Day 1 Auckland

Arrive at any time.

Jump right into your adventure by adding the ‘Auckland Sailing: America’s Cup Experience’ extra to your tour. Work with a crew to sail around Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour on a competitive yacht, and take in the stunning views. PLEASE NOTE: If booking this extra, a pre-night in Auckland is highly recommended as this activity may start early in the morning on Day 1.

Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting

1h19:00

The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour.

Accommodation

Kiwi International Hotel (or similar)

Hotel

Day 2Auckland/Hahei

Enjoy a morning cycle through Karangahake Gorge, then travel onto Hahei for the afternoon. Hike down to beautiful Cathedral Cove, then check out Hot Water Beach and dig a jacuzzi if the tide is right.

Early morning departure to Waihi, to pick up bikes and ride through Karangahake Gorge. Continue onto Hahei by bus and enjoy a walk to Cathedral Cove in the afternoon. If the tide is right, grab a shovel and dig a natural jacuzzi on in the sand on Hot Water Beach.

Private Vehicle

Auckland ? Waihi2h-3hMorning

Karangahake Gorge Approximate distance cycled: 8km/4.9mi

Karangahake Gorge Cycling

Karangahake Gorge1h-2h8km

Enjoy beautiful scenery on this interesting ride through Karangahake Gorge that combines history, nature, and adventure all in one trip! Follow the historic Paeroa to Waihi rail line. Cycle old lines and through a tunnel along the river that runs through the gorge. Take it easy, if you wish ? this trail is suitable for cyclists with little experience and offers lots to take in on the way.

Private Vehicle

Waihi ? Hahei1h30m-2h95km

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Cathedral Cove Scenic Walk

Cathedral Cove1h-1h30m2-4km

Pack your swimsuit and walk from the north end of Hahei Beach along a cliff-top path that leads down to Cathedral Cove. A giant arch formed into the headland separates two secluded coves. Swim, lay in the shade, and enjoy the beauty of this idyllic spot.

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Optional Activities – Day 2

Sea Kayaking

Hahei

85NZD per person

Head out by kayak to experience the Coromandel from sea level.

Accommodation

Tatahi Lodge Hahei (or similar)

Lodge

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3Hahei/Rotorua

Visit a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools, and opt to go whitewater rafting or hit the spa. After a traditional greeting on the marae, learn the arts of the haka and poi before a traditional hangi dinner.

This region of New Zealand is renowned for its geothermal qualities. Travel to Rotorua, with free time to experience the regions’ geothermal wonders. Opt to mountain bike in the world famous Redwood Forest, go white water rafting, or indulge in the therapeutic hot springs. After an engaging cultural experience on the grounds of a historic Maori village, enjoy a Hangi dinner cooked in an underground pit.

Accommodation is in a Maori wharepuni (sleeping house). Groups will often stay together in one sleeping house (multi-share, mixed gender), staying in line with Maori traditions.

Private Vehicle

Hahei ? Rotorua3h-4h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Free Time

RotoruaAfternoon

Enjoy free time in Rotorua to enjoy one of the many optional activities available in the area.

Maori Cultural Experience

Rotorua1h-1h30m

Immerse yourself in a Maori cultural experience on the grounds of a historic Maori village. Participate in a p?whiri (welcoming ceremony), and learn about the history of the marae (village) and the Rotorua-area from a local Maori guide. Discover the abundant geothermal energy surrounding the village that?s used for cooking, heating, and communal bath houses.

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Optional Activities – Day 3

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 4Rotorua/Tongariro National Park

Conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand’s top-rated 1-day trek and spend the afternoon hiking an active volcano.

An early start to walk across the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s top-rated 1-day trek. Collect supplies before heading out. The transfer will drop the group off at the beginning of the self-guided trek and collect everyone at the other end.

After the trek, travel to a ski lodge on the side of a mountain for the night. An on-site spa and sauna will help ease those tired muscles.

Private Vehicle

Rotorua ? Tongariro National Park3h180km

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Trek

Tongariro Crossing5h-6h30m19-20km

Enjoy spectacular views and otherworldly landscapes on this challenging and rewarding 19.4km (12 mi) trek across a volcanic range. This trek has been called one of the best day hikes in the world. Get prepared before you head out ? go through a safety checklist and be sure to buy supplies, food, and water ahead of time. Dress accordingly ? elements change constantly.

Note: if the weather is too bad to trek, there will be alternative options such as smaller walks in the area or a visit to remote hot springs. If you do not wish to do the Tongariro Crossing, other activities can be arranged.

Accommodation

Skotel Alpine Resort (or similar)

Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 5Tongariro National Park/Whanganui National Park

Canoe along the Retaruke and Whanganui Rivers into the heart of Whanganui National Park.

The third longest river in New Zealand, the Whanganui River begins at Mt Tongariro and flows all the way out to the west coast of the North Island. After a safety briefing, embark on a 12-25km canoe journey downriver to an overnight stay in the heart of Whanganui National Park.

