Grand Traverse Tour - 15 Days - Auckland To Queenstown Adventure Tour

Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland to Coromandel. Enjoy stunning beaches with hike, cycle & kayak options. Dig your own hot pool in the sand.

Pass By: Ocean Beach Road, Hot Water Beach New Zealand
Departing Auckland at 10am we head to the Coromandel, renowned worldwide for its natural beauty, misty rainforests and pristine white, sandy beaches. The beautiful Coromandel Peninsula is just a short distance from Auckland but it feels like a different world! It only takes around two hours to reach the region but the volcanic hills, fern forests and stunning beaches make it an idyllic escape from the city. Locals and others are attracted by the endless white beaches, lovely turquoise waters and the great mix of architecture old and new.

The peninsula is home to some of the most impressive coastlines in the country. We will be dropping you off at Hahei beach where you can make your way to Cathedral cove, here you will find an iconic limestone archway that sits right down at the beach. Take the coastal walkway or take in the coastline from the water while on one the best guided sea kayak trips in New Zealand.

We will then travel a short distance to camp at Hot Water Beach. This beautiful beach offers a unique experience as geothermal water reservoirs under the ground bring hot water to the surface at low tide allowing you to dig your very own hot pool in the sand.

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Wonderful campsite near the beach with excellent cabin upgrades available.

Day 2: Coromandel to Rotorua. Options include Hobbiton, Tamaki Maori Village, OGO, Luge, Hot Pools, Zipline Canopy Tour & more

Pass By: Lake Rotorua, Rotorua New Zealand
Before heading south into the heart of the North Island (where you’ll be amazed by the natural wonderland that is Rotorua), we’ll drive the scenic route out of the Coromandel giving you an opportunity to explore by foot or pedals, the stunning Karagahake Gorge. If the sun is out, we’ll even have a delicious picnic lunch (kiwi styles) to break up the drive.Continuing south we drop off Hobbiton fans then it’s onto Rotorua where you can explore the city, the gardens, spas or take in some Maori Culture at the Tamaki Maori Village. Experience the only native forest zipline canopy tour in New Zealand, enjoy the thrills of OGO or the scenic gondola and luge. Take in the geothermal wonders with walks or relax in the hot pools. For cyclists there is the chance to enjoy a world class mountain bike park and the geothermal featured Te Ara Ahi cycle Trail.

Bubbling mud pools, geysers and Maori culture are the main reasons that visitors head to the thermal resort of Rotorua. It is the oldest and most established thermal resort in the country and the ancestral home of the Te Arawa people who settled here over 600 years ago.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Perfectly situated campsite with cabin upgrades available.

Day 3: Rotorua to Taupo. NZ's largest lake and towering mountains await on this adventure packed day. Free geyser experience.

Pass By: Lake Taupo, Taupo Marina New Zealand
Leave camp for Wai-O-Tapu geothermal Wonderland before continuing on to the impressive Huka Falls. We then head to Taupo, nestled next to one of the largest crater lakes in the World with some great hiking and cycling opportunities. Taupo is also a great place for adventure with heaps of optional activities to choose from. Tonight we enjoy a camp near Tongariro National Park.

This region is centred around Lake Taupo, NZ's largest lake at 619sq km - about the size of Singapore! The Lake is in a caldera created by the Taupo supervolcano some 26000 years ago and the area is still considered dormant today with moderate geothermal activity in the area such as the mud pools, hot springs and vents.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Wonderful camp with cabin upgrade options.

Day 4: Taupo to Kapiti Coast. Experience the best one day walk in the world at Tongariro National Park.

Pass By: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Off State Highway 48 Mangatepopo Valley, Whakapapa Village, Tongariro National Park New Zealand
Experience one of NZ’s great walks, The Tongariro Alpine Crossing, rated as the best one day walk in the World . This dual listed World heritage area is set to inspire with towering mountains, turquoise lakes, sparkling rivers, lush rainforests and lunar landscapes. For those that don’t fancy the hike, take on some grade 3 whitewater rafting rapids, cycle, enjoy short walks or relax in this beautiful area with an awe-inspiring mountain backdrop. We then head south to our wonderful stunning beach camp – home to amazing coastal sunsets.

The 80,000 hectare Tongariro National Park is a World Heritage Area, with its centrepiece Mount Ruapehu rising dramatically 2797m from the surrounding area. Next to Mt. Ruapehu are two smaller volcanic mountains - Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings) and Mount Tongariro, which is where you be hiking!

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Excellent camp with cabin upgrades available.

Day 5: Kapiti Coast to Picton. Experience the nations capital with many free options + a spectacular ferry crossing.

Pass By: Picton Sound, Picton New Zealand
Our early arrival into Wellington by 9am gives us the opportunity to see such great attractions as the celebrated Te Papa museum, Zealandia and the gorgeous Botanical Gardens. Wellington has a wonderful harbour, café culture and a thriving central district so there is plenty to suit all tastes. We enjoy a ferry crossing (cost included) through stunning Cook Strait to the picturesque Marlborough Sounds with our final stop in Picton. Camping isn’t feasible tonight so we will be staying at a great hostel with various room options. This is payable locally and we have dorm beds reserved for everyone on board (prices from $35pp)

Wellington is New Zealand's capital with a population of approximately 490,000. It is an amazingly compact city surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of spectacular hills and wonderful waterfront. It has long been established as the entertainment centre of the country and its restaurant, cafe and theatre industry is thriving. With the highest ratio of eating options in the country it’s easy to see why Wellington is labelled the "cafe capital".

