mona Vale Homestead and Gardens. Travel to Port Hills to enjoy the view of the Sign of the Takahe, visit the Antartic Centre and return at leisure.

Day Six/Option Two Depart Christchurch / End of independent itinerary
Transfer to Christchurch Airport for your flight to Auckland to either begin the WIFTI Summit if you have traveled before the Summit, or to connect with your flight to your home town.

PRICING - TOURING OPTION TWO - A TASTE OF NEW ZEALAND – (5 nights / 6 days)
Cost per person:
2 persons sharing twin or double room USD$1159.00 per person.
Single Supplement if traveling on own USD$ 359.00

Costs Include:
*Domestic flights within New Zealand as noted.
*Accommodation in 3.5 to 4 star properties on room only basis
*Touring and admissions as detailed
*Transfers as detailed

Costs exclude:
*International Airfare (Link to Airfare Quote Form)
*Tips and Gratuities
*Items of a personal nature
*Any meals not mentioned
*NZD$25.00 departure tax

To book:
Touring Options Booking Form

Travel Dates for Option Two / A Taste of New Zealand – (5 nights / 6 days)
Prior to Summit Start in Auckland on Thursday 15 April
Finish in Auckland on Tuesday 20 April – WIFTI Summit begins Wednesday 21 April.

After Summit Start in Auckland on Sunday 25 April – WIFTI Summit ends Saturday 24 April.
Finish in Auckland to return to hometown on Friday 30 April.

These dates do not include traveling from or back to your home-town.

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WIFTI Touring OPTION THREE – NEW ZEALAND’S TOP HALF

Bay of Islands and Rotorua – 5 nights / 6 days

Day One/Option Three Auckland/Bay Of Islands
This morning you will be picked up at your hotel and depart by coach to the Bay of Islands, in New Zealand’s Northland region. Enroute, you will pass by the Hibiscus Coast and Whangarei.

Bay of Islands was the name given by Capt James Cook when he described the area over 200 years ago. The Bay, studded with over 150 islands, is a "drowned river system," and the site of the first Christian mission, Russell, New Zealand's first Capital city.

On arrival, commence sightseeing of Paihia including the Waitangi Treaty House.

Your accommodation for 3 nights is in a Seaview Room at:

Copthorne Resort Waitangi
Te Henare Drive , Paihia

Day Two/Option Three Bay Of Islands
Board the Fullers luxury catamaran for the most popular cruise in the Bay of Islands. The high speed vessel will whisk you on a comfortable journey out through game fishing waters to the Cape Brett Lighthouse and the Hole in the Rock.

Day Three/Option Three Bay Of Islands
This day to further experience the Bay of Islands and New Zealand’s Northland Region.

Suggestions include:
*Swimming with dolphins, sailing or kayaking.
*A full day trip to Cape Reinga, the very top of New Zealand’s North Island where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.
You will travel along spectacular 90 mile beach today.
*Look around Pompallier House, in Russell, an original rammed earth Catholic Missionary House.
*Walk to Haruru Falls - 3km from Paihia. The water falls in a horse shoe shape - very rare and quite spectacular
*View the Stone Store and Mission House, examples of early New Zealand architecture – in Kerikeri.
*Call into Bishopswood Estate - two wineries and a boutique chocolate factory

Day Four/Option Three Bay Of Islands/Rotorua
This morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Bay of Islands Airport located in Keri Keri. Here you will check in for your brief flights to Rotorua.

Located on a volcanic plateau, formerly a spa town, Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity. Rotorua is the main place where aspects of Maori traditions can be seen from wood carving, and meeting houses to a Hangi dinner and Maori songs and dances.
Your accommodation for the next 2 nights at:

Millennium Rotorua x 2 nights
cnr Eruera & Hinemaru Street, Rotorua

Day Five/Option Three Rotorua
Board a coach this morning for a Rotorua sightseeing tour including the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and Maori Arts and Crafts Institute to see boiling mud pools and shooting geysers, then Rainbow Springs, which is a unique showcase of New Zealand's flora and fauna, and Rainbow Farm Show.

