On this active tour for those with a real sense of adventure, we'll trek through volcanic landscapes, jet boat turbulent rivers and go walking on glaciers. Blessed with awesome natural beauty, New Zealand is a destination guaranteed to thrill all who make it to her shores.
Glow Worms, Geysers, Volcanoes
Leaving Auckland on North Island, we head for Waitomo Caves, famed for their unique 'Glow-worm Grotto'. We continue via Whakatane to Rotorua, the volcanic heartland where the Earth's crust is wafer-thin. Thermal springs and boiling mud-pools are commonplace and we'll visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, an area of intense thermal activity. Driving to Tongariro National Park we enjoy walks and views of the spectacular volcanic area around Mount Ruapehu (2796m).
Whanganui, Queen Charlotte Sound & Kaikoura
We'll travel by jet boat to a remote farm on the Whanganui River before reaching the capital, Wellington. From here a ferry and water taxi journey bring us to Endeavour Inlet where we will trek sections of the popular Queen Charlotte Track. Next we take a scenic coastal train to the fishing town of Kaikoura for a chance to swim with dolphins or go whalewatching.
Milford Sound & Stewart Island
From Christchurch we set out to explore New Zealand's Lake District and Alps. First we cross to the west coast via Arthur's Pass and take a walk on Fox Glacier, a spectacular river of moving ice. After time in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, where the possibilities for adrenaline-laced activities are endless, we drive via the spectacular Cleddau valley to reach dramatic Milford Sound, where we take an overnight cruise through this world-famous glacial valley. Then from Bluff we cross the 'Roaring Forties' by ferry to Stewart Island, an isolated landmass boasting large areas of virgin bush and offering the chance of seeing kiwis in the wild. Finally we explore Mount Cook NP, where a variety of different treks await along with the possibility of taking a scenic helicopter flight for breathtaking views of Mount Cook's (3754m) snowy peak.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Auckland; tour. 2 Drive Waitomo; optional rafting and Waitomo Caves. 3 Drive Whakatane via Mt Maunganui. 4 Optional boat excursion to White island; drive Rotorua. 5 Visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley walk; continue via Taupo to Tongariro NP. 6 & 7 In Tongariro NP; hikes and walks. 8 Jet Boat to farm on Whanganui River; walk through rainforest to Bridge to Nowhere 9 Optional canoe trip; bus to Wellington. 10 Ferry to Picton; water taxi into Queen Charlotte Sound. 11 In Queen Charlotte Sound; hiking. 12 Water taxi to Picton; Coastal Pacific train to Kaikoura. 13 Visit Kaikoura seal colony; optional dolphin swim. 14 Train to Christchurch. 15 Free day in Christchurch. 16 Via Arthur's Pass to Greymouth. 17 To Franz Josef Glacier, walk; continue to Fox Glacier. 18 Guided walk on Fox Glacier (subject to local conditions); drive Haast. 19 Drive Queenstown. 20 In Queenstown; optional activities. 21 Via Cleddau Valley to Milford Sound; overnight cruise. 22 Bus via scenic route to Invercargill. 23 Catamaran to Stewart Island. 24 Walks on island. 25 Drive to Dunedin via Curio Bay & the Caitlins to Dunedin. 26 Free morning; drive Mt Cook NP. 27 Optional walks in Mt Cook NP. 28 To Christchurch. 29 End Christchurch.
Accommodation: 17nts hotel/motel, 10nts lodge, 1nt cruise boat; 28 breakfasts & 3 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/On foot/Jet Boat/Train/Ferry/Water Taxi/Cruise Boat/Catamaran.
Comment: An adventurous tour covering the length & breadth of New Zealand, ideally suited for those wanting to undertake a more active approach to this stunning destination.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver, and some local guides.
Trip Reference: ZNS
