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New Zealand, North and South Island |
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15 days / 14 nights |
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| Overview |
 This fantastic journey launches in the City of Sails (Auckland) and takes in the country's finest natural highs as you head south. You get to enjoy amazing natural wonders, fantastic hike and cycle options and stunning accommodation by lakes, mountains, beaches and forest. You will see a diverse set of landscapes from white sand beaches and dramatic Fiords to thermal geysers and towering forests.
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Itinerary |
Day 1:
Arrive to the “City of Sails”. The beautiful Coromandel Peninsula awaits us so bring your swimming gear. A relaxing afternoon at Cathedral Cove beach, if the tide is right, dig pools and bathe in the thermal springs of Hot Water Beach. Optional sea kayak around dramatic coastlines.
Day 2:
Drive or cycle to stunning Whiritoa beach for a swim or forest walk amongst the massive Pohutukawa trees. We continue to Rotorua and its thermal wonders. Cyle ride from camp around the Lake nestled below the dormant but dramatic Mt Tarawera.
Day 3:
A relaxed start at our lake side camp. We visit Wai-O-Tapu, mud pools. Drive on to the impressive Huka Falls. Walk or cycle to the great lakeside setting of Taupo. Take in the views of Mts Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu dominating the skyline as we journey along the shores of one of the largest crater lakes in the world. Camp in Turangi.
Day 4:
Chance to try one of the World’s greatest one day walks - the “Tongariro Alpine Crossing”. Alternatively, cycle around the region enjoying an inspiring backdrop. After some serious exploring we head to our accommodation for recharging and refueling.
Day 5:
Onto the capital, Wellington, for café culture, good bars, the celebrated Te Papa Museum and the botanical gardens. If you’re still keen and feeling flush the capital is a great place for some shopping. We then enjoy a fantastic ferry ride (included) to the stunning South Island. We do not provide accommodation for this night but will help you make a booking locally.
Day 6:
Travel the Pacific coast to Kaikoura, cycle stunning coastal route where close encounters with fur seals and a myriad of sea birds are common. Optional whale watch or sea kayak and coastal walk. Stay at a beach camp and an amazing sunrise opportunity.
Day 7:
Optional Dolphin swim or Seal swim if you prefer or a chance to cycle by the nature rich coast. Explore Christchurch, the “Garden City” then head across Canterbury plains to Rangitata Gorge with a great ride, walks and accommodation at the foot of the Alps.
Day 8:
Optional white water rafting on the Rangitata river. Morning cycle or walks in Peel Forest. Travel through Geraldine and Mackenzie Basin with views of the Main Divide. Walk or cycle to Lake Tekapo and view scenic hydro canals. Lake Pukaki (can swim here) camp with views of Mt. Cook.
Day 9:
Morning cycle towards Mt Cook. Hikes around the Mt Cook basin before making our way to the east coast. A short stop in Oamaru before heading to our coastal camp. Chance for a scenic cycle ride or walks, swim at the beach.
Day 10:
Visit bizarre Moeraki Boulders. Explore historic and picturesque Dunedin. Have a go at cycling or
walking up the World’s steepest street! We travel on to the spectacular and natural beauty of the
Catlins area for the night. Cycle from camp to Nugget Point lighthouse along a quiet country
Road.
Day 11:
Journey through scenic southern pastures, stopping for lunch on the shores of Lake Manapouri. Visit the lake town of Te Anau before heading for Fiordland National Park and our historic camp in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley where cycle rides and walks abound.
Day 12: One of the World’s most scenic routes into Milford Sound! Cycle the magnificent descent from Homer Tunnel (3000ft)! Excellent optional boat cruise to experience the beauty of the fiord.
The Routeburn, Greenstone Track walkers depart here for their awesome trek. Stunning
lakeside camp.
Day 13:
Explore Te Anau and plenty of time to walk, fish or cycle in the area. Optional day walk on highly regarded Kepler track with panoramic views from Mt Luxmore. Also the chance to try some jet boating or visit the enchanting glowworm caves. Same amazing lakeside camp in Te Anau.
Day 14:
Journey to Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. We stay in a camp overlooking the lake and town, just stumbling distance to get home. Queenstown is the adventure capital and there are bars, activities and thrills galore.
Day 15:
Queenstown with its multitude of adrenalin activities. Bungy, fly-by-wire, jet boat, rafting, horse trekking, skydive, gondola ride - this place has it all, as well as spectacular views. Cycle and walk in alpine areas. A chance to wind down and compare notes and photos from your Queenstown thrills!
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| Includes |
- Accommodation
- All transport ( from start to end of trip)
- Side trips to remote areas and walking tracks
- Sports equipment
- Food and drinks
- Camp fees
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| Notes |
Clients will have to arrange their own transport to where the trip starts and finishes. After the trip is finished arrangements can be made locally.
Optional quote for Full package with airfare at preferential rates will be provided along with your Enquiry. |
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Level: Easy - Beginner
Travel Dates: Oct 2012 - Apr 2013
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| Experiences |
- Golden beaches of Coromandel
- Thermal mud pools of Rotorua
- Cruise the Marlborough Sounds
- Character cities of Dunedin,
- Christchurch and Auckland
- Infamous Mount Cook
- Adrenalin rush of Queenstown
- Natural beauty of Kaikoura
- The spectacular Milford Sounds
- Real Lord of the Rings country
- Cultural and historical treasures
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