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Hiking Highlights 19 Day Flexible Hiking Tour South-North
offered by supplier M07701 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 19
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 12
people
Destination(s):
New Zealand
Specialty Categories:
Hiking & Trekking
Season: September - April
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 4425 New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 4425 New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
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Bushwalking is the best way for exploring NZ‘s natural beauty. Therefore this tour includes many walks in the most beautiful National Parks. You will discover extinct as well as active volcanoes, secluded beaches, deep mountain lakes, geysers and thermal activity areas as well as fiords and rainforests.
New Zealand is the "down-under" paradise for nature lovers. Where else in the world can you find as many different landscapes, climate zones and vegetations so close together as in New Zealand. Bushwalking is the best way to explore NZ's natural beauty. Therefore this tour includes many walks in the most beautiful National Parks. You will discover extinct as well as active volcanoes, secluded beaches, deep mountain lakes, geysers and thermal activity areas, as well as fiords and rainforests. Experience the multi-culture of the Polynesians, Maoris and European settlers with their different traditions and feel the cosmopolitan flair of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
*Itinerary
Day 1 Christchurch
After your arrival in Christchurch, you will be dropped off at your downtown hotel. In the afternoon there will be a sightseeing tour through the 'Garden City', including the Port Hills and the 'Sign of the Takahe' with its magnificent views over the South Pacific and across the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.
Whatever the time of year, Christchurch is the perfect choice for a well-deserved short break, longer stay or even for just a few hours.
Christchurch's unique combination of fascinating heritage, beautiful coastline, peaceful rivers and spectacular natural harbour appeals to all ages and provides all the ingredients to make your visit extra special.
Christchurch Tourism - the Southern Alps provides a fantastic backdrop to the city. Perched on the coast, the city is the doorway to the Canterbury Plains, which spread westwards towards the mountains. To the south-east, Banks Peninsula, formed by two huge volcanic craters, extends into the Pacific Ocean. Nature has been kind to this part of New Zealand and it is nature that offers the richest rewards for the visitor.
Day 2 Christchurch - Queenstown (490km)
After a drive across the flat, alluvial Canterbury plains the road climbs the 671m Burke Pass which serves as the northern entrance to the area known as the MacKenzie Basin. On a picnic at the shores of Lake Tekapo you will be treated to magnificent views of New Zealand's Southern Alps. Here you can do an optional scenic flight over Mt Cook, or Aoraki, the cloud piercer or walk up Mount John (approx.2hrs). You continue your journey over the Lindis Pass along Lake Dunstan, one of the newest artificial lakes. We travel past fruit stalls and wind through the Kawarau River gorge to Queenstown.
Queenstown is an exhilarating, year round, alpine resort, perfect for adventurers and leisure seekers alike.
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, overlooked by the majestic Southern Alps, the town was named because "...it was fit for Queen Victoria." Queenstown is today recognised internationally as New Zealand's premier visitor destination. Queenstown has more than just breathtaking scenery and a diverse range of attractions.
Day 3 Queenstown (Rest Day)
Queenstown is an outdoor adventurer's playground. Options could be a lake ride aboard the historic steamship Earnslaw, jet boating on the Shotover River, white water rafting, tandem paragliding, or a visit to the Kiwi house to see New Zealand's national icon in the flesh.
Day 4 Queenstown - Te Anau (168km)
A beautiful drive in the morning takes you along the shores of Lake Wakatipu until you reach Te Anau, the last township before Fiordland National Park. You have the option to do a day excursion to Doubtful Sound. Alternatively there are walks for example to the bird sanctuary, a 3hrs walk on the Kepler Track, kayaking or just relaxing.
Milford Sound is located in New Zealand's Fiordland National Park. During your visit to this region, you will be treated to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. The Park is home to many of New Zealand's most famous walks. This unspoilt paradise is made up of rugged, mountainous fiords and picturesque coastline, and is almost entirely covered in bush. Possibly the Grandest of the Grandeur of Fiordland, is Milford Sound.
Day 5 Te Anau - Milford Sound - Te Anau (242km)
On the way to Milford Sound you might spot cheeky Keas (Mountain Parrots) at rest areas next to the road. Aboard a cruiseship you take an amazing journey through the deep glacier carved Fiords of the Milford Sound. In the afternoon you walk a section of the famous Routeburn Track to the Key Summit, from where you have most beautiful views onto the Hollyford-Greenstone and Eglington Valley.
