The ultimate adventure tour of New Zealand. Explore New Zealand like few others have and visit the off the track areas that most never get to. You'll visit all the main area including the Bay of Islands, Central Plateau, Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand's adventure capital Queenstown, Taranaki with its majestic volcano, Dunedin and Invercargill. This trip is as complete as you can imagine and will be completely unforgettable.
Accommodation:
Accommodation will be cabin and lodge style generally on a 4 share single sex room basis. In some areas we may need to use larger rooms. Double rooms can be obtained at extra cost depending on availability. This must be requested at the time of booking.
Note: You will need to bring a sleeping bag on our New Zealand tours as bed linen is not always available at all cabins.
Our Travel Style:
You will be joining a small group of other like-minded international travelers. Our small group sizes really let you get off the beaten path and escape the crowds. With no more than 14 people on tour you’ll enjoy all the flexibility of traveling with a small group of adventurous, like minded individuals. With our flexible nightstops we can alter our itinerary to take in more of what you want to see. Only possible with a small group of adventurous people from all over the world.
Our tours are designed for adults (18+). However, due to the nature of these tours, they tend to incorporate activities and nightlife that appeal to the young and young at heart. And don't worry about coming by yourself, you'll quickly make friends with other people who are as keen to see and experience Australia and New Zealand as you are.
Flexible Itineraries:
The itinerary shown is intended as a guide only indicating a typical itinerary & series of activities. While our intention is to adhere to the published day by day route, the itinerary, distance traveled, type of accommodation and available activities may vary due to group input, weather, road conditions & local restrictions. Early or late season treks can be affected by extreme weather.
This tour may operate in either direction.
Tour Description:
Day 1: Auckland - Raglan. We leave our Auckland hotel and depart for Raglan which is New Zealand's surfing capitol. Here we can have a go at surfing, relax on the beach or go for a short hike.
Day 2: Raglan - Mt Ruapehu. We have an early start and make our way south to Waitomo which is famous for its limestone caves, glow worms and black water rafting. We then drive on to Mt Ruapehu to be ready for our next day's activities.
Day 3: Mt Ruapehu. There are several options for the day. Many will want to hike the famous Tongariro Crossing track. A wonderful day hike which is known as the best of its kind in New Zealand. This hike has spectacular views of the volcanic plateau and the lakes. Those who do not go on the hike can go mountain biking or explore the beautiful local area. During the winter the upper hike is not available due to snow and a lower forest hike will be offered weather permitting.
Day 4: Ruapehu - New Plymouth. Today we have a beautiful drive over New Zealands "Lost Highway" that runs through the self proclaimed "Republic of Wangamomona". There is wonderful scenery and a look at the most "outback" of New Zealand life. The magestic Mt Taranaki (also known as Mt Egmont) comes into view as we near New Plymouth.
Day 5: New Plymouth. We have a professional alpine guide take us on a half day hike into the National Park today. The native trees and views here are spectacular and are quite different to anything you will see in other areas of New Zealand. The town of New Plymouth also has an excellent costal walk which will appeal to most as it is right from the city centre.
Day 6: New Plymouth - Wellington. We leave New Plymouth after a town visit and head past the mountain to the capital city of Wellington. Later we will have dinner out on the town overlooking the bay.
Day 7 Wellington - Nelson. We cross to the south island on the inter island ferry and enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Marlborough Sound. From Picton on the other side we drive to Nelson, heart of the wine producing area. Nelson is a very pleasant sunny place and home of some of the most beautiful sea kayaking in the world. We spend the afternoon exploring the town.
Day 8: Nelson. There are a huge variety of activities to choose around Nelson including kayaking, boating, sailing, mountain biking or just relaxing in town or on the beach. Nelson is very picturesque and is a delight to visit.
Day 9: Nelson - Abel Tasman. After an early start we head to Abel Tasman National Park for a night on Aqua Packers floating hostel. This is New Zealand's kayaking capitol. Upon arrival in the park you will have the option of sailing, kayaking or taking a water taxi to our accommodation. Once at our destination there are some wonderful walks that can be done with great scenery.
Day 10: Abel Tasman - Westport. After our water taxi out of the park we drive through the beautiful northern lakes district to Westport. Here we have an array of rafting, river kayaking and jet boating options.
Day 11: Westport-Punakaiki. Today we drive down the coast to the amazing pancake rocks of Punakaiki. There is an excellent walk around the formations overhanging the wild ocean.
Day 12: Punakaiki-Franz Josef.The West Coast is an exposed, harsh and beautiful place. It has this highest rainfall in New Zealand and is also home to some of the most beautiful trees and lakes. The drive down to Franz Joseph is a treat with stops at deserted beaches and pristine lakes.
Day 13: Franz Josef Glacier. Today we have many options. There are spectacular flights available in both helicopters and ski planes. The flights offer unequaled views of the mountains, valleys and glaciers and there is the option of a snow landing depending on the trip you pick. There are also guided walks onto the glacier and excellent light hikes available in the valley.
Day 14: Franz Joseph Glacier - Queenstown. We drive the remainder of the west coast and climb up through the Haast pass into the Southern Alps. This is a stunning drive with fantastic views of the mountains, rivers and lakes. Lots of great stops to take photos today. Tonight we arrive in Queenstown for two full days of fun and activities.
Day 15 &16: Queenstown. Over these two days you have the chance to see and experience the extreme activity capital of the world. There is simply no end to the fantastic line up of activities including, bungy, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, helicopter rides, jet boats and paragliding. There is also a huge variety of shops, restaurants and fun things to see in town. On day one in Queenstown we will do a tour of the area in the bus to orientate you on Queenstown and to show you the outer areas like Arrowtown which is a quaint old gold mining town with lots of history. After that you have 1 1/2 days free to enjoy the area and do your own thing. An unforgettable place.
