Day 1 Auckland to Coromandel - From the big city to the beach Departing Auckland at 10 am we head to the Coromandel, renowned worldwide for its natural beauty, misty rainforests and pristine white, sandy beaches. The beautiful Coromandel Peninsula is just a short distance from Auckland but it feels like a different world! It only takes around two hours to reach the region but the volcanic hills, fern forests and stunning beaches make it an idyllic escape from the city. Locals and others are attracted by the endless white beaches, lovely turquoise waters and the great mix of architecture old and new. The peninsula is home to some of the most impressive coastlines in the country. We will be dropping you off at Hahei beach where you can make your way to Cathedral cove, here you will find an iconic limestone archway that sits right down at the beach. Take the coastal walkway or take in the coastline from the water while on one of the best-guided sea kayak trips in New Zealand. We will then travel a short distance to camp at Hot Water Beach. This beautiful beach offers a unique experience as geothermal water reservoirs under the ground bring hot water to the surface at low tide allowing you to dig your very own hot pool in the sand. Bike Rides: 8km road cycling Walks and Hikes: Stunning coastal walk with views over the Pacific
Day 2 Coromandel to Rotorua - Heading to the cultural heart of Aotearoa Before heading south into the heart of the North Island (where you
Day 3 Rotorua to Taupo - Stunning lakes and craters Leave camp for Wai-O-Tapu geothermal Wonderland before continuing on to the impressive Huka Falls. We then head to Taupo, nestled next to one of the largest crater lakes in the World with some great hiking and cycling opportunities. Taupo is also a great place for adventure with heaps of optional activities to choose from. Tonight we enjoy a camp near Tongariro National Park. This region is centered around Lake Taupo, NZ's largest lake at 619sq km - about the size of Singapore! The Lake is in a caldera created by the Taupo supervolcano some 26000 years ago and the area is still considered dormant today with moderate geothermal activity in the area such as the mud pools, hot springs and vents. Bike Rides: Ride an awesome single track from Huka Falls stopping in for a quick soak in a natural hot stream on your way into Taupo or grab the bike in the city for a cruisey ride around the edge of the lake.
Walks and Hikes: Follow the trail from an iconic waterfall alongside the mighty Waikato River winding past a natural hot spring that you can soak in followed by walking past a Bungy jump watching adrenaline junkies dive into the river! Optional Activities: Skydiving, bungy, giant swing, Wai-O-Tapu (free - this one is on us!) Available Upgrades: Yes
Day 4 Taupo to Kapiti Coast - The best walk in the world Experience one of NZ
Day 5 Kapiti Coast to Picton - The capital city and across the Cook Straight Our early arrival into Wellington by 9 am gives us the opportunity to see such great attractions as the celebrated Te Papa museum, Zealandia and the gorgeous Botanical Gardens. Wellington has a wonderful harbor, caf
Day 6 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 7 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 8 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 9 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 10 Moeraki 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 11 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 12 Milford Sound, the Routeburn and Te Anau - Exploring the mighty Milford Sound Travel one of the world
Day 13 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 14 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 15 Queenstown to Lake Wanaka - Journeying past mountains and lakes Our final morning in Queenstown and your last chance to indulge in the Queenstown
Day 16 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 17 Glacier country to Okarito - Awe inspiring scenery and one of our favourite beach camps Today is your chance to explore one of NZ
Day 18 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 19 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 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 20 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 21 Marahau - Another day to explore We spend another full day at the doorstep to New Zealand
Day 22 Marahau to Wellington - Journey through the sounds, wine country and on to the capital Today we head to sunny Nelson
Day 23 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 24 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 25 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 26 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 27 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 a forest dominated by huge kauri trees. These towers 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 pohutukawa 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 28 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
New Zealand.28 days $4,895.00