Whanganui River Canoeing

Whanganui River5h-6h12-25km

Grab a paddle and life jacket and journey by canoe down the famous Whanganui River ? the third longest river in New Zealand. Paddle to the lodge, enjoying amazing scenery along the way. Get up close to the area’s natural beauty, and see sights that you may miss on shore. It’s a great way to unwind and pack in some more New Zealand adventure.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6Whanganui National Park/Raetihi

Continue along the Whanganui River by jet boat visiting old Maori and European settlements before continuing onto the night’s lodge by bus.

In the morning, trade the canoe for a jet boat and continue downriver. After a short walk to the Bridge to Nowhere, board the jet boat again and return to the bus, travelling on to Snowy Waters Lodge for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner.

Private Vehicle

Whanganui National Park ? Raetihi1h30m

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Whanganui River Jet Boating

Whanganui River3h-4h50km

Have fun and hold on! Fulfill your need for speed travelling down the amazingly scenic Whanganui River by jet boat.

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7Raetihi/Wellington

In the morning, transfer to Wellington and visit the Te Papa museum, dedicated to the history and culture of New Zealand.

Private Vehicle

Raetihi ? Wellington4h15m

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Te Papa Museum Visit

Wellington30m-6h

Visit this must-see museum, home to displays of historical Maori artifacts and modern exhibits. See how the museum is constructed on shock absorbers to withstand New Zealand?s many earthquakes ? find the stairwell just outside the entrance and descend into the foundations of the building.

Free Time

WellingtonEvening

Enjoy free time to explore the city of Wellington, and take in the best that the area has to offer.

Accommodation

Downtown Backpackers – Waterloo Hotel (or similar)

Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8Wellington/Abel Tasman National Park

Travel by ferry to the South Island and then transfer by bus and water taxi into Abel Tasman National Park.

Ferry

Wellington ? PictonMorning

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Water taxi

Cook Strait ? Abel Tasman National Park

Jump in and cross the water to the next stop.

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 9Abel Tasman National Park/Marahau

Sea kayak in Abel Tasman out to the edge of the park.

Set off from the beach and kayak along the Abel Tasman coastline towards Marahau.

Kayaking to Marahau

Abel Tasman National Park ? Marahau2h-3h

See Abel Tasman National Park at a pleasant pace by sea kayak. Take part in a safety briefing and preparation, then head out into the water to glide in and out of the bays and islets on the route to Marahau. Look for nesting seabirds and tiny islands, and enjoy amazing views along the way.

Accommodation

Old MacDonalds Farm (or similar)

Hostel

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 10Marahau/Paparoa National Park

Transfer to Paparoa National Park, and enjoy a trek in the park.

Should you prefer, there is the option to kayak in the National Park.

Private Vehicle

Marahau ? Paparoa National Park3h-4h

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Paparoa National Park Trek

Paparoa National Park30m-3h1-7km

Take in spectacular coastal views hiking in Paparoa National Park. See the famous Pancake Rocks, a limestone landscape of pancake-shaped rock formations and blowholes. Then, trek through a spectacular limestone gorge, and spend the night on the edge of the park. Enjoy nature at its best!

Pancake Rocks Trek

Punakaiki15m-30m1km

Walk along a loop trail with informative signs detailing how the ‘Pancake Rocks’ were formed millions of years ago. When the trail reaches the coast, there are many lookouts for photo stops and beautiful views of the coast, the rocks and the blowholes found along the area.

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Optional Activities – Day 10

Kayaking

Paparoa National Park

40NZD per person

Take a scenic kayak trip up the river from Punakaiki into the National Park. Enjoy paddling along the Pororari River, there are some small rapids to keep the route exciting and great views in all directions.

Accommodation

Te Nikau (or similar)

Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner

Day 11Paparoa National Park/Franz Josef

Transfer to Franz Josef, stopping at Okarito lagoon en route.

Continue south along the coast towards Franz Josef, stopping for an invigorating walk at the wildlife mecca of Okarito Lagoon. Spend 2 nights staying amongst verdant temperate rainforest.

Private Vehicle

Paparoa ? Franz Josef4h220km

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Okarito Lagoon Walk

Franz Josef1h-2h10km

Walk through the wetlands of Okarito Lagoon, bordered by forest and surrounded by nature. Enjoy spectacular views all the way up to the mountains on a clear day. Take the time to soak in the scenery ? the walk is gentle and includes a variety of landscapes on the path through the estuary out through the wetlands.

Accommodation

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 12Franz Josef

A free day for optional activities. Options include various hikes, horseback riding, quad biking as well as the unique and stunning Franz Josef Glacier.

Free Time

Franz JosefFull Day

A variety of optional activities are available in the wildnerness around Franz Josef. Choices include various hikes, horseback riding, quad biking as well as the unique and stunning Franz Josef Glacier.

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Optional Activities – Day 12

Accommodation

Rainforest Retreat (or similar)

Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 13Franz Josef/Wanaka

Transfer to Wanaka, where there are a variety of optional activities available. Opt to go mountain biking, skydiving, or check out the giant maze and optical illusions of Puzzling World.