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

Day 6: Picton to Kaikoura. Explore the pacific coast with great cycle and hike options + whale watching and kayaking options.

Pass By: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, 40 Fyffe Quay West End, Kaikoura 7300 New Zealand
Today we travel the scenic Pacific coast to Kaikoura where close encounters with seals and seabirds are common. This picturesque town sits right on the ocean at the foot of the mountains – a spectacular spot. Stretch your legs with a recommended evening peninsula walk and build up an appetite for a tasty feast of locally caught fresh seafood. Tonight we camp with the sound of the waves – perfect!

The waters off this stretch of coast are home to a variety of marine and bird life - it’s the perfect spot to get 'close to nature'. Kaikoura has an interesting Maori history and legend - Maui placed his foot on the Kaikoura peninsula to steady himself while he 'fished-up' the North Island from the sea. Kaikoura translates to 'meal of crayfish' (Kai - food, koura - crayfish) which is extremely appropriate with plenty to go around.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Sleep to the sound of the waves with our beach side accommodation. Upgrades also available.

Day 7: Kaikoura to Rangitata. Start the day with a dolphin swim before passing through Christchurch to the Southern Alps.

Pass By: Rangitata Rafts, 53 Waikari Road, Peel Forest 7992, New Zealand
For those that are keen there is the chance to rise early for a wonderful sunrise and then enjoy one of our most highly rated optional activities – dolphin swimming. The resident dusky dolphins are amongst the most interactive and entertaining in the world and it’s not unusual to swim with pods of 50 or more in their natural habitat, the ocean! We then have the chance to explore this quaint seaside town before heading through Christchurch to collect and drop off those starting /ending here. Now regarded as the Shaky Isles, you’ll have time to explore Christchurch city area as well as buy your lunch from one of the many of the quirky container cafes at the ‘Restart Mall’. Since the earthquakes, Christchurch and the residents are doing lots of cool things as well as restoring its heritage which is making the city stand out as a place to explore! Enjoy the tasteful street art, artwork from the earthquake and local crafts to purchase in the city.

Leaving at 2:30pm we head out towards the Southern Alps with fantastic views across the Canterbury plains - real Lord of the Rings country! Tonight’s unique camp is at the Shearer’s Headquarters (an actual operating farm) located at the foothills of the Southern Alps.

The Rangitata River flows for over 120 kms from the Southern Alps to the Pacific ocean. This is the river where you can try white water raft tomorrow morning -- highly recommended!

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tonight’s unique camp is at working farm located at the foothills of the Southern Alps. Upgrades available.

Day 8: Rangitata to Lake Tekapo. Get your camera ready as we pass through some of the most stunning alpine landscapes in NZ.

Pass By: Lake Tekapo 7945 New Zealand
Wake up to mountain views and try white water rafting on the mighty Rangitata River! If rafting isn’t for you soak it all in with a morning cycle or walk through Peel forest. We then head through more jaw dropping landscapes (they don’t stop in the South Island) to the picture postcard, Lake Tekapo. Here you will view the most spectacular turquoise waters which get their colour from the glacial flour brought down from the rivers flowing from glaciers high up in the mountains.

Relax in the nearby hot pools or enjoy star gazing at the Mt John Observatory and make the most of staying in an International Dark Sky Reserve, plus there are plenty of hike and cycle options to choose from.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Camp with amazing views over Lake Tekapo. Upgrades available.

Day 9: Lake Tekapo to the Pacific Coast. Enjoy hiking by NZs largest peak in Aoraki National Park before heading to the coast.

Pass By: Aoraki Mount Cook National Park Visitor Centre, 1 Larch Grove, Mt. Cook Village, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) 7999 New Zealand
Today is a real chance to immerse yourself in the snow-capped mountain scenery that New Zealand is famous for. We will be exploring Aoraki National Park and hike to the base of NZ’s highest mountain - Mount Cook. We then head back to the Pacific coast with a short stop in the historic town of Oamaru. From there it’s a short drive down the coast to the small village of Moeraki. Go for a walk to a view point and take in the views of the Pacific Ocean and try and spot a little blue penguin along the shore. If you have a bike it’s possible to visit a colony of extremely rare yellow-eyed penguins near to camp.

Mount Cook (Maori name - Aoraki meaning 'cloud piercer') dominates the skyline at 3,724m and is New Zealand's highest mountain. Nestled in between the other 18 peaks above 3000m within Aoraki/Mt Cook national, Mt Cook dominates the skyline and is the main feature in the backdrop of our hike to the bottom of the Hooker valley glacier.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: A great camp looking over the Pacific Ocean with upgrades available.

Day 10: Moeraki to Dunedin. Discover the wonders of the Pacific Coast including Moeraki Boulders before our coastal camp.

