from £1412.00
Ultimate Explorer - North bound
Or call 0871 230 0040
*Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras
Day 1: Auckland
Climb aboard the Flying Kiwi bus! Leave the City of Sails for the golden beaches and warm waters of the stunning Bay of Islands. Whilst there you can visit the historic Treaty House. Enjoy the mangrove walk leading to the thundering Haruru waterfalls. If you've hired a bike then there is the option to cycle one of the many scenic routes. After a fun packed day you'll be happy to star-gazing around the camp fire.
Day 2: Bay of Islands
Awake to a delicious pancake breakfast. Spend the day in the Bay of Islands clear turquoise waters, just relaxing at the beach or taking out one of the free boogie boards. Enjoy lush Opua Forest walks. Cycle scenic loop to Russell visiting Kauri Grove on the way. Great optional trip to Cape Reinga, sail the Bay of Islands, dolphin swimming, Waka paddle and village tour or dive the Rainbow Warrior! In the evening enjoy an optional Maori Concert and Haka! A second night at same camp.
Day 3: Bay of Islands
A day full of adventure. Great cycle routes and walk options, then on to the dunes of Opononi for beach fun and optional sand boarding. Cycle or bus to Waipoua Forest to explore the giant Kauri trees. Travel Hibiscus Coast to camp at the famous Waiwera hot pools for a relaxing dip.
Day 4: Auckland
Return to the "City of Sails". Once you've picked up some new travel buddies you'll set off to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, so bring your swimming gear! You'll enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Cathedral Cove beach, if the tide is right, dig pools and bathe in the thermal springs of Hot Water Beach!
Day 5: Rotorua / Mt Tarawera
Drive or cycle to stunning Whiritoa beach for a swim or forest walk amongst the massive Pohutukawa trees. We continue to Rotorua and its thermal wonders. Optional activities include the head spinning Zorb or the relaxing Polynesian Pools. Cycle ride from camp around the Lake nestled below the dormant but dramatic Mt Tarawera.
Day 6: Taupo / Turangi
A relaxed start to the day at our lake side camp. We visit Wai-O-Tapu, mud pools and drive on to the impressive Huka Falls. You can then walk or cycle to the great lakeside setting of Taupo, where adrenalin activities await like skydiving, bungy jumping or rock 'n ropes. Mts Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu dominate the skyline as we journey along the shores of one of the largest crater lakes in the world. Camp in Turangi.
Day 7: Lake Taupo
Today you have the chance to try one of the World's greatest one day walks - the "Tongariro Alpine Crossing". Alternatively, cycle around the mountain enjoying an inspiring backdrop. After some great exploring we head to our accommodation for recharging and refuelling.
Day 8: Wellington
Today we head to the capital, Wellington, for café culture, good bars, the celebrated Te Papa Museum and the botanical gardens. If you're still keen and feeling flush the capital is a great place for some shopping. We then enjoy a fantastic ferry ride (included) to the stunning South Island. We do not provide accommodation but will help you make a booking.
Day 9: Kaikoura
Travel the Pacific coast to Kaikoura, cycle stunning coastal route where close encounters with fur seals and a myriad of sea birds are common. Optional whale watch and awesome coastal walk. Stay at a beach camp and an amazing sunrise opportunity.
Day 10: Christchurch
Optional dolphin swim or seal swim if you prefer or a chance to cycle by the nature-rich coast. Explore Christchurch, the "Garden City" then head across Canterbury plains to Rangitata Gorge with great walks, rides and accommodation at the foot of the Alps.
Day 11: Mt. Cook
Arise early for optional white water rafting on the Rangitata river. Otherwise why not try a morning cycle or walk in Peel Forest. Later you will travel through Geraldine and Mackenzie Basin with views of the Main Divide. Walk or cycle to Lake Tekapo and view scenic hydro canals. You'll spend the evening by the stunning Lake Pukaki (can swim here) with amazing views of Mt. Cook.
Day 12: Mt. Cook
An optional morning cycle towards Mt Cook. Hikes around the Mt Cook basin before making our way to the east coast. A short stop in Oamaru before heading to our coastal camp. Chance for a scenic cycle ride or walks, swim at the beach. Optional penguin tour.