Te Wahipounamu Visit

Makarora1h-2h

Tour the mountainous wilderness of Te Wahipounamu, a true natural wonder. See for yourself the views that make New Zealand famous – jagged mountains, snowy peaks, and clear blue waters. Wander among fjords, rocky coasts, towering cliffs, lakes, and waterfalls, and enjoy breathtaking scenery. Don’t forget your camera!

Private Vehicle

Franz Josef ? Wanaka2h-3h225km

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities – Day 13

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14Wanaka/Queenstown

Continue onto the ?adventure capital of the world,? Queenstown.

Free day to maximize time for all the optional activities in the area. Opt for a jet boat outing, bungee jumping, mountain biking, sky diving, or a vineyard tour. The options in this adventure capital are endless. Two nights are at a centrally-located hostel, which means you can make the most of your time here.

Private Vehicle

Wanaka ? Queenstown3h130km

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Free Time

QueenstownAfternoon

Enjoy free time to try some of the challenging optional activities available in the ?adventure capital of the world.?

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Optional Activities – Day 14

Accommodation

Nomads Queenstown (or similar)

Hostel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15Queenstown

Enjoy a full-day hiking excursion to the world renowned Routeburn Track, taking in the gorgeous mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and lakes surrounding the track.

Routeburn Track Day Hike

Routeburn Track13-18km

Head out for a day of hiking along the stunning Routeburn Track. Start on a gradual incline through a 130 million year old forest, with incredible views of snow capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, crystal clear streams, and alpine meadows. After enjoying a picnic lunch, continue on the forgotten paths of the Maori while travelling along their old ‘Greenstone’ trails. With incredible scenery and historical significance, this hike is not one to miss!

Accommodation

Nomads Queenstown (or similar)

Hostel

Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch

Day 16Queenstown

Enjoy a free day for optional activities in Queenstown.

Free Time

QueenstownFull Day

There are tons of things to do in the adventure capital of New Zealand ? get out there!

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Optional Activities – Day 16

Accommodation

Nomads Queenstown (or similar)

Hostel

Day 17Queenstown/Te Anau

Travel to the fjords of the South Island. Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat, then continue onto Te Anau for the night.

Private Vehicle

Queenstown ? Milford Sound3h-4h300km

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Milford Sound Cruise

Milford Sound2h-2h30m

Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat. Recharge your camera and be ready to shoot stunning photos of waterfalls, mountains stretching up to the sky and down to the sea and then search for dolphins and seals. This place is any artist’s dream!

Accommodation

Te Anau Lakeview Kiwi Holiday Park (or similar)

Campground

Day 18Te Anau/Central Otago District

Morning departure to Central Otago to spend the afternoon cycling 42km (26 mi) along the Historic Otago Rail Trail.

Cycle the Rail Trail, a route created specially for mountain biking. Pass through scenery unspoiled by traffic and not visible from any roads.

Private Vehicle

Te Anau ? Central Otago District

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Otago Rail Trail Cycling

Otago Central Rail Trail5h-6h42km

Drive to one of the best starting points of the Historic Otago Rail Trail. Spend the better part of the day cycling through stunning scenery along 42km of the old rail trail. Cycle through scenery unspoiled by traffic and not visible from any roads.

Accommodation

Wedderburn Cottages (or similar)

Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 19Central Otago District/Christchurch

Drive through breathtaking Central Otago via the Lindis Pass and Mt Cook, New Zealand?s highest peak. Arrive in Christchurch in the evening.

Private Vehicle

Central Otago District ? Christchurch7h-8h500km

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Accommodation

Jailhouse Accommodation (or similar)

Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 20Christchurch/Kaikoura

Transfer to Kaikoura, with optional whale- or dolphin-watching in the afternoon.

Early start to drive the scenic coastal road up to Kaikoua.

A free afternoon can also be spent swimming with dolphins, visiting a colony of southern fur seals, or taking a scenic flight over the peninsula. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that big ocean birds such as albatrosses, petrels, and shearwaters frequent the area. Hikers can opt to go on several day hikes in the Seaward Kaikoura mountains.

Private Vehicle

Christchurch ? Kaikoura3h180km

Drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura

Free Time

KaikouraAfternoon

A free afternoon can also be spent swimming with dolphins, visiting a colony of Southern Fur seals, or taking a scenic flight over the peninsula. Bird watchers will be pleased to know that big ocean birds such as albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters frequent the area.

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Optional Activities – Day 20

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 21Kaikoura/Wellington

Transfer to Picton and visit a seal colony along the way before taking the ferry back to Wellington where the tour ends upon arrival.

Private Vehicle

Kaikoura ? Picton1h30m-2h156km

Stretch out and scan the scenery from the comfort of a private vehicle.

Seal Colony Visit

Kaikoura15m-30m1-2km

Stop to experience a close encounter with the many southern fur seals lying about on rocks just off the highway.

Ferry

Picton ? Wellington3h-3h30m

Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.

Departure Day (Activities)

Depart on arrival to your final destination. Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Meals included: Breakfast

 

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