This evening you will experience a unique celebration of the Maori culture through customary song and dance, which tell the stories of their past and describe the intimate link between the land, nature and legend. You will assist in the uplifting of the “Hangi”, the traditionally cooked Maori food, which represents a wide selection of New Zealand cuisines.

Day Six/Option Three Rotorua to Auckland/End of Independent Itinerary
Enjoy a coach trip back to Auckland today, just 2 1/2 hours away.

If you are selecting to do Option Three prior to the WIFTI Summit, you will arrive in to Auckland today on Tuesday 20 April in time to begin the Summit on the 21st.

If you are selecting to do Option Three after the WIFTI Summit, you will arrive back in to Auckland in time to check in for your international flight to your home town.

PRICING - TOURING OPTION THREE - NEW ZEALAND’S TOP HALF (5 nights / 6 days)
Cost per person:
2 persons sharing twin or double room USD$979.00 per person.
Single Supplement if traveling on own USD$379.00

Costs Include:
*Domestic flights within New Zealand as noted.
*Accommodation in 3.5 to 4 star properties on room only basis
*Touring and admissions as detailed
*Transfers as detailed

Costs exclude:
*International Airfare (Link to Airfare Quote Form)
*Tips and Gratuities
*Items of a personal nature
*Any meals not mentioned
*NZD$25.00 departure tax

To book
Touring Options Booking Form

Travel Dates for Option Three / New Zealand’s Top Half (5 nights / 6 days)
Prior to Summit Start in Auckland on Thursday 15 April
Finish in Auckland on Tuesday 20 April – WIFTI Summit begins Wednesday 21 April.

After Summit Start in Auckland on Sunday 25 April – WIFTI Summit ends Saturday 24 April.
Finish in Auckland to return to hometown on Friday 30 April.

These dates do not include traveling from or back to your home-town.

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Industry Tours

City Sights and Facilities Tour

City Sights and Facilities Tour
Tuesday 20 April 2004
1000 – 1630 hrs

Tour Cost (including lunch at the Production Village): NZ$135.00 per person

Production Village (lunch and preview of the Production Village): $25 (please make your own way there, location details available onsite)

Auckland’s lifestyle is active and outgoing. We will take you to the top of one of Auckland’s dormant volcanoes to overlook the city and surrounding harbours.

Let us introduce you to Newmarket, Auckland’s shopping mecca and the heart of New Zealand’s top fashion designers. Traveling through Ponsonby, see the changing architecture and be a part of the trendy café scene. We will travel over the Harbour Bridge and introduce you to the North Shore’s beautiful beaches and stunning sea views. Enjoy one of New Zealand’s iconic favourites - a hokey pokey icecream.

Everything you hear, see, taste or touch has a twist of originality. Let us introduce you to the South Pacific’s most exciting city.

Also included, especially for our WIFTI Summit delegates, is a visit and lunch at the Production Village. Film Auckland invites you to meet the most important suppliers and service providers to the New Zealand Screen Production Industry based in Auckland. Film Auckland has brought the major companies together in one place to make it easy for you to find out about the Auckland Screen Production industry. You will get an overview of the entire screen production service industry and what we can offer to your up-coming projects.

Lunch today will be hosted by Film Auckland.

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West Coast and Studios Tour

West Coast and Studios Tour
Sunday 25 April 2004
0900– 1630 hrs
Cost: NZ$135.00 per person

We will travel to Auckland’s largest Regional Park and venture into a native rain forest. Our guide will explain Maori history and the wide range of flora and fauna as you stand beside expansive Kauri trees and enchanting waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic lunch while on our rainforest walk.

The landscape of West Auckland is rugged with a coastline of huge waves and soulful black sand beaches. Come with us to Karekare Beach – location for Jane Campion’s internationally acclaimed film The Piano. Many other films and television series are filmed on these beaches – including Xena Warrior Princess and Hercules.

Two visits to film studios will be included in the tour before we return to the city.

We guarantee this trip to the wild West Coast will be one of the highlights of your stay in Auckland.

Itinerary:

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