Situated on the very edge of the world, New Zealand has so much to offer from hot springs & Maori culture to volcanoes & glaciers. Discover it all in this varied all-encompassing journey covering the entire length of New Zealand.
Caves, Geysers, Volcanoes
After exploring Auckland on North Island, we head for Waitomo, famed for its countless caves, before continuing 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 Pohutu, a geyser which regularly erupts over 18 metres into the air. Driving to Lake Taupo we enjoy walks in this turbulent region visiting Waiotapu Thermal Reserve and the spectacular Huka Falls.
Napier, Queen Charlotte Sound & Kaikoura
We'll visit the beautiful art-deco town of Napier before reaching the capital, Wellington. From here a ferry and water taxi journey bring us to Endeavour Inlet in the the Queen Charlotte Sound, our base for exploring the this beautiful region. Next we take a scenic coastal train to the fishing town of Kaikoura for a chance to go whalewatching.
Doubtful 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 to the terminal face of the impressive Franz Josef Glacier. After time in Queenstown, romantically set like a jewel on Lake Wakatipu, we take a launch across the shimmering waters of Lake Manapouri then cross the Wilmot Pass to reach Doubtful Sound. This magnificent wonderland of rainforests, mountains and thundering waterfalls is certainly a highlight of our journey, and we enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the Sound on an overnight cruise. Then from Bluff we cross the 'Roaring Forties' by catamaran 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 the snowy peak of Mount Cook (3754m) towers above huge moving glaciers and flower-filled meadows.
Itinerary:
Day 1 Join Auckland; orientation tour. 2 In Auckland; visit the wineries of the Hauraki Gulf island of Waiheke. 3 Drive Waitomo; optional cave visit. 4 Drive Rotorua; visit geysers. 5 In Rotorua; free. 6 Drive to Taupo via the Waiotapu Thermal Reserve. 7 Drive to Napier; Cape Kidnappers visit. 8 Art-Deco tour of Napier; bus to Wellington. 9 Free day for sightseeing in Wellington. 10 Ferry to Picton; water taxi into Queen Charlotte Sound. 11 In Queen Charlotte Sound; optional walk. 12 Water taxi to Picton; train to Kaikoura. 13Optional whale watching; drive to Hanmer Springs. 14 Drive Christchurch. 15 In Christchurch. 16 Via Arthur's Pass to Hotkika. 17 To Franz Josef Glacier, walk; continue to Wanaka. 18 Drive Queenstown. 19 In Queenstown; optional activities. 20 Via Lake Manapouri and Wilmot Pass to Doubtful Sound; overnight cruise. 21 Launch and bus to Invercargill. 22 Catamaran to Stewart Island; free afternoon 23 Walks on island. 24 Catamaran to Bluff and drive Dunedin; optional ride on Taieri Gorge Railway. 25 Free in Dunedin; visit Albatross Colony & Penguins. 26 Drive Mt Cook NP. 27 Optional walks in Mt Cook NP. 28 To Christchurch. 29 End Christchurch.
Accommodation: 21nts hotel/motel, 6nts lodge, 1nt cruise boat; 28 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Ferry/On foot/Cruise Boat/Water Taxi/Catamaran/Train
Comment: A comprehensive tour taking in the best of all three of New Zealand's islands, with a wide range of activities included or available to book locally.
Group: Approx. 14 to 22.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver, and some local guides.
Trip Reference: DNZ