Day 6 Te Anau - Wanaka (230km)
Today the drive follows the Kawarau River gorge, past the world famous A.J Hacket bungy bridge (optional bungy jump). A little detour to Arrowtown, an old gold rush village provides the opportunity to visit the first Chinese settlement. You drive over the Crown Range, New Zealand`s highest road to Wanaka. At the west end of Lake Wanaka you can see the glittering snowtops of Mount Aspiring (3027m).
Welcome to the original home of Bungy...
The Kawarau Bridge. A 43 metre Bungy Jump above the Kawarau River. Situated 20 minutes from the heart of Queenstown.
Originally built to link Queenstown to Central Otago during the gold rush of the 1880's, later replaced by the larger and more modern Battling Betty Bridge in the 1960's. The bridge fell into a state of disrepair and was deemed unsafe until Henry van Asch and AJ Hackett applied for a one month license to use the bridge commercially for Bungy Jumping in 1988. As they say; the rest is history and a piece of New Zealand heritage has been saved. A fee is paid to the Department of Conservation for every jump by AJ Hackett Bungy to maintain the site. In 2002 the company invested in a new development for the Kawarau Bridge reserve, to include a Cinematic Bungy Experience, interactive displays, quality cafe and shopping facilities.
Day 7 Wanaka - Mount Aspiring-NP (109km)
After a short drive into the Matukituki Valley your hiking trek takes you to the Rob-Roy Glacier, from where you have splendid views of the surrounding lakes and mountains (4-5hr trek).
This is the third largest park in New Zealand. Set within the Te Wahipounamu South West New Zealand World Heritage Area, this is one of the most spectacular pristine wilderness areas anywhere in the world. The pinnacle of the park is Mt Aspiring (Tititea), rising elegantly from its flanking glaciers to 3027m, a peak much loved by local and international climbers, and photographers.
Many gentle walking tracks meander through its open valleys or you can fly overhead and gaze down on golden river flats, forested ridges and spilling glaciers.
Day 8 Wanaka - Fox Glacier (265km)
The journey takes you alongside Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. First through arid countryside followed by dense rainforest on the border of Mount Aspiring NP. After a short walk through beech forest at Haast Pass you continue to the township of Fox Glacier. You can take an optional guided walk on Fox Glacier or a scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers (incl. landing).
Here in the heart of the Southern Lakes, ringed by golden hills, snow-clad peaks, ancient forests, crystal-clear lakes and rivers, you'll find time and space to truly enjoy yourself.
The town acts as a magnet for New Zealanders and international visitors alike who want to return to sample the delights of a range of activities, cafes, shops and restaurants.
Day 9 Fox Glacier - Punakaiki (245km)
In the morning you drive to the Franz Josef Glacier and take a walk to the glacier lookout. In Hokitika you visit a Greenstone factory, where you have the opportunity to buy jade carvings and jewellery at reasonable prices. Pounamu is the Maori name for Greenstone. In Punakaiki you will see the well known pancake rocks and will walk the Truman Track. A sunset walk on one of New Zealand`s most beautiful beaches could finish
this day.
Take an enthralling guided trip on the West Coast's longest glacier amidst fascinating ice features with Fox Glacier's most experienced guiding company. Guided walks from half a day to 2 days duration.
Our helihikes combine the excitement of exploring a wild and remote part of the glacier with the thrill of a helicopter flight.
We also offer expertly guided mountaineering trips, instruction courses and our new special interest trips amongst New Zealand's highest peaks.
Day 10 Punakaiki - Picton (334km)
A walk along the Pororari River (approx.2hrs) takes you through sub-tropical forest with many of those remarkable Nikau palm trees and lime stone cliffs. Further the route will take you along the spectacular coastal road and just before Westport at Cape Foulwind, you will see a seal colony on one of the coastal walks. After the lunch break in Murchison you will drive along the Buller River to Lake Rotoiti for a short walk in the Nelson Lakes National Park. The world-renowned vine-growing region of Marlborough will be passed on the way to Picton.
Day 11 Picton - Queen Charlotte Walkway
From this little fishing village you take a boat through the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound to the beginning of the same named walking track. . In 2-3h you walk through natural scenic reserves with lush coastal forest and over mountain ridges, with splendid views of the Sound. At 3pm you are picked up from Furneaux and taken by boat to the idyllic Portage Resort nestled right on the waterfront, where your luggage is already waiting for you.
The Queen Charlotte Track runs almost the entire length of New Zealand's Queen Charlotte Sound. It stretches from Ship Cove to Anakiwa passing through historic sites, secluded bays and lush coastal bush.