Day 13: Dunedin
Optional morning coastal walk or cycle and then a visit the bizarre Moeraki Boulders. Explore historic and picturesque Dunedin. Have a go at cycling or walking up the World's steepest street! There is also a chance to sample the delights of the Cadbury (Chocolate) factory or Speights Brewery depending on your tastes. We travel on to the spectacular and natural beauty of the Catlins area for the night. Cycle from camp to Nugget Point lighthouse along a quiet country road.
Day 14: Lake Manapouri / Hollyford Valley
Today we journey through scenic southern pastures, stopping for lunch on the shores of Lake Manapouri. There is a quick visit to the lake town of Te Anau before heading for Fiordland National Park and our historic camp in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley where cycle rides and walks abound.
Day 15: Milford Sound
One of the World's most scenic routes into Milford Sound! Fantastic stop offs and more photo opportunities than you could handle! Cycle the magnificent descent from Homer Tunnel (3000ft)! Excellent optional boat cruise to experience the beauty of the fiord. The Routeburn, Greenstone Track walkers depart here for their awesome trek. Stunning lakeside camp.
Day 16: Te Anau
Explore Te Anau and plenty of time to walk, fish or cycle in the area. Optional overnight hike on the Kepler Track with panoramic views from Mt Luxmore. Also the chance to try some jet boating or visit the enchanting glowworm caves. Same amazing lakeside camp in Te Anau.
Days 17-18: Queenstown
Journey to Queenstown along the shores of Lake Wakatipu. We stay in a camp overlooking the lake and town, just stumbling distance to get home. Queenstown is the adventure capital and there are bars, activities and thrills galore! Track walkers re-join group. A big night out for those who are keen. Queenstown with its multitude of adrenalin activities. Bungy, fly-by-wire, jet boat, rafting, horse trekking, parapenting, skydive, gondola ride - this place has it all, as well as spectacular views. Cycle and walk in alpine areas. A chance to wind down and compare notes and photos from your Queenstown thrills.
Day 19: Okuru
A relaxed morning at the camp. Optional jet boating on the Wilkin River then over the dramatic Haast Pass. Cycle steep downhill sections through rainforest, past waterfalls and pools to the wild West Coast. Camp at Okuru, a world heritage area, bird life, lagoon and beach walks.
Day 20: Fox Glacier
We are now on one of the Lonely Planet's top 10 drives in the World. We head to Fox Glacier for optional guided walk or heli hike on the spectacular glaciers. Cycle to Okarito beach camp. White Heron Sanctuary, spectacular walks and breathtaking views of the Southern Alps.
Day 21: Hokitika / Punakaiki
Morning at Okarito. Great cycle route along the coast. Visit the Bushmans Museum and check out the famous Greenstone factories of Hokitika. Stunning coastal walk and cycle. Excellent beach camp at Punakaiki, home of the famous Pancake Rocks and Paparoa National Park. Keep your eyes peeled for kiwi birds!! Many great walks and rides to choose from.
Day 22: Punakaiki
Traditional Flying Kiwi pancake breakfast. Explore the outstanding sub-tropical flora and admire limestone formations in the Canyon. Cycle rides, glow worm caves, beach. Optional horse riding and kayaking. Stay at same great camp.
Days 23-24: Abel Tasman National Park / Marahau
Travel through the Buller Gorge for some cycling and beautiful scenery to one of NZ's most stunning spots - the Abel Tasman region. Cycle back road route. Optional skydive or fly in an acrobatic plane. We stay 2 nights at Marahau, with the Abel Tasman National Park on our doorstep. Free day for exploring the area. Walk, cycle, optional awesome sailing the scenic coast, sea kayak, boat and walk the golden beaches. Swim in crystal clear waters. Night out at a cool cafe.
Days 25-26: Nelson
Time to soak up Nelson's cafe culture and arts. Optional Sky-diving. Cycle along Queen Charlotte Drive. Travel through the Marlborough wine region. Enjoy a fantastic evening ferry ride into the capital. If going North, we don't provide accommodation but will help you make a booking. Morning to explore the fantastic capital and museums. Then head off towards beautiful Taranaki. Camp at Onaero Bay, a lovely bush setting.
Day 27: Waitomo Caves / Auckland
Leave early and head to Waitomo caves - a limestone wonderland created by erosion over millions of years. Optional black water rafting or some excellent walks. Arrive in buzzing Auckland by 6pm for a taste of big city life "kiwi style".
Or call 0871 230 0040
*Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras
