14 Day - South To North Island Adventurer Tour (all Inclusive)

Itinerary

Day 1: Queenstown arrival

Stop At: Queenstown, Queenstown, Otago Region, South Island
Arrival day into Queenstown – check into your accommodation, Nomads Queenstown. The adventure capital of the world has endless activities to keep you entertained. Try your hand at activities such as white water rafting, bungy jumping, skydiving, jet-boating or canyon swinging… if you dream it, it probably exists here in Queenstown. Speak to your Driver Guide who will be able to point you in the right direction.
Duration: 1 day

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Nomads Queenstown or similar

Day 2: Queenstown to Franz Josef

Stop At: Thunder Creek Falls, Haast Pass-Makarora Rd Haast River, Wanaka 9382 New Zealand
An extremely tall and easy accessible 96 metre waterfall, Thunder Creek Falls is located in Mt Aspiring National Park along the Haast highway.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Lake Matheson Walk, Lake Matheson Road, Fox Glacier, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) New Zealand
Lake Matheson is a small lake in South Westland, New Zealand, near the township of Fox Glacier. It is famous for its reflected views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, and is a traditional mahinga kai for Māori people, the lake contains as well as being home to many water birds
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Rainforest Retreat or similar

Day 3: Franz Josef free day

Stop At: Franz Josef Glacier, Glacier Access Road Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Franz Josef, Westland National Park (Te Wahipounamu) New Zealand
After an exciting brief flight over rugged terrain, you will land on Franz Josef Glacier ready for a three hour guided hike. Your guide, with an eye for the most spectacular ice formations, will lead you through some of the most awe-inspiring glacier scenery Aotearoa (New Zealand) has to offer
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Skydive Franz, Rainforest Retreat Reception 46 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier 7886, New Zealand
Skydive Franz & Fox has New Zealand’s highest mountain Aoraki/Mount Cook and the biggest glaciers Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers immediately on the right and the wide blue ocean on the left. Skydive amongst mountains, glaciers, lakes, rivers and ocean views
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Rainforest Retreat or similar

Day 4: Franz Josef to Christchurch

Stop At: Lake Mahinapua, Hokitika New Zealand
Get your hands on some unique NZ pounamu (greenstone) and have a go at carving your very own treasure to take home with you to remember your epic adventure in NZ
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Arthur's Pass National Park, Arthur's Pass National Park, Canterbury Region, South Island
Arthur’s Pass National Park is in the heart of the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o te Moana. Its high mountains with large scree slopes, steep gorges and wide braided rivers straddle the main divide, and are the ‘back bone’ of the South Island. This drive will blow your mind
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: All Stars Inn or similar

Day 5: Christchurch to Kaikoura

Stop At: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, 40 Fyffe Quay West End, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Check out the beautiful peninsula walkway finishing in south bay before making your way further south to the south island's most populated city.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Dusky Lodge or similar

Day 6: Kaikoura to Abel Tasman

Stop At: Ohau Point Seal Colony, State Highway 1, Ohau Point, Kaikoura New Zealand
Check out one of NZ's most populated seal colonies on your way to the marine capital of NZ, Kaikoura.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: FROMM Winery, 15, Godfrey Road, Blenheim 7272 New Zealand
Wine tour and tasting along with cheese platters in the heart of the Marlborough wine region
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: TBC

Day 7: Abel Tasman free day

Stop At: Kahu Kayaks, 11 Marahau Valley Road, Marahau 7197, New Zealand
Kayaking the coast and walking along the best bit of the famous coastal track will see you taking in beaches, caves and tidal lagoons in this magical national park.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: TBC

Day 8: Abel Tasman to Wellington

Stop At: Wellington Ferry Terminal,District of Freedom#8573311~!#, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Interislander ferry service is New Zealand's original Cook Strait ferry. Sailing between Wellington and Picton, the Interislander journey is considered one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and one of New Zealand's most iconic experiences.
Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Wellington, Wellington, Greater Wellington, North Island
We have an early start to journey over to Picton to board the Interislander ferry across to the North Island. Arriving in Wellington mid-afternoon your Driver Guide will take you on a tour of the city, you then have some free time to soak up the vibes in the cool capital before checking out the nightlife.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Nomads Wellington or similar