Experience the breathtaking ridgetop panoramas of Queen Charlotte and Kenepuru Sounds and enjoy the company of friendly hosts and superb food and wine. It doesn't get much better than this...
Day 12 Queen Charlotte Walkway - Wellington
(Arrival in Wellington for those participants who have booked the
North Island). In the morning you hike along the coast through dense rainforest with its gigantic tree ferns. In Mistletoe Bay a boat pick-up is scheduled for 12noon, which will take you back to Picton. In the afternoon you enjoy the journey on the Interislander Ferry via Tory channel and Marlborough Sounds across Cook Strait to Wellington.
Day 13 Wellington - Tongariro National Park (348km)
(Departure in Wellington for those participants who have only
booked the South Island). During your sightseeing tour through the city, euphemistically known as the "Windy City", you will see among other things the Parliamentary Buildings and the historical district with its St. Paul Cathedral. You will be driven to Mount Victoria, from where you can enjoy fantastic views of the city and the harbour. Afterwards you visit one of the most innovative museums of the world, the National Museum 'Te Papa'. Towards the evening you reach the small National Park village with amazing views of the largest volcanoes in the country.
Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city.
Perched on the edge of a spectacular harbour, encircled by green, towering hills, Wellington is a stunning and compact city. Vibrant, exciting and cultured, the nation's capital combines the stimulation and sophistication of a big city with the quirkiness of a charming village.
Extending just two kilometres in diameter, Wellington is a truly 'walking city'. Here you'll find a unique blend of national treasures, arts and culture, gastronomic delights, shopping sensations and scenic beauty, making Wellington the ultimate urban destination in New Zealand.
Wellington has a feast of cultural attractions and its crowning glory is Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand. Situated on Wellington's magnificent waterfront, this internationally acclaimed museum combines leading edge technology with traditional exhibits to tell the stories of New Zealand's land and people.
Day 14 Tongariro National Park - Rotorua (200km)
The Tongariro Crossing is one of New Zealand's premier day walks. This is a non guided walk, which takes you on a fascinating journey through a variety of vegetation zones, over scorer-scattered moonscapes, past the most beautiful turquoise blue lakes, solidified molten rock pillars and boiling hot springs. There are some spectacular panoramas over the surrounding countryside (6-7h trek). Alternatively there are shorter walks of 2-3 hours in the National Park. In the afternoon you will drive along Lake Taupo, New Zealands biggest Lake before you reach Rotorua, the most unique and active thermal area in the country.
In 1993 Tongariro became the first property to be inscribed on the World Heritage List under the revised cultural criteria describing cultural landscapes. The mountains at the heart of the park have cultural and religious significance for the Maori people and symbolize the spiritual links between this community and its environment. The park contains active and extinct volcanoes, a diverse range of ecosystems and highly scenic landscapes.
Day 15 Rotorua
In the morning you will be guided through the Maori village centre Whakarewarewa. Here the successor of the first polynesians present their cultur. You will take part in a culturall performance, as well as a Hangi lunch (tradionell earthfire). The afternoon is free for you to explore the active thermal valley or take a walk along the lake shore with a visit to the historic St. Faith`s Church and it`s beautifull woodcarvings.
Rotorua is one of the most famous destinations in New Zealand, and has a long history of welcoming visitors.
From the moment people arrive in Rotorua they know they're somewhere quite different. There is a scent of sulphur in the air, and at nearby geothermal hotspots there are spouting geysers, acrid-smelling mud pools bubbling and belching, and warm geothermal pools and ponds that create a kaleidoscope of colour.
Day 16 Rotorua - Whitianga (245km)
Today the tour travels past Lake Rotorua and through the unspoiled Kamai Mamaku forest to Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty. The mild climate is excellent for kiwi fruit growing. We then drive onto Coromandel Peninsula. At the beginning of the 19th Century this region was in a gold rush. A walk through Broken Hills near Pauanui is a reminder of the turbulent times.
Day 17 Whitianga
This Peninsula has a diverse landscape on a small scale. On one side you find bare mountains of volcanic origin and on the other side a rugged coastline with beautiful beaches. This day has a lot to offer, from kayaking, riding or hiking some of the local bush walks, to an excursion to Hot Water Beach, so named because a hot spring bubbles up through the sand, making it a lovely warm place to relax at low tide and watch swimmers enjoying the sea and surf.
