19 Days - from $7180

An active adventure exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud

From the beautiful waterfront city of Auckland to the spectacular Southern Alps, New Zealand is blessed with an array of natural wonders. By far the best way to appreciate these is on foot and by boat, and this active trip maximises the time spent in the outdoors. Whether it's kayaking sheltered waterways, hiking between volcanic peaks, spotting kiwis or rafting down the Buller River, New Zealand is a country that always seems to exceed expectations.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Start Auckland. 2 Sail on chartered yacht in Waitemata Harbour. 3 Visit glow-worm cave; drive to Rotorua; evening visit a Maori Marae (homestead) for concert and hangi (feast). 4 Morning forest walk exploring thermal area; drive via Huka Falls and Lake Taupo to Tongariro N.P. 5 Option to hike the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand's best day walk, or enjoy shorter half-day walks. 6 Drive to Wellington; free afternoon; evening visit to wildlife sanctuary, and with luck to see Kiwis. 7 Ferry across Cook Strait to Marlborough and kayak in Queen Charlotte Sound; afternoon drive to Abel Tasman N.P. 8 Early morning boat ride to watch seal life at Tonga Island; full day coastal walk. 9 Short scenic drive alongside Buller River; grade 3 river rafting; sunset walk at Punakaiki. 10 Drive down west coast to Okarito; explore inland lagoon and bush-clad waterways by kayak; to Fox Glacier. 11 Walk on Fox Glacier and around Lake Matheson (optional helicopter ride); drive over Haast Pass to Makoroa. 12 Morning flight over Mt Aspiring N.P. to remote valley; trek through beech forests and grasslands; jet boat ride; to Te Anau. 13 Into Eglington Valley, start of the Routeburn Track; walk to Key Summit. Transfer to Milford Sound and board cruise boat. 14 Cruise Inner Sound and search for dolphins and seals; drive to Queenstown. 15 Day walk, and an amazing helicopter ride, in the spectacular Remarkable Mountains with views over Queenstown. 16 Free day in Queenstown to relax or enjoy optional activities. 17 Drive through Central Otago; afternoon walk in the Hooker Valley, Mt. Cook N.P. 18 Morning boat trip on glacier lake; farm lunch and drive across Canterbury Plains to Christchurch. 19 End Christchurch.

Mode of travel: Travel by private vehicle, cruise and jet boat. 3 full and 5 half days walking, so good level of fitness is required.
Group size: Min. 6, max. 16, plus leader, driver and local guides.
Accommodation: 17 nights in good standard hotels and lodges, 1 night cruise boat.
Food: 19 breakfasts, 16 lunches and 3 dinners included.
Trip Reference: ALN
Reverse Itinerary: trips that run in reverse are specified with an "R" in the dates and prices table below.