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 travellers you may modify certain night-stops and highlights to give a truly unique experience.

Day 1: Christchurch & Kaikoura

We travel 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 famous for its seafood and marine life with much to see and do.

Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 2: Kaikoura & 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. Today we spend the afternoon exploring the town.

Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 3: Nelson

We have a huge variety of activities to choose from including kayaking, boating, sailing in the famous Abel Tasman National Park, mountain biking or just relaxing in town or on the beach. Nelson is very picturesque and is a delight to visit.

Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 4: Nelson & 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

Day 5 : Wellington & Mt Ruapehu

After visiting the fantastic Te Papa Museum, we head through the central North Island plains towards the great volcanoes and Tongariro National Park.

Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 6: Mount Ruapehu

There are several options available for the day, but 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, with spectacular views of the volcanic plateau and the lakes. Other options include 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

Day 7: Mt Ruapehu, Taupo & Rotorua

We head to Taupo, just one hour away and known 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? After lunch we go to Rotorua to visit Te Pauia, 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. An option tonight is a Maori Hangi dinner and concert.

Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 8: 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

Day 9: Waitomo & Bay of Islands

We leave Waitomo and drive 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. The boat is equipped with kayaks, snorkelling gear and other equipment for all the planned stops at the islands on this 24 hour tour. 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: Overnight Boat included

Day 10 : Bay of Islands

Today we have a host of available activities including kayaking, snorkelling, a boat trip to the islands or just relaxing on the boat.

Accommodation: Budget Lodging

Day 11 : Auckland

We make our way back South passing unspoiled beaches and lush forests. 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.

Note: 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.