Day 1 Queenstown to Lake Wanaka - Journeying past mountains and lakes Leaving at 2:30 pm, after the thrills and spills of Queenstown we travel through more mountains and on towards more stunning glacial lakes. On the final stretch to camp, we start getting views of Mt Aspiring National Park in the distance. Lake Wanaka is just over the next ridge and it
Day 2 Lake Wanaka to Glacier country - Following glacier carved valleys to the wild West coast Today is a substantial drive but the scenery we'll be traveling through is quite dramatic plus we'll be making stops along the way for walks, views, waterfalls, coastline and a couple of bike options! We start the day tracing the northern edge of Mt Aspiring National park crossing the Haast Pass and the gateway to the Westland region before meeting the Tasman Sea. Tonight, we will be staying beside the beautiful Lake Paringa enjoying a true West Coast wilderness experience. The wild "West Coast" refers to the beautiful and diverse area lodged between the Southern Alps and the Tasman Sea. This area is home to arguably the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand and the least number of people - a perfect combination for our tours. The region is dotted with towering mountain peaks, glaciers, lakes, thundering rivers and rain forest. The national parks in this region have been designated as World Heritage Areas to help keep this area of supreme natural beauty intact. Residents of the region are known as "coasters" and known for their genuine friendliness. Bike Rides: Later in the day you have an option of a long ride into camp from Knights Point lookout to Lake Paringa Walks and Hikes: There are quite a number of short walks today as we make frequent stops on this epic journey to the West Coast Available Upgrades: Yes limited options Drive Distance: Approx. 3 hours
Day 3 Glacier country to Okarito - Awe inspiring scenery and one of our favourite beach camps Today is your chance to explore one of NZ
Day 4 Okarito to Punakaiki - The greenstone capital and the impressive limestone cliffs of Pararoa National Park If you're feeling up to it then you can head out on an early morning walk to watch the sunrise before we continue up this spectacular coastal stretch to Hokitika
Day 5 Punakaiki to Marahau - Traveling to the top of the south Leaving Punakaiki mid-morning we make our way inland through the majestic Buller Gorge to one of our favorite National Parks, Abel Tasman. In one of the sunniest areas of the country, you will discover beautiful secluded bays and stunning golden sands. There are all kinds of options to experience the park but on the day we arrive, it's all about getting a birds-eye view by skydiving over the area. If you're not keen on this adrenaline activity we'll take you to camp and you can explore from there. Our campsite is located near the entrance to the park and we will be staying here for 3 nights to give you every chance to explore all corners of the park. New Zealand has a range of fantastic national parks but this is our favorite - maybe it's because this little gem lies on the doorstep of Flying Kiwi HQ but mainly it's due to the golden sandy beaches, twisting rocky outcrops, turquoise clear waters and beautiful hidden bays. The park is also home to a range of life from dolphins and orcas to tuis and bellbirds. Whether from the ground, water or air the Abel Tasman never fails to disappoint aspiring photographers looking for the perfect beach shot! Bike Rides: Trail, biking past a local beer brewer, local fruit and vegetable roadside stands, a hill to get those legs pumping, a brilliant mountain bike park and views of golden sand and invitingly warm waters, what more can you ask for?! Walks and Hikes: Enjoy an afternoon or evening walk into Abel Tasman National Park from camp (yes that's right, it
Day 6 Marahau - Exploring the awesome Abel Tasman National Park Free day to explore the National Park by kayaking or sailing the crystal-clear waters, or multiple walking options. Bike Rides: Kaiteriteri mountain bike park, cycle rides from camp if not on activities Walks and Hikes: Exploring the Abel Tasman National Park - single & multi-day walk options Optional Activities: Multi-day & single day kayaking options, canyoning, sailing, water taxi/walk, conservation projects (free), conservation tour Available Upgrades: Yes Drive Distance: No driving today
Day 7 Marahau - Another day to explore We spend another full day at the doorstep to New Zealand
Day 8 Marahau to Wellington - Journey through the sounds, wine country and on to the capital Today we head to sunny Nelson
Day 9 Wellington to New Plymouth - West coast best coast on the Taranaki peninsula Enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the waterfront (own cost) and check out the sights of beautiful Wellington before we hit the road for our 11 am departure. We travel up the scenic Kapiti Coast to the Taranaki region
Day 10 New Plymouth to Auckland - Past the caves of Waitomo and onto the big city Early departure to the limestone wonderland of Waitomo Caves. The glow-worm (Arachnocampa luminosa) is unique to our shores and thousands of these tiny creatures radiate their unmistakable luminescent light through this network of caves. The black water rafting is a totally unique experience
Day 11 Auckland to the Bay of Islands - Trip to the beautiful Bay of Islands We leave the City of Sails (Auckland) at 10 am heading north to the golden beaches and warm waters of the Bay of Islands. On route, we take time for a break, and a quick swim for those that are keen, at beautiful Uretiti beach. It
Day 12 Bay of Islands - A full day in the bay Experience a full day exploring the Bay of Islands and its turquoise waters. This subtropical region is the perfect playground for water lovers and a great place to soak up the sunshine. With a staggering 144 islands, the Bay of Islands offers swimming, sailing, dolphin viewing, kayaking plus much more along with some excellent walks in the native forests. This region is also home to some of the oldest European settlements in New Zealand. Bike Rides: If not doing an activity hop on a bike to explore Paihia Walks and Hikes: If not doing an activity walk into Paihia or take a trip over to the historic town of Russell Optional Activities: Sailing, fishing, diving, kayaking, Maori Culture Available Upgrades: Yes (limited options) Drive Distance: No driving today
Day 13 Bay of Islands to Orewa - Sand dunes, huge trees and beautiful beaches Today we cross the top of the north to the giant sand dunes of Opononi for beach fun and optional sandboarding. After time on the dunes we head to Waipoua Forest, home to the giant Kauri trees and a variety of scenic short walks and bike rides. We end the day heading down the Hibiscus Coast to our beachside camp at Orewa. Enjoy a tasty evening meal with a sea view before a spot of stargazing in the crystal-clear skies. The roads around this region pass through forest dominated by huge kauri trees. These tower above you at heights of up to 60 meters with a trunk five or more in diameter. These trees are slow-growing and some are over 2000 years old. Beautiful Opononi is an excellent stop with its endless dunes lined by beautiful pohutakawa trees (the New Zealand Christmas tree). Bike Rides: Ride through the Waipoua forest and the historic settlement of Donnelleys crossing and later on in the day there's a short casual ride around quiet estuary walkway Walks and Hikes: Enjoy getting up close and personal as you walk through one of New Zealand
Day 14 Orewa to Auckland - And back to city life Orewa is often blessed with a beautiful sunrise over the sea which is well worth an early start before we travel the short distance to Auckland arriving by 9:30 am where we say our final farewells. Bike Rides: 8km