Itinerary

Day 1 - Christchurch to Franz Josef

We start early to cross the majestic Canterbury plains, over Arthur’s Pass and the Southern Alps (with option to upgrade to the famous Tranzalpine train 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 2 – 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 3 - 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 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. Our accommodation tonight is in chalets (B, D).

Day 4 - Makarora to Queenstown

We start with a guided walk in the morning then journey on to the adventure capital of the world, 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. 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 5 and 6 - Full day Queenstown. Optional activities available!

Note: No meals.

Day 7 - 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 8 – 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 9 – Central Otago to Christchurch

In the morning 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).

Day 10 - Christchurch to Picton/Wellington

We leave Christchurch this morning for an express trip to Picton and Wellington. Enjoy the beautiful Marlborough Sounds and some great harbour shots of our capital city Wellington from the ferry (B).

Day 11 - Wellington to Auckland

Today is an express journey from Wellington to Auckland. We will stop on the way to have lunch in Taupo for a short walk and for you to see New Zealand’s largest lake (B).

Day 12 - Full day in Auckland. Optional activities available!

Note: No meals.

Day 13 - 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, 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 14 - Hahei to Rotorua

Travelling along the stunning Coromandel Coast we stop for some great walks 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 and Poi. 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 15 - Rotorua to Waitomo

This morning we explore the Rotorua area, visiting stunning lakes, geothermal areas and hiking through Redwood forest with optional adventure activities. 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 glowworms and give you options to do some amazing caving activities (D).

Day 16 - Waitomo to National Park

This morning we head to the Central Plateau and the volcanoes of Tongariro National Park with chance to hike the Tongariro Crossing, rated as New Zealand’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 lodge ‘The Park’ (B, D).

Day 17 - National Park to Wellington

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 18 – 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 19 – 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 to explore the area 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 20 - Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs

Today we set off early 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 21 - 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. 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).