Pass By: Moeraki Boulders, on Koekohe Beach, Moeraki New Zealand
Before heading south, we make a stop at the nearby Moeraki Boulders - a collection of perfectly round rocks each weighing up to 4 tonnes that sit down on the beach, and then it’s onto the historic Scottish city of Dunedin - the South Island's second-largest city. Its name is the Scots Gaelic word for Edinburgh, a testament to the mostly Scottish settlers who came here. This southern city is also home to the world’s steepest residential street, which makes for a great challenge to see who can get to the top first!

The Otago Coast stretches along the South Island's eastern side and Dunedin marks the halfway point along this coast which has a few decent surf breaks. Our camp is a short walk from the beach and you walk the short distance to St.Clair to grab some food at one of the laid back water front restaurants.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Excellent camp a short walk from the beach (with great surf!). Upgrades available.

Day 11: Dunedin to Fiordland National Park. Experience jaw dropping scenery as we head into NZs most dramatic national park.

Pass By: Fiordland National Park (Te Wahipounamu), Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park New Zealand
ourney through scenic southern pastures to Te Anau, the hub and jumping-off point for Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound. Our accommodation tonight is a unique and historic site hidden in the unspoilt Hollyford Valley - a true wilderness escape. There is even an onsite museum to learn more about the region and history. For cyclists there is the chance to cycle into camp and for the hikers this camp offers some great short treks (ask your guide about secret glow worm trails).

The south west corner of New Zealand is home to Fiordland - home to wild, dramatic and rugged landscapes. The main town for access to the Fiordland National park region is Te Anau, the park is a World Heritage Area over 1.2 million hectares in size. In this area everything is oversized - gigantic waterfalls, towering mountains and forested valleys meet you around every corner.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Tonight we camp in the heart of the Hollyford Valley with cabin upgrades available.

Day 12: Milford Sound and the Routeburn Track. Prepare to be amazed by the 8th wonder of the world and NZs best great walk

Pass By: Milford Sound, Te Anau, Fiordland National Park 9679 New Zealand
Travel one of the world’s most scenic routes into Milford Sound! Described as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. The fiord's cliffs rise dramatically from the dark waters (home to seals and dolphins) whilst waterfalls as high as 1000 metres cascade downwards. Board the optional boat cruise to explore the fiord up close. Afterwards those who love hiking are in for a treat with the start of the Routeburn Track. This 3 day walk passes through 2 National Parks and is a haven for native birdlife. Charge up your camera as this hike offers everything from mountainous peaks and sheer rock faces to pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls and dense, luxuriant forest. After dropping off our brave Routeburn hikers the rest of us will head back to Te Anau for the night where you can explore more of this small town with the awesome lake front and great mountain views.

In any weather Milford Sound is an incredible spectacle. The sheer cliffs and dramatic waterfalls lead along a spectacular 16km journey to the Tasman sea and back again. The boat cruise lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes and is a great way to see the fiord and get a feel for the scale of this awe-inspiring place!

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Perfectly lake front accommodation with great upgrade options

Day 13: Te Anau to Queenstown. Time to enjoy the adrenalin capital of the World

Pass By: Queenstown Hill, Belfast Street, Queenstown New Zealand
Today we journey to Queenstown along the shores of the photogenic Lake Wakatipu. Once we arrive at the adventure capital of New Zealand you have a huge selection of activities to choose from. There is everything here, from adrenalin pumping bungy, canyon swing and skydiving to a relaxing horse trek or boat cruise – this place has it all. There are great tracks around the lake ideal for bikers and hikers and all with wonderful views of this alpine region.

Camping isn’t feasible in this bustling alpine village, for the next two nights we stay in dorm-share accommodation in a centrally located hostel. Perfect for making the most of all Queenstown as to offer.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: A great centrally located hostel - included free with your trip!

Day 14: Queenstown. Enjoy a full day to explore this wonderful alpine town with panoramic views & adventure options galore!

Pass By: Queenstown Hill, Belfast Street, Queenstown New Zealand
With so much to do we spend another day in fantastic Queenstown with the opportunity to enjoy those once in a lifetime experiences (don’t forget to try the legendary and very tasty fergburger!). Routeburn Track walkers re-join the group here with time to try the many exciting activities this vibrant city has to offer. Tonight you get the opportunity to dine out at one of Queenstown’s many delicious eateries - a great chance for your group to enjoy a true kiwi feast (own cost).

Rightfully regarded as the adrenalin capital of New Zealand (if not, the World) Queenstown has something for every taste. It is also a spectacular location, nestled beside the deep blue of Lake Wakatipu by the foot of the Remarkables Range. Queenstown thrives year round with its superb alpine facilities and ski slopes - it was recently voted one of the top 25 cities in the World by a top travel magazine and we know why!

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: A great centrally located hostel - included free with your trip!

Day 15: Queenstown. One last buzz in Queenstown before finishing your tour by 2pm.

Pass By: Queenstown Hill, Belfast Street, Queenstown New Zealand
Our final morning in Queenstown and your last chance to indulge in the Queenstown’s action before we say farewell by 2pm.

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