Day 18 Whitianga - Auckland (251km)
In the morning you drive to the other side of the peninsula and along the beautiful coastline to the small village of Waiomu. On a 2 hour hike with rivercrossings or swingbridges you will see some of the few Kauri trees (local giant) left. You will leave Coromandel and reach Auckland in about 3 hours drive. During a sightseeing tour in the 'City of Sails'', which is famous for its many sailing yachts in the Hauraki Gulf, you will see among other things the Harbour Bridge, Waitemata Yacht Harbour and Mount Eden, from where you can see the Skytower.
Like Sydney, Auckland is dominated by the sea and by the hills. If Rome was built on seven hills, Auckland was built on seven extinct sea-side volcanoes. On one side of the isthmus on which it is built is the Pacific Ocean; on the other the Tasman Sea. At its narrowest, this isthmus is only about a kilometre wide. The city, however, sprawls sideways along the shores of Waitemata and Manukau Harbours and along the Hauraki Gulf. Waitemata Harbour - Sea of Sparkling Waters - is dominated by Rangitoto Island.
This closeness to water has two results. First, everyone in Auckland is mad bonkers on sailing. There is one boat to every 16 people. Another effect is that Auckland has a very temperate climate. Most of the rain falls in June, July and August and the coldest month, July, averages about 13 degrees Celsius during the day.
Day 19 Auckland - Departure
The last morning is for your own leisure. You will be transferred to the airport in the afternoon.
Please note that your trip may differ from the above itinerary either to better suit the needs of the group, or due to circumstances beyond our control such as the weather.
Tour includes:
- Airport Transfers (Day 1 : 7am-2pm & Day 19 : 7am-3.30pm)
- Accommodation: 18 nights in hotels/motels
- Meals: 1 lunch - Hangi Lunch in Rotorua
- (breakfast and picnic lunch can be shared & prepared together / the tourguide will collect NZ$100 - optional)
- Minibus
- Boat transfer in Queen Charlotte Sound
- Luggage transport during the Queen-Charlotte Walk
- Ferrycrossing Picton - Wellington
- Entry Whakarewarewa Thermal Village with performance & hangi lunch
- All National Park and other entry fees, except the "optional" ones
Tour Grading - Moderate
Gradings are: 1 - Easy, 2 - Moderate, 3 - Medium, 4 - Challenging, 5 - Extreme
Akaroa & Kaikoura extension
3 day pre-tour:
Day 1 - Christchurch
Arrival in Christchurch. Shuttle transfer to your hotel in the central city.
Day 2 - Banks Peninsula / Akaroa day excursion
You will be picked up at 8.30am. The bus will drive on a panoramic route to the first French settlement, Akaroa. On the way there are numerous photo stops, as well as a visit to the cheese factory of Barry`s Bay. Once in Akaroa you will have time to do a harbour cruise (optional) or just stroll through this beautiful village. You will be back in Christchurch at about 5.45pm.
Day 3 - Kaikoura day excursion
You will be picked up at 7.30am. The bus will travel through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury and further along the fantastic coastal road to the fishing village of Kaikoura. You have the choice of whale watching or swimming with the dolphins. In the afternoon you will visit a seal colony where fur seals may be viewed at close quarters. A wine tasting has been arranged in one of Canterbury vineyards on your return journey. Arrive in Christchurch at about 7pm.
Bay of Islands extension
3 day post-tour:
Day 1 - Auckland / Bay of Islands
Travel across the Auckland Harbour Bridge, north via the Hibiscus Coast to the beautiful Bay of Islands. Arrive in Paihia and visit the historic Waitangi Treaty House. The rest of your day is at leisure. Accommodation in the Bay of Islands - Scenic Circle Bay of Islands Hotel (2 nights).
Day 2: Cape Reinga Excursion
Your tour departs in the morning and takes you through Puketi Kauri Forest. Travel along the aptly named Ninety Mile Beach to the northern most point of New Zealand, Cape Reinga. A BBQ lunch is included followed by an afternoon museu m visit, before returning to Paihia.
Day 3: Bay of Islands / Auckland
This morning you will board the Fullers Cruise for a memorable trip to Cape Brett and Piercy Island. Travel through the famous "Hole in the Rock" (weather permitting).
On your return, disembark in Russell, the first capital of New Zealand, and enjoy a sightseeing tour of this historic township. Board the ferry back to Paihia, then rejoin your coach for the return journey to Auckland.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
*Tour Total NZ$ 4425.00
*Single Surcharge: NZ$ 945.00
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Hiking & Trekking
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