Day 9: Wellington to River Valley

Stop At: Taihape, Taihape, Rangitikei District, Manawatu-Wanganui Region, North Island
Today we journey up the North Island to the ultimate adventure lodge - River Valley, situated amongst towering cliffs and bush-clad hills. River Valley Lodge offers grade five rafting on the Rangitikei River, scenic horse riding and an amazing dinner with homegrown produce. Spend the evening enjoying the delicious roast dinner and relaxing by the open fire.
Duration: 15 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: River Valley Lodge

Day 10: River Valley to Taupo

Stop At: Lake Taupo, Taupo Marina New Zealand
At the heart of New Zealand’s central volcanic plateau sits the largest freshwater lake in Australasia, Lake Taupo. This huge, shining expanse of water, moving between aquamarine blue and jade green, is crystal-clear to a depth of 13 metres. It is home to one of the best wild trout fisheries in the world, more than 30 species of water bird, several types of native fish and native koura (crayfish).Most days, the lake is beautifully calm, but its creation was one of the most spectacularly violent natural events in history. The gigantic Oruanui eruption, 27,000 years ago, shot volcanic debris 50km into the air, covered the North Island in a thick layer of volcanic ash, and created the caldera that is now the lake.
Duration: 15 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Tiki Lodge or similar

Day 11: Taupo to Rotorua

Stop At: Huka Falls tracks, Huka Falls Road, Taupo New Zealand
At Huka Falls you can witness the phenomenon of natural hydro power with more than 220,000 litres of water per sec barreling over 11 meter high waterfall.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest, Long Mile Road The Redwoods, Rotorua 3046 New Zealand
The history and culture surrounding the Whakarewarewa Forest, the variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse range of exotic tree species, mix of native undergrowth, panoramic views, and proximity to lakes, thermal areas and the city centre have made The Redwoods & Whakarewarewa Forest one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets and one of the city’s greatest treasures.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Tamaki Maori Village, 1220 Hinemaru St, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand
This evening, experience the Tamaki Maori Village where you will be immersed in the traditions and cultural values of the Māori people. Participate in a pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony), learn about the history of the marae (village) and the Rotorua-area from a local Māori guide before feasting on some top kai (food) from the hāngi pit. Afterwards, gather around a blazing bonfire where you will enjoy Māori myths and legends before relaxing in a private forest spa pool and retiring for the night in a traditional carved whare moi (sleeping house).
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tamaki Maori Village

Day 12: Rotorua to Waitomo

Stop At: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, 39 Waitomo Village Road, Waitomo Caves 3943 New Zealand
We head off across rolling green farmland towards the King Country, home to New Zealand’s largest cave network; Waitomo. You’ll have a chance to check out the amazing caves and their famous glowworm residents, by joining a guided walking tour or by putting on a wetsuit and experiencing the incredible Black Water Rafting.
Duration: 15 hours

Stop At: The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co, Waitomo, 585 Waitomo Caves Road, Waitomo 3977, New Zealand
Float down an underground river, slip into fast waters, jump off waterfalls and take in the magic of the glow worm studded Ruakuri Cave, on this 3-hour adventure.
Duration: 3 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Waitomo Homestead Cabins

Day 13: Waitomo to Raglan

Stop At: Bridal Veil Falls, Kawhia Road, Raglan New Zealand
stop off for a walk to visit the very impressive 55m high Bridal Veil Falls.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Raglan, Raglan, Waikato Region, North Island
Raglan is both a surfing mecca and a dramatically scenic area of black sand coastline. Many people believe that Manu Bay on this coast has the longest, most accessible and consistent left-hand break in the world. This afternoon is your chance to try out the world-class surf or explore the awesome coastline.
Duration: 15 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: TBC

Day 14: Raglan to Auckland

Stop At: Raglan, Raglan, Waikato Region, North Island
Perhaps an early morning surf as you’ll have a few hours to enjoy Raglan this morning before our journey to Auckland.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Auckland Central, Auckland Central, North Island
New Zealand’s biggest city has lots to offer and we arrive in the early afternoon so you can make the most of your time in the City of Sails. Tonight, join us for a taste of Auckland nightlife and celebrate the end of the tour.
Duration: 15 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.