Day 1 Picton to Kaikoura - The incredible Pacific Coast Today we travel the scenic Pacific coast to Kaikoura where close encounters with seals and seabirds are common. This picturesque town sits right on the ocean at the foot of the mountains
Day 2 Kaikoura to Rangitata - Dolphin swimming and traveling the Canterbury plains For those that are keen, there is the chance to rise early for a wonderful sunrise and then enjoy one of our most highly rated optional activities
Day 3 Rangitata to Lake Tekapo - Forests, mountains and glacier lakes Wake up to mountain views and try white water rafting on the mighty Rangitata River! If rafting isn
Day 4 Lake Tekapo to the last coast via Aoraki/Mt. Cook - Big mountains and back to the Pacific Coast Today is a real chance to immerse yourself in the snow-capped mountain scenery that New Zealand is famous for. We will be exploring Aoraki National Park and hike to the base of NZ
Day 5 Moreaki to Dunedin - Mysterious boulders and a Scottish city on the Otago Coast Before heading south, we make a stop at the nearby Moeraki Boulders - a collection of perfectly round rocks each weighing up to 4 tonnes that sit down on the beach, and then it
Day 6 Dunedin to Fiorland National Park - Farmland makes way to epic mountains and the huge valleys of Fiorland Journey through scenic southern pastures to Te Anau, the hub and jumping-off point for Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Our accommodation tonight is a unique and historic site hidden in the unspoiled Hollyford Valley - a true wilderness escape. There is even an onsite museum to learn more about the region and history. For cyclists, there is the chance to cycle into camp and for the hikers, this camp offers some great short treks (ask your guide about secret glow worm trails). The southwest corner of New Zealand is home to Fiordland - home to wild, dramatic and rugged landscapes. The main town for access to the Fiordland National park region is Te Anau, the park is a World Heritage Area over 1.2 million hectares in size. In this area everything is oversized - gigantic waterfalls, towering mountains and forested valleys meet you around every corner. Bike Rides: Enjoy riding through the isolated and moody Fiordland National Park into Hollyford Valley where you
Day 7 Milford Sound, the Routeburn and Te Anau - Exploring the mighty Milford Sound Travel one of the world
Day 8 Te Anau to Queenstown - Heading to the adrenaline capital of the world! Today we journey to Queenstown along the shores of the photogenic Lake Wakatipu. Once we arrive at the adventure capital of New Zealand you have a huge selection of activities to choose from. There is everything here, from adrenalin pumping bungy, canyon swing and skydiving to a relaxing horse trek or boat cruise
Day 9 Queenstown - Something for everyone in the adventure capital With so much to do we spend a full day in fantastic Queenstown with the opportunity to enjoy those once in a lifetime experiences (don
Day 10 Queenstown to Lake Wanaka - Journeying past mountains and lakes Our final morning in Queenstown and your last chance to indulge in the Queenstown
Day 11 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 12 Glacier country to Okarito - Awe inspiring scenery and one of our favourite beach camps Today is your chance to explore one of NZ
Day 13 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 14 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 for 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 the 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 rights, it
Day 15 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 16 Marahau - Another day to explore We spend another full day at the doorstep to New Zealand
Day 17 Marahau to Picton - Welcome to wine country Today we head through sunny Nelson on our way to Picton. Nelson is the headquarters for Flying Kiwi and you will soon find out why. In addition to being one of the sunniest areas of NZ, it's home to more than 350 working artists and craftspeople creating traditional, contemporary and Maori arts. If finishing your tour in Nelson you will leave us on arrival by 11 am. After a short stopover, we leave Nelson for wine country