The New Zealand Top-2-Bottom is the best value adventure tour available in New Zealand. Traveling with kayaks, mountain bikes, snorkeling gear, surfing equipment and a few other toys, you really get to do much more than just see the sights, you get to explore
them!
Each day you will be able to choose what activity you feel like doing. Of course your guide will suggest the best activity to experience each area, but ultimately, it is up to you. This trip includes all the highlights, as well as some lesser known secret spots!
Your Itinerary
DAY 1 & 2: ARRIVAL IN AUCKLAND / BAY OF ISLANDS
Meet your guide and fellow adventurers upon arrival in Auckland and then we’ll drive north to the Bay of Islands arriving in time for a short paddle or stroll on the beach to stretch your legs, followed by a “Welcome Dinner” of local seafood. The Bay of Islands is punctuated by dozens of secluded beaches and coves, clear waters ranging in hue from turquoise to deep blue. Dotted with nearly 150 islands, the region is aptly named. Numerous options for kayaking to offshore islands, surfing or snorkelling exist along the way. We will spend two days exploring this great area, with plenty of hiking, biking, kayaking and snorkelling! Optional scuba diving and sailing trips are also available in this area. D/B/L/D
DAY 3 & 4: KAITAIA – THE FAR NORTH / 90 MILE BEACH
Welcome to the “far north” of New Zealand! This area is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear water and excellent fishing. The region is steeped in early European and Maori history – check out the museum for the complete story. After an early morning in the surf or paddle, enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out on an exploration to Cape Reinga. A drive up 90 Mile Beach is sure to make you realize you’re a long way from home! Even try your hand at surfing the huge sand dunes along the way! A BBQ on the beach is a perfect way to immerse yourself in the Kiwi lifestyle! B/L/D/B/L/D
DAY 5: AUCKLAND / GOAT ISLAND
Today we head south to Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most multi-cultural city. You’ll get a chance to wander round the Viaduct – a vibrant downtown area, and until recently home to the Americas Cup. While the Cup is no longer there, the vibrant atmosphere continues with numerous bars and restaurants open until late. B/L
DAY 6 & 7: COROMANDEL PENINSULA
This morning we drive east to the Coromandel Peninsula – a rugged, densely forested peninsula where rivers force their way through gorges and pour down steep cliffs into the sea. From our base in Hahei, we can hike to Cathedral Cove, accessible only at low tide through a gigantic arched cavern. We then walk south to Hot Water beach where thermal waters brew just below the sand. Our Guide will show you how to dig your very own spa in the sand from where you can sit back and contemplate whether to surf, scuba dive or snorkel. This area also has some great mountain biking trails… so what are you waiting for?! B/L/D/B/L/D
DAY 8: ROTORUA
Rotorua has the most energetic thermal activity in NZ, with bubbling mud pools, gurgling hot springs and gushing geysers. We will explore the thermal features of Rotorua. In the evening, attend a traditional Maori feast (Hangi), where meats and vegetables are cooked in the traditional fashion beneath the ground on hot rocks. Our local Maori hosts will introduce us to their underground cooking techniques, culture and history. B/L/D
DAY 9 & 10: TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK
The Central North Island is an area of distinctive geography and scenery, and Tongariro is New Zealand’s oldest national park (est. 1887) and a World Heritage area. This status recognizes the park’s important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. The Tongariro, Ngaruahoe and Ruapehu mountains are at the heart of the park and form the southern limits of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. It was this area Peter Jackson chose to film part of Lord of the Rings – you will recognize Mordor and the Plains of Gorgoroth as we hike the Tongariro Crossing, a 7-8 hour trek through spectacular terrain, passing two active volcanoes, lava flows, emerald coloured lakes and hot springs. This is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular hikes in the entire country and very different to the rest of New Zealand. B/L/D/B/L/D
DAY 11: WELLINGTON / MARLBOROUGH SOUNDS / QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK
Today we leave Tongariro National Park early, arriving in the capital city of Wellington around lunch time. We will take the ferry across Cook Strait, through the beautiful Marlborough Sounds to Picton. We spend the evening and next morning exploring the area by sea kayak, mountain bike or on foot. The Queen Charlotte Walkway offers excellent mountain biking to those who chose this option. From the water there is a good chance you’ll spot dolphins and Little Blue Penguins. In the evening we will cook up a feast of fresh local seafood. B/L/D
DAY 12 & 13: ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK
This morning we’ll drive west to Abel Tasman National Park, stopping in Nelson - a beautiful town, nestled between stunning beaches and mountains. Local artisans and craftspeople abound and you’ll get the chance to pick up some original pieces the area is so well known for. The Abel Tasman National Park was created in 1942; exactly 300 years after the Dutch Explorer Abel Tasman sailed into what is now known as Golden Bay, at the northern tip of the Park. On that unfortunate day in December 1642, the Europeans were met by Maori canoes and four of Tasman’s men were killed in the ensuing skirmish. Abel Tasman sailed away without setting foot on the land now named in his honour!
