29 days - from $8910

? Explore volcanic landscapes of Rotorua & Waimiangu
? Discover Lord of the Rings territory at Tongariro
? Trek Fox Glacier & Mt. Cook National Park

Caves, volcanoes & Tongariro
From Auckland we head for Waitomo, with the chance to go Black-Water rafting through the famous Glow-worm cave, before continuing to Whakatane from where we can visit the still active White Island. In volcanic Rotorua, we can bathe in thermal springs and marvel at the boiling mud-pools and we'll also visit Waimango volcanic valley. Exploring Tongariro National Park on foot, we enjoy the spectacular volcanic area around the North Island's highest peak, Mount Ruapehu (2796m). Within this World Heritage Park there are trails for people of all abilities including the Tongariro Crossing - reputedly the finest one-day walk in New Zealand. We then travel by jet boat to our remote farm on the Whanganui River, with the option to canoe back the following day. We finally arrive in Wellington by train.

Kaikoura & Fox Glacier
Crossing to South Island where we can trek sections of the popular Queen Charlotte track. From the coastal town of Kaikoura we visit the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsular with its fantastic bird life and seal colony; we have the opportunity to swim with dolphins - a truly amazing experience, before finally travelling by train to the "Garden City", Christchurch. Crossing to the west coast with the help of the Tranz Alpine train we walk on Fox Glacier. Then in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital, the list of options is endless ranging from jet-boating & 4Wding to white-water rafting & bungy jumping. We then drive via the spectacular Cleddau Valley to reach dramatic Milford Sound, where we take an overnight cruise through this world-famous glacial valley.

Stewart Island & Mt. Cook
From Milford Sound we head to Invercargill, then 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. There is plenty of time here to trek here & experience one of the true ?ends of the earth?. Finally we explore Mount Cook NP, where a variety of different treks await, along with the possibility of taking a scenic helicopter flight for breathtaking views of Mount Cook's (3754m) snowy peak. Our journey ends back in Christchurch.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join the tour in Auckland. Day 2 Waitomo Caves The chance to go black-water rafting through Glow-worm Cave before our overnight farmstay at Waikato. Days 3/4 White Island Reaching the Bay of Plenty and the chance to visit White Island before heading to Rotorua. Days 5/6 Tongagiro NP Exploring trails around North Island's highest peak including the famous Tongariro Crossing. Day 7 Whanganui River Jet-boating to our remote farmstay. Days 8/9 Wellington By train to the stunning harbour city. Days 10/11 Queen Charlotte Sound Crossing to South Island to enjoy optional activities from kayaking and walks to wine tours. Days 12/13 Kaikoura The Coastal Pacific train takes us south to Kaikoura Peninsula. Days 14/15 Christchurch By rail to the "Garden city". Day 16 Punakaiki The Tranz Alpine train takes us to Arthur's Pass before descending the west coast. Days 17/18 Fox Glacier A guided walk on the spectacular iceflow. Days 19/20 Queenstown After the chance to jet-boat to Roaring Billy we reach the "adventure capital", Queenstown. Days 21/22 Milford Sound An overnight cruise through the stunning glacial valley. Days 23/24 Stewart Island Across the ?Roaring Forties? to trek on this remote outpost. Days 25/27 Mt. Cook NP Trekking in this iconic park around Mount Cook (3754m). Days 28/29 A final night in Christchurch before our tour ends.

Accommodation: 21nts hotel/motel/kotel/manor, 5nts lodge, 1nt farmstay, 1nt overnight boat; 28 breakfasts & 4 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/Jet Boat/Train/Ferry/ Water Taxi.
Comment: An active and adventurous tour covering the length & breadth of New Zealand. All walks are optional and require reasonable fitness over uneven terrain, especially on Fox Glacier.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus driver, and some local guides.
Trip Reference: ZNS