13 days/ 12 nights with INTRAV and Clipper Cruise Lines December 7 – 20, 2006 (fixed departure)

About the Trip

Escape winter and enjoy New Zealand during the austral summer. Venture off the tourist path to experience the North and South Island’s breathtaking bays, abundant wildlife, spectacular national parks and nature reserves, and rich Maori culture during a cruise aboard the yacht-like Clipper Odyssey. Travel with fewer than 130 passengers, tying up in quaint towns and sparkling cities. Discover secluded spots virtually untouched by tourism, where large ships could never venture. A distinguished group of experts and naturalist guides will accompany you, enhancing your enjoyment of this fascinating region. The Clipper Odyssey offers amenities you would expect to find on a luxury yacht — superb cuisine, lounges, small pools, and even a jogging track!

Blackout dates: This trip is only good for 12/7 – 12/20

Includes: 2 nights pre-cruise and 1 night post-cruise accommodation, 9 night cruise, most meals, sightseeing, and all transfers

Starting bid: $3000

About INTRAV

For over 40 years now, INTRAV has been helping travelers to explore the world. We believe in the importance of travel as key to understanding the world we live in and the importance of service as key to earning the privilege to travel with you. We know that, given the right conditions, travel can be an immensely satisfying, mind-expanding endeavor. After a good trip, one returns home enriched with lasting impressions of beautiful places seen and interesting people encountered. We are committed to the idea that adventure, comfort, and good fun are essential ingredients in the making of an ideal travel experience.

Learn more about INTRAV.

Learn more about Clipper Cruise Lines.

3 days/2 nights with Awaroa Lodge

About the Trip

Discerning travelers appreciate the distinctive architecture and the uniquely blended contemporary quirky style. The creative taste of ‘infused’ cuisine, and laid back hospitality. The Awaroa Lodge is the perfect vantage point to explore the famous Abel Tasman coastal track, one of New Zealand’s great walks. Take a light day pack to visit Tonga Marine Reserve to watch seals, or enjoy the freedom of walking through native forests and across vast coastal inlets to secluded bays of golden sands and turquoise waters. 100% New Zealand owned and managed.

Includes: accommodation

Certification: 2004: Green Globe 21 benchmarked

Awards:

• New Zealand Tourism Award for Eco Innovation (Waste + Product Management), 2005
• Hospitality Association of New Zealand (HANZ) Awards of Excellence Best Marketed Hotel/Accommodation, 2005
• Selected as New Zealand’s Best Boutique Hotel in Best: A New Zealand Compendium, 2004

Starting bid: $100

About the Organization

Awaroa Lodge was originally built in 1991 and purchased in 2002 by a group of four New Zealand families, who have subsequently invested in the upgrading and repositioning of the property. The Lodge has been committed to protecting and enhancing the surrounding natural environment, and has employed sustainable business approaches such as recycling, solar water heating, and pest control to bring birds back to the area.

The Lodge has in place an award-winning Waste Management – Organic Garden system, which takes organic waste from the kitchen, convert it into compost and using it to enrich their 750sqm onsite organic garden, which in turn increased the yield of fresh herbs and greens for the Awaroa Kitchen. The Lodge’s integrated system has provided a synergistic solution to the dual issues of waste disposal and supply of premium fresh produce in an isolated national park environment, while achieving significant savings in fuel, labor and food costs.

Learn more about Awaroa Lodge