Today’s visitors to the Park can expect a much warmer welcome, and you’ll soon discover why the Abel Tasman Coastal Track is the most popular “Great Walk” in New Zealand. The track hugs the picturesque coastline with its pristine golden sand beaches and calm turquoise waters, climbing up to awesome views, then down again for a refreshing swim or picnic. Or, you can experience the park coastline from a seal’s-eye view, in a kayak. If you like, you can hike out, and then kayak back for the best of both worlds! B/L/D/B/L/D
DAY 14: HOKITIKA / PUNAKAIKI / PANCAKE ROCKS
Today it’s on to the wild West Coast. At Cape Foulwind we hike to a seal colony that offers stunning views of the Tasman Sea and mighty Southern Alps. Similarly you can relax and play on one of the coasts more famous surf beaches. Entering Paparoa National Park, explore miles of deserted beaches, the famous Pancake Rocks and blowholes, and a number of forest walks in the area. Two other great options are a kayak trip on the Pororari River, or ride mountain bikes alongside the limestone cliffs and giant tree ferns of Bullock Creek. This evening we will enjoy a BBQ on the beach as the sun sets into the Tasman Sea. B/L/D
DAY 15: FOX GLACIER
Begin the day with an early drive south along the rugged West coast stopping along the way at the craft center of Hokitika, the nation’s center for greenstone carvers. In the afternoon hike to the terminal face of the Glacier or take an optional walk on the ice. Hoisting our alpenstocks, we follow the guide as he cuts steps into the ice, leading us on a journey of discovery through crevasses and over moraines. In recent times, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers have advanced far down the mountains cutting a path of destruction through the surrounding rock and rainforest. “Calving” is a common occurrence at the glacier terminal, and in a dramatic display of the power of nature, large chunks of ice separate from the glacier and crash to the ground. After dinner, we will see New Zealand’s famous glow-worms in the rainforest surrounding the town of Fox Glacier. B/L/D
DAY 16 & 17: WANAKA / MOUNT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK
Start the day with an early walk around Lake Matheson revealing the reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks: Mounts Cook and Tasman. After breakfast we wind our way along the World Heritage Highway. A rainforest hike brings us to an isolated beach where we may catch a glimpse of nesting penguins. Then it's up and over the Haast Pass and along the beautiful shores of Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. In the afternoon we'll make a brief stop to sample local wines at a picturesque winery before continuing on to Wanaka. The next day we will drive through the Matukituki Valley to hike in Mt Aspiring National Park. This is a World Heritage Area of majestic mountains and natural rainforest, and our favourite day hike in New Zealand. We hike up through a narrow gorge beside a crystal clear stream for a couple of hours to a clearing. All around us glaciers cling to cliff faces, broken by a myriad of waterfalls. Occasionally an ice avalanche will shatter the silence. In the afternoon drift downstream on the currents of the Matukituki River while enjoying some of the best mountain scenery in New Zealand. That evening explore the vibrant town of Wanaka and sample some of the great local cuisine. B/L/D/B/L
DAY 18: MILFORD SOUND OVERNIGHT CRUISE
Drive to Te Anau on our way to Milford Sound. Enjoy a short walk along the Kepler Track, or a kayak in Lake Te Anau. After passing through the Homer Tunnel mountain bike one of the most stunning roads in the world as you descend into Milford Sound. Here we will meet our waiting vessel for an overnight cruise of the Sound. You will cruise the full length of Milford Sound before anchoring for the night. Beneath the towering presence of Mitre Peak, you can kayak around sheltered bays, venture ashore in the tender craft or simply sit back and unwind. As the day draws to a close, enjoy a delicious meal and share stories of the day’s adventures. B/L/D
DAY 19 & 20: ROUTEBURN TRACK / QUEENSTOWN
After a relaxed breakfast on board, we drive to Queenstown, “The Adventure Capital of the World”. We’ll stop along the way to walk part of the famous Routeburn Track up to the Divide for spectacular views of Te Wai Pounamu World Heritage Area. When you get to Queenstown, you can choose from an exciting array of optional activities including rafting, jet boating, bungy jumping, fly-by-wire, canyoning, tandem paragliding, hang gliding, sky diving, horse trekking, river surfing, fishing, vintage plane flights, glider flights, or take a goldfield or sheep station tour. Alternatively, just relax and enjoy the atmosphere of sidewalk cafes in this alpine resort. If you’d rather do some hiking around Queenstown there are a number of excellent walks as well as mountain biking and kayaking opportunities which your guide will be happy to accompany you on. On our final night we will enjoy a “Farewell Dinner” and share stories of our adventures. B/L/D/B/D
DAY 21: DEPART QUEENSTOWN
A final relaxing gourmet breakfast with the group is the perfect way to end your time in Queenstown. There is usually time for another activity or some last minute shopping before your transfer to the Queenstown Airport for flights home or to continue another adventure. If on the other hand you have fallen in love with New Zealand by now, we can direct you to our local Immigration office! B
Options:
If you are not able to do the full 21 day trip, then you can do the 11 day North or South Island Top-2-Bottom trips, or you can even do part of both.
What about doing the Routeburn Track or Milford Track right after your Serious Fun trip?
Activities & Inclusions:
The New Zealand Top-2-Bottom includes many great activities. Obviously, you have unlimited use of the mountain bikes, sea kayaks, body boards and snorkeling gear included in the tour cost. The cost of the tour also includes all meals (except for 2 lunches & 2 dinners), accommodations, transport, and the services of a guide!
Departure Dates 2007 - 2008
Oct 29 - Nov 18, 2007
Nov 19 - Dec 09, 2007
Dec 10 - Dec 30, 2007
Dec 31 - Jan 20, 2008
Jan 21 - Feb 10, 2008
Feb 11 - Mar 02, 2008
Mar 03 - Mar 23, 2008
Mar 24 - Apr 13, 2008
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour Cost (All Prices Include New Zealand Taxes)
NZ$6,950.00 pp
Single Supplement
NZ$750.00 pp (for full 21 day tour)
Also see tour packages in:
Australia and Oceania
New Zealand
Hiking & Trekking
National Parks
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