Itinerary

 

Day 1 - Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)

We head south east to the ‘Coromandel region' via views of Waikato farmland. We head to our remote beach area to hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove (famous for use in NZ tourism posters worldwide), and have a chance to bathe in the natural hot pools of Hot Water Beach (tide dependent). We stay in our exclusive campsite at the beach and enjoy a BBQ. Quad share cabins only (D).

 

Day 2 - Hahei to Rotorua

Travelling along the stunning Coromandel Coast we stop for some great walks then head to our uniquely developed Maori cultural stop at Whakarewarewa. Set amidst a landscape of erupting geothermal activity, hot thermal springs and bubbling mud pools is the living Maori village. We have tailored an experience for our groups to provide insight into the culture and history, which includes a down-to-earth cultural show and a hangi lunch traditionally cooked in the steam from the natural hot pools! From here we have the afternoon to explore Rotorua with optional activities for everyone from free walks to white water rafting. (B,L).

 

Day 3 - Rotorua to Whakahoro

 

We leave early this morning, stopping for a swim in a natural hot river, then onto the impressive Huka Falls. We drive around Lake Taupo towards the Central Plateau. We go deep into the wilderness to our exclusive environmental award-winning stop at Blue Duck Lodge. You can kayak the last 8kms, take a historical walk, or if you want you can take part in a hunt for dinner! The lodge is an old homestead nestled right on the edge of Whanganui National Park surrounded by breath-taking views, amazing walks, and natural beauty. We cook a traditional bush dinner over an outdoor wood-fire using local produce, while learning about the rich early-settlement history and the owner's huge efforts to restore the local plants and birdlife to their former glory (B, D)

 

Day 4 - Whakahoro to National Park

 

This morning we head back towards the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park with the chance to hike the Tongariro Crossing, rated as NZ's best one-day walk. For those less active there will be shorter walks and a visit to the Volcanic Centre Museum. Tonight we stay at our exclusive alpine lodge ‘The Park' (B, D).

 

Day 5 - National Park to Wellington

 

Following the great day we have had in National Park we head to Wellington, New Zealand's capital city. We have the afternoon to explore ‘Te Papa', NZ's national museum and strongly recommend the walk along Oriental Parade and/or up Mt Victoria to get the best view of the city. We stay in central Wellington accommodation tonight (B).

 

Day 6 - Wellington/Picton to Abel Tasman

 

From Wellington we catch the inter-island ferry to the South Island port of Picton for the trip through to Marahau. We stop for a wine tour of NZ's premier wine region world-famous for its Sauvignon Blanc then head across to Nelson and out to the Tasman region for the picturesque beaches and bays of the Abel Tasman National Park. We stay in our exclusive campsite located adjacent to the national park. Dinner tonight includes a taste of the local seafood (B,D).

 

Day 7 - Full day in Abel Tasman

 

An entire day to explore the Abel Tasman National Park. We have included a boat transfer out of the park so you can walk this famous coastal track, incorporating some of the NZ's best beaches. Your guide will take you on a walk and you can upgrade to one of the other great options including sea kayaking or sailing. We self-cater tonight with BBQ facilities available and stay again at our campsite right beside the National Park (B).

 

Day 8 - Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs

 

Today we set off early passing through two more national parks en route to the tranquillity of Hanmer Springs. The Kahurangi and Nelson national parks boast fabulous scenery and some great small hikes with craggy mountain ranges draped with forest to the lake's edge. We will have a picnic on the lake edge today. We arrive at Hanmer Springs in the afternoon and have a relaxing soak in the hot pools. We go for a group meal tonight (B,D).

 

Day 9 - Hanmer Springs to Christchurch via Kaikoura

 

The day begins with a small drive to the coast heading to Kaikoura, a stop that offers a sanctuary of marine life. Regardless of what you choose to do you will encounter marine life in many forms. There are seals, dolphins, whales or the king of the skies, the Royal Albatross. There is a fantastic walk starting from the seal colony around the cliff tops where you will get amazing views. We give you time to do even the longest of options here then we express south to the South Island's largest city, Christchurch (B).

 

Day 10 - Christchurch to Franz Josef

 

We start early for a stunning journey across the Canterbury Plains, over Arthur's Pass and down to the West Coast. Along the way the scenery changes constantly so we stop often for walks and photo opportunities. We stop in Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade) and at the Bushman's centre to learn about the local history, before heading down to Franz Josef for its majestic glacier. We stay in a lodge in the rainforest at Franz Josef (D).

 

Day 11 - Full day at Franz Josef

 

Today is free for exploring this World Heritage area. There are many great walks but we highly recommend that you pay to go on one of the guided trips (where they provide you with specialised equipment) so that you can get further onto the glacier. Self-cater tonight - there are great local cafes and a kitchen at the lodge (B).

 

Day 12 - Franz Josef to Makarora

 

We follow the coast further south today for even more amazing scenery (including NZ's most photographed lake), some great walks, waterfalls and a breathtaking alpine pass. We arrive at our wilderness accommodation at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park by mid-afternoon. The locals provide some of the most spectacular activities from scenic flights to wilderness jet boating. Our accommodation tonight is in chalets (B, D).

 

Day 13 - Makarora to Queenstown

 

We journey on to the adventure capital of the world today, Queenstown, the spiritual home of bungy jumping. On the way we stop in the scenic town of Wanaka for a walk and lunch before heading to the bungy bridge. Everyone has the option of observing or jumping themselves. We arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon ready for two days of whatever activities you choose to do from the relaxing to full-on adrenaline. Your guide will take you on an orientation of the resort when we arrive and a tour of the town's night spots in the evening. (B).

Day 14 and 15 - Full day Queenstown. Optional activities available (No meals).

Day 16 - Queenstown to Doubtful Sound

This morning we head into the awe-inspiring Fiordland National Park. Doubtful Sound is truly an amazing place; one of the most remote and untouched places on earth where you will see fur seals, Fiordland Crested Penguins and dolphins. We spend the day and night on a purpose-built boat, which includes a dedicated nature guide and sea kayaks. We overnight in a secluded bay in the fiord (AT, D).

 

Day 17 - Doubtful Sound to Central Otago

The morning is spent departing Doubtful Sound. We board our own mini-coach at midday and head through the beautiful Otago region. We explore relics of the gold rush, which was responsible for the European settlement of this area. We stay in our own exclusive accommodation in the middle of Otago gold country. You have the option of curling tonight (like bowling but with big stones on an ice rink), we challenge you to try and beat your guide (B, D).

 

Day 18 - Central Otago to Christchurch

 

In the morning we grab our mountain bikes and head out to sample part of the old Otago Gold Mining Rail Trail. It is an ideal activity for riders of all abilities and a great way to soak up the incredible scenery and history of the area. We then express our way along the Canterbury Plains flanked by the Southern Alps to Christchurch, the garden city (B).