Day 1 : Arrival Queenstown
Most International flights arrive into Auckland or Christchurch. A
connecting flight will transfer you to the lakeside alpine resort of
Queenstown. Known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, this lovely town
is nestled along Lake Wakatipu below the Remarkables Mountain Range. A taxi
will transport you from the airport to your accommodation. Depending on your
arrival time, you may or may not have time to begin exploring Queenstown.
Day 2 : Queenstown
A full day to enjoy Queenstown and its' many adventures and sights.
Day 3 : Queenstown
- Milford Sound - Queenstown
You will be picked up at 7:30am for your luxury coach ride to Te
Anau. The drive between Te Anau and Milford offers the opportunity for short
hikes and photo stops to introduce you to the flora, fauna and history of
the region along the way. You will travel through rain forest like bush,
sheer cliffsides dressed in multiple waterfalls and through Homer's Tunnel,
an amazing demonstration of the pioneers' sheer determination to build a
passageway! Upon arrival at Milford Sound you will board a cruise boat for a
two hour boat trip through the glacier created, dramatic landscape. It is
like a journey to pre-historic times. A picnic lunch will be enjoyed during
the cruise. After the boat trip, instead of heading back to Queenstown via
the same route, you will board a flight from Milford! High atop the
spectacular landscape, the sources for the many waterfalls can be viewed.
The glacier lakes, high country bush and incredible scenery are at times so
overwhelming that it takes your breath away. Be sure to have your camera
ready! After the short but spectacular thirty minute flight you will be back
in Queenstown.
Day 4 : Queenstown
- Wanaka
Today you begin your guided cycle trip. Maximum group size is twelve
people. Out from Queenstown you cycle the easy lakeside track towards
Arrowtown where you explore this beautiful old gold-mining town. You drive
to the top of the Wakatipu basin. By cycle you descend into the Cardrona
Valley for lunch at the historic hotel. Cycling onwards beneath the high
tussock pastures you reach Wanaka. Afternoon tea and a break before cycling
one of our most popular rides. The Fisherman's Track follows the banks of
the Clutha River before heading back to Wanaka. Activities: set up mountain
bikes for individuals, instruction, scenic riding and walking.
Day 5 : Wanaka - Haast
An early cycle takes you to Lake Hawea. You drive to the top of the Haast
Pass and walk some of the short, scenic tracks in the area. You cycle down
through the 'Gates of Haast' on sealed roads to the flats of the
Landsborough River for lunch. You finally reach the headquarters of the
World Heritage Park for a video presentation which helps to understand the
area.
Day 6 : Haast - Fox Glacier
By cycle and bus you continue to Ships Cove. You have an optional short
walk out to the coast to see the penguins (September - December), before
travelling on through the beech forests to Lake Paringa. Then it is a cycle
on peaceful forest roads to Bruce Bay. Then it's a bus ride to the mighty
Fox Glacier for a guided walk to the glacier as it grinds down through the
rainforest. Optional helicopter rides are available and are highly
recommended. Or maybe you would rather a trip to nearby Lake Matheson famous
for its reflection views of the Southern Alps.
Day 7 : Fox Glacier - Franz Josef
You
have the time to cycle the road between Fox and Franz Josef Glacier where
you can walk to a viewpoint of the advancing terminal face. The rest of the
day is available for sightseeing in the township as well as providing the
second chance to take a scenic flight or enjoy any of the local walks in the
area.
Day 8 : Franz Josef - Hokitika
With spectacular views as a backdrop, you cycle through the podocarp
forests to hidden Lake Lanthe. Throughout the day you will cycle and explore
the numerous lakes, valleys and gold mines, as you continue up the coast to
the rainforests of Lakes Kaniere and Mahinapua and the quiet roads and
tracks that surround them.
Day 9 : Hokitika -
Christchurch
From the quiet township of Hokitika, you travel inland by bus and bike
through the beech forests to Lake Brunner. There are stunning lakeside views
before returning to the West Coast highway, where you cycle much of the
route of the famous Coast to Coast Race. Through sweeping rural landscapes
the road slowly gains height into the Alps and the rugged mountain peaks.
You travel over Arthur's Pass by coach. You then cycle again amongst the
alpine pastures before the swoop down into the small township and a final
lunch. Nearby bush walks fill in the time, until finally you board the
TranzAlpine train for a leisurely scenic trip back into Christchurch by
rail. The coach will meet and deliver you to your accommodation.
Day 10 : Christchurch
A full day to explore the Garden City.
Day 11 : Christchurch - Nelson
Today you may choose to take a morning flight from Christchurch to Nelson
allowing you to explore Nelson or a late afternoon flight so you can further
enjoy Christchurch. Upon arrival at the Nelson airport a taxi will transport
you to your accommodation.
Day 12 : Nelson
- Abel
Tasman National Park
You will be picked up at 7am from your Nelson accommodation to begin your
Abel Tasman National Park encounter. Once you have had your kayaking
introduction, you depart Marahau to begin your trip. The sea kayak trip
explores the historic Astrolabe coast and offshore islands. You stop for
morning tea/coffee, and a delicious lunch. There is ample time for relaxing,
exploring, hiking, snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing. In the afternoon
you paddle on to Anchorage. Hidden away in the bush and overlooking
Anchorage is your lodge. This is a small lodge and one of only two private
dwellings in the bay.
Day
13 : Abel
Tasman National Park
Following
breakfast, your guide will meet back up with you. Today you will explore the
middle section of the park, exploring the lagoons (tides permitting) and
bays. From there you enter the Marine Reserve and head out to Tonga Island
where there is a resident NZ Fur Seal Colony. Your final kayaking
destination is Onetahuti Beach. The kayaks are unloaded and placed on the
water taxi for their return to Marahau. You then have an easy one hour
unguided walk from Onetahuti Beach to your lodge.
Day 14 :
Abel Tasman
National Park - Nelson
An easy two hour walk north of Awaroa, through lush forest and beautiful,
unspoiled beaches takes you through to Totaranui where the water taxi will
meet and return you to Marahau by 4.30pm. A packed lunch is provided by the
cafe. An alternative choice is to take a packed lunch and enjoy beautiful
Awaroa beach and some of the easy local walkways. In the afternoon, a water
taxi will collect you from Awaroa for the return trip to Marahau. You are
then transported back to your Nelson accommodation for your last night in
New
Day 15 : Nelson
- International Departure
A flight from Nelson to either Auckland or Christchurch will connect with
your International Departure.
Other
New Zealand Tour Packages...
