19 Days North to South (Auckland to Christchurch)

Itinerary: day by day

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 cabins right by the beach and enjoy a BBQ together in the evening. Quad-share cabins only. (D)

Day 2 - Hahei to Rotorua

Travelling along the stunning Coromandel Coast we stop for some great walks on the way to Rotorua. We arrive at midday and you have the chance to do some awesome optional activities from walks to white water rafting (additional cost). We then head to our uniquely developed Maori cultural overnight stop at Tamaki Village, where you will be greeted with a powhiri (welcoming ceremony). In the evening you will be taught a waiata (song), enjoy a powerful cultural performance, have a hangi dinner (traditionally cooked on hot rocks covered in earth), then gather around a campfire for stories of the migration, settlement and survival of Maori in New Zealand. We spend the night in a marae (traditional Maori meeting house). (BD)

Day 3 - Rotorua to Whakahoro

We leave the marae early this morning, stopping for a swim in a natural hot river, then on to the impressive Huka Falls. We drive around Lake Taupo towards the Central Plateau. We go deep into the wilderness to our remote environmental award-winning stop at Blue Duck Lodge. You can kayak the last 6kms, do a 4WD eco-warrior tour, take a historic walk or join in on a hunt to eradicate some pests! We cook a traditional bush dinner 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. (BD) N.B. Winter conditions may prevent us from kayaking. In this situation, kayaking will be substituted with the 4WD eco-warrior tour.

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 Alpine 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 the spectacular alpine lodge 'The Park'. (BD).

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 arrive early afternoon giving you time 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 tasting in 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 where your group gets the chance to plant a native tree or seedling to leave a legacy of your stay! Dinner tonight includes a taste of local seafood. (BD)

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. 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 out for a group meal tonight. (BD).

Day 9 - Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura

The day begins with a short, leisurely 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. Tonight we stay overnight at this quaint seaside village. (B)

Day 10 - Kaikoura via Christchurch to Franz Josef

We start early for a stunning journey across the Canterbury Plains, with a quick stop at Christchurch before heading 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 take a guided trip (additional expense) which includes the use of specialised equipment which allows you to get further onto the glacier. We self-cater tonight in the lodge kitchen, or there are great local cafés. (B) *Note: During May-Aug a half day glacier tour is included at no additional cost.

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 (BD).

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).

Days 14 & 15 – Queenstown

Enjoy 2 FREE days to explore Queenstown. Optional activities and meals are at own expense. Overnight accommodation included.

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 (D).

Note: In winter we do the Doubtful Sound day cruise and stay overnight in Te Anau.

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 (BD).

Day 18 – Central Otago to Rangitata

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 along the Canterbury plains to Rangitata, one of the region's original sheep stations surrounded by the Southern Alps. Tonight we build a campfire and exchange stories from the trip. (B)

Day 19 – Rangitata to Christchurch

This morning we express directly to Christchurch arriving at approximately 9am.