Day 17: Queenstown - Milford Sound - Te Anau. We drive through unique and beautiful scenery to Milford Sound to go aboard the Milford Sound fjord cruiser for your cruise through the fjords. This place is stunning with tall mountain peaks, waterfalls and crystal clear water. Afterwards we return to Te Anau where we will stay the night.
Day 18: Te Anau - Invercargil. Te Anau is famous for its lake and glow worm caves. In the morning we will explore the area then we go down to Invercargil which is New Zealand's southern most major town.
Day 19: Invercargil - Dunedin. We visit the Catlins Forest Park a short drive from Invercargill. The Catlins has a vast array of lakes, rivers and wildlife found in few other areas of New Zealand. The vegetation and views are spectacular and has become a great point of interest in this most southern of areas.
Day 20: Dunedin. There are several options available for the day. We make a visit to the Yellow Eyed penguin colony for an up close view of these wonderful birds. At times it is possible to visit the Albatross colony as well. In the afternoon there is the option of a Brewery or Chocolate factory tour as well. (tasting included of course).
Day 21: Dunedin - Christchurch. We have the morning in Dunedin, the home of a huge part of New Zealand's Scottish heritage then drive up to Christchurch for a night out on the town.
Day 22: Christchurch - Kaikoura. The morning is spent exploring New Zealand's most English of cities and we then head up the coast for Kaikoura.
Day 23: Kaikoura. Take a boat trip out to see the whales. Experience being close to the worlds largest of creatures. For those who wish there are plane or helicopter flights to view the whales. Kaikoura is also a wonderful place to experience the vibrant Maori culture with much to see and do.
Day 24: Kaikoura-Wellington via ferry. After driving up to Picton we cross to the south island on the inter island ferry once again the Marlborough Sound. Another enjoyable night is spent in Wellington.
Day 25: Wellington to Napier. The morning is spent in Wellington exploring the town then we drive north to Napier on the east coast to visit New Zealand's art deco town. The buildings are finished a variety of styles and is quite an attraction.
Day 26: Napier - Taupo. We head to Taupo, just 2 1/2 hours away which is the north island home of extreme sports. Here we visit the spectacular Huka falls. You can bungy, jet boat, swim in the hot pools, as well as do many other activities or just relax by the world's biggest Crater Lake.
Day 27: Taupo - Rotorua. After lunch we go to Rotorua to visit Whakarewarewa, site of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute and thermal area. See Geysers and boiling mud pools in an amazing display of mother earth's power. We check in to our lodging and you have the option of a Maori Hangi dinner and concert for afterwards.
Day 28: Rotorua. We have a massive variety of activities available today from nature parks to shows on New Zealand agriculture as well as more Maori cultural centres. Rotorua also has many sports and adventure activities so there is plenty to do.
Day 29: Rotorua -Coromandel. Today we go back to the east coast and on to the Coromandel peninsula. This area has some of New Zealand's most idyllic lifestyles with small communities nestled into the bays and beaches. There are great beach & forest walks and tranquil areas to just relax.
Day 30 & 31: Coromandel. We have another two full days to explore the southern peninsula. We will visit the spectacular hot water beach where at low tide you can bathe in the thermal pools that are right against the sea. There is an excellent walk to Cathedral Cove for those who want to take a stroll. We then drive right around the peninsula for our last night in Thames before heading to the far north.
Day 32: Coromandel- Bay of Islands Rock Cruise. We leave Coromandel and drive via Auckland and drive north through fantastic scenery towards New Zealand's winterless north. We cross lush green farmland and make a stop at the Kauri forests to see the giant ancient trees. Upon arrival we make our way to the port to board our overnight cruise boat. On board we find a games room, bar and full fun facilities. The boat is equipped with kayaks, snorkelling gear and other equipment for all the planned stops at the islands on this 24 hour tour. Sit back and enjoy one of your trip highlights.
Day 33: Paihia, Bay of Islands. Today we have a host of available activities on The Rock cruise including kayaking, a boat trip to the islands or just relaxing on the boat.
Day 34: Paihia, Bay of Islands. There is a tour available over the famous Ninety Mile beach right up to Cape Reinga at the northern tip of the country. See the endless beach and surf the sand dunes. For those who would rather spend a day on a beach, there are plenty of options in Paihia.
Day 35: Auckland. After a late start we make our way back to Auckland crossing the harbour bridge and get a great view of the city of sails. Here we finish our trek in NZ's principal city.
The tour includes:
- Services of a professional tour guide
- All transportation by mini-bus.
- 34 nights fully accommodated
- Entrancefees to all National Parks en-route.
- Waitomo Caves entrance
- Services of an alpine guide on Taranaki hike
- Overnight boat trip in Bay of Islands on cruise boat
- Entrance to the Wakarewarewa Maori arts and culture centre
- Visit to Te Papa museum in Wellington
- Inter island ferry crossing
- Cruise boat day trip visiting Milford sound
- Water taxi trip in Abel Tasman National Park
- Aqua packer floating hostel stay in Abel
- Tasman including meals
- Visit to the penguin colony in Dunedin.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Optional activities:
- Hiking at Tongoriro: $20;
- Black Water Rafting: $90;
- Kayak Tour: $50;
- Bungee Jumping: $95-$130;
- Jet Boating: $90-160;
- Whale Watching: $125;
- Winter Ski Pass: $70;
- Mountain Biking: $20-$50;
- River Rafting: $75-130;
- Parapent: $150;
- Jet Boating: $79-1$100;
- Glacier Flights: $175;
Prices are in $NZ dollars and can vary depending on season and number of participants.
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Hiking & Trekking
Multi-activity
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