Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland to Hahei (Coromandel)

We head south through the ‘Waikato’ and some of the world’s best dairy farmland before crossing over a small mountain range and dropping down into the ‘Coromandel region’. We head to our remote beach area to hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove, 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 and passing through many idyllic beach towns, we stop for some great walks along the way. We then head to our unique Maori cultural stop at “Uncle Boys”. We enjoy a hangi meal and a concert with the local Maori, have a chance to learn the Haka for men and the Poi for women. This is a truly different experience and a great photo opportunity. From here we make the small trip to Rotorua to our accommodation for the evening (B, D).

Day 3: Rotorua to Waitomo

This morning we explore the Rotorua area, visiting stunning lakes and hiking through Redwood forest. You will also of course visit a geothermal area to see the cause of the strange sulphur smell for which this town is famous for. For those after some other adventure you have options of doing a skydive, going white water rafting, or simply wandering around and seeing some of NZ’s most tacky souvenirs. We then take the back road to New Zealand’s premier caving destination where you get a chance to take in the local farming culture and countryside. We do a walk where you can see the famous glow worms and give you options to do some amazing caving activities (D).

Day 4: Waitomo to National Park

An early start this morning as we head further south to the Central Plateau and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park. Today you get a chance to hike the Tongariro Crossing, which is highly regarded as New Zealand’s best one-day walk. For those less active there will be shorter walks and a visit to the Department of Conservation (DOC) volcanic centre. Tonight’s accommodation is at our exclusive 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 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 world’s best beaches. Your guide will take you on a walk varying in length from 2 to 3.5 hours. You can upgrade to one of the other great options available to explore this fabulous area including sea kayaking or sailing. We self-cater tonight with BBQ facilities available and stay again at our exclusive campsite right beside the National Park (B).

Day 8: Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs

Today we set off early and head deep into the interior of the upper South Island passing through two more national parks enroute 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 beech forest to the lake’s edge. We arrive in the afternoon with time to soak in the hot pools at Hanmer Springs. We go for a group meal tonight (D).

Day 9: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch via Kaikoura

The day begins with a small drive to the coast to head north for Kaikoura, a stop that offers a sanctuary of marine life in a concentration unmatched anywhere in New Zealand. Regardless of what you elect to do you will encounter marine life in many forms. Seals, dolphins, whales or the king of the skies, the Royal Albatross are all available to see. After a five hour stop to give you time to do even the longest of options we express south to Christchurch, the largest South Island city (B).

Day 10: Christchurch to Franz Josef

We start early to cross the majestic Canterbury plains, over Arthur’s Pass and the Southern Alps. An optional extra is doing the famous Tranzalpine rail journey. Along the way we will stop for some walks and photo opportunities as the scenery is changing constantly. We stop in Greymouth to collect our train passengers then head south to Hokitika, famous for pounamu (jade). We stop at the local Bushman’s centre to learn about the local history before heading down to Franz Josef for its glacier. Lodge accommodation in the rainforest in Franz Josef tonight (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 also pay to go on one of the guided trips where they give you special ice shoes (crampons) 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 New Zealand’s most photographed lake), three or four great walks, waterfalls, stunning alpine views and a breathtaking alpine pass. We will arrive mid-afternoon at our wilderness accommodation at the foot of Mount Aspiring National Park. The locals provide arguably the most amazing activities from scenic flights to wilderness jet boating or a combination of both. Our accommodation tonight is in chalets (B, D).

Day 13: Makarora to Queenstown

We start with a guided walk in the morning then journey on to the adventure capital of the world, stopping at Wanaka for lunch before heading to Queenstown, the spiritual home of bungy jumping. Everyone has the option of observing or jumping themselves. We arrive at our accommodation in the afternoon ready for two days of whatever you choose to do, whether you want to scare yourself or simply enjoy this fantastic resort-style town. 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 for a fun-filled night (B).

Day 14 and Day 15 - Full day Queenstown. Optional activities available!

Note: No meals.

Day 16: Queenstown to Doubtful Sound

This morning we head to 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 the night on a purpose-built boat which includes a dedicated nature guide and sea kayaks. We overnight in a secluded bay in the Sound. Accommodation on the boat and all meals included (L, 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 on through the 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. (B, D).

Day 18: Central Otago to Christchurch

We start with a fantastic unique activity. We grab our mountain bikes put them in our mini-coach and head out to sample part of the old Otago Gold Heritage Rail Trail. It is an ideal activity for riders of all abilities. We express our way along the Canterbury plains flanked by the Southern Alps to Christchurch, which is our home for the night (B).