FLEXIBLE ITINERARY

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as road conditions, weather, local restrictions and group input may vary, no two trips will ever be the same. With the help of your tour leader and fellow trekkers you may modify certain night-stops and highlights to give a truly unique experience!

Day: 1 Christchurch - Punakaiki

Going west from Christchurch we head over the fertile Canterbury Plains heading for the mountains. We leave the dry East Coast and cross the dividing range to go down to the lush, green and moist West Coast. The countryside changes radically as great deep blue rivers spring from the steep mountainsides. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 2 Punakaiki - Franz Joseph Glacier

The drive down the coast today is beautiful. We have several cultural activity options before leaving for Franz Joseph Glacier along the coast of forests, lakes and hidden beaches. We then pull in to Franz Joseph Glacier for a view of the glacier before night falls. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 3 Franz Joseph Glacier

Today we have many options. There are spectacular flights available in either a helicopter or a ski-plane. The flights offer unequalled 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. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 4 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 three full days of fun and activities. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Days: 5-7 Queenstown

Over these three days you have the chance to see and experience the place that is widely acknowledged as being the extreme activity capital of the world. There is simply no end to the fantastic line up of optional activities including bungy-jumping, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, helicopter rides, jet boating and paragliding. There is also a huge variety of shops, restaurants and fun things to see in town. On Day 1 in Queenstown we will do a tour of the area in the bus to orient you around Queenstown and to show you the outer areas such as Arrowtown, a quaint old gold mining town with lots of history. After that you have two days free to enjoy the area and do your own thing. Queenstown and its surrounds are an unforgettable and very special part of the world.  Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 8 Queenstown - Milford Sound

We drive through to Milford Sound to go aboard the Milford Wanderer floating hotel fjord cruiser for your overnight cruise through the fjords. This place is stunning with tall mountain peaks, waterfalls and crystal clear water. You get to paddle a kayak over the tranquil waters and to see fascinating marine life. During the winter months of May to September this is a day trip only without kayaking. We also offer the awe-inspiring Dart River Jet Safari as an alternative to Milford for those who would prefer this in winter. Accommodation: Cruise boat included.

Day: 9 Milford Sound - Omarama / Mount Cook Nat'l Park

After returning to dry land we drive up to Omarama near the foot of New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook. The drive is over expansive high country farmland with views of the Alps, rivers and lakes. Here we have a last night with all the gang before returning to Christchurch. This night will be spent in Mt Cook National Park whenever possible. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 10 Omarama/Mt Cook- Christchurch

We swing into Mt Cook and hope to catch a view of this spectacular mountain. There are wonderful lake views and photo opportunities galore. From there we continue on to Christchurch for a night out on the town. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 11 Kaikoura

Leaving our hotel in Christchurch we then head up the beautiful coastline to Kaikoura where many adventures await us. Take a boat trip out to see the whales. Experience being close to some of the largest creatures in the world. 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. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 12 Kaikoura & Nelson

Today we go to Nelson. Nelson is in the heart of the wine producing area. It is a very pleasant sunny place and home to some of the most beautiful sea kayaking in the world. We spend the afternoon exploring the town. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 13 Nelson

We have a huge variety of activities to choose from 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. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 14 Wellington via ferry

We cross to the north island on the inter island ferry and enjoy the fantastic scenery of the Marlborough Sound. We arrive in the afternoon and have a great opportunity for a night out in the capital city.
Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 15 Wellington & Mt Ruapehu

We leave Wellington after visiting the fantastic museum on New Zealand called Te Papa. We head through the central North Island plains towards the great volcanoes & Mount Ruapehu National Park. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 16 Mount Ruapehu

There are several options available for the day. Many will want to hike the famous Tongariro Crossing track. A good 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. Skiing and snowboarding plus other local sights are available during winter months. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 17 Taupo & Rotorua

We head to Taupo, just one hour away which is widely acknowledged as the North Island's home of extreme sports. On the way we visit the spectacular Huka Falls. Here you can bungy-jump or ride in a jet boat, as well as do many other activities. Or how about just relaxing by the shores of the largest lake in New Zealand? The sights are fantastic and this will be one of your highlights. 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 the power of nature. We check in to our lodging and you have the option of a Maori Hangi dinner and concert for afterwards. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 18 Rotorua & Waitomo

Today we have some great choices. You can do the boat trip and walk through the glow worm caves or go black water rafting. This is an unforgettable trip involving hiking and descending an underground river floating on an inner tube. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 19 Waitomo & Bay of Islands

We leave Waitomo 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. This boat tour will be substituted May - Sep with another boat tour of equivalent value, quality and experience which may or may not be overnight depending on availability and conditions. Accommodation: Budget lodging included.

Day: 20 Bay of Islands Cruise

Today we have a host of available activities including kayaking, a boat trip to the islands or just relaxing on the boat. Accommodation: Cruise Boat or Budget lodging included.

Day: 21 Auckland

We make our way back South passing unspoiled beaches and lush forests. There are native trees of massive size that are over 1000 years old. This area has always been prized for its fantastic native hardwood timbers that are fortunately protected nowadays. Crossing the Auckland Harbour Bridge, with a spectacular view of the "City of Sails", we arrive in Auckland to say our fond farewells.

Accommodation is generally on a 4-share basis in single sex rooms. 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 and additional costs paid direct. The meal kitty includes most meals, however some meals will be at